Opinions on Cold Steel

[cjg1941]

I will second that. I want to hear of your CS experience. c.j.g.

 

[Chazzy151]

I have an SRK and a Master Hunter both in Carbon V, both i've had for years and were razor sharp out of the box. I've never had a problem with rust ( I keep them clean and oiled ) or a problem sharpening them on a sharmaker. The Master Hunter is my constant companion in the deer woods every year and I know there are ALOT of great knives out there....but I would replace this knife if lost !! The SRK has seen less use, it's a tad less useful for my purpose, but wanted one for when I went to the river and such,

 

[shane justice]

Ok, here is the story...

Shortened somewhat...

I carried a CS Magnum Tanto many years ago. I kept it spooky sharp. It would shave easily.

ONe day I decided to see if all the hype was true. I tried to chop rope, but it wouldn't cut. ( I have cut rope with other knives)

I tried to do some other cutting chores, but the Magnum performed pretty miserably.

By this time my hand was hot and sweaty, and slippery on the NON SLIP Kraton handle. I also had several hot spots. (I am left handed) So I switched to my right. The last test to perform was the penetration test. I did not have a spare car door, so I lined up yellow pine log.

I took the knife in an ICE PICK grip and slammed it into the wood.
My hand slid over the TOO SMALL guard and onto the blade.

It is a HELL of a feeling when the tendons pop!

A drive to a hospital, then another drive to a hospital 200 miles away. Three hours on the cutting table and I was put back together. I had severed the tendons and nerves in the pinky and ring finger and done some damage to the middle finger. !6 weeks of rehab and $18000
and my hand will only ever be at %80 strength. I can grasp pretty well with the first two fingers and thumb of my right hand.

I wrote CS and asked that they enlarge their guard. Mr. Tripp told me he was "real sorry" for my accident but that they had never heard of anybody having the same injury. TOO BAD SO SAD!

So friends, I know it was dumb of me to believe the hype. But I paid.

If you want to use a knife, get one with a guard that GUARDS!
And get some training that shows the correct grips.

Do not trust some idiots sales jargon and videos!

SHane

 

[shaft]

I abuse my cs every day and carried my srk in the Corps, none of my cs have EVER let me down, or any of my bros either.Id be happy to cut thru benchmades anyone has to get rid of. a knife that you trust your life to is the one to carry....

when the enemy opens the door you must rush in...SUN TUZ

 

[RL]

"What is your opinion of the CS products in general? "

Well, they have always left me..well..cold (excuse the pun)...nevertheless, I made the leap and I bought a Desperado...I am NOT satisfied with the purchase. The first thing that struck me was the massive "made in Taiwan" stamped on the side Next, I have to say that it has the worst sheath that I have ever seen. I will say that it is sharp but it feels as though it will become dull the first time that I would use it.

"What is your opinion on how the CS products compare with others in their price range? "

I think Spyderco is a far better product. (or Falkniven for fixed blades)

"What is your opinion on how the CS products compare against other factory knives? "

Not very well...I think Spyderco and Microtech make far better products and CRKT offers better value.

"What is your opinion on how the CS products compare against custom knives?"

I could never even make such a comparison

"What is your opinion on how the very best of the CS products (name them please...Thanks!) stand up against the very best of the custom maker's knives? "

I've never done any tests but I can't imagine how CS would stand up to the worst custom makers, let alone the best!

RL

 

[cpirtle]

It never ceases to amaze me how many will come out for the Cold Steel bash fests.

It also never ceases to amaze me that the same people will usually suggest Spyderco's but fail to mention that most of the Spyderco's (& SOG's, AG Russell's etc) are made in the same plant as the Cold Steels by the same people and with largely the same materials. (Spyderco does use a lot of AUS-6 though...)

I have always been mostly satisfied with CS products, no more or less than any company. It think their Voyager series is as good as any FRN handled product in its price range.

I also give a lot of credit to Cold Steel for being willing to put out designs that are on the fringe - they take chances that few companies are willing to take. Spyderco is the same way in this respect.

Shane, while your accident is unfortunate I hardly believe it is Cold Steels responsibility. It's not like the lock failed and the knife closed on your hand, or the blade snapped and skewered you. Do the same thing with an Endura, BM 710, Police, Tomcat etc and you will probably have the same results.

