Thanks man, you're probably the only person that's seen my point this entire thread. I'm talking about a knife covering all attributes for a good price, it's hard to find a knife that is both extremely strong, that still cuts really well and uses good materials - at a good price. Some people think i'm being a fan boy just cos CS happens to offer knives that do this.
-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
Positive firsthand experience with Lynn Thompson
- Thread starter ScaryLarry
- Start date
- Status
Thanks man, you're probably the only person that's seen my point this entire thread. I'm talking about a knife covering all attributes for a good price, it's hard to find a knife that is both extremely strong, that still cuts really well and uses good materials - at a good price. Some people think i'm being a fan boy just cos CS happens to offer knives that do this.
What knife is that?
Cold Steel Code 4, a sub $80 knife that offers super strong construction, is lightweight , a thin hollow grind, and CTS XHP steel.
Sent from the BatComputer
- Joined
- Feb 27, 2005
- Messages
- 8,299
It's a good value for the money.
Whether it's the best value for the money depends entirely upon what you find valuable in a knife.
IMHO the Spyderco Delica and Endura are a better value for the money on the strength of Spyderco's customer service and their consistent production quality, but it's basically a wash and a matter of preference. The Ontario RAT folders are a better value for half the price.
The Code 4's Tri-Ad lock is stronger than the RAT's liner lock and probably stronger than the Spyderco's back lock, but I don't really think that's relevant because none of the locks are likely to fail under any reasonable use for a folding knife of that size.
All three have different handle materials, but I'd give the edge to the Ontario and the Spyderco, but that's because I prefer G10 or micarta handles in the cold temperatures that predominate in my location, and I like the grippiness of Spyderco's Volcano and bi-directional texture enough to overlook the FRN handles. I think if you're going to do metal handles, they should be titanium for the balance of strength and looks vs. aluminum and weight reduction vs. steel.
Blade steel is largely a matter of preference, but CTS-XHP is a minor improvement over D2 and VG-10. So if blade steel is your most important attribute, and you're limited to the $100 range, then the Code 4 is a good choice.
I would, however, rush to add this:
I think for $50 you can get about 70% of the value possible out of a knife, which is more than enough for anyone- a well-manufactured knife made to good quality standards out of good materials. For $100 you can get 80% of the value, typically getting better handles or blade materials (seldom both), but the manufacturing quality isn't really any better.
For $200, you can get 90% of the value, with some small but noticeable increase in manufacturing quality in terms of fit and finish and usually a marked upgrade in handles and blade material- the $100-$200 range is where you start seeing G10 and micarta that are more than simple slabs and where you start seeing titanium and the current generation of 'super steels.'
After that price point, you're paying increasingly more for small increases in fit and finish quality that require closer and closer inspection to find until you hit the $500 price point, at which point you're paying for miniscule increases in fit and finish, artistic value, or the uniqueness of limited-production or custom work.
That's just my opinion.
Last edited:
I find them great mid range knives. The knives could be considered "starter" based on their price. Or mid range or better based on build quality, strength, ergonomics,and blade steel. Those two characteristics add up to high value. As a long time Spyderco fan and Benchmade customer, I ve developed a high regard for certain Cold Steel folders. Not as many knives out there that are high quality for a reasonable price as there used to be. Map pricing discourages some discerning enthusiasts.
I think that s true. The recipe for a successful knife company. Work on customer service will only polish the brand. My personal experience with customer service on the phone has been fine.
- Joined
- Oct 11, 2013
- Messages
- 21,995
Enjoy your knives, and your opinion. Just don't be upset because others don't agree with your opinions.
Thanks.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Oct 11, 2013
- Messages
- 21,995
You keep inferring that people are "ignorant" because they don't agree with your opinion. Please stop that, it just makes you look bad.
I'm not sure how you can blame "bad grammar" when you're essentially moving the goalposts because you know full well there are plenty of knives out there which are just as good or better than CS knives. Come on, now.
- Joined
- Oct 11, 2013
- Messages
- 21,995
What? No, it isn't. Lord, this is getting deep, so I'm bowing out.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2010
- Messages
- 3,622
OP, sometimes it is best to use the "ignore" function so as not to be derailed or hijacked.
In line with the new theme, I will state that if I had to pick a single folding knife for reliability in a critical long-term and/or emergency situation, it would be one of the newer G10 XHP Cold Steel folders. High quality blade steel, strength, materials, f&f. I say that from a position of owning 95% other branded knives. Cold Steel strikes me as the superior product-for-price deal in pocket knives at the moment.
In line with the new theme, I will state that if I had to pick a single folding knife for reliability in a critical long-term and/or emergency situation, it would be one of the newer G10 XHP Cold Steel folders. High quality blade steel, strength, materials, f&f. I say that from a position of owning 95% other branded knives. Cold Steel strikes me as the superior product-for-price deal in pocket knives at the moment.
- Joined
- Jan 10, 2017
- Messages
- 55
I don't mind the tangents at all. Discussions are organic! Besides, I'm a positive guy and appreciate everyone's viewpoint. In fact, I learned some stuff myself, though most of it confirmed what I already new about CS. Unfortunately, I will probably still be touching base with Lynn about this thread, just get his take on it.
