Quick look: Cold Steel Hold Out II folder - new for 2011

I've had my eye on this for a while. I really like the looks of it. Not sure my wife will appreciate me ordering one just now; the Fed Ex lady should be here any rime now...
 
One must figure out the best way to sneak a knife into the house. I prefer USPS, because it alleviates that pesky knock at the door which blows my cover, but one should go with whatever works best.
 
Well, I got mine over the weekend from Knifeworks. I love its looks but I was hoping for a different feel..I guess the handle needs to be thicker/taller (height, not length). It's lock solid, like every Triad Lock I've handled. (( rules violation ))
 
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Hey Brother Splay, as I noted in post #1, I almost sold mine too. But I kept it and it grew on me. Not saying you should keep yours, but I understand where you are coming from. It does not feel like a Lawman or a Recon 1.
 
Yes, it does take a while for this one to feel right. The more I carry and use it the better I like it.

It is rather unique-looking too, compared to other standard knife designs.
 
Nice knife! Looks very utilitarian. I have a Lawman but i'd be tempted to get one of these.
Do you have any pics of it closed or of the other side?
 
Another excellent review, Powernoodle. CS is hitting the sweet spot on price lately too. I'm waiting on the large Counter Point but see a Hold Out in my collection before the year is out. It's like a tougher version of the old Benchmade Spike.
 
Got mine recently and just wanted to say how secure the knife is in the hand. The handle shape and grippy G-10 combine for a rock solid grip that actually surprised me. Now for the 6 incher!
 
Well guys, I'm slowly changing my mind about the Hold Out II. In the past few days I've used it I'm coming to really like the neutral handle shape. It's comfortable in every grip I've tried and man, that G10 is the grippiest I've ever seen on a knife! Out of the box the opening is stiff, of course, but judging from my American Lawman, it will break in nicely. Lockup is solid! It appears the locking spring/bar is wider than on my American Lawman, as it practically touches both scales. If some of my other knives locked up even half as good as the Axis Lock does I'd still own them.

I like the blade shape. It lends itself to easily cut everything I've tried. As with every other CS knife I've handled the edge is sharp. Very sharp. I think CS knives arguably have the sharpest edge right out of the box. The blade shaved the beard off one of my hairs! :D There is zero blade play whatsoever and is dead-center when closed. Fit and finish is superb and rivals knives I've bought costing triple the price of the Holdout. For the price, this is one of the best deals out there. I don't like all their products but the Hold Out II is a definite winner. My American Lawman will be fighting for carry time. Wait.... I've got two front pockets. :D
 
I've got a question, but I don't think anyone but Lynn Thompson can probably answer it. Why is there a Hold Out II, and a Hold Out III, but no Hold Out I? Or was there an original Hold Out, back in the day, and so both these new ones are 'sequels'? Anyone have a clue?
 
There is a giant model in the developing stages.

[video=youtube;IDkLG4ppF0w]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDkLG4ppF0w[/video]
 
Wow, that prototype is cool. It looks perfect for an office environment where you don't want to scare your co-workers. :eek:
 
Powernoodle, thanks for a good review, and I'm glad you liked it.

I am, however, a firm believer that the handle shape is more important in providing a secure grip, than texturing (especially since CS's G10 is so sharp that it will wear away), so I decided to pass on it.
 
res1cue said:
I am, however, a firm believer that the handle shape is more important in providing a secure grip, than texturing (especially since CS's G10 is so sharp that it will wear away), so I decided to pass on it.
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Actually, the grip is excellent. I thought it would be dicey, too, but after numerous backyard testing.... well, I'm not worrying. Most of my knives have some form of guard so I was a little worried about the Hold Out. After reading numerous reviews about EKI's A100 I wanted a streamlined knife, but no way am I buying another Emerson, so I waited. The Hold Out II's handle definitely lends to fast handling with a comfortable grip and I haven't cut myself once due to handle slippage. There is a slight finger notch and I find that sufficient. If I was stabbing into car hoods all day, well I'd pro'lly want something else, but for now I'm very happy. :)
 
Splat said:
Actually, the grip is excellent. I thought it would be dicey, too, but after numerous backyard testing.... well, I'm not worrying. Most of my knives have some form of guard so I was a little worried about the Hold Out. After reading numerous reviews about EKI's A100 I wanted a streamlined knife, but no way am I buying another Emerson, so I waited. The Hold Out II's handle definitely lends to fast handling with a comfortable grip and I haven't cut myself once due to handle slippage. There is a slight finger notch and I find that sufficient. If I was stabbing into car hoods all day, well I'd pro'lly want something else, but for now I'm very happy. :)
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Splat, I'll take that under consideration when I find myself with 60 bucks burning a hole in my pocket :p
 
That's exactly the answer I was hoping for! Especially if they stick to the new 3", 4", 5 1/2" pattern. I may just have to get me one. Thanks!
 
I like the bandaid on the R&D man's hand. Ya know he's gotta be handling a lot of CS knives in that job - what a dream job eh?

BTW, Esav is right about any knide of dagger, folder or design with a spooky grip design like this - ALWAYS palm the butt of the knife. It might sound strange but after a bit of practice it beocmes 2nd nature. :thumbup:

Stab something hard with that grip? Not in a million years w/o protective hand gear or palming the butt.
 
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