What, or who, is driving Cold Steel's push to next level?

shootist16

shootist16

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I always thought that Cold Steel made a decent, serviceable knife. Though I found many of their designs lacking. I haven't bought a Cold Steel in about twenty years, a voyages. The more I got into knives the more I got away from Cold Steel. I wanted better steels and designs. Now Cold Steel is really upping their game. Any opinions on why the seemingly fast change? I'm not complaining, though I probably should since they are going to get some of my money this year. I don't think for a second that Cold Steel was struggling, but I think they are really on the verge of being a major player pushing the knife industry to a better place.
 
I can answer that. It's an easy one.
Lynn C Thompson
This isn't a fast change, it's taken years of planning.
Lynn has been pushing really hard for more innovations in design, materials, manufacture etc. These things take a long time to implement and we're proud to be able to announce so many changes at the same time.
But, trust me - this is just the beginning :)
 
Cold Steel Knives said:
I can answer that. It's an easy one.
Lynn C Thompson
This isn't a fast change, it's taken years of planning.
Lynn has been pushing really hard for more innovations in design, materials, manufacture etc. These things take a long time to implement and we're proud to be able to announce so many changes at the same time.
But, trust me - this is just the beginning :)
Click to expand...

I said it in another thread yesterday, and I'll say it again here. Lynn is one of the main reasons I love Cold Steel. I know that CS is being run by someone who is at least as big an enthusiast of knives as I am. That makes a huge difference in how a company meets the needs of its consumers.
 
I remember reading that Mr. Thompson had given Andrew Demko much more control and freedom in the direction they were going with the new products. It seems like the two of them would be largely responsible for it.
 
He lives and breathes this stuff.
Lynn and Andrew are sitting, talking and designing knives as we speak...

This is what we do and we love it
Thanks!
 
As I posted on the "Cold Steel is the best" thread on this forum; I own over 75 CS products qualifying me, I would think, as a major fanboy. However I am less than thrilled about CS's new direction. Many of the "new" 2015 knives are merely old models with new steel. Those of us who already purchased these models in the past are not going to buy the new steel models for a lot more money. The folding Tiger and the Black Talon II are very cool knives but I certainly would have liked them just as much in Aus8. Although I don't think that the design of the fixed blade AK-47 looks as good as the folder, I might have been interested in this knife as well if it weren't for the mind-boggling price!- $284.00 smackers if I'm not mistaken.
I know that there all still some new models to be released so hopefully those will not be knives I already own in Aus8 or in the price range of the AK-47.
One final observation; for years Cold Steel has insisted that the affordable steels they put into their knives were more than adequate and I always agreed. Now it seems they've turned their backs on that assertion in order to cater to the steel snobs...in a sense it almost seems like a betrayal of their long time loyal customers.
 
The lineup still has affordable new designs. Look at the Finn Wolf, really inexpensive for a good-looking folding puukko.

There were people willing to pay a lot more for larger more exotic designs, like their swords and bowies. Now that end of the market is getting more attention. This doesn't hurt us old-timers a bit. I was never going to buy every blade they made. :)
 
Larry Turko said:
for years Cold Steel has insisted that the affordable steels they put into their knives were more than adequate and I always agreed. Now it seems they've turned their backs on that assertion in order to cater to the steel snobs...in a sense it almost seems like a betrayal of their long time loyal customers.
Click to expand...

We still have knives in 8A. We have even added a new 8A knife to our line up this year (the Finn Wolf).
We have also been exploring material options and running tests for a few years now. This is the result of our findings.
When you look at the size and thickness of the knives (the sheer quantity of premium steel used) and the price point, you'll see that it is not only pretty darn reasonable, but far less than some other knives out there on the market.

As always we are aiming to offer the highest quality and performance at the most reasonable price. Our materials may change over the years, but that goal won't.
 
Larry Turko said:
As I posted on the "Cold Steel is the best" thread on this forum; I own over 75 CS products qualifying me, I would think, as a major fanboy. However I am less than thrilled about CS's new direction. Many of the "new" 2015 knives are merely old models with new steel. Those of us who already purchased these models in the past are not going to buy the new steel models for a lot more money. The folding Tiger and the Black Talon II are very cool knives but I certainly would have liked them just as much in Aus8. Although I don't think that the design of the fixed blade AK-47 looks as good as the folder, I might have been interested in this knife as well if it weren't for the mind-boggling price!- $284.00 smackers if I'm not mistaken.
I know that there all still some new models to be released so hopefully those will not be knives I already own in Aus8 or in the price range of the AK-47.
One final observation; for years Cold Steel has insisted that the affordable steels they put into their knives were more than adequate and I always agreed. Now it seems they've turned their backs on that assertion in order to cater to the steel snobs...in a sense it almost seems like a betrayal of their long time loyal customers.
Click to expand...

It is smart business sense to innovate and improve your product lineups to stay relevant.
 
Cold Steel Knives said:
We still have knives in 8A. We have even added a new 8A knife to our line up this year (the Finn Wolf).
We have also been exploring material options and running tests for a few years now. This is the result of our findings.
When you look at the size and thickness of the knives (the sheer quantity of premium steel used) and the price point, you'll see that it is not only pretty darn reasonable, but far less than some other knives out there on the market.

As always we are aiming to offer the highest quality and performance at the most reasonable price. Our materials may change over the years, but that goal won't.
Click to expand...