And all of this concern about Cold Steel hype is a bunch of BS, every company markets their products in different ways. Cold Steel does it with their "Proof" video's.

I think we're all smart enough to decide what product is the best (for us) in a given price range or category.



So... I would like someone to explain to me why a Spyderco with FRN handles and an Aus-6 blade is better than a Cold Steel Voyager with FRN & Aus-8?

I would also like to hear explanations from people who said that they are not competitive at their given price points. Because I think this is a lot of BS as well. I'm not talking list price I'm talking street price from dealers.

(I'm willing to overlook the fact that around 1/2 of Cold Steels products have nothing they can be compared to without going custom, I'm sure you didn't mean those knives...)

Quite honestly, I'm a little tired of people floating statements and then not backing them up - step up to the plate and put your money where your mouth is.

The bottom line is that you should buy what appeals to you - you're the one who has to carry the knife. The other reality is that most of the weekend warrior, pointy headed steel analyzers will never use some of the super steels they're paying a premium for to 1/10th of their capacity. I like to know I have a high end steel in my knives and prefer better steel, but if the knife I want is not offered in a better steel I still get the knife because it's what I want.

 

[Mitchell Knives]

I like some of Cold Steel's fixed blades and am fond of the Voyager line. I actually like AUS-8 so, the Voyager line is decent. I have considered buying an XL Voyager for SD.

However, for the same amount of money, you could have a Spyderco with VG-10...

The 420 knives that CS puts out are crap...not to mention the SAK knockoff they sell...

 

[CHAINS]

The only thing I don't like about CS knives is there serrated edge.I only buy the PE models.I haven't had any probs with there knives and I like them.My fav model is the Kobun,thin and light,razor sharp.A Tactical knife? or a Heavy -duty Bread knife? My main fixed blade carry.

 

[ichor]

Originally posted by RL
"What is your opinion of the CS products in general? "

Well, they have always left me..well..cold (excuse the pun)...nevertheless, I made the leap and I bought a Desperado...I am NOT satisfied with the purchase. The first thing that struck me was the massive "made in Taiwan" stamped on the side Next, I have to say that it has the worst sheath that I have ever seen. I will say that it is sharp but it feels as though it will become dull the first time that I would use it.

"What is your opinion on how the CS products compare with others in their price range? "

I think Spyderco is a far better product. (or Falkniven for fixed blades)

"What is your opinion on how the CS products compare against other factory knives? "

Not very well...I think Spyderco and Microtech make far better products and CRKT offers better value.

"What is your opinion on how the CS products compare against custom knives?"

I could never even make such a comparison

"What is your opinion on how the very best of the CS products (name them please...Thanks!) stand up against the very best of the custom maker's knives? "

I've never done any tests but I can't imagine how CS would stand up to the worst custom makers, let alone the best!

RL

So, you've bought ONE Cold Steel knife, one of the newer generation of CS (the Desperado, whcih is about the most useless design ever), made from 420 in Taiwan, and you condemn the whole product line?

The knife is sharp but it "feels" like it will get dull quickly? How, exactly, do you "feel" that? Are you able to simply look at a knife and know intuitively, that it will dull easily, Psychic Hotline or what?

And finally, you've "never done any tests" but you can't "imagine how CS would stand up to the worst custom makers, let alone the best!"

Boy, it's a good thing the original question asked for "opinion" because that's all he got from you. Too bad it is backed up by zero facts. Just your feelings and imagination.

 

[TheBadGuy]

I personally do not care too much at all for their folders. I think if price was the major factor that had you looking at Cold Steels, then I would recommend that you take a look at the CRKT line. They have allot of great collaborative models. If your not restricted to by the price tag I would defiantly recommend looking at Benchmade, Microtech and Al Mar.

I do not really care about their use of poor steel. What really turns me off to Cold Steel is their designs and the handle material they use.

 

[Roadrunner]

So... I would like someone to explain to me why a Spyderco with FRN handles and an Aus-6 blade is better than a Cold Steel Voyager with FRN & Aus-8?

Easy, Spyderco uses VG-10 for most of their FRN handled knives. I also like their serration pattern much better, they're easier to resharpen. Also, if my Spyderco is a dud and has a manufacturing defect, I have faith in Spyderco's warranty department. I've never heard much good about Cold Steel's.

