What's the consensus on the Cold Steel Counter Point 4"?

Z

Zephyr One/Zero

Joined
May 13, 2007
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Been thinking about snapping-up a Counter Point 4" folder. A folding boot-knife is missing from the collection. Do these models live-up, to the usual Cold Steel hype? What do the owners of these blades, have to say? Thanks!
 
I got one for Fathers day a few years back, and it's a really solid knife. The AUS10 sharpens well and has held up to beater tasks at work. The Triad lock is still rock solid, the polymer handle looks no worse for wear (though it is a bit grippy and aggressive). I have always liked the spear point blade shape, and the CP does this well.

I generally like a more premium handle. I really love my Hold Out 6 with the G10. However, I have a hiking trip coming up next year where I have decided that I'm not going to weigh myself down with a massive fixed blade when a very stout folder will do the same thing. I'm leaning heavily toward getting a Counter Point XL to fit that role simply because I really find the 4" blade shape great for my needs, and this would give me a larger knife that could still hold up to any perceived needs I will realistically come up on.

In short, I am really pleased with the design and build quality.
 
I have been eyeing the Counter Point up but I just haven't pulled the trigger yet! I like the version with the Gunsite logo on the blade for no particular reason...I just like it.
 
I like this knife a lot, except for the texture of the handle under the clip. harder than it should be in and out and pocket shredder. they made a smoother handle version at one time. wish they bring that back. minus that a great folder.
 
I have one, never cared for it. It resides in it's original box and bubble wrap. It was really an impulse buy.

The blade was noticeably shorter than 4". Enough to bother me. When I order a knife advertised as having a 4" blade, I want a 4" blade, not a 3-11/16ths" blade.

I'm also not a fan of the broad tip. I prefer a more tapered tip on dagger-style blades.

On the plus side, it can be wrist-flicked open. I like that in a "tactical"-style folding knife. But I just don't like the knife. I should have sent it back.

After being disappointed with the Counter Point, I bought my first Ti-Lite 6, and the rest is history.

KFuEgBl.jpg
 
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I had one of the previous iteration some years ago. I liked it, but ended up parlaying it in a trade bundle, so apparently it didn’t jazz me enough to keep it. The usual reliable grivory/triad lock fare, but as mentioned a kinda broad daggery blade. I did recall liking the comfort in hand, but I understand they have a rough texture on the grip now, when that version had a relatively smooth texture.
 
I’ve been carrying the Counterpoint 2 for yrs as my edc. Love it. I feel it’s the perfect size and lightweight. The Counterpoint 1 (which I also own) is considerably larger and has a thicker blade. I like it a lot but don’t carry it. Nothing wrong with it, just like the smaller size of the CP 2. Just remember though….all the Counterpoint models have a false edge. I know it may seem dumb to point that out…but many people want the double edge when purchasing a boot knife. And of course they fold, unlike a “true” boot knife which is fixed. But I love that feature personally. Triad lock up is solid.
 
killgar said:
I have one, never cared for it. It resides in it's original box and bubble wrap. It was really an impulse buy.

The blade was noticeably shorter than 4". Enough to bother me. When I order a knife advertised as having a 4" blade, I want a 4" blade, not a 3-11/16ths" blade.

I'm also not a fan of the broad tip. I prefer a more tapered tip on dagger-style blades.

On the plus side, it can be wrist-flicked open. I like that in a "tactical"-style folding knife. But I just don't like the knife. I should have sent it back.

After being disappointed with the Counter Point, I bought my first Ti-Lite 6, and the rest is history.

KFuEgBl.jpg
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Mine is similar, maybe a hair longer at that point. If you measure the full exposed length, tip to the lower edge of the ricasso, its a hair over 4”. I personally would take the length where you did, but for safety’s sake I can understand why a company might list it at the max. Overzealous jurisdictions and all.

