What is with Cold Steel?

[Blackwind]

well golleeee since i started all this i have learned nothing. Just that nobody here has any cool stories and if you ask a honest question all the "old timer" people will tell you to do a search oh and the search engine on here is broke or it sucks. oh and some of you should know i am not new to using knives just "sitting around and talking about them". This is why i asked the "question" i used cold steel products and a lot of others and found nothing negative about them so i asked.

Going by what you have responded with thus far, I get the impression you really don't want the answer.

Cold Steel makes products that cut.

So does Strider, Benchmade, Ontario, Busse, Terrell.....the list is near endless and its a passion for some...hence places like Bladeforum.

The differential usually occurs in the quality of product, craftsmanship and customer service. I own two Cold Steel products presently....a Magnum Tanto II and a Brave Heart. I have owned several Cold Steel products over the years.

With an ever broadening field of knife makers, product lines etc, I'm sure Cold Steel has felt the pressure often. People have far more choices as to where to send their money.....and they do.

I think Lynn Thompson's action in many cases has left a bad taste in peoples mouths.

In total and in my opinion, their costumer service has gone down hill...and so have many of their products.

 

[averageguy]

"it seems safe to assume that Cold Steel has more generous profit margins than Spyderco"

I doubt it.



It seems I've created quite a ruckus for using the term "fan boy" - I didn't create this term but noticed it being used on the forums. I guess I could use the word "groupie" or devotee - that sounds nicer. But this term seems wholly appropriate for the Busse and Spyderco fan club members. Most Japan modern manufactured knives are quite nice quality - the only distinction Spyderco merits is that they make some funny looking knives. Busse knives simply don't exhibit the level of craftsmanship found in similarly priced knives. There is nothing wrong with being a fan of these knives but when you do this to the exclusion of all other knives and go out of your way to lambaste other's knives than you are, in fact, a fan-boy.

 

[J85909266]

Stop trolling. Nobody with any reasonable amount of knowledge cares. Your posts are only controversial and weighty to others who also know next to nothing about the knife industry.

 

[3Guardsmen]

Keith - I don't need a warning from you. But it would seem that with over 20,000 posts you have the need to insert yourself into every post on this forum. Thanks for the advice.

Dude, seriously, what's your issue with people and their post counts?

3G

 

[truecarbon]

Going by what you have responded with thus far, I get the impression you really don't want the answer.

Cold Steel makes products that cut.

So does Strider, Benchmade, Ontario, Busse, Terrell.....the list is near endless and its a passion for some...hence places like Bladeforum.

The differential usually occurs in the quality of product, craftsmanship and customer service. I own two Cold Steel products presently....a Magnum Tanto II and a Brave Heart. I have owned several Cold Steel products over the years.

With an ever broadening field of knife makers, product lines etc, I'm sure Cold Steel has felt the pressure often. People have far more choices as to where to send their money.....and they do.

I think Lynn Thompson's action in many cases has left a bad taste in peoples mouths.

In total and in my opinion, their costumer service has gone down hill...and so have many of their products.

ok sorry i left that impression with you don't get all misty on me im not the one throwing around insults just making true statments.

 

[MORIMOTOM]

"Firstly don't compare cold steel to Spyderco of all companies."

Of course you can compare these - and you can expect similar quality from similarly priced knives between these brands.
There are only a few major knife manufacturing facilities in Japan. That means all knives marked Japan come from one of these. They may be branded differently but they are manufactured in the same plant.

Morimotom - 8734 posts in two years - what kind of fan boy wanna-be are you anyway.

When you Busse guys pay hundreds of dollars for knives that don't cut much better than 420hc I guess you have to spend a considerable amount of time putting down other knives to justify that expense.

It should be mentioned that together with heat treat, blade geometry is the most consequential factor in a knife's cutting ability.
The Busse knives I have owned did not possess anything near a correct geometry - this may have changed now, I dont know - but I'm not spending hundreds of dollars and playing the fan boy to find out. I can get real knives from guild members for this kind of money.

why the hell are you talking about busse now? stay on topic. or are you just being a troll?

wtf do you care how many posts i have? what does calling me names prove? that you're an ass?