And all of this concern about Cold Steel hype is a bunch of BS, every company markets their products in different ways. Cold Steel does it with their "Proof" video's.

True. My issue with the 'Proof' video is that CS tells me that their knives are tough enough to stand up to these teset, but then their warranty tells me that these same tests void the warranty. For a similar price to that of Cold Steel's large chopping bowies and khukuris, HI tells me that if I break it, they will replace it no questions asked. Spyderco just tells me with their warranty that covers manufacturing defects not abuse, and they don't try to market their knives based on extreme testing. They market based on good service and ergonomic, unique designs.

The bottom line is that you should buy what appeals to you - you're the one who has to carry the knife. The other reality is that most of the weekend warrior, pointy headed steel analyzers will never use some of the super steels they're paying a premium for to 1/10th of their capacity. I like to know I have a high end steel in my knives and prefer better steel, but if the knife I want is not offered in a better steel I still get the knife because it's what I want.

Exactly, we should all buy what appeals to us. Some people like Cold Steels designs and there is no question that they cut just as a knife is supposed to do. There's also nothing wrong with someone who is new to the world of knives looking to expand their horizons and maybe find something they are more happy with. JohnWayne777 is trying to do just that, and I salute him for it.

 

[cpirtle]

Originally posted by Roadrunner
Easy, Spyderco uses VG-10 for most of their FRN handled knives. I also like their serration pattern much better, they're easier to resharpen. Also, if my Spyderco is a dud and has a manufacturing defect, I have faith in Spyderco's warranty department. I've never heard much good about Cold Steel's.

You conveniently avoided the question of all of the Aus-6 blades, not to mention the ATS-55 ones, both of which are arguably lesser steels than Aus-8.

You've never heard much because people don't complain about their service. Every time I have heard anyone mention their service it has been positive. But yet because they are not on these forums people act like their service does not exist or is somehow bad.

Originally posted by Roadrunner
True. My issue with the 'Proof' video is that CS tells me that their knives are tough enough to stand up to these teset, but then their warranty tells me that these same tests void the warranty. For a similar price to that of Cold Steel's large chopping bowies and khukuris, HI tells me that if I break it, they will replace it no questions asked. Spyderco just tells me with their warranty that covers manufacturing defects not abuse, and they don't try to market their knives based on extreme testing. They market based on good service and ergonomic, unique designs.

Like I said, different marketing strategy, why is one better than the other? Very few companies will stand behind abuse of their product - you don't need to name them, I know them.

Car companies always show their cars doing something extreme and then have a disclaimer saying that "this is a pro driver on a closed course - don't try this at home". Do you only buy cars that don't advertise in commercials like that?

My one and only service experience with Spyderco sucked, yet I'll still give credit where credit is due and plan to buy and ATR and Spyderfly. You've never experienced Cold Steels service and people like you speak down about them.

Originally posted by Roadrunner
There's also nothing wrong with someone who is new to the world of knives looking to expand their horizons and maybe find something they are more happy with. JohnWayne777 is trying to do just that, and I salute him for it.

Did I pick on him for looking at other options? No.

But he doesn't need to be lead to believe that any Spyderco, Benchmade or etc will be better than any Cold Steel he should choose.

 

[knifedaddy84]

I've chosen the CS Master Hunter Stainless as my my standard-issue hunting knife. No, the blade isn't made of exotic steel, and the handle isn't fossilized mastadon bone, but it will do anything a person heading into the woods in the 21st century will need a fixed-blade knife to do. It's the perfect size whether using it bare-handed, or with gloves on. And if I do happen to lose the knife, it won't cost a fortune to replace.

 

[Roadrunner]

Spyderco doesn't currently offer any FRN handled knives in AUS-6, I just looked on their website. Their offerings which I believe are most comparable to Cold Steel's, the Endura and the Delica, are offered in VG-10. The Native is even out now in S30V. The point is that Spyderco gives you choices, Cold Steel doesn't. This may or may not matter to each individual buyer; it does matter to me. I'm fanatical about getting a sharp edge on my knives and I prefer a steel that will hold it for a while. That's my preference for a knife and I'm willing to pay for it. There is no right and wrong here, only preference.

