Which Cold Steel Should I Get?

S

Sir_Tedward25

Joined
Jun 11, 2013
Messages
7
Hi all, I've just been going through the Cold Steel website and could use some suggestions as to which of the following you prefer, and what you think would best fit my needs. The competition is between the American Lawman, the Recon 1, and the Code 4. All of them the normal size knife. Also, which type of blade do you recommend? I do not want tanto point, but don't see any non-cosmetic difference between spear and clip points. They will partially be used for around-the-house needs, but I will be a volunteer firefighter/EMT through high school; the next four years. Also, just something on the side, if someone could explain the different blade types and the specific uses pros and cons of each, including the different uses for the plain or half-serrated blades. Thank you for your feedback!

P.S. Price is not an issue, judge them as if they all cost the same.

American Lawman:
http://www.coldsteel.com/Product/AMERICAN.20_LAWMAN.20_SERIES/AMERICAN_LAWMAN_SERIES.aspx

Recon 1:
http://www.coldsteel.com/Product/RECON.20_1.20_SERIES/RECON_1_SERIES.aspx

Code 4:
http://www.coldsteel.com/Product/CODE.20_4.20_SERIES/CODE_4_SERIES.aspx
 
Last edited:
Moving this to General to join the other.
 
I think the recon 1 or american lawman would be your best bet. The code 4 doesn't have that g10 for grip so i wouldn't recommend it for the volunteer work you'll be doing which one might need a firm hold on your knife.
 
I'm rather fond of the American Lawman. It's a good, versatile knife. I've got one of the older ones, which still had steel liners (the newer ones are much lighter), and like it a lot. The size, handle shape and blade shape are good for almost anything you might need a pocket knife for. I tried out a couple of Recon 1s and didn't like the handle too much, it's not as comfortable for detailed utility work as the AL, it keeps your hand far from the blade. I haven't used a Code 4 yet, but usually prefer G-10 to aluminum handles.

As far as blade shapes go, drop points, clip points and spear points all work well for most things. Tantos are a bit more specialized and I wouldn't recommend them for what you're looking for. I'm a fan of plain edges, but serrations do have their place if you're cutting straps or tough synthetic materials all day long (I get along just fine with a plain edge). Cold Steel's serrations aren't that great, I think other brands do it better.

So, to sum up, out of those three models I'd pick the American Lawman. They are all good, but the AL just works better for me.
 
Sir_Tedward25 said:
Hi all, I've just been going through the Cold Steel website and could use some suggestions as to which of the following you prefer, and what you think would best fit my needs. The competition is between the American Lawman, the Recon 1, and the Code 4. All of them the normal size knife. Also, which type of blade do you recommend? I do not want tanto point, but don't see any non-cosmetic difference between spear and clip points. They will partially be used for around-the-house needs, but I will be a volunteer firefighter/EMT through high school; the next four years. Also, just something on the side, if someone could explain the different blade types and the specific uses pros and cons of each, including the different uses for the plain or half-serrated blades. Thank you for your feedback!

P.S. Price is not an issue, judge them as if they all cost the same.

American Lawman:
http://www.coldsteel.com/Product/AMERICAN.20_LAWMAN.20_SERIES/AMERICAN_LAWMAN_SERIES.aspx

Recon 1:
http://www.coldsteel.com/Product/RECON.20_1.20_SERIES/RECON_1_SERIES.aspx

Code 4:
http://www.coldsteel.com/Product/CODE.20_4.20_SERIES/CODE_4_SERIES.aspx
Click to expand...

For a young volunteer firefighter, I'd recommend none of them until you talk to the chief or an officer. More than likely, you wouldn't be allowed to use a knife in a situation that calls for one until you've got some training and experience under your belt. If you go to the academy and get your FF lvl. 1, assist with a dozen MVA extractions, take some rescue courses, and prove yourself competent, you might be allowed help with some of the more hands-on stuff involved in rescue and extraction. Until then, the only thing you'll likely need a knife for is cutting the tags off your new bunker gear (if you're lucky enough to get new gear).

For a solid work knife that won't break the bank from an excellent company, look into Kershaw or Spyderco. I use both Spyderco and Kershaw almost exclusively for work knives and I'm pretty hard on them (welder/fabricator, mechanic and firefighter). If you're not sure what blade shape, style, and size to go with, just pick one that looks like it will suite your needs and try it out.

kershaw-cryo-1555ti-2-large.jpg

C122G_L.jpg
 
Probably not the clip point , if you have to cut clothes or seatbelts the point would cut the victim.
 
Of those two I prefer the Lawman. The Recon is too big for me to pull out of my pocket and open without adjusting my grip to get to thumb stud.
I also like the blade shape of the Lawman better.
 
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