Newbie knife question.

[Wgorham]

I was hoping that someone could help me out with a knife question. I am new to the knife world. What I mean by that the only knives that I have owned were walmart types or a Gerber every now and then. I bought a 4 inch blade folding knife that says cold steel on one side of the blade and it says ti-lite on the other side. It folds into a blue metal handle (have no idea what type) with holes drilled in it that go all the way down the handle. The blade is polished and says Aus 8 at the base of the blade. It appears to be fairly well made compared to the cheap knives I usually carry. Does anyone know anything about these knives? Are they a decent brand?

 

[Murindo]

Cold Steel is a quality brand with a long history. Your T-Lite is one of the more popular models and come in several sizes. I suggest you explore the Cold Steel subforum on BF under Manufacturers and the Cold Steel website.

 

[benchwarmer380]

Their marketing is, well, flavored, and that turns some people off but their knives are generally pretty good. I had an American Lawman and it was a very nice knife. No real complaints.

https://www.coldsteel.com/4-ti-lite-zy-ex.html

 

[PirateSeulb]

Personally for me I am not into most of their stuff but there is no denying the quality they have in many of their products.

 

[Pharmagator]

Cold Steel makes good knives and better entertainment!

 

[Pharmagator]

seriously good entertainment...

 

[Wowbagger]

It appears to be fairly well made compared to the cheap knives I usually carry. Does anyone know anything about these knives?

I got this one guys (you knew it was coming ).
Do I like the Cold Steel Ti Lite IV ?
I've been known to carry two at once I like them so much !
Why :

• The usable blade length of a Spyderco Military (read LARGE folder)
• Compact handle that provides butt boat loads of control (see the carving grip)
• Super fast opening. It's just fun ! ! !
• The grip / handle shape is one of the very best in the knife world (for me).

I own three of them.

1. Standard length but ground thinner and full flat ground CTS-XHP steel
2. Wharncliiffe blade full flat for detail work
3. Standard length but ground thinner and convex ground with the thickest area below the spine (just experimenting with that blade shape).

The standard factory blade thickness and shape is good for poking people but not much else.
I have many Cold Steel Knives. They are generally high quality, a bit brutish and unrefined in execution. Occasionally they (accidentally ?) come out with a design that is superior in the knife world :

• The Ti Lite
• The Voyager Large
• The Holdout One

blade length of a Spyderco Military


I've been known to carry two at once in this belt pouch


The carving grip. Think cutting a curve or refining the inside of a curve. Deburing the inside of a pipe etc.


Wharncliffe blade full flat for detail work. I can't imagine a better handle shape, look how it sits in my hand there. It has the bulge on the back end so it is even hard to let it slip out of your hand !
Love these things ! ! !

 

[Velitrius]

Cold Steel makes good stuff. The Ti-Lite is one of my favorites from them.

I don't own one currently, but I have owned about a half dozen and given them all away to different folks. Every one I have given away was because some friend or relative spotted it and just had to have it.

The AUS8 that Cold Steel puts out is very good. Really easy to get really sharp.

Not sure if you have an anodized aluminum handle or one of the titanium handled ones, but it's a keeper in my book either way.

 

[GIRLYmann]

.. I bought a 4 inch blade folding knife that says cold steel on one side of the blade and it says ti-lite on the other side. It folds into a blue metal handle (have no idea what type) with holes drilled in it that go all the way down the handle. The blade is polished and says Aus 8 ...

blue metal handle you say?
i dunno, but i would be wary of red mainlsnd fakes...

 

[K.O.D.]

I've always liked the look of the Ti-lite, but never pulled the trigger. Just a little too big IMO.

Welcome to BF! Prepare to open your mind and empty your wallet!

 

[Wowbagger]

I've always liked the look of the Ti-lite, but never pulled the trigger. Just a little too big IMO.

Yup
I'm always a little self conscious when I pull out the full length one with some people around but that goes away nicely once I start to use it.
Thick in pocket / has to be in a belt pouch = less convenient to EDC. Mostly good as a work knife where I already have on a tool belt so what's one more belt thing.

Prepare to open your mind and empty your wallet!

so true, so true.

I just dove back in to add to the brilliant Cold Steel products (from my view) :
The Kitchen Classic Paring knife (I like the discontinued handle; looks better).
I'm carrying and using it today . . . makes me wonder why I would want anything else . . .
oh yeah M4 steel and folding but that's another file full of my threads / natterings.

• The Cold Steel Kitchen Classic Paring knife. Three inch super thin FF blade, superior sculpted and grippy handle. So light (with a tiny sheath in the pocket) it is like carrying a credit card around.

 

[kaos 13]

iv got a few ti lite 4s my aluminium handle with the CTS XPH is my favorite
I have an old zytel 440 a one that gets used nearly every day had been well used over the years doing mechanics manly and a bit of every thing else good grip easy to sharpen easy to strip and clean once every few years use blue locktight to put back together because its been so good iv not really used the newer ti lites iv got yet because that one has stood the test of time and never give up any of the ti lites are good in my opinion so long as you look after them