So I guess there's no more CS catalogs?

Cold Steel had incredible catalogs back in the day. LT really did a fantastic job on them. Not only was it first class marketing, but it was entertaining and educational, as well. I was looking through old ones online last night. It took me back to the old days when I was a broke a$$ young man who wanted everything, but had to wait for the Christmas or a Special Projects flyer to be able to afford anything! Those and the Sportsman's Guide were so entertaining I'd keep them next to my easy chair and finger through them often until the next one came 😁
 
Sadly, it looks like 2022 was the last Cold Steel catalog in any form. They apparently did a paper version for distribution at shows, as they did in 2021.

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But from 2023 on, it seems they only offered a general GSM catalog, which I'm guessing (since I never saw one in person) contains both Cold Steel and SOG products.

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I remember fondly and will miss the days of Cold Steel catalogs. As a fan, it's painful to see the death of that tradition.


-Steve
 
It makes sense why they don't do an annual Cold Steel catalog anymore.

Most other knife companies have switched to releasing new products on a quarterly schedule.

It used to be show the new stuff at the SHOT Show and wait for things to be released throughout the rest of the year.

The increase in competition changed that.

There are companies releasing new products every month too.
 
I don't buy the expense argument. From accountinginsights.org:

"Understanding the tax implications of advertising expenses is essential. In the United States, the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) allows businesses to deduct advertising expenses as ordinary and necessary business expenses under Section 162, reducing taxable income. Businesses must maintain detailed records to substantiate these deductions, as the IRS may scrutinize claims for compliance."​


Printed catalogs are tangible, durable, exchangeable, and have an intrinsic value (unlike 1s and 0s displayed on a computer screen). At this stage, I'd even be willing to pay a few dollars for a paper catalog, like some companies charged back in the old days.

I understand changing advertising landscapes and customer demands and demographics, even if I hate the directions they're taking. But, in my opinion, GSM doesn't realize that Cold Steel has a large consumer base that came of age in a different era. We have higher expectations of a company and its relationship with its customers--and it is a relationship, no matter what the business schools might teach--that are being ignored.

It's more than balance sheets and profit margins. The disappearance of paper catalogs and product performance DVDs represents the alienation of the customers who built Cold Steel.


-Steve

P.S. - I'm not trying to turn this into a GSM-bashing session. For the first time since the acquisition, I really like the new product releases of 2025. I just wish that GSM would continue some of the business practices that made Lynn Thompson's Cold Steel stand out from the crowd.
 
It wouldn't even bother me that much if they just put out an introduced and discontinued list for each year, but they won't even do that now. Just another step in the cheapening of the brand. It's a shame.
 
tltt said:
It wouldn't even bother me that much if they just put out an introduced and discontinued list for each year, but they won't even do that now. Just another step in the cheapening of the brand. It's a shame.
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Agreed. There is a Recon Scout and Trailmaster in 52100 already available at various places (Italy, South Africa, Chicago Knives) that is not mentioned on their suite at all.
 
52100? That's interesting. CS does, or at least did, an excellent job with 52100 in the drop forged knives. It's a really tough ball bearing steel. If its the same quality otherwise, CS will have a winner! Its listed for $126 at one place and I think that's a decent price for what should be an excellent knife. IME, CS' 52100 is very tough and holds a good edge. The drop forged Survivalist and Bowie have proven CS can make a really great knife using it. I would have no problem heading into the wilds with a TM or RS made with 52100. It would be much easier to maintain (sharpen) than 3V. Someone finally made a smart choice!
 
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That can’t be real. 127 for a Trailmaster in 52100.
 
jbmonkey said:
I'm with ya.


although Rycen makes a lot of sense. something seems off for that price point, and high quality Taiwan made.
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Yeah, very odd. Not apples to apples, but the kukri plus in 4034 garbage steel is around $250, so unless these are somehow different construction but they're using the TM and RS names, doesn't add up.
 
Maybe they are dropped forged with a rubber handle glued on? Not the same knife, but similar in profile. The drop forged stuff from Taiwan is very affordable.
 
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