Those who have experience with the 4-Max variants..

I've always been interested in the 4 Max variants but for some reason I never ended up pulling the trigger.

One thing that I've always valued about big Cold Steel folders is their ability to chop and clean brush...now the 4 Max seems a bit short for that compared to say a Vaquero, and for the length I think that at that this given reach a knife like a Colossus or even a 4" Talwar could be a better chopper/slasher being more top heavy and sporting a thinner grind with more belly for good shearing potential.

Isn't the 4 Max a bit handle heavy in order to chop well? How is it so much better than say a drop point Voyager XL for hard use?

Don't get me wrong they're cool as hell, but every time I try to justify shelling out some cash on one I always end up thinking that there are other models in the lineup that are either more utilitarian and/or more carry friendly at the same time.
After all I've never even came close breaking a Voyager batoning the snot out of it.
 
The 4 Max doesn't lend itsself well to "chopping". But can be used for it, in a pinch for that purpose. Its blade profile cannot compare to the Colossus for that purpose. Nor; will it compare to the Voyager XL's thinner/longer, flat-grind blade profile. The Colossus is more like a small-version of a Smatchet. The Colossus would have a bigger EDC footprint in my estimation, but not a problem for Cold Steel hardliners, who are used to toting the XLs. For forty-dollars, its pretty-hard, not to have a Scout in your knife battery. The 5 Max on-the-other-hand, is definitely a hellacious-chopper. But, then again; we're talking about comparing apples to oranges. After seeing the Colossus in action, it's a must-have for my collection. Peace out!
 
Zephyr One/Zero said:
The 4 Max doesn't lend itsself well to "chopping". But can be used for it, in a pinch for that purpose. Its blade profile cannot compare to the Colossus for that purpose. Nor; will it compare to the Voyager XL's thinner/longer, flat-grind blade profile. The Colossus is more like a small-version of a Smatchet. The Colossus would have a bigger EDC footprint in my estimation, but not a problem for Cold Steel hardliners, who are used to toting the XLs. For forty-dollars, its pretty-hard, not to have a Scout in your knife battery. The 5 Max on-the-other-hand, is definitely a hellacious-chopper. But, then again; we're talking about comparing apples to oranges. After seeing the Colossus in action, it's a must-have for my collection. Peace out!
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Thanks for the thorough and extensive reply.
You know, the Colossus is wide in the pocket or in the waistband, but it's almost half the thickness of any XL Voyager. It's also way thinner than the Large, so much so that even if it's about a third heavier, it ends up giving you about the same feeling of "presence" when carried. The chopping actually spoils me: because of the geometry once you I got the hang of it I could outchop my XL Vaquero on most occasions thanks to the incredible penetration on impact: it doesn't shear much but if you can aim well and switch angle on each chop you will be shocked at how quickly it goes through material.

However given the fact that this knife is out of production and not very easy to get ahold of (let alone the thin grind it has) it probably wouldn't be a bad idea to get at least a Scout to do the stupidest stuff with. For sure it would be a better splitter and batoner: I'd imagine that the thicker grind would make the wood explode on first impact, while the Colossus tends to bind when you hit on it, let alone the fact that if you hit the wave it's game over because it will definitely break off at the screw.

By the way, the tan version with black blade of the scout is super cool!

Too bad here in EU it's not as cheap as in the US: here you have to shell out more than 100€ right now, sadly...
 
I love the 4Max. But I think the drop point is the ideal shape for it because it’s kinda stocky. I couldn’t imagine a Tanto being any more useful or versatile. Just my .02.
 
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Zephyr One/Zero said:
The 4 Max doesn't lend itsself well to "chopping". But can be used for it, in a pinch for that purpose. Its blade profile cannot compare to the Colossus for that purpose. Nor; will it compare to the Voyager XL's thinner/longer, flat-grind blade profile. The Colossus is more like a small-version of a Smatchet. The Colossus would have a bigger EDC footprint in my estimation, but not a problem for Cold Steel hardliners, who are used to toting the XLs. For forty-dollars, its pretty-hard, not to have a Scout in your knife battery. The 5 Max on-the-other-hand, is definitely a hellacious-chopper. But, then again; we're talking about comparing apples to oranges. After seeing the Colossus in action, it's a must-have for my collection. Peace out!
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The struggle is real hahah...I just found a "deal" for 96€ shipped for the tan version that I dig, yet I'm still on the fence.

It's weird but the only thing that puzzles me is the fact that I have a Rajah 2, that honestly (with the thumb plate removed, since it snags too much) is an awesome carry for IWB appendix. At the end of the day since I don't find the Rajah uncomfortable to carry, for less than 100 grams more I can have a much more capable knife all around, better for self defense, unrivaled at chopping, with a strong enough tip for most tasks and a better blade profile for slicing. Obviously it will take less lateral stress and the tip isn't as strong but I struggle to think of a realistic situation that will take the Rajah to the limit. I mean, rationally the 4 Max Scout doesn't make sense me, and still...something tells me that I need one anyway lol.