You've never heard much because people don't complain about their service. Every time I have heard anyone mention their service it has been positive. But yet because they are not on these forums people act like their service does not exist or is somehow bad.

On the contrary, just today I read a post by Cliff Stamp in which he says he returned a knife that Cold Steel had provided for review and asked for a response about the handle failure he had experienced. Cold Steel never contacted him. That's what I would consider a negative response from customer service. Also, Cold Steel opened a forum here, for which I commend them. Then they shut it down after less than two weeks, with which I was not impressed. Companies learn from customer input, and Cold Steel wasn't interested in hearing it. Knives are a personal thing to me and I believe to many others here, so I form a personal relationship with the company in my mind. I've got issues with Spyderco too, but I can address them here. I know of no way to do that with Cold Steel.

About marketing strategies, I feel that Cold Steel's isn't dishonest, but it is misleading. Right now I can't afford new cars, so you're right, I don't buy any of them. While that is a valid point, I'm not passionate about cars like I am about knives. To the best of my knowledge there are no affordable car companies that have truly outstanding customer service. There are a few knife companies that do and so I prefer to give them my business. You're right about my having never experienced Cold Steel's service, so I will refrain from commenting about it in the future. I try to keep my comments to things within my own direct experience but sometimes I slip without meaning to. Nobody is perfect least of all me.

About the last comment, I apologize for that one. I misunderstood the tone of your post, which is all too easy to do on the net. It is all a matter of preference, that's why there are hundreds of knife companies and not just one. Everyone likes something a little different and that's what keeps it interesting.

 

[cpirtle]

There have been debates over why Spyderco's web page lists different steels than their catalogs for a long time. But the current catalog I have shows many in Aus6, Aus8 and ATS-55...

Here some from 1SKS's page...

Here
Here
Here
Here
Here
Here (not current prod)
Here
Here

There's more but you get the point.


I think what you are really saying is that Spyderco has more options within the same model. That's true and untrue at the same time. If you want a SS handled Delica, a SS handled Endura, or any other knife they make you have one option for blade steel.

Unless we're talking about the BRK Native, but you probably don't want me to bring that up - do you?

.
.
.
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That's interesting about Cliff's post (which I've read), I'm curious if he would send it in for repair what they would say. Just because he sent an e-mail and didn't hear back is not enough info to rule out their service in my mind. I've sent e-mails to companies before that were never answered (one being Spyderco as a matter of fact), that does not mean their service is bad.

I see your point about having loyalty to companies who take care of you. I have been been taken care of by several companies before and am loyal to them but my loyalty is not blind.

As for CS having their forum here, I don't think there was ever a clear consensus on why they shut it down. You are the first person to I have heard say "Companies learn from customer input, and Cold Steel wasn't interested in hearing it."

Probably the most common reason I have heard cited for shutting it down was that the guy they put in charge of running it was overwhelmed with responses and they didn't feel they could adequately support the forum.

I'm just a little tired of the blind loyalists who are constantly chirping about how great Spyderco is.

How many times do you hear someone asking about an Axis lock and some idiot jumps in and says "the [Spyderco] is a much better knife..." and then leaves having added nothing to the conversation and not backing their statement in any way.

Or there's always the one where someone says my Omega Spring broke, can I order one from Benchmade. Before 5 posts to the thread go by someone will say - "that's why I buy Spyderco's bla bla bla bla bla"

At one time or another I have owned nearly every knife Spyderco makes. Some are great knives, some are average, and some plain old suck.

And their service is not the absolute best I have ever seen, not even close - and I know that first hand.


The motto any knife collector/user should live by is: "Buy what you like and screw everyone else - you're the one who has to carry it."

{In fact, that's going to be my new signature }

 

[brownshoe]

Coldsteel gave me great service.

Cliff has changed his tune and now claims there was no warranty problem with Coldsteel.

Cold steel doesn't follow the steel snobs, never has, neither does Randall. If you don't like it buy Spyderco.

 

[yobbos1]

I bought a Cold Steel Mini Bushman today. Will post review after hard use, stay tuned.