 

[Khalnath]

"it seems safe to assume that Cold Steel has more generous profit margins than Spyderco"

I doubt it.

It seems I've created quite a ruckus for using the term "fan boy" - I didn't create this term but noticed it being used on the forums. I guess I could use the word "groupie" or devotee - that sounds nicer. But this term seems wholly appropriate for the Busse and Spyderco fan club members. Most Japan modern manufactured knives are quite nice quality - the only distinction Spyderco merits is that they make some funny looking knives. Busse knives simply don't exhibit the level of craftsmanship found in similarly priced knives. There is nothing wrong with being a fan of these knives but when you do this to the exclusion of all other knives and go out of your way to lambaste other's knives than you are, in fact, a fan-boy.

Saying that Cold Steel has wider profit margins than Spyderco is a long way from "lambasting others' knives". If you'll read my earlier posts in this thread, you'll see that I've been defending Cold Steel products. I also didn't claim the Voyager or Gunsite folders aren't good knives. YOU are the one making the straw man argument that if any knife is better or better value, that must be bashing Cold Steel.

Frankly, if you think all Spyderco has going for it is "funny looking knives", you just plain don't know anything about knives. Actually, the looks of Spyderco knives kept me away from them for some time... the fact is that they are very well constructed knives with excellent performance for a steal of a price. "Made in Japan" is not a magic word that makes them a good knife. Neither is "Made in USA" for that matter.

Claiming that any criticism at all of Cold Steel makes you a fanboy is itself fanboyism. Take each product on its own merits. I'm not bashing any Cold Steel products, but seriously dude, ragging on Spyderco only makes you look ignorant.

 

[MORIMOTOM]

I believe the resemblance between the Sharpie and the Sharkie is completely mitigated by the fact that the two markers are not competitors. They have two completely different purposes and neither one deprives the other of profit. Have you ever seen those Coca-Cola and other cans or bottles that are really places where you can put cash and jewelry? They're along the same lines; they're called "diversion safes." Just unscrew the bottoms and put the valuables right in. The idea is to hide the true nature of the device. It's a kubotan. Having said that, I'm going to look pretty damn foolish if Lynn Thompson puts the Sharkie up against the Sharpie in his next video. "When you start marking with our Sharkie, you'll think you're using a spray painter!"

Anyone can have a bad experience with one knife. On another site, I just read a review of the Buck 110 with a S30V blade. It read: "After just four days of carry and no heavy use, only to cut open some Christmas packages, the knife handle started to come apart from frame." He gave it a one-star rating. Now was that a fair review? I don't own a Buck, but from what I've heard about them, I'd say no.


I don't know, either. But I can tell you that I have Voyagers in every blade size and many configurations. None of them has any play. I've also given some away as gifts. I have Gunsites, Recon 1s, Pro-Lites, Night Forces, Vaqueros and a Ti-Lite. Oh, and two Ready Edges. All are flawless. I also have a "new" El Hombre 4-incher. It's a bit tight and won't open with a flick, but that's the closest to a bad knife that I've had from CS. If I worked with it awhile, it might even loosen up. Anyway, I like the cowboy on the side with the lasso. Kind of a Western flair.


Okay, so if a knife doesn't baton, you're saying that it's not a good knife? Do you know of any manufacturer that will stand behind their knives if they're batoned? We also have to know how the batoning was done and under what circumstances. What was the temperature, how hard was the knife hit; at what angle was the blade in relation to the handle, what king of wood was being split? There are many variables. Had the knife been batoned before? Did you try it with more than one Trailmaster?

im not going to continually argue the first point, as i said, we agree to disagree.

im also not going to continue to repost my answer to the op, he asked, i gave my opinion.

it wasnt just one knife, but ok. i had the one i bought, saw the ones of the guys i work with, and moved on to another company. simple as that. the name "voyager" sounds right, but i cant be sure. the knife got thrown out so i cant confirm the model.

you like cold steel, that's great. i have never, nor will i ever, talk down to someone for liking a particular brand. you can defend their practices all you like and quote all my posts with counterpoints. you wont change my mind, and i have no intention of trying to change yours.

yes, there are companies that will stand behind their products if they are batoned, but that wasnt the point.