As far as the knife goes, its one of my favorites. A little thick in the pocket, but that makes it good in the hand. A lot more versatile than it looks, I put mine to fire duty for a while and it did fine. The 6” version is a beast.
 
I have the original smooth handle model both 4" and 6". I thoroughly enjoy them, not sure why Cold Steel felt the need to add texture to the handles.
 
Man with no name said:
I have the original smooth handle model both 4" and 6". I thoroughly enjoy them, not sure why Cold Steel felt the need to add texture to the handles.
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For tactical de-animation, of course! Clearly you haven't chopped through enough meat-filled cowboy boots or cardboard terrorists;)

I'm with you. The texture is overkill. I don't mind a really grippy G10 like they do. However the exfoliator on steroids finish on the plastic handles is a bit much.
 
I've had the original Counter Point 6" for a number of years. It's a little chunky in pocket, and I would assume the same would be true of the others due to the handle design...but it feels great in hand. I really like the blade shape. I don't carry mine often; my choice for XL folder is usually the Frenzy, Hold Out or Paradox because they're all lighter and/or take up less pocket space.
 
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I just received a Counterpoint XL and really like it! I snagged it for $35 from the usual place. Its big, but feels great in my hand. Its like a folding FS fighting knife, but without the fully sharpened dagger edges. On a side note, I also grabbed a Kudu Light and I'm very impressed with it! Especially for $4:cool:
 
jdk1 said:
I just received a Counterpoint XL and really like it! I snagged it for $35 from the usual place. Its big, but feels great in my hand. Its like a folding FS fighting knife, but without the fully sharpened dagger edges. On a side note, I also grabbed a Kudu Light and I'm very impressed with it! Especially for $4:cool:
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I got that same deal. Phenomenal folder. CS does AUS10 well for sure.
 
Heck of a deal ! I almost
jdk1 said:
I just received a Counterpoint XL and really like it! I snagged it for $35 from the usual place. It's big, but feels great in my hand. It's like a folding FS fighting knife, but without the fully sharpened dagger edges. On a side note, I also grabbed a Kudu Light and I'm very impressed with it! Especially for $4:cool:
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grabbed it ...but :

I have the shorter version already . Great handle grip / ergonomics . Nothing wrong with the knife , if you like a single edged dagger blade .

I just don't have much use for daggers with false edges .

To me , that's not really a dagger !
 
I bought the 6" Counter Point and received it a couple of weeks ago. I'm still getting used to carrying it. Obviously it takes up more pocket space, but it's easy for me to carry in my cargo pants. It came sharp and the fit and finish was as good as expected.
 
So after a few days, I LIKE the Hold Out 6" more than the CP XL. Blade steel, slimness, etc.
However, if you made me choose which one I would want to frantically stab with...CPXL for sure. It's a pocket hog with its thickness and aggressive texture, but I feel much better about my fingers not sliding up on it.

I still think CS needs to release a 4" Hold Out. That's a sweet spot for that knife. It's clearly a martial/SD blade. Make it long enough to pierce deep enough but not be a comical pocket sword (though I do love my XL Cold Steel folders).

In short, I probably find more utility for the CPXL over the Hold Out 6" because it feels more like a knife o could choke up on and use with less care. The steel isn't as good, but AUS10 is no slouch. If you made me pick one that I could use for utility and SD, currently the CPXL wins. If you ask me which one I feel is a better knife, the Hold Old easily.

I would not feel under knifed with either.
 
jdk1 said:
I just received a Counterpoint XL and really like it! I snagged it for $35 from the usual place. Its big, but feels great in my hand. Its like a folding FS fighting knife, but without the fully sharpened dagger edges. On a side note, I also grabbed a Kudu Light and I'm very impressed with it! Especially for $4:cool:
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I could not resist such a good deal, so I purchased one even though I had the older version with smooth handles. One difference besides the texture of the handle was no lock stick. At times I would and still do, have to press the lock against the edge of a table to close the older knife.
 
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