ok,ok, everyone give me your opinion of Cold Steel...

[joebe]

i want everyones opinion on the product and also Lynn Thompson if you want.



thanks in advance <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

[hawkbill]

There was a point several years ago when I thought Cold Steel knives were cool, and (gasp) even owned some. They do have some functional designs (Recon Tanto/SRK and Recon Scout fixed blades were favorites then).

But THEN, I discovered Spyderco, and sold/traded the CS stuff (except for a Recon Tanto I used to carry when on our tac team).

"I am what I am, and that's all that I am"....Popeye

[sam the man..]

CS makes good knives.. <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0><img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0><img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> But sometimes, they can be a bit loud.. <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0><img src="tongue.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0><img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

Sam

have scars will travel..

[Al]

I quite like the look of the CS26S Cold Steel Ti-Lite with its Titanium handles.

[J Smith]

The only CS that I am interested in getting is the med. size Gunsite Tanto.

SOOOO!,I see the internet is on the computer now!....Homer Simpson

[glockman99]

Cold Steel folders are ok, but they don't have "THE Spydiehole", their serrations SUCK, and they don't have any models with stainless scales. (I'd LOVE to see Spyderco come out with THEIR version of the CS Vaquero Grande!).

Cold Steel fixed-blade models, for the most part, are pretty good.

Dann Fassnacht Aberdeen, WA glockman99@hotmail.com ICQ: 53675663

[dialex]

They make fine knives. I preffer the spidies, though <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

[joebe]

what do you think about the new model folders with hole in the blade ?

is it a Lynn Thompson personality thing ?

[Knife Knut]

Good designs ruined by crappy steels. The Spike for instance.

Knife Knut on a shoestring budget. RKBA

[Joe Talmadge]

I believe Cold Steel's fixed blades are solid performers at a fair price.

Cold Steel's fixed blades compete poorly versus Spyderco and Benchmade, IMO.

[KBR]

Cold Steel knives don't interest me at all. IMO, they seem to be very similar to those **great** knives that you see on the HSN. <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

Survive, Adapt, and Overcome...

Edited by - KBR on 1/2/2003 6:52:00 PM

[toothed]

Knife buyers are very fortunate these days because of the large number of manufacturers making a large variety of knife designs with a wide price range.

CS is often maligned as a maker of "cheap stuff" by those able to afford more expensive knives. I would prefer to characterize CS as a capable maker of knives for a niche market (i.e., military, hunting, self-defense knives at affordable prices).

I used to dislike the AUS steels but have come to learn to live with them--and even like them. One of my favorite Sypderco's, a Calypso Jr., has an AUS-8 blade.

My favorite CSs are the Black Bear Classic and the large Gunsite folder. Someday I hope to get a stag Trailmaster.

Lynn Thompson? I would describe him as a "Manly, Man" designing and bringing to market affordable products that he feel are wanted and needed by many others not unlike himself. No, I wouldn't describe myself as a "Manly, Man" but I do appreciate the thinking that went into some of his products.

[Sword and Shield]

I'll jump in, what the heck.

***Warning! Warning! Long, maybe incoherent, post!***

First, the knives. Not bad, albeit a little overpriced. A Voyager in VG-10 would be greatly improved, as would one with a little stronger serrations. They're OK, but pale pretty quickly when pitted against a <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> or a BM.

The fixed blades aren't bad, though nothing spectacular. Carbon V is simply Case CV (50100B or 0170-6, Thanks, Mr. Talmadge!), which makes it a good performer. Not the top of the heap, but adequate. I'll take 1095 any day, but that's me.

Now, the company itself. I don't care for it. First is the lack of communication, since it took me 3 months one year to get a catalog. <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> had one to me in 2 weeks. Second is the "Mystery steel". I don't like when companies disguise their steels by calling them the "Alchemic Superduper Carbon XXI 2" steel, as I have nothing to compare it to.

Last is the little scandal they had with ATC tomahawks. It seems that CS labeled their tomahawks "ATC", which they claimed was "All-Terrain Chopper" or something similar. That name is registered to American Tomahawk Company, which CS only grudingly acknowledged.

Knives are OK, the company I can do without. Just my opinion, obviously. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

Never underestimate the impossible.

Edited by - Sword and Shield on 1/2/2003 8:44:31 PM

[vampyrewolf]

**spit**

IMHO CS isn't worth the ink used to print the cash.

I have 1 CS, and am considering how I want to destroy it.

ReadyEdge, with very small serrations that I have made numerous attempts to sharpen, going so far as to use needle files and a dremel...
I have since used a 300grit stone and put a passable edge on it, plain edge that is...

trying to figure out how glorious I want it's death to be... the fire is too good for it.

My Word, My Honour, is my Life.

[Alan2112]

The only one in our collection is a PE large Voyager. I have been very pleased with it. I have quite a few knives in 8A, a great all around steel, but CS seems to get the heat treat perfected from my experience. They have advertised that their 8A would out perform ATS-34, I don't think it quite dose that, but it comes fairly close! They put out a dern good knife! RKBA!

[SpydercoKnut]

Cold Steel makes some really big statements and they claim to be the toughest knives on the planet (Don't Believe the hype). They also make a video which is free to the public which demonstrates the toughness of their knives. I agree with one of the mentioned forums. Their serrations just plain suck. They aren't meant for any type of delicate cut and require a special sharpener. They do make some mean fixed blades but, they're illegal to carry in most states. When it comes to a comparasion to Spyderco, they can't compete. Spyderco has listened to the public and that's what makes them so great. Cold Steel gives me the impression of a knife company out to bash other knife manufacturers. They also bash the use of the reverse grip to which I personally prefer and from that I got this impression that they are desperate and looking for a way to survive. I do own a Recon Folder and it's a nice knife. Won't hold a candle to my CHINOOK though. I will make that claim over and over again. Take care!!

Edited by - SpydercoKnut on 1/3/2003 4:42:22 AM

Edited by - SpydercoKnut on 1/3/2003 4:45:22 AM

[Rebeltruce]

I own a Vaquero Grande, bought it more as a novelty then anything else. I keep it in my 73 Blazer as a beater. I know not a good idea to keep such a huge blade in a vehicle, but hey I never break the law so no worries <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>. Overall the knife seems cheap. I think someone mentioned earlier that the serrations sucked.............and they do. But it is a scary looking thing!!!!!!!

[joebe]

good feedback on this thread everyone.

hey, what about the new folder from CS, it has different serrations then the normal CS and it has an opening hole.

i just like the bigger blades (voyager tanto XL and the kobun) not bad FOR THE PRICE...

[Knife Knut]

I was refering to the fixed blade designs; I pay no attention to the folders.

Knife Knut on a shoestring budget. RKBA

[Joe Talmadge]

Okay, I want to correct my previous post.

I <b>do </b> believe that Cold Steel's fixed blades are solid performers at a fair price.

What I meant to say next was that IMO their <b>folders </b> do not compete well with Spyderco or Benchmade.

Joe