What's up with the Cold Steel hate around here?

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Not really sure why myself, they have been around for 3 decades now and they sell a lot of knives and they do perform as CS says they do.

As far as being made overseas, well that hasn't really changed from the beginning except for the Carbon V models, once that was gone so was the US manufacturer.

They make good user blades for those who like the models, same with most other companies.

The marketing is somewhat over the top I would agree, but that's marketing now isn't it and the purpose is to sell knives and make money and they do that very well.

Either one likes the knives or they don't, the same goes for the other Knife Companies.

I only thing I really don't like about them is the Tactical and Weapon push of the marketing, that isn't doing any of us any favors in the eyes of the public and the Government etc.

But then the same can be said for other companies also.
 
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scotchleaf said:
overpriced, overhyped
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Thanks for your response, scotchleaf. Would you mind elaborating a bit? As far as overpriced, you're right the MSRP is insane, the more common internet pricing is something I consider to be far more reasonable, however. By overhyped do you you mean Lynn Thompson's marketing? If so, that seems to be a very common and valid opinion. I'm curious, what Cold Steel models have you used/owned that make you feel this way?
 
For me there many great knife companies out there. I choose to spend my money with those who I respect. Helps narrow the choice down and helps me in my personal decision to not encourage market behavior that I would rather not identify with.

That has nothing to do with "hate". :D
 
Cold Steel = Overpriced Garbage. Very tasteless marketing (geared towards thugs)..
 
Well lets see they do a San Mai with VG-1 thats not as good as VG-10 (which Fallkniven uses) and they cost just as much as knives with much better steel S30V, 3V, D2, A2 etc in there larger knives. They are overpriced, overhyped and its BS.....so defend that. I mean there pendleton hunter on there site is $499.99 with VG-1....totally a waste of money for the product you get.
 
barrabas74 said:
Well lets see they do a San Mai with VG-1 thats not as good as VG-10 (which Fallkniven uses) and they cost just as much as knives with much better steel S30V, 3V, D2, A2 etc in there larger knives. They are overpriced, overhyped and its BS.....so defend that. I mean there pendleton hunter on there site is $499.99 with VG-1....totally a waste of money for the product you get.
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Everyone that really knows knives knows that steel type is only part of how effective a knife is. Heat treat, craftsmanship and geometry are all major factors. Also, the term "better steel" is very, very subjective. Different steels perform better at different things in accordance with different make-ups and different heat treats from different makers. For the most part, its hard to say any one steel is universally better than any other at everything. I will say, after several years of actual experience, that Cold's VG-1 SM III performs very well for all the wilderness based tasks that I have used it for. It is not the favored steel in my stable, not at all, but still very good. Thanks for your post though :)

BTW, I could not agree more, CS's MSRP is a joke. Never met anyone who actually paid MSRP, however. I got my VG-1 TM for like $200 if I recall, worth every penny.
 
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This is the exact type of nonsense I was looking to avoid here. Go find another thread to troll, dude.
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So I guess we got off on the wrong foot. You asked a question, and I answered. Hardly a troll, but I guess if it makes you feel better that's all that matters.
 
barrabas74 said:
Well lets see they do a San Mai with VG-1 thats not as good as VG-10 (which Fallkniven uses) and they cost just as much as knives with much better steel S30V, 3V, D2, A2 etc in there larger knives. They are overpriced, overhyped and its BS.....so defend that. I mean there pendleton hunter on there site is $499.99 with VG-1....totally a waste of money for the product you get.
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It took me all of 5 secs to come up about 25 places you can get that exact knife for $250, and that's good dealers...

Anyone who pays full retail off of their site is a fool when the street prices are around half that usually.

VG-1 is an excellent steel, made by the same company that makes VG-10, performance is about the same also from testing both.
 
I think it should be noted, guys, that I'm not a Cold Steel fanboy. Not at all. In fact I'm more of a Busse(kin) and Barkie man these days. I've just really enjoyed the CS's that I have and have always been confused as to why they get slammed here on BF so much while other, far inferior and disreputable brands not only get a pass, but are constantly having their praises sung.

Thanks for the responses for far, fellas. I do confess that this might not have been the best idea for a thread, however lol
 
PharaohX3 said:
I think it should be noted, guys, that I'm not a Cold Steel fanboy. Not at all. In fact I'm more of a Busse(kin) and Barkie man these days. I've just really enjoyed the CS's that I have and have always been confused as to why they get slammed here on BF so much while other, far inferior and disreputable brands not only get a pass, but are constantly having their praises sung.

Thanks for the responses for far, fellas. I do confess that this might not have been the best idea for a thread, however lol
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I am not either, but the knives do perform and are reasonably priced depending on the model to very cheap.
 
Their style reminds me of that kid who just got a new, all black tactical knife and thinks he's a big man just because he has a "weapon". Cold steel doesn't really advertise their knives as utility tools. I don't need a knife for fighting, thus, I don't like cold steel's advertising. I mean, they could have done other tests that would prove a knife, without emphasizing things such as stabbing potential, or how many kevlar vests it goes through, or how much flesh it can seperate. Those are not very daily task types of things, and just seem to be over the top to me.
 
i've got 5 coldsteel products, (1 hawk, 4 knives) the hawks great, not worth what they wanted for it,
the coldsteel tanto was damn near worthless, between the coating and the edge angle, it was better suited for digging than cutting.
the other three were gifts so i still have them too.

i don't carry them.

