Mackinac or Code 4?

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fielder

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Jan 25, 2011
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Hi, I'm going to buy my first Cold Steel folder. I am torn between the Mackinac Hunter and the Code 4 either spear or clip point. I will use it as edc around the house and maybe light use camping etc. When camping I will always have fixed blades. I have been wanting to try a Triad lock for a while.
I know someone will say 'buy both', but I would like comments from anyone who has both regarding which you prefer and why, to help me choose.
 
I have a Mackinac hunter and it is a beast. Sturdy and ready for whatever you can throw at it. It's around 7oz so about the same weight as a 110. Rides nicely in the back pocket, though. Only thing is that the stock scales are fairly slick, but it doesn't take much to rough them up. The slim profile of the code 4 has piqued my interest of late, but I haven't handled one.
 
I have both. Both are awesome. Which you get depends on your needs. The Code 4 is thin and light. It's also bigger than the Mackinac. The Mackinac Hunter is heavier, thicker in the handle, and only comes in clip point. A leather belt sheath is available.

I love carrying each. The Code 4 is definitely more pocket friendly, and while the Mackinac Hunter is heavy, if you use the belt sheath it's a complete non issue. Both are priced similarly, are smooth, feature the strongest folding knife lock in the business, and feature superb fit and finish.
 
Code 4 all day. I have both. Mackinac is slim and tough but Code 4 is smoother operating and much lighter in hand and especially pocket. One knife where I prefer spear point config for some odd reason.
 
Thank you for the replies. Does anyone have any side by side comparison pictures?
 
I bought a Mackinac, it feels good in the hand, is very well made and shaving sharp. I like it very much. I have one problem with it. Once open, the lock is so stiff that I cannot unlock it by hand. Ok im not a body builder but at over 6ft and 13 stone im not especially weak. I will talk to the dealer tomorrow.
 
Mine was pretty stiff at first, but after a short break in period it loosened up nicely. If you literally can't close it at all, I would exchange it for a different one.
 
But is the material slippery? I don't really trust the finger grooves, none of my CS grooves fit me at all.
 
Mr. Bob said:
But is the material slippery? I don't really trust the finger grooves, none of my CS grooves fit me at all.
Click to expand...

The aluminum surface itself is quite smooth, yes. If you want grip, you should look to some of Cold Steel's G10-handled folders.
 
I have spoken to the dealer and am trying to break it in by leaving it half open, applying a little light oil and working the back lock. I hope it works. I really want to like this knife.
 
fielder said:
I have spoken to the dealer and am trying to break it in by leaving it half open, applying a little light oil and working the back lock. I hope it works. I really want to like this knife.
Click to expand...

Make sure you are pressing the lock button down fully. I had only had spyderco lockbacks which you didn't need to do that with, so I thought the triad was stiff. However, I now find triad locks to be just as easy to operate (or more) than other lock backs.
 
Pressing it down fully is the problem, it is too stiff to do that. Though if anything it is now a little easier and I can just do it two handed.
 
Make sure that you are holding your thumb over the lock at 90-degrees.

I find that trying to unlock any Cold Steel knife with the Tri-Ad Lock isn't very easy, if my thumb is at an angle under 90-degrees.
 
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