Recommendation? Which Cold Steel for . . .?

[mefisto]

Greetings all,

I became enamored by Cold Steel knives while visiting my friend a few weeks ago, and since then, I have been contemplating which one to acquire. Despite reading the descriptions and reviews, I cannot quite comprehend the differences; thus, I thought that I ask here.

The primary purpose of the knife will be use on a farm, hiking, camping, and similar activities, where a toughness of the knife and comfortable secure grip overrides other considerations, e.g., weight, size, carry-ability, etc.

Thus, if you could recommend both a folder, with a strong lock, and a fixed blade, I would appreciate it.

Please, let me know if any additional information would be helpful.

Kindest regards,

M

 

[Dadpool]

I don't have much experience with CS fixed blades, but the Recon 1 seems like a great fit given your needs. Lighter than it has any right to be, but tough as nails. Excellent steel and a whole lot of knife for the price.

CS does a great tanto (the version I went with) but the R1 also comes in spear and clip point, either of which might be more versatile for the chores you described.

 

[McFeeli]

There are two models that stick out to me, both are fixed blades. Firstly, the SRK would be a good choice because it’s a lot of knife for the money. Something you can use and abuse without worrying too much.

The other is bit pricey, but it’s still a ton of knife for the money. The Trailmaster is a do-it-all type of knife. I don’t own one, but a friend of mine uses his a lot at camp. He let me use it a little bit, I really liked it. The Kraton handle is secure, enough blade to do most things well, and relatively light for it’s size.

 

[jlauffer]

There are two models that stick out to me, both are fixed blades. Firstly, the SRK would be a good choice because it’s a lot of knife for the money. Something you can use and abuse without worrying too much.

The other is bit pricey, but it’s still a ton of knife for the money. The Trailmaster is a do-it-all type of knife. I don’t own one, but a friend of mine uses his a lot at camp. He let me use it a little bit, I really liked it. The Kraton handle is secure, enough blade to do most things well, and relatively light for it’s size.

Both solid choices, and could also look at the Recon Scout for something in between (it's basically a Trail Master with a shorter blade).

Folder-wise, would think the following would be great choices: Recon 1, Ultimate Hunter, AD10, and SR1

 

[Dadpool]

Folder-wise, would think the following would be great choices: Recon 1, Ultimate Hunter, AD10, and SR1

Ooh, how did I forget the UH!? That's a phenomenal knife, and a great fit for a lot of the same reasons as the R1.

 

[AF]

For folder I'd say Ultimate Hunter, Bush Ranger, AD10 or SR1. The first 3 have contoured scales. The SR1 has the thickest blade.

 

[Coyja]

Get a Finn Wolf folder, it s a great slicer and very ergonomic in the hand.
And then get an SRK in SK5.
Both are super reasonably priced (both around $30-40), great value for the money, and solid.

 

[jux t]

My favorites are the master hunter 3V and the recon 1 variants. Particularly the clip point but all are great. The Trailmaster is really nice if you need a big knife.

 

[Cold Steel Knives]

It sounds like we have very similar work/life situations and thus, knife requirements. I have many setups obviously, but I mostly carry a 3V Master Hunter and a Recon 1 while on the ranch, in the woods and in the office. If budget is an issue, I'd recommend the SRK in SK5 and a Large Voyager.

 

[mefisto]

Greetings all,

and than you for the responses. Although the small sample cannot be statistically significant, it appears that the Recon 1 and either the Master Hunter 3V or the SRK in SK5 are the most recommended. Is any of the point on the Recon 1 preferred?

I will start looking.

Kindest regards,

M

 

[Bigfattyt]

I have a Recon 1 (triad lock) in tanto and Clip Point. I also have an older recon 1 ultra lock tanto.

The Ultimate hunter is even better looking. Not as "tactical" but as useful blade shape and finish as you could want!!

The clip or spear point will work for a general use EDC.

 

[AF]

Is any of the point on the Recon 1 preferred?

I'm partial to the clip point. The tanto is hollow ground while the clip and spear are flat ground.

 

[Kiteman72]

I just used my relatively new Working Man folder to take the wrap off some bales yesterday.

This is a task that has very quickly dulled my Benchmade Bugout's S30V steel in the past. It's just a material that is really hard on an edge. I switched to a Steel Will Modus in D2 and it worked way better than my Bugout.

