.357 mag

I'm not a CS fan. Don't think I ever will. Spyderco tests there knives by machine. It tests the knives strength and records them. Most of Spyderco's knives are rated 200 pounds per inch. A few of them they tested, the liners bent before the lock. Esee is another company. 100% full warranty.. no questions asked. Even abuse!

If you like CS, I'm cool with that. But don't say other companys don't test there knives. Just because you can put your knife though a car hood, doesn't make your knife cool.

.357 mag

They used to be USA made. Moved overseas 5-6 years ago.

Catman

My 30yo Terminator is clearly marked Made In Japan. Did they start making knives in China 5-6 years ago?


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NCLEO89

I haven't seen Lynn Thompson openly bash other knife makers...on the other hand, as previously stated, I also haven't seen other knife makers produce "Proof" videos either. Lynn does. Granted, most any quality knife will go through a car hood, same as a CS blade. However, I'm still waiting on those other guys to make their own videos, and CS has been doing those videos for about 20 + years. In other words, CS is willing to put their money where their mouth is...no one else in the knife biz seems to be willing to do likewise.

wsteinborn

I have a CS mini Tanto folder from the mid 1980s. A nice pocket knife.

I also have a Gurkha Kukri (not the machete version) which ride on/in my rucksack.

I have no idea if this holds an edge any better or worse than other brands, but iti appears to be good quality.

gwnorth

I guess I do not get the emphasis on the "proof" videos. They are just advertising as far as I am concerned, and I approach any company's or products advertising with extreme skepticism. They are, after all, making them to sell more of their product. That's not meant as a slam against Cold Steel or any company, just my own cynicism regarding any form of self promotion.

I only own a couple of CS knives, given to me as gifts, and while they are okay, I prefer benchmade or SOG when it comes to the mainstream mass produced knives (I like BM's axis log and SOG's arc lock for my working pocket folders - not a fan of liner locks, although I have several). I have no video's to link to, but my benchmade's and SOG's have stood my test of actually pocket carry, use and time and they are solid, well made products in my experience (I also like my Boker hunters and I have a couple of hand made laguiole's that feel like they would last centuries of use).

Of course, that is the great thing about a free market economy - we get choices so everyone can find what they like, trust and rely on. And when it comes to knives, the choice is almost mind boggling. I honestly do not think it possible to point to any one manufacturer (or custom maker for that matter) and say "these are the best knives of all".

NCLEO89

My CS blades have likewise withstood the test of daily pocket carry, actual use, and time. Notice that I never actually said that CS makes "the best knives of all"...I only have explained why they are the best FOR ME.

gunsnknives

I really like their (or rather Andrew Demko's) Triad locks and I have several of their recent folders with that setup (American Lawman, Recon 1, new Voyagers, etc). The way that they're doing those knives with the thick G-10 handles and no liners is a great improvement. The only real gripe I have with them is that they keep using AUS8 steel and insisting that its a great, high end knife steel. There's nothing wrong with AUS8, its a solid performer, but there are better steels available and it would be nice to see a Cold Steel model with a real high-end steel. I do like the design of most of their folders, and how they're developing that line.

I only have 1 Cold Steel fixed blade, a Kobun, and while its a good, solid knife I don't find it to be anything particularly special - its worth what I paid for it, no more and no less.

That said, I can't get over the impression that Lynn Thompson is a geardo and watching the proof videos is like watching professional wrestling or something.

brimic

[QUOTEThe only real gripe I have with them is that they keep using AUS8 steel and insisting that its a great, high end knife steel. There's nothing wrong with AUS8, its a solid performer, but there are better steels available and it would be nice to see a Cold Steel model with a real high-end steel.][/QUOTE

I really like AUS-8 in knives- it holds an edge fairly well, and is easy to sharpen. Some of the 'high end' steels hold an edge extremely well but are extremely difficult to sharped. I have several knives in CPM S30V and D2 that I absolutely dread sharpening. Even VG-10 can be a PITA to sharpen. AUS-8 steels are a very good compromise.

computerdynamics

I've had pretty good luck with AUS8. For daily use it gets really sharp and you can get it back to "really sharp' without spending hours. Nothing for nothing this thread should have been named, "Why I Hate Cold Steel knives". Most of the posts are bashers? Are 2/3 of the posts "off topic"? ; )
If you don't like 'em nobody's forcing you to buy them? Seems like it's time to move on.......... something like, " Why I like overpriced _______", that costs more than a Ruger 10-22 rifle. It's gone from the owner to car hoods to DVD's to Taiwan to China to types of steel to etc. to etc.! At least they aren't made by Rough Rider Knives. This poor dog has been kicked to death. ; )
Tony

NCLEO89

I see your point...but I stand by my OP; CS is still the only blade for me. On the other hand, to each their own, right?

OldCrow

I am a real fan of the Roach Belly and Canadian Belt knife. They are true working knives. If I have to sacrifice a Roach Belly or a Canadian Belt knife to get a job done it's not a huge loss, I got the job done. If either knife is razor sharp you can skin two deer before they need a touch up. I have spent 5x on knives that can't do that. Many readers own and treasure these "better knives." I really like my Buck and KaBar knives but when push comes to shove they aren't better than a Cold Steel knife.

Amishman44

I've been wanting a 3" Push Knife for years! Cold Steel...

Lee D

ive always been interested in that design...pure defensive blade, but ive always steered clear of them. im not sure how weapon laws apply to a knife like that.
if memory serves correct, isnt the smallest of Cold Steels push knives a single edged blade?

Erop

The distinct one, not only to go through one's body, but go through the spirit..Cold steel knives has become too gimmicky to be taken as seriously anymore..i loved cold knives