Agreed. I don't see any 'betrayal' at all. The tag line I remember and associate with Cold Steel's philosophy is, "The world's strongest, sharpest knives." Through years of behind the scenes refining and testing, they've decided that it was time to introduce something other than AUS-8. I certainly don't think the above poster was speaking for the majority here when he said, "Those of us who already purchased these models in the past are not going to buy the new steel models for a lot more money." I'd also disagree with him about these new models costing "a lot more money." He's comparing MSRP from the CS website to street prices of current offerings. Those two don't mix.
 
Cold Steel Knives said:
I can answer that. It's an easy one.
Lynn C Thompson
This isn't a fast change, it's taken years of planning.
Lynn has been pushing really hard for more innovations in design, materials, manufacture etc. These things take a long time to implement and we're proud to be able to announce so many changes at the same time.
But, trust me - this is just the beginning :)
Click to expand...

I think its fantastic that you guys are managing forums and social media while readily answering questions comments or concerns. :)
 
We have a secret weapon. It's called Death Wish Coffee
:p

We're juggling a whole bunch of stuff here. It's kinda crazy. But fun
 
MaxFisher said:
Agreed. I don't see any 'betrayal' at all. The tag line I remember and associate with Cold Steel's philosophy is, "The world's strongest, sharpest knives." Through years of behind the scenes refining and testing, they've decided that it was time to introduce something other than AUS-8. I certainly don't think the above poster was speaking for the majority here when he said, "Those of us who already purchased these models in the past are not going to buy the new steel models for a lot more money." I'd also disagree with him about these new models costing "a lot more money." He's comparing MSRP from the CS website to street prices of current offerings. Those two don't mix.
Click to expand...

I agree on all counts. He's just angry. The benefit for their company will far outweigh the negative and this is a must for them to take the next step. Im the exact opposite of him..... i seriously disliked cold steel and would never buy their products and now it looks as if im turning into a fanboy lol.

MSRP AND STREET PRICE DOESNT DOESN'T MIX!!!!! lol get that through your heads. Plenty of spydercos have msrp north of 500 and you dont hear their fans complaining?
 
Larry, I'm kind of sad that AUS-8 isn't going to be the primary steel for many of their knives anymore, as it was a known (and, to me, loved) quantity. Having said that, the models that have been changed to BD-1 are so far only $10-15 more, which is about the increase one might expect for the new year had the knives continued to be in AUS-8. I'm thinking CS may have gotten a good deal on BD-1 while they were sourcing their XHP, as the steels come from the same company (pure speculation on my part). Whatever the case, those who've used BD-1 have generally reported it as being at least comparable to 8A, if not superior in certain regards, so I remain hopeful on that count. I don't think CS is abandoning the lower end, either (or any particular segment of their customer base). They've always offered stuff across the board, from super affordable to quite pricey, and it looks like this will continue, though perhaps with a bit more available at the pricier end than before. If the changes in materials and styles increase the success of the company by drawing in those who've been on the fence about CS or haven't been interested at all, that ultimately benefits all of us CS lovers. It's always kind of unsettling when there are a lot of sudden and drastic changes in any aspect of life. Once the shock and uncertainty wear off, and one gets used to the new circumstances, they often turn out to be better than the old circumstances. I think this will be the case with CS and their new direction. I've said before that CS is my go-to knife company, and I want them to continue to succeed and innovate, even if that means moving out of my personal "comfort zone" at times. I urge you to give this new direction a chance before getting too upset. You may end up being pleasantly surprised. :thumbup::cool:
 
I'm glad that Cold Steel has deicided to upgrade the steel on some models. I like Aus 8 but honestly it stopped me from buying too many knives made of it cause Aus 8 just didn't really cut the mustard for me mostly. Though I liked the knife designs so much I still bought them. I love the Hold Out series. I really hope they decide to use XHP on that series. When they come down to street price will own at least 3. Same with Recon 1. I like what I see with the 2015 models like the Lucky, Tai Pan 3V, Ultimate Hunter, AK 47 FK. I feel like getting a Ti-lite now also since they changed the steel on it. Never wanted a Ti-Lite til now after they upgraded the steel. As soon as they become available is stores and get down to street price I foresee Cold Steel being 1/4 of my knife collection. I like variety not just with designs but with steels. I hope they offer the Aus 8 for those that want to try a certain model and for those that know they love a certain model can offer premium steel on the blade.
 
Larry Turko said:
As I posted on the "Cold Steel is the best" thread on this forum; I own over 75 CS products qualifying me, I would think, as a major fanboy. However I am less than thrilled about CS's new direction. Many of the "new" 2015 knives are merely old models with new steel. Those of us who already purchased these models in the past are not going to buy the new steel models for a lot more money. The folding Tiger and the Black Talon II are very cool knives but I certainly would have liked them just as much in Aus8. Although I don't think that the design of the fixed blade AK-47 looks as good as the folder, I might have been interested in this knife as well if it weren't for the mind-boggling price!- $284.00 smackers if I'm not mistaken.
Click to expand...

MSRP is NEVER what they go for at vendors.
 
I've had two Cold Steel knives, a Pendleton and a Mini Pendleton Hunter. They've always served me well. They've always held their value. They've always performed as their competitors have.

Cold Steel seems to have caught up with their competitors at a comparable cost. There's a certain value in using certain materials, and although they might be a little late to the party, they're hitting the ground running and I couldn't be more excited.

They're putting out functional designs using quality materials at (what I assume to be) fair prices. 2015 is looking to be a good year.
 
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