My guess is...Let's put it this way, Lynn won't exactly be in love with some of the stuff that was said on this thread. In fact, he'll probably be pretty red-assed about it. But Lynn is a professional and will turn it into a learning experience for both his company, his customers, and his critics. All have something to learn.
My guess is...Let's put it this way, Lynn won't exactly be in love with some of the stuff that was said on this thread. In fact, he'll probably be pretty red-assed about it. But Lynn is a professional and will turn it into a learning experience for both his company, his customers, and his critics. All have something to learn.
- Joined
- Jan 10, 2017
- Messages
- 55
Yes, it happened, but it wasn't all-you-can-eat. It was advertised as "eat-till-you-drop", but they discouraged people from going back for seconds to avoid having customers bellying up and spending the entire day there. You needed to eat your fill in one shot. The place is long gone now, so we'll probably knock around town looking for bison burgers or steak nachos when I'm in Vegas, like we usually do.
And I agree about the CS products, obviously. There's never been anything like the 2017 lineup, but that's just my humble opinion.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Oct 11, 2013
- Messages
- 21,995
Guess what? No one here is concerned. What sort of comment is that to make? "I'm going to tell Dad you were talking about him when he gets home!"
When you talk to him, make sure you explain what actually happened. "Hey Lynn, I went into General and made an "Ooh-rah For Lynn!" thread and some people said unkind things about you, and disagreed when some other folks said your company's products were the best." I mean, really, that's what happened, right? You started this thread here where people are under no requirement to say nice things about Lynn or Cold Steel, instead of in the Cold Steel section where it would have gotten comments more inline with what you were expecting.
I am not sure how this thread is supposed to be a learning experience for his critics, because there's nothing to have learned here. Well, ok, except for your assertion that he can't use the Internet and that forums mystify him.
Come on, this is not really necessary. The OP is not being confrontative, and we always have something more to learn, nothing wrong about that. You've stated your opinions, and he has his, no need to be so confrontative.
- Joined
- Oct 11, 2013
- Messages
- 21,995
Personally, I find the idea that he felt the need to let us all know that he intended to let Lynn know that his thread wasn't full of accolades to be confrontational. It felt more like an admonishment to those of us who didn't agree that Cold Steel products are the best, and that Lynn's a great guy. Your mileage may vary. I'll allow that maybe I'm misreading his intent, however that's just how it comes off to me.
My opinion, not that anyone cares so dont attack me, is that Cold Steel is my favorite brand for folders.
I also own a large number of ZT, Kershaw, Benchmade, Spyderco, Reate etc so im not exactly a hardcore fanboy. Comparing to other high quality brands, I DO personally think their new 2015 product(and beyond) has some of the best value for the money. American Lawman for example, you can find it for around $75 with XHP steel and G-10 that's the same quality as the Paramilitary 2.
Also, MY OPINION after owning other high end production folders is that Cold Steel's quality control is on par, or even better. For example, the latest Benchmade 710 and 908 i received cannot compete with the Swift/Ultimate Hunter and other 2015+ CS offering in terms of fit and finish. However they are more expensive while having less "premium" steel.
Regarding their customer services, i think that they could do better on the email and web form front. However, from my experience the customer service over the phone has been great. I have had 4-5 warranty returns with CS over the phone(or sometime i just sent it in with a note), and each time the turn around for getting a replace has been less than 2 week from the day i shipped my knife out. Part of it is probably because i live in Socal so the shipping time is fast.
For perspective, here is a list of popular/high quality knives i own from other brands, so my opinion above is not based on just hype:
Kershaw/ZT - 0350, 0560, 0200, 0301, 0562CF, 0801, 0909, 0630, blur, knockout, link
Benchmade - 710, 940, 810, 908, 950, 551-1, 550-1, HK 14715, Adamas
Spyderco - PM2, Manix 2, Yo2, Milie, Endura, Gayle Bradley 2
Reate - Hills, Horizon C
I also own a large number of ZT, Kershaw, Benchmade, Spyderco, Reate etc so im not exactly a hardcore fanboy. Comparing to other high quality brands, I DO personally think their new 2015 product(and beyond) has some of the best value for the money. American Lawman for example, you can find it for around $75 with XHP steel and G-10 that's the same quality as the Paramilitary 2.
Also, MY OPINION after owning other high end production folders is that Cold Steel's quality control is on par, or even better. For example, the latest Benchmade 710 and 908 i received cannot compete with the Swift/Ultimate Hunter and other 2015+ CS offering in terms of fit and finish. However they are more expensive while having less "premium" steel.
Regarding their customer services, i think that they could do better on the email and web form front. However, from my experience the customer service over the phone has been great. I have had 4-5 warranty returns with CS over the phone(or sometime i just sent it in with a note), and each time the turn around for getting a replace has been less than 2 week from the day i shipped my knife out. Part of it is probably because i live in Socal so the shipping time is fast.
For perspective, here is a list of popular/high quality knives i own from other brands, so my opinion above is not based on just hype:
Kershaw/ZT - 0350, 0560, 0200, 0301, 0562CF, 0801, 0909, 0630, blur, knockout, link
Benchmade - 710, 940, 810, 908, 950, 551-1, 550-1, HK 14715, Adamas
Spyderco - PM2, Manix 2, Yo2, Milie, Endura, Gayle Bradley 2
Reate - Hills, Horizon C
- Status