Now I will probably alternate between the Modus and the Working Man. The bales were hard on WM's edge but it was very easy to touch up on a crock stick, back to sharp in no time. The WM's stonewash finish is great and you just can't beat the price. Mine has the bright green handle, east to see again when you set it down or stab it into the bale as you tug off the wrap.

 

[PeteyTwoPointOne]

I just used my relatively new Working Man folder to take the wrap off some bales yesterday.

This is a task that has very quickly dulled my Benchmade Bugout's S30V steel in the past. It's just a material that is really hard on an edge. I switched to a Steel Will Modus in D2 and it worked way better than my Bugout.

Now I will probably alternate between the Modus and the Working Man. The bales were hard on WM's edge but it was very easy to touch up on a crock stick, back to sharp in no time. The WM's stonewash finish is great and you just can't beat the price. Mine has the bright green handle, east to see again when you set it down or stab it into the bale as you tug off the wrap.

Perfect example of why Hi-Vis knife handles are useful...you don't want your cattle developing a case of "hardware fever."

 

[whp]

Both the clip point and spear point Recon1 s are fine work knives, but I think the flat ground spear point Recon 1 might be better than the clip point for camping and heavy outdoor use. Also, give some consideration to the Ultimate Hunter which is 1/2 inch shorter and probably just as strong.

 

[mefisto]

Greetings all,

I am little embarrassed to admit that after requesting and receiving an advice which knife to buy, I had bought one not recommended.

In my (feeble) defense jlauffer suggested AD10 and while I was doing some research on it, I found a comparison with AD-15. As luck would have it, a gentleman on this forum was selling AD-15, which appears to be very similar apart from the lock, which, nevertheless appeals to me as a mechanical toys nerd. Furthermore, it was difficult to pass on the offered for price.

I am already in possession of the knife and after examining the construction - steel liners, robust blade and locking mechanism, I believe that it will be strong enough for the intended purpose. Thus, I have been wondering why it was not recommended.

Kindest regards,

M

 

[McFeeli]

Greetings all,

I am little embarrassed to admit that after requesting and receiving an advice which knife to buy, I had bought one not recommended.

In my (feeble) defense jlauffer suggested AD10 and while I was doing some research on it, I found a comparison with AD-15. As luck would have it, a gentleman on this forum was selling AD-15, which appears to be very similar apart from the lock, which, nevertheless appeals to me as a mechanical toys nerd. Furthermore, it was difficult to pass on the offered for price.

I am already in possession of the knife and after examining the construction - steel liners, robust blade and locking mechanism, I believe that it will be strong enough for the intended purpose. Thus, I have been wondering why it was not recommended.

Kindest regards,

M

The AD10 and 15 are nearly the same knife. They have different locking mechanisms, but they’re both Demko models. I’m sure the AD15 will suit your needs as well as the 10 would have. It’s probably as simple as personal preference than overall utility.

 

[jlauffer]

Greetings all,

I am little embarrassed to admit that after requesting and receiving an advice which knife to buy, I had bought one not recommended.

In my (feeble) defense jlauffer suggested AD10 and while I was doing some research on it, I found a comparison with AD-15. As luck would have it, a gentleman on this forum was selling AD-15, which appears to be very similar apart from the lock, which, nevertheless appeals to me as a mechanical toys nerd. Furthermore, it was difficult to pass on the offered for price.

I am already in possession of the knife and after examining the construction - steel liners, robust blade and locking mechanism, I believe that it will be strong enough for the intended purpose. Thus, I have been wondering why it was not recommended.

Kindest regards,

M

Lol...not sure why I didn't mention the 15, as I actually prefer it to the 10 to carry...basically the same blade in a less bulky package.

Glad you like it, and hope it serves you well!

 

[AF]

Thus, I have been wondering why it was not recommended.

It may have been overlooked because you stated that you became interested in Cold Steel after visiting a friend. Perhaps we assumed that your friend had introduced you to the Tri-Ad lock which is really the mainstay of Cold Steel's folding line-up.
AD-15 is a fine choice. Congrats!

 

[mefisto]

Greetings all,

I am relieved that you are not upset with me, after all, I will need more recommendations in the future. ;-)

Hi AF,

it is interesting how assumptions may lead us astray. My friend's Cold Steel(s) are fixed blades. ;-)

Kindest regards,

M