"over priced, over hyped" is a good description.

and lynn tompson is a tool bag.

not a magpul fan either, decent collapsible stock but that's it, plastic sights and goofy marketing to tactical *** hats.:cool:
 
CS is bashed because it's the cool thing to do on the various forums.

Thompson's approach is questionable, and seems to focus on the mall ninja types. I've always felt that the Triad Lock (and associated models) should be heavily pushed, as it's a fantastic design that doesn't get much notice.
 
Minibear464 said:
Their style reminds me of that kid who just got a new, all black tactical knife and thinks he's a big man just because he has a "weapon". Cold steel doesn't really advertise their knives as utility tools. I don't need a knife for fighting, thus, I don't like cold steel's advertising. I mean, they could have done other tests that would prove a knife, without emphasizing things such as stabbing potential, or how many kevlar vests it goes through, or how much flesh it can seperate. Those are not very daily task types of things, and just seem to be over the top to me.
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I agree with this in part. They do push "tactical" quite a bit and have numerous models that are geared that way. So do about 90% of other big name knife brands. Everyone wants to be tactical nowadays and there is a HUGE market for it, nevermind the fact that probably less than 1% of the buyers are actually martial artists, military or law enforcement. If you dislike CS for being too tactical than you gotta dislike a boatload of other guys too, including many very expensive high-end brands. They do often market their product as a weapon, yes, but they also do alot of simple cutting and strength tests that I think are designed to impress the average non-tactical knife users as well. It's true CS does make alot of combat geared mall-ninja crap, but again there is a massive market for that. CS also makes some excellent utility, wilderness and real combat blades. I encourage you to take a closer look if you have occasion to do so.
 
i like cold steel,my first real folder was a cold steel "el hombre" 4 inch,ive had for over ten years and its still going strong,used it as a throwing knife,lock has not failed,used it in construction,flooring,cut up concrete backer for tile installation when the dewalt ran out of batteries,still strong...as for their form of advertising,yea a lil too much,but being honest,which one of us has not imagined what striking a skull with a tomahawk would do? or chopping up flesh with a sword,i mean wtf,thats what those things are meant to do... i would rather have them made in the usa,thats for sure,my cold steel knives are japan made atleast,theyre inexpensive and good WORKING blades,and as for lyn thompson,hey guys living the dream,puts his blades to use,hunts with them all over the world,and im sure he can kick some ass...i own lots of different blades from many makers,spyderco,becker,ka bar,benchmade,cold steels are my beaters ,doubt my spyderco endura can keep up with me at work,would want to scratch up my benchmade or throw it at a tree...
 
I'll throw in one more thought/opinion on CS in this thread, (I've posted in way too many CS threads already) I have several CS products/knives all of which were bought for a fair price and all my CS knives perform to the level I expected for what I paid for them.

Are there better knives than CS,sure just as there are worse knives. Does Lynn Thomsan go overboard with his promotional ways,of course he does but it's his company.

I've never had any failures with his knives so I can't attest to their Customer Service but AFAIK their CS department is no better or worse than anyone else sellin' similar knives.

So if ya wanna buy CS try 'em ya might find they fill a need and if you're not impressed/satisfied ya can post in the GB&U thread with your opinions.

As for me? Is there another CS product in my future?

Probably... but that's me.
 
Thompson looks like he might be very good with a knife. Either that or he has a good editor. In any case, this has nothing to do with the quality of his knives. Merely a promotion tool. He does look very good though.

As mentioned the knives are priced at the same price point of knives from real makers like Buck, CR, Randall, when they should be about a fifth of the price.

I've noticed that many of the major makers like Busse, CR and Buck have their own sections on this forum or one of the other three. It's a chance to move product, but because it's being done on an open forum, there is also a chance to get hit if one of your products is flawed. Double edged sword (pun intended). I did a search on Cold Steel Forum and discovered they were on a forum their own. Call me a cynic, but this does not seem to be something that would lead to an open discussion of their product.

Lastly let's discuss guarantees. Here's theirs
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Warranty:

We stand behind our knives and swords 100%. We subject them to the highest standards in the industry and strive to make each as perfect as possible. We warrant that our folding knives, fixed blade sheath knives, and swords are free from defects in workmanship and materials.

Total satisfaction or your money back!

If you are dissatisfied with merchandise obtains from OUR site, simply return within 30 days for a refund. (Items should be returned in the condition received). This money back guarantee applies only to items purchased directly from Cold Steel, Inc. Items purchased from other sources will be repaired or replaced if defective.
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WOW, If I'm reading this correctly, if they send me a broken knife, I'll get a refund. If the knife breaks, through normal or even light usage, I've got a paper weight. Long story short (I know too late) I don't hate them, just have very low expectations.:)
 
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