Troll-A-Licious
You know, I recently saw a pictures and descriptions of CR folder blades breaking clean off at the thumb studs without any hard use or cutting. It is related, apparently to the press fit they use on the thumb stud. Slightly larger thumbstud, slightly smaller hole, comebine two parts, but within specs, but at opposite ends, you can get a stress break.
I saw destruction testing where the one piece steel CR knives broke very early on, while many other knives, expensive and cheap, lasted far longer.....
You know what I didn't do? I most definitely did not go into the CR forum and take a dump on them.
Post up every pic and video I could find about a product failing?
Nope.
I've used my fair share of knives. Lots of different models, makers, steels and designs.
I've carried and used cheap and more expensive knives.
I've owned Busse, Cold steel, Condor knife and tool, Gec, Queen, S&M, Buck, Gerber, Schrade, Old Hickory, Swamprat, Kershaw, Spyderco, CRKT, Boker, Imascus, and many others. I've had opportunity to use more than I've owned. I've owned and used customs, and been able to use more than I've owned.
High carbon, stainless, hard use steels, and the most basic steels. I've even used some "Super Steels"
They all cut. I've broken very few (and when I managed to break one, I'm susally doing something dumb).
Locking folders, (back lock, mid lock, ring lock, frame, liner, ultra lock/axis lock, ram lock, ball lock, compression lock, plunge lock, slip joints, and more).
I've had locks that failed on me. I've been cut. You may think the spine wacky and spine weight tests are pointless.
I've been cut from a lock failing while piercing a cardboard box. I've seen my brother go through surgery from a lock failing from negative pressure (pressure from spine to edge). He was piercing rubber. Not stabbing in a frenzy, but trying to start a cut in heavy rubber.
I had another folder close on me while trying to cut water hoses on a cubic hydraulic press. Tight quarters, no room to move, awkward cutting angle, with a small jarring bump to the spine and click.... bloody fingers..
I don't need the strongest lock on the plannet. I'm not hunting bear, or zombies, or soldiers with tactical gear on load bearing vests.
But I have knives, from more than a few manufacturers, that I don't trust the locks on. Liner, back, and other types. Some frame locks, liner locks, lock backs etc, will close easily with slight negative pressure. It is something I check for, and think about.
I've had some accidentally fail in actual use and cut me. I've had more that I can simply close with a small bit of pressure on the spine (with fingers well out of the way).
I've found more than a few liner and frame locks I could close with finger pressure on the spine, or a very light bump on the spine.
I have not bought a Cold Steel folder in 8 plus years. I have and use a handfull. I have not carried and used a Hindered or CR Sebenza for years. I had opportunity to carry and use both.
I mostly carry slip joints, and usually one modern folder.
Sometimes that is a Spyderco, or Kershaw, or Cold Steel.
By far, and it is not a close second, the most secure locks I have ever used, have been Cold Steel. (And that is not limited to the triad lock... I'm including their ultra lock, and a few others in that assessment).
They are not perfect. But they are not too pricy either. They do a good job on fit and finish. They come sharp, and ready to cut.
They are strong knives. CS shows tests that highlight their strong points. People don't like seeing their pet brand do poorly on comparisons, but realize they are tests that Cold Steel engineers their knives to pass!
It's not an accident or coincidence that CS knives do so well at spine shock, over strike shock, and weight hang tests.
The Triad lock is custom built to Excell at these tests. Strong locking spring. More material at the engagement surface.
I've used a lot of back and mid lock knives in my life. Demko's improvement on this design is significant, and compares very favorably to any version I've ever used. In 28 plus years of actually using and owning that style of knife.
They put people off with their testing and advertisement.
One of my most respected manufacturers has said on many occasions, that Lynn Thompson has spurred improvements and better knives in the whole industry, love him or hate him.
Cold steel is not my only brand. I have knives costing much much more, but darned if they don't make fun stuff!
Axes, pole arms, massive blow guns that shoot monster darts. Just fun stuff that makes you smile to use.
When you start getting into higher priced fixed blades I look elsewhere (though their Ghurka Khukri has great performance, I've never bought one).
I've mostly moved on, for higher priced items. You are in custom or higher value Busse territory then.
I've seen hundreds of testing videos from CS, and many other manufacturers.
I've seen horrible abuse videos where the tester literally destroys every knife he tests with metal chopping, bending and side 8mpacts in a vice with a sledgehammer. If a knife I enjoy does less well in one of these tests, I just think to my self.... "well, self, the knife cuts fine.... I'm never going to chop up a petrified tree, or armored tank.... I think I'll keep my knife."
That said, I own and use some real tough knives like Busse, Swamp Rat, and yes, a few CS folders.
I try not to get too worked up, or worship at any alter, be that an alter built to a brand, or high end steel, or type of lock, or material.
Just put your grown up pants on, and deal with it. Your CR knife cuts? And you still think it is neat? GREAT. I think they are fine knives too.
No need to stomp your feet, and come in here and poop your pants. You'll just end up with a rash, and with the nick name "Stinky", or something worse.
