Trouble choosing....

T

Trailer_Ape

Joined
Jun 22, 2017
Messages
271
I am kind of torn between:

- Cold Steel AD10
and
- Cold Steel 4Max Scout

I like the idea of the extra length on the 4Max. I am currently carrying a Kershaw Blur and wouldn't mind it being a little longer (not my Rajah II kind of long tho). I was carrying a 1st Gen (old logo) BM710, before that. My uses are normally light duty, package opening, food prep BUT it is also carried as a self defense tool and also want the option of a hard use tool, in a pinch, without always lugging my ESEE 5 around. The AD10 seems like it has a more rounded (rather than flat) feel. I am guessing as I have never held either. I liked the idea of the AD10 being hollow ground, but guess it isn't anymore? Am I correct that the 4Max is using steel liners while the AD10 is using aluminum?

Input?
 
unwisefool said:
Remember the blade steels are different as well.
Click to expand...

Yea, I failed to mention that. I always considered AUS8 a budget steel and a turn off but the I keep seeing really positives things about the AUS10A. Apparently the only real difference is Slightly higher carbon? So..... tougher (than AUS8) but more prone to corrosion?

What is your opinion about the difference between the steels used in the two I am looking at? AUS10A and (is it) CP30V? What should I expect in performance difference?
 
Aus10 is similar to 440c. It is a very nice steel. You can get the 4max Scout for $84 right now if you look around at holiday deals. I paid that and it is a steal for that price.

The ad10 is a bit more upscale, but much smaller. It is also flat ground now rather than hollow, but you can find hollows around if you're patient. I have one. It is as good as any knife in its price range or higher.

I suggest getting the 4max at the $84 price, and look for a used ad10.
 
soc_monki said:
Aus10 is similar to 440c. It is a very nice steel. You can get the 4max Scout for $84 right now if you look around at holiday deals. I paid that and it is a steal for that price.

The ad10 is a bit more upscale, but much smaller. It is also flat ground now rather than hollow, but you can find hollows around if you're patient. I have one. It is as good as any knife in its price range or higher.

I suggest getting the 4max at the $84 price, and look for a used ad10.
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The first sentence of your second paragraph is what is killing me - I like "upscale". I know that sounds weird from a guy carrying a Blur but there's a reason for that AND you should see my carry pistol. I like tools that are a little on the nicer side BUT "smaller" is what is holding me back. 4" just seems like the minimum to me. If the AD10 was just half an inch longer, I wouldn't be agonizing over this lol.

Thanks for the hedzup on the sales. I will look around. I had figured the $110 was the best I was gonna do.
 
Trailer_Ape said:
The first sentence of your second paragraph is what is killing me - I like "upscale". I know that sounds weird from a guy carrying a Blur but there's a reason for that AND you should see my carry pistol. I like tools that are a little on the nicer side BUT "smaller" is what is holding me back. 4" just seems like the minimum to me. If the AD10 was just half an inch longer, I wouldn't be agonizing over this lol.

Thanks for the hedzup on the sales. I will look around. I had figured the $110 was the best I was gonna do.
Click to expand...

The 4max might be more budget, but it is just as nice as the ad10. Fit and finish and feel are as good, just for less money. The clip is tight (as on all cold steels) but a little bending and sanding under the clip make it perfect. It is heavy as well, but it carries much better than you'd think.

And if you get one and don't like it, it should sell easily. Cold steel can't keep them in stock. They are THAT good.

I have both knives. I enjoy them both immensely. I carry the 4max more! Haha!
 
S35vn is definitely better than aus10. Why do you need the extra half inch blade length?
 
Well, the AD-10 is the higher-end option. Aus10a isn’t on the same level as S35VN, but both steels have worked just fine for me.

I’m kinda partial towards the 4Max. If you’re gonna get a big knife, might as well go all-out.
 
I have an AD10 , but read the specs on the 4max scout, I have to agree with some of the others, the 4 max scout looks like a bargain.
But some of those deals are gone , so the 4max is about $110.

Right now the AD10 is listed at $155 on some sites, so the question is should you spend and extra $40 or $50 on the AD10 for the upgraded materials.

The AD-10 has better blade steel , G10 scales and an aluminum frame. The aluminum frame and the 2 inch size difference, make it 2oz's lighter than the 4max.
The 4 Max has a lower grade blade steel, grivory scales and steel liners.

And if you look at my picture, you can see the AD10 is not a small knife. I was going to buy a regular 4 Max and was glad I didn't after carrying the AD10.

cold_steel.jpg
 
Thanks guys!

Soc-Monki - it says a lot that you have both and carry the 4Max.

They (4Max) are still out there on the low, found one for 83bux. I know I should jump on it BUT..... on the 30th'ish review i watched, I noticed something. I had been so focused on blade length, I didn't notice how long the handle was on the 4Max. A lot of extra length for just half an inch more blade.

I appreciate you guys input! Thank you! And please, don't think that if I go the other route that I am not listening, I am, it really helps to hear other's opinions even if I end up doing the opposite.

Thanks to whoever it was that said the 4M carries well, i was a littler concerned about the closed width.

Wearing my Kiku 4" fixed, right now. Trying to scratch that new knife itch and keep from buying EITHER when I am supposed to be shopping for others (which is how this happened in the first place)
 
For your stated use I think the 4Max Scout would be more suitable. For strictly EDC I personally would pick the AD10.
 
I know this gonna sound nuts, because almost everyone said "4Max Scout" but I pulled the trigger on the AD10.

It will be a minute before I get it (Knife Center) but it was hearing about LT selling CS that made me think I better get in while the getting still good.

I saw it in someone's hand and realized it really isn't as short as I had thought and I just find it so gorgeous.

Well, I will know soon :-)
 
Trailer_Ape said:
I know this gonna sound nuts, because almost everyone said "4Max Scout" but I pulled the trigger on the AD10.

It will be a minute before I get it (Knife Center) but it was hearing about LT selling CS that made me think I better get in while the getting still good.

I saw it in someone's hand and realized it really isn't as short as I had thought and I just find it so gorgeous.

Well, I will know soon :)
Click to expand...

You really can't go wrong either way, they're both great! Can't wait to hear what you think after you get some use on it!
 
I think you'll really like the AD-10. I have the AD-10 and the 4 Max Scout. The AD-10 is very large, especially for its blade length. The 4 Max Scout is huge!

The AD-10 is definitely a more refined knife, but it still has the feel of being pretty much indestructible. The 4 Max Scout has an even more indestructible feel, it that's possible. The thing that impresses me about the big 4 Max is that as huge as it seems, it pocket carries surprisingly easily (I carry in my right rear pocket.) You could EDC it if you wanted to.

When you draw the AD-10 out of your pocket, most people will think it's too big. When you pull the 4 Max Scout out of your pocket, people will question your sanity. :eek:

:)
 
Demko says that he created the 4-Max in response to requests for an XL-version of the AD10. The blade is basically a scaled-up version, but he said the handle shape needed to be changed for ergonomic reasons.

The 4-Max Scout was on sale for $78 the other day at Knife Center, so I snagged one.
 
I have a Recon 1 and from what I read AD10 is no bigger than Recon 1, so I definitely imagine AD10 is very pocketable. However, I just have a difficulty to swallow the nearly $200 price. The discounted price @ $150 sounds more reasonable to me though I'd still pick (and I did) 4-Max Scout at about $80 over it, not only for the price but also the "wow" factor. There are very few folders across all brands that are like 4-max scout.

With that being said, if I can find a reputable dealer (other than the big river) selling AD10 at about $150, I might give in as well
 
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