 

[Benjamin Liu]

I have some Cold Steel Voyagers and Spyderco Enduras. IMO the quality is similar but there are important differences in the designs. For a defensive knife, the Voyager tantos are better when open, but the Endura is far more reliable than the Voyager in opening. My Voyagers opened maybe 96% of the time on the first try, which I decided was not good enough if I needed one for defense and the Endura opens 100% of the time on the first try. The problem is that thumb studs don't work that well for me, not just Cold Steel's. I also prefer Spyderco's serrations. I still like the Voyagers though, and would not consider them junk. They are sharper and hold an edge longer than any CRKT knife I've owned.

I don't think it is fair to use Cold Steel's lower end 420 knives (which I don't have) as an example of their entire line. I've never had a problem with their AUS 8 or Carbon V blades. I think that if they made a new line of knives (Trailmaster, Recon Tanto, SRK, Peacekeeper, Recon Scout)by taking their Carbon V line of fixed blades and giving them metal guards and G-10 handles that they would be much better knives than what they currently have, but their Carbon V knives are still a lot of knife for the money, especially when you get factory seconds. I bought two Peacekeeper seconds for $35.00 each, two Recon Tanto seconds for $35.00 each, and an SRK second for $30.00. Until the Becker and later the Swamp Rat lines were produced IMO there was no real competition to these knives.

Cold Steel also has things others don't make such as spears, pushdaggers and the Bushman. The only Cold Steel product I've had a problem with is the Vietnam Tomahawk. It has no real edge and the head gets loose easily.

 

[Larry in Bend]

Maybe 12 years ago I bought a CS Master Hunter 2nd in Carbon V. It is very easy to sharpen to a REALLY SHARP condition. It holds an edge pretty well - not as well as ATS34 - but it is so easy to sharpen in the field that it doesn't really matter. I don't mind touching up a blade in the field to get superior performance. The blade is VERY thick - at least 3/16ths. That's not necessary for what I use it for - field dressing and skinning big game animals - and makes the knife somewhat clumsy and heavier than need be. I like the Kraton handle and feel it adds a degree of safety during field dressing chores - this is important to me as if I ever hurt myself badly in the wilderness, odds are it will have something to do with knife usage (or horse usage!!). The sheath is very tough "nylon" or something similiar and serves well - although I don't trust the snap and use a piece of rawhide thru the lanyard hole to secure the knife (it's carried in a backpack). This knife - which is no longer my favorite hunting knife - was a good value at the time and has served me very well. I'd still recommend it.
My favorite CS purchase is a Frontiersman Tomahawk (maybe 10 years ago). This 'hawk has been abused beyond reason and still goes on every hunting trip. I have really enjoyed owning it. It was a GREAT purchase. It sharpens very easily and holds an edge quite well.
I also have an Opineal-type (sp?) Carbon V CS folder that I seldom use any more but was a reasonably good purchase ($17 or so). It too is very easy sharpened and the twist ring has not failed. Thanks for listening!!!

 

[ichor]

Originally posted by Larry in Bend
The blade is VERY thick - at least 3/16ths. That's not necessary for what I use it for - field dressing and skinning big game animals - and makes the knife somewhat clumsy and heavier than need be..........."

The sheath is very tough "nylon" or something similiar and serves well - although I don't trust the snap and use a piece of rawhide thru the lanyard hole to secure the knife (it's carried in a backpack). This knife - which is no longer my favorite hunting knife - was a good value at the time and has served me very well. I'd still recommend it.

Strange how impressions go. I too would highly recommend the Carbon V Master Hunter, but it is one of the last of my knives that I would consider clumsy or heavy. In fact, it is one of the nicest handling knives in my collection. Yes, it does have a 3/16" blade but it is beautifully flat ground with a distal taper, which gives you a stout knife that is still easy to sharpen (Takes the best edge of any knife I own, other than very thin Nordic type knives. Hard to beat that thin Scandinavian steel).

Oddly, mine came with a leather sheath with *two* snaps, one across the guard and one around the top of the handle. My SRK also came with this type sheath. Overkill, unless you are alone and a million miles from no where, with storm clouds gathering. Just an average day in the life of a Norseman 1000 years ago. But, he still wouldn't want to lose his knife. Undoubtedly the reason for the invention and continued existence of those deep pouch type sheaths. My 2 cents.