 

[3Guardsmen]

It seems I've created quite a ruckus for using the term "fan boy" - I didn't create this term but noticed it being used on the forums. I guess I could use the word "groupie" or devotee - that sounds nicer. But this term seems wholly appropriate for the Busse and Spyderco fan club members.

No, you've created quite a ruckus by hurling insults at others based on their post counts!

Most Japan modern manufactured knives are quite nice quality - the only distinction Spyderco merits is that they make some funny looking knives. Busse knives simply don't exhibit the level of craftsmanship found in similarly priced knives.

I'm sure that, in your mind, S30V, VG-10, ZDP-189, and CPM-D2 are not improvements over VG-1, AUS8, and 420 sub-zero quenched, but to some of us here, they are. I'm sure that, to you, there is really no difference between peel-ply carbon fiber, custom G-10, stainless steel, micarta, titanium, and FRN, but again, to some of us here, there is. I'm sure you don't see the merits in supporting a company who's owner/president is an active member of this and many other forums, and who likes to share his knowledge and encourage cooperation and innovation in the industry, but some of us here do!

There is nothing wrong with being a fan of these knives but when you do this to the exclusion of all other knives and go out of your way to lambaste other's knives than you are, in fact, a fan-boy.

Wow! Does the stament you just made remind you of the actions of the owner/president of any of the knife companies we've been discussing here?

3G

 

[truecarbon]

I would just like to say I know I just started talking to you people a couple of days ago however that doesn't mean I don't know about knives or have a bond with the culture of blade making. I just don't understand all this hatred isn't there enough in the world stop the hate stop the hate people.

 

[3Guardsmen]

I would just like to say I know I just started talking to you people a couple of days ago however that doesn't mean I don't know about knives or have a bond with the culture of blade making. I just don't understand all this hatred isn't there enough in the world stop the hate stop the hate people.

You started the discussion and we're participating in it. Don't start a thread you don't want replies to. At least you learned the value of using the search feature.

3G

 

[MORIMOTOM]

I would just like to say I know I just started talking to you people a couple of days ago however that doesn't mean I don't know about knives or have a bond with the culture of blade making. I just don't understand all this hatred isn't there enough in the world stop the hate stop the hate people.

there are several companies that will generate this type of reaction and go on and on for pages.

against my initial better judgement, i posted. i had hoped to give you an opinion with which you could base your decision. i knew what would happen when i posted, and now im kinda trapped.

 

[3Guardsmen]

No, I predict CS will soon market a plastic imitation rock, advertising it as harder, tougher, heavier, more modern, and more deadly than old-fashioned stone rocks, far superior both for throwing at your enemies and for cave-man re-enactments. Made from a special proprietary polymer material that no one else has. Original design. Beware of imitations.

Cougar,
I somehow managed to miss that little gem until now. That was hilarious!:thumbup:

Regards,
3G

 

[MORIMOTOM]

"it seems safe to assume that Cold Steel has more generous profit margins than Spyderco"

I doubt it.



It seems I've created quite a ruckus for using the term "fan boy" - I didn't create this term but noticed it being used on the forums. I guess I could use the word "groupie" or devotee - that sounds nicer. But this term seems wholly appropriate for the Busse and Spyderco fan club members. Most Japan modern manufactured knives are quite nice quality - the only distinction Spyderco merits is that they make some funny looking knives. Busse knives simply don't exhibit the level of craftsmanship found in similarly priced knives. There is nothing wrong with being a fan of these knives but when you do this to the exclusion of all other knives and go out of your way to lambaste other's knives than you are, in fact, a fan-boy.

point of fact, i own many knives from many makers. lightfoot, strider, fujisaka, marzitelli, dozier, nealy, saks, emersons, reeves, hak, and i like them all.

you used the term in a derogatory manner when you posted it. cant deny that. then attacked a company in multiple posts that has nothing to do with this thread.

so maybe you want to rethink your ideology.

