Maybe I found the silver lining for some of us?

M

mastiffhound

Joined
Dec 27, 2013
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When CS changed to a more expensive American made steel I was a little unhappy. I'd been thinking about giving them another try even though the only folder I had (American Lawman) bought just didn't work out for me. I think my mitts just weren't right for a comfortable grip. I didn't want to spend the money trying something out that I just might not like. The new steel with higher prices put me off, I figured I would just stick to my Spydercos.

Then I noticed that prices were bottoming out for the old AUS8 steel models, so I picked up a Recon 1 spear point, for $50! I liked it so much that I decided a Recon 1 XL tanto was next, for $59! These were significantly cheaper than what I could find before. I'm actually very happy with them both and they fit my hand much better than the American Lawman ever did. I even ordered a G10 Espada Large, for $75 I just couldn't pass it up. Once you hold an 5.5" XL CS folder everything 4" or less seems downright dainty.

I'll be buying more AUS8 CS folders for as long as the plain edge versions are in stock. It's like I happened to try CS out again at just the perfect time. I like the feel of the AUS8 versions enough that I'll be buying a CTS XHP Recon 1, the design and ergos just fit so well. I guess I was wrong, it's not all bad that the new steel raised the prices on some of CS's most popular folders.

I still have some Spyderco folders that I want to buy but the prices for CS's AUS8 folders has made me put them down the list so I can get the CS models I want at the discounted prices that they're going for right now. Has anybody else been picking up AUS8 CS folders because of the lowered prices? I think if you were on the fence because you weren't sure about the quality or steel then now is the perfect time to try them out. You probably won't get this chance again, $50 or so for a 4" Recon 1 means you won't be out much money in case it's not for you. I only hope that I have enough time and money to pick up the models I want to try out before they're gone:D
 
The SRK and the Recon 1 are what really got me hooked on Cold Steel. A couple years ago I gave away my clip point and got a spear point ... used it at work last night!

I agree -- $50 for a great, top-value folder like a Recon 1 is just .... well, it's insane. I mean, really --- the value is almost unbelievable. Glad you scored an XL tanto for $59! Outstanding!
 
Yep great deals on what you can find in stock on the aus 8 stuff. Perfectly good steel too. Ive been buying up ones i was on the fence over. Good times for cold steel fans...but supplies of favs are drying up fast and some are gone.
 
I been doing same. New steel has priced me out of market . The carbon V Aus 8 even the cheap German steel does what I need. It cuts and I can sharpen easy. So will only buy a few select knives . Then I will likely be done. buying CS . But CS won't notice my leaving. All the new got to have this or that steel will be flocking to buy. . So looks like my almost 30 year relationship will be slowing down.
 
They will still have some models at decent prices. The Voyager series while going up in price will only be $5 to $15 more so it's still a pretty good deal. The Rajah and Spartan look to be very close in price too. The Finn Wolf folder looks pretty good to and should come in at $35 to $45 dollars or maybe even less. Don't abandon ship just yet michael t, it looks like some knives will still be in that affordable range.

I'll probably get the FW as the price, weight, and steel are decent and should add up to a very functional EDC folder. If not, my nephew has smaller hands and just loves my American Lawman. He has no problem taking free folders off my hands.

The spear point Recon 1 4" is my favorite so far, it's just the perfect size for me. The American Lawman's handle was just a little short for my taste. At the disco'd prices I don't really have an excuse to not try as many as I can while they're available. It's one of those rare chances that doesn't come around too often, I usually don't have the good fortune to take advantage of them when they do.

I ordered a 4" PE Talwar today for $47, the previous price was $72. The local B&M is asking $99.99 for the new XHP Recon 1s, I'll probably pick one up after I'm done getting the discounted AUS8 models that I want. Hopefully the stock doesn't run out before I'm done getting what I want:D
 
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Unfortunately as far as I can tell most of the AUS8 models that have been reduced have already gone (I can't complain, I filled my complement of Voyagers (all plain edge variants, medium large and XL, serrated Vaqueros medium, large and XL)) and those that remain haven't been reduced.
 
I picked up 2 knives on the extreme end of what I would carry. An XL G-10 Espada and the 5 1/2" Paradox (ok, maybe not being upgraded, but still on "clearance" prices!). Really, I have no need to carry these, but, man! are they cool! :cool:
 
I have picked up a few of the previous Aus-8A versions since the new steel upgrades were announced:

The AK-47 for $50 and the Mini-AK-47 for $40.

A Recon 1 part-serrated Spear-Point for $45.

A serrated Hold Out II for $40.

There are still deals to be found on these if one takes the time to look for them.

They aren't going to last forever though.
 
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