In my opinion the Colossus and the 4Max are kindred spirits: same overall length, same blade length, the Colossus goes for wide and thin for slicing and chopping, the 4Max goes thick for splitting and prying , and heavy for smashing what it can't slice.
I think they are both awesome because they allow you to carry "most knife possible" (either in terms of cutting power or resilience) in a not too huge package, just on the verge of becoming inappropriate for daily use, yet never taking a step too far - the Rajah on the other hand is more uncompromising. They're both great for knife enthusiasts because they literally give you a lot to love, yet they're not "too damn much knife" yet, so that you can still get away with using them in a civil environment - maybe stretching it just a bit...

Decisions, decisions...

Ok now, let's see how long it takes me to cave in :p
 
Zephyr One/Zero said:
The 4 Max doesn't lend itsself well to "chopping". But can be used for it, in a pinch for that purpose. Its blade profile cannot compare to the Colossus for that purpose. Nor; will it compare to the Voyager XL's thinner/longer, flat-grind blade profile. The Colossus is more like a small-version of a Smatchet. The Colossus would have a bigger EDC footprint in my estimation, but not a problem for Cold Steel hardliners, who are used to toting the XLs. For forty-dollars, its pretty-hard, not to have a Scout in your knife battery. The 5 Max on-the-other-hand, is definitely a hellacious-chopper. But, then again; we're talking about comparing apples to oranges. After seeing the Colossus in action, it's a must-have for my collection. Peace out!
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Well it didn't take long indeed.
Vanilla gorilla 4Max Scout coming in the mail next week. Pretty pumped.

CS62-RQ-DTSW-Cold-Steel-4-MAX-Scout-Desert-Tan-CS62-RQ-DTS-1.webp
 
el gigantor said:
Nice shot!

So my decision has been made. The retailer I buy from puts 50-100 different items on sale every week. They have huge inventory so it's rare that a knife I really want gets reduced. Anyway, yesterday the new sale was announced and I had a look; the 4-Max Elite had $210 CAD taken off the price!! I couldn't believe it! Pulled the trigger even though it'll put me in some bad debt. I knew I'd regret it otherwise. She ships tomorrow.
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The price may sting for a minute, but smiles are priceless. Getting something you really want, and is special to you means it will likely be with you when you need it. Enjoy!
 
Drop bear said:
Yeah. I went and ordered an orange nothing rhymes with orange the other day
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I was a bit torn myself, orange looks great and for sure you won't lose it in the bush. In the end I opted for the tan version because I like it but also because I don't even rule out doing a little Rit dye project: I think I could end up with a nice deadpool red if I do it right, and in general clearer colours give you more headroom for trying out different styles.
 
vnvman said:
I was a bit torn myself, orange looks great and for sure you won't lose it in the bush. In the end I opted for the tan version because I like it but also because I don't even rule out doing a little Rit dye project: I think I could end up with a nice deadpool red if I do it right, and in general clearer colours give you more headroom for trying out different styles.
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I just ordered an orange one. Certainly not pretty, but easier to find orange knives when you set one down in leaves or drop it in the snow. Trust me- I know!👍
 
vnvman said:
I was a bit torn myself, orange looks great and for sure you won't lose it in the bush. In the end I opted for the tan version because I like it but also because I don't even rule out doing a little Rit dye project: I think I could end up with a nice deadpool red if I do it right, and in general clearer colours give you more headroom for trying out different styles.
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I am doing up a cyclone escape/evasion kit. And thought I would play with a bunch of hi viz.

Something that cuts my way onto a roof in a pinch. And something I could slip in to my pocket at a shelter.


I have a pocketed semi life vest. And will probably throw a kit together in that.
Not this brand. But this sort of thing.

 
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Drop bear said:
I am doing up a cyclone escape/evasion kit. And thought I would play with a bunch of hi viz.

Something that cuts my way onto a roof in a pinch. And something I could slip in to my pocket at a shelter.


I have a pocketed semi life vest. And will probably throw a kit together in that.
Not this brand. But this sort of thing.

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Gosh, you Americans get all the best possible knife prices...and the worse possible weather!
Here in Italy where I live at least in my area the last time we had serious flooding with such things happening was 30 years ago.
 
I wrote off the 4Max Scout for a long time as a gimmick. I mean, it weighs almost as much as my Survive Knives 7/7! The usual place put it on sale for less than $40 and I had to bite. Well, it arrived today and I have to eat crow. Wow, what a knife! Its not just big, or burly, or thick, it's wonderfully designed! it will make an actual great knife. The handle is really comfortable and the blade is actually well designed for cutting! That last part may seem silly, but many knives are NOT designed for knife chores. Its a great knife and highly recommended.
 
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