O-1 Trail Master from Amazon?

natchezz

Gold Member
Joined
Jan 6, 2006
Messages
619
Hello,

Has anyone recently purchased a TM from Amazon and it was the O-1 version even though the description says SK-5? Amazon can't, or is unwilling to check, to verify that what they are selling is not the older SK-5 version.

Thanks.
 
I had a well known knife dealer send me a SK5 version not knowing it was not O-1. They weren't aware that O-1 Cold Steel blades are marked as such, but they do have the same model number. That's what caused the confusion in my case.

If you can have the dealer check for the O-1 marking on the blade. Unmarked ones are SK 5.

I decided to keep the SK 5 model as the other one I had was the Chinese SK5 with the black coating. The Taiwan SK5 blades were built very well, excellent fit and finish and had been changed to a more accurate, well controlled Mar temper heat treat. I like O-1 and still may get one but the SK5 version was so nice I had to keep it.

I don't do business with Amazon for the reason you gave but they aren't the only ones that made mistakes with the rolling change using the same model/sku number. My dealer is even one of the dealers that do business here and I have used them for 10 years. They checked the knife but at that time didn't know about the O-1 marking on the blade.

To be honest, the performance shouldn't be that much different. They both are getting excellent, precise heat treats and the old design has been tweaked over the years to eliminate areas that could cause weak spots & stress risers. As long as it's real Cold Steel buy with confidence. Either steel is fine for me.
 
FYI, my last Trail Master from Amazon was O-1 but I've been told it is hit or miss until all of the SK5 models are sold. I didn't know if I would get an O-1 model or not when I ordered but I have their 'Prime' membership and any returns are free so it was worth the chance. FYI, the O-1 Trail Master has the best edge I've ever seen on a Trail Master from Cold Steel. I really think Cold Steel is stepping up its game.
 
Thanks, guys. I think I'll just wait until their description says O-1 unless I find one elsewhere within $10 of their price shipped. I'm not in a big hurry. Maybe a nice user will show up?
 
Thanks, guys. I think I'll just wait until their description says O-1 unless I find one elsewhere within $10 of their price shipped. I'm not in a big hurry. Maybe a nice user will show up?

I have a custom Micarta handled O-1 Trail Master that will be coming up for sale soon :eek:
 
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