thoughts on CS Caledonian Edge

T

tonym1

Joined
Nov 10, 2005
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182
I saw this knife on the Cold Steel web site and thought it was a pretty nice looking knife then I saw the price and had second thoughts about getting one. Is it because the blade is a special type of steel? CS say it is San Mai and I have no experience with this steel. I have one of their Ti Lites and like it a lot but I just cant help wanting the Caledonian. Any one have one and what do you think of it? is it worth it? I can almost get a Sebenza for the price they are asking.
 
"San Mai" refers to three layer, in other words, the blade is laminated: a hard steel core with softer, shock-absorbing sides. CS isn't using particularly high-tech steels for either.

I like the design, but I won't pay that price, even their street price. But look around, you may find a decent deal on it.
 
I have had the Hatamoto for about 2 weeks now. It is from the same CS Custom Line. The MSRP price is high, so check around for deals. Now for the good part.
The Hatamoto (and I will guess the Caledonian Edge ) is well made,with a smooth action after it was opened/closed for a few days. The thumb stud is a bit tricky to get by=ut just practice:D
The fit and finish is excellent, and the SAN MAI III is razor sharp.
I haave owned some high quality blades production and custom, including the Sebenza (which i did not like :eek:) If the Sebenza is the production model that sets the bar for quality, the CS custom series is the equal if not better
Get it, you won't be sorry!
 
I've seen this question asked before, the general consensus seems to be that, aside from people disliking the politics of Cold Steel, there is nothing wrong with the knife. It's not a bargain (or even a particularly good deal) paying $300 for what you get, but it's a fine knife.
That being said, if you really like the knife then you should go for it. But if I were you I'd buy a sebenza before I spent $300 on a cold steel.
Hope that helps
-Chris
 
I havnt seen one in the flesh but it does look a nice knife in the articles I've read about it and pics I've seen. I was going to buy a Sebenza some time soon so maybe I should get that first then think about the CS.
 
hstdist said:
I have had the Hatamoto for about 2 weeks now. It is from the same CS Custom Line. The MSRP price is high, so check around for deals. Now for the good part.
The Hatamoto (and I will guess the Caledonian Edge ) is well made,with a smooth action after it was opened/closed for a few days. The thumb stud is a bit tricky to get by=ut just practice:D
The fit and finish is excellent, and the SAN MAI III is razor sharp.
I haave owned some high quality blades production and custom, including the Sebenza (which i did not like :eek:) If the Sebenza is the production model that sets the bar for quality, the CS custom series is the equal if not better
Get it, you won't be sorry!
Click to expand...

If you like the Hatamoto but dislike the Sebenza that's perfectly fine - to each their own - but I can't agree on your comment about quality. My Hatamoto is a very well made knife and I really like it because it makes a great conversation piece - and if I wanted to intimidate someone I think it would do the job brilliantly. I'd rather EDC my 40yo $5 Opinel - that little sucker can really slice.

Quality wise - and once you get past the tacticool factor, my Sebenza beats it hands down because of its brilliant design, engineering excellence & execution and reliable simplicity - plus it has a comfortable handle and a blade shape that's actually useful. Apart from price I don't think they are really comparable - very obvious to me they were designed for different niche markets and tastes. BTW - I've learnt to not give too much weight to a knife's quality just because it comes "shaving sharp" - the real test is how well it cuts; holds its edge and how easily it re-sharpens - and only time and usage will determine that.

The Caledonian - yeah - interesting looking knife. Don't have one yet but it's somewhere on my "to get" list. Being based on a Sgian Dubh I hope it'll cut haggis better than that thick bladed Hatamoto - although I'd still go with a traditional fixed version to stick into the top of my knee length stockings if I ever get insane enough to think I'll look good in a kilt.
 
I owned the Edge. About as fine a folding knife as I have ever owned. I ain't kiddin when I say that either. It is very very well made and don't pay attention to people that will bash it just cause it is a Cold Steel prod. I also own a Hatamoto that has liner lock slippage, enough to cause an up and down movement in the blade when locked. Annoys the hell out of me but I'll say this about it. Never once has it failed the spine whack test and truthfully I was annoyed that it had the slippage so I really really banged a few times on the spine to make it fail and to just make me feel better. This a more than a few years ago and I still carry it on occasion cause I know it will work. Ya know what it never failed or came close to failing. So that has to say something about the robustness of build I would I think. keepem sharp
 
I also own the Hatamoto and it is really a high quality folder and very strong.

CS Knives are no joke, I know because I own 16 of them.
 
The fit and finish is excellent, and the SAN MAI III is razor sharp
Click to expand...

Same can be said about my two large Voyagers and Ti-Lite, all at around $49 and sreamin' sharp. CS begins to gouge people with their "San Mai" offering IMHO.

I'd definitely be looking at a custom or semi-custom e.g. CRK with my $300 before I dreamed of picking up the Caledonian.

I could put the cash down, but resale value is a nose-dive and value per dollar spent is low IMO.

I think the Caledonian looks cool but is what some would call a low value knife. My $.02
 
 
taz0161, you need to upload your image(s) to an external website like photobucket imagevenue to link to. Linking to an image on your harddrive doesn't work.
 
The Caledonian Edge is the best looking folder in the Cold Steel line up. It is also a rock solid performer that holds up extremely well to everyday use. This is a high end production tactical folder. It is not a sharpened pry bar and will give a lifetime of service. Show some love for the edge.
 
Planterz said:
taz0161, you need to upload your image(s) to an external website like photobucket imagevenue to link to. Linking to an image on your harddrive doesn't work.
Click to expand...

Yes it does - ya just have to read the fine print. From my PC:

868772461_3VeAr-M.jpg
 
You can find this knife in the mid 200$ range. I wished I had gotten into knives sooner because I would have picked up some of the now discontinued models like the Talwar and the Scimitar .
 
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