Cold Steel

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Duck L'Orange

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Is this company just a gimmick? Do their knives have any merit? My friend insists that these are the best knives you can get in the sub $100 range, and perform really well while not being afraid of some abuse.

I'm not so sure. Any thoughts/experiences? I've been tempted to buy one of their kukris for a while, but I'd like to know if it's ever worth it.
 

kd5rjz

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The Cold Steel knives I have seen appeared to be junk, but I suppose it really depends on your price range.

If I was forced to buy a Chinese knife for some reason, I would probably go with the Boker Plus line over Cold Steel though.
 

Duck L'Orange

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The knives I've seen were certainly overbuilt, although they weren't exactly sharp out of the box. For my money, I have a nice CRKT folder in a decently hard steel. Not great, but a deal for around $30 I paid.
 

Razur

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I'll throw in with your friend, I'm a Cold Steel fan.
I'm a bit confused because you mentioned interest in a kukri but also mentioned sub 100.
Are you looking at their kukri machetes or maybe the Chaos Kukri?
I haven't handled any of the Chaos line, so I'm not sure. I have little carney hands so I'd want to hold one before purchasing.
The kukri machetes are cool, I'm a bit partial to the bolo style instead, but whatever works for you.
If you are looking at one of their full-on Kukri's, they're a bit more expensive, and I'd probably recommend looking at a Himalayan Imports model instead.
A friend of mine is very excited about the KA-BAR Becker/Reinhardt kukri, so maybe that's worth checking into also.
Now if you're talking about pocket knives, some of the Voyagers are on clearance to make room for new inventory using new steel or something.
Those are a really good deal, particularly if you're looking for a 4"+ blade, which most other manufacturers don't offer.
As to their videos, as I understand they are legit; they don't throw a hollow-ground edge on a knife for demonstration and sell it as a flat-grind for example.

Good luck,
Razur
 

_CY_

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Is this company just a gimmick? Do their knives have any merit? My friend insists that these are the best knives you can get in the sub $100 range, and perform really well while not being afraid of some abuse.

I'm not so sure. Any thoughts/experiences? I've been tempted to buy one of their kukris for a while, but I'd like to know if it's ever worth it.

can't comment about latest versions of Cold Steel .. but original CS Tanto and Master Tanto with san mai or three layer steel are some of the finest blades ever mass produced!

same for original version of Trailmaster carbon V .. a very fine large blade.
the only modern Cold Steel I've got is a full size sword which is one of the nicest modern production swords you can buy.
 

Duck L'Orange

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I'll throw in with your friend, I'm a Cold Steel fan.
I'm a bit confused because you mentioned interest in a kukri but also mentioned sub 100.
Are you looking at their kukri machetes or maybe the Chaos Kukri?
I haven't handled any of the Chaos line, so I'm not sure. I have little carney hands so I'd want to hold one before purchasing.
The kukri machetes are cool, I'm a bit partial to the bolo style instead, but whatever works for you.
If you are looking at one of their full-on Kukri's, they're a bit more expensive, and I'd probably recommend looking at a Himalayan Imports model instead.
A friend of mine is very excited about the KA-BAR Becker/Reinhardt kukri, so maybe that's worth checking into also.
Now if you're talking about pocket knives, some of the Voyagers are on clearance to make room for new inventory using new steel or something.
Those are a really good deal, particularly if you're looking for a 4"+ blade, which most other manufacturers don't offer.
As to their videos, as I understand they are legit; they don't throw a hollow-ground edge on a knife for demonstration and sell it as a flat-grind for example.

Good luck,
Razur

I meant the knives were under $100. I wasn't sure about the kukris, only that I've heard and seen great things.

I've also heard good things about the Himalayan Imports. But those are pricey too, and their website seems kind of janky. I'm not a Xenophobe, but I've had some bad experiences with ordering from Indian companies in the past
 

Duck L'Orange

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can't comment about latest versions of Cold Steel .. but original CS Tanto and Master Tanto with san mai or three layer steel are some of the finest blades ever mass produced!

same for original version of Trailmaster carbon V .. a very fine large blade.
the only modern Cold Steel I've got is a full size sword which is one of the nicest modern production swords you can buy.

Hmm, some of those don't sound incredibly practical. But I guess that's sort of their niche with the whole "warrior lifestyle" thing. That's why I was afraid of gimmicks.

This is encouraging, though.
 

_CY_

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Hmm, some of those don't sound incredibly practical. But I guess that's sort of their niche with the whole "warrior lifestyle" thing. That's why I was afraid of gimmicks.

This is encouraging, though.

the cold steel modern full length sword is completely impractical .. but an original San Mai three layer Master Tanto (pictured below) is a very useful blade. IMHO is a very practical survival tool. my San Mai Tanto lives in my bugout bag.

this little powerhouse is all but indestructible .. blade is super strong and stays sharp even after hacking through hickory or oak limbs. hard center layer is supported by softer outer layers to add structural strength just like ancient Japanese blades.

again .. blades like these are how Cold Steel earned their reputation .. have no clue how modern Cold Steel blades rate.

photocamel.com_gallery_data_2436_medium_DSC_3083.JPG


I've got the plain version Cold Steel Kantana .. at $589 is not exactly cheap but a bargain for what you get. would not want to be on the receiving end. there's been several instances of people using swords to defend them selves during home invasions. Warning gory aftermath pics inside link ...

[Broken External Image]
 
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furlong222

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the san mai pictured is a great knife but doesn't fit under 100.00 bucks....look at Knives of Alaska for a first rate under 100 knife...or spend a bit more for a blackjack - Effingham Illinois or a bark river....around 150 for those....or....get 6 mora knives...
 

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