 

[Khalnath]

so maybe you want to rethink your ideology.

Ideology is the real issue. Cold Steel PRODUCTS do sometimes get unfairly painted with the "Lynn Thompson is a dick" brush. I suspect there might be fewer arguments if instead of saying "Cold Steel sucks", more people said "Cold Steel has some decent products, but I refuse to support their underhanded marketing and wiener CEO."

That one's pretty hard to dispute no matter how good you claim a given product in their lineup is.

 

[3Guardsmen]

Ideology is the real issue. Cold Steel PRODUCTS do sometimes get unfairly painted with the "Lynn Thompson is a dick" brush. I suspect there might be fewer arguments if instead of saying "Cold Steel sucks", more people said "Cold Steel has some decent products, but I refuse to support their underhanded marketing and wiener CEO."

That one's pretty hard to dispute no matter how good you claim a given product in their lineup is.

Khalnath,
That was one of the best posts/suggestions I've read in these sorts of threads!:thumbup:

Regards,
3G

 

[MORIMOTOM]

Ideology is the real issue. Cold Steel PRODUCTS do sometimes get unfairly painted with the "Lynn Thompson is a dick" brush. I suspect there might be fewer arguments if instead of saying "Cold Steel sucks", more people said "Cold Steel has some decent products, but I refuse to support their underhanded marketing and wiener CEO."

That one's pretty hard to dispute no matter how good you claim a given product in their lineup is.

well said. hopefully my posts reflect your statement.

 

[Preacher Man]

Originally Posted by Khalnath:

Ideology is the real issue. Cold Steel PRODUCTS do sometimes get unfairly painted with the "Lynn Thompson is a dick" brush. I suspect there might be fewer arguments if instead of saying "Cold Steel sucks", more people said "Cold Steel has some decent products, but I refuse to support their underhanded marketing and wiener CEO."

That one's pretty hard to dispute no matter how good you claim a given product in their lineup is.

You just hit the nail in the head. If truecarbon needed an explanation, yours' is it. Ideology and stong emotions ussually go hand in hand, which explains why this kind of threads more often than not end in flame wars.

 

[averageguy]

"why the hell are you talking about busse now? stay on topic. or are you just being a troll?

wtf do you care how many posts i have? what does calling me names prove? that you're an ass?"


It's the Busse and Spyderco fan-boy club that spends the most time knocking CS.
These many posts suggests someone with a big mouth, who wants to be heard and is desperately trying to belong to the club.


"Your posts are only controversial and weighty to others who also know next to nothing about the knife industry."

I'm pretty sure I know more than you do. For example. I know infi isn't magic and that there are no MS makers using Busse edge geometry.

 

[3Guardsmen]

"why the hell are you talking about busse now? stay on topic. or are you just being a troll?

wtf do you care how many posts i have? what does calling me names prove? that you're an ass?"


It's the Busse and Spyderco fan-boy club that spends the most time knocking CS.
These many posts suggests someone with a big mouth, who wants to be heard and is desperately trying to belong to the club.


"Your posts are only controversial and weighty to others who also know next to nothing about the knife industry."

I'm pretty sure I know more than you do. For example. I know infi isn't magic and that there are no MS makers using Busse edge geometry.

Spyderco wasn't even part of the equation in this discussion before you joined in and put them down. Neither was Busse for that matter. How do you explain that? I suppose, going by your logic and prior posts, anyone that dislikes Cold Steel must be part of the horrible "High post-count, Spyderco & Busse Mafia." I hear they're a motley bunch.

3G