10Best.Guide

Cold Steel Knives

Top Picks

Last Updated: May, 2023
Pros
  • Very robust build quality with a thick and sharp blade.
  • Screaming sharp edge.
  • Sturdy, ergonomic, and sharp.
  • Very good steel that holds a sharp edge.
  • The locking mechanism is incredible.
Cons
  • The pocket clip is too tight to be of practical use.
  • The finish on this knife is pretty terrible compared to other knives.
Bottom Line
The Cold Steel 4Max Scout is a beast of a knife with a robust build quality, thick and sharp blade, and incredible locking mechanism. It offers a lot of knife for the money, but the finish and pocket clip could be improved. The knife is not practical for everyday use due to its size and weight.
Pros
  • Excellent for self-defense and survival situations.
  • Razor-sharp out of the box.
  • Good value for money.
  • Comfortable handle.
  • Beautiful steel and finish.
Cons
  • Heavy for some users.
  • Handle could have better grip.
Bottom Line
The Cold Steel Recon Tanto is a great value for money knife that is razor-sharp out of the box and excellent for self-defense and survival situations. However, it may be heavy for some users and the handle could have better grip.
Pros
  • Super solid opening and lockup
  • Grippy G10 handle
  • No wobble in the blade
  • Sharpest knife received sharpened
  • Durable
Cons
  • Locking feature was stiff
  • Point got dull after using snap cut on a wine bottle
Bottom Line
The Cold Steel Recon 1 with tanto blade is a solid and durable knife with a super sharp edge and strong lock. However, it may have some issues with the locking feature, blade sharpness, and feel in hand. Overall, it is a good quality knife for the price.
Pros
  • Insanely well made and tough
  • Thick and well-made blade
  • Perfect for heavy use
  • Great value for the price
  • Smooth lock mechanism
Cons
  • Possible counterfeit products
  • Uneven blade grind
Bottom Line
The Cold Steel 4-Max Scout is a well-made and tough folding knife that offers great value for its price. It has a smooth lock mechanism and comes sharp out of the box, making it perfect for heavy use. However, buyers should be cautious of possible counterfeit products and be aware that the blade grind may be uneven. The knife is also chunky and heavy, which may not be suitable for everyone.
Pros
  • Lightweight for its size
  • Very sharp blade
  • Solid lockup
  • Great work knife
  • Sturdy and durable
Cons
  • Finger grooves are uncomfortable
  • DLC coated blade
Bottom Line
The Cold Steel Recon 1 is a sturdy and durable work knife with a lightweight design and sharp blade. However, the finger grooves can be uncomfortable and the DLC coated blade may not be preferred by some. The grip texture is rough and the pocket clip is too tight, which can damage clothing. The blade grind can be off and the lock can be sticky and hard to disengage. Overall, it is a good option for those looking for a reliable work knife.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Cold Steel Knives: Types, Features, Prices, and Tips

Overview

Cold Steel is a well-known brand that offers a wide range of knives for different purposes. Whether you're looking for a tactical knife, a survival knife, or a pocket knife, Cold Steel has something for you. In this guide, we'll take a closer look at the different types of Cold Steel knives, key considerations to keep in mind when choosing a knife, features to look for, prices, and tips to help you make the right choice.

Types

- Tactical knives: These knives are designed for military and law enforcement use, as well as for self-defense. They typically have a sturdy blade and a comfortable grip for maximum control.

- Folding knives: Also known as pocket knives, these knives are compact and easy to carry around. They can be used for a variety of tasks, from cutting rope to opening packages.

- Fixed blade knives: These knives have a blade that is permanently attached to the handle. They are typically more durable than folding knives and are often used for hunting, camping, and survival situations.

- Survival knives: As the name suggests, these knives are designed for survival situations. They often have a serrated edge for sawing through tough materials and a comfortable grip for extended use.

- Hunting knives: These knives are specifically designed for hunting and skinning game. They typically have a sharp blade and a comfortable grip for precision cutting.

- Pocket knives: These knives are small enough to fit in your pocket and can be used for a variety of tasks, from opening boxes to cutting fruit.

Key Considerations

- Blade material: The type of steel used for the blade can affect its durability, sharpness, and resistance to corrosion. Some common blade materials used in Cold Steel knives include VG-1, AUS-8A, and CPM-S35VN.

- Blade shape: The shape of the blade can affect its intended use. For example, a clip point blade is good for piercing and slicing, while a drop point blade is good for skinning and hunting.

- Handle material: The material used for the handle can affect the knife's grip and comfort. Some common handle materials used in Cold Steel knives include G-10, Micarta, and Kraton.

- Blade length: The length of the blade can affect its intended use. For example, a shorter blade is better for everyday carry, while a longer blade is better for hunting and camping.

- Locking mechanism: If you're considering a folding knife, the locking mechanism is an important consideration. Common locking mechanisms in Cold Steel knives include liner lock, back lock, and tri-ad lock.

Features

- Blade thickness: The thickness of the blade can affect its strength and durability.

- Weight: The weight of the knife can affect its portability and ease of use.

- Sheath material: If you're considering a fixed blade knife, the sheath material is an important consideration. Common sheath materials in Cold Steel knives include leather and nylon.

- Intended use: Consider what you will be using the knife for and choose a knife that is designed for that purpose.

- User level: Consider your skill level and choose a knife that is appropriate for your experience.

Prices

Cold Steel knives range in price from around $20 to over $500. The price will depend on the type of knife, the materials used, and the features included.

Tips

- Consider your intended use before choosing a knife.

- Choose a knife with a comfortable grip that feels good in your hand.

- Consider the blade material and shape for the intended use.

- If you're considering a folding knife, choose one with a reliable locking mechanism.

- Consider the weight and portability of the knife.

FAQs

Q: Are Cold Steel knives good quality?

A: Yes, Cold Steel knives are known for their quality and durability.

Q: What is the best Cold Steel knife for self-defense?

A: The Cold Steel Recon 1 is a popular choice for self-defense due to its sturdy blade and comfortable grip.

Q: Can I use a Cold Steel knife for hunting?

A: Yes, Cold Steel offers a range of hunting knives specifically designed for hunting and skinning game.

Q: How do I sharpen a Cold Steel knife?

A: You can sharpen a Cold Steel knife using a sharpening stone or a sharpening tool specifically designed for knives.

Q: Can I carry a Cold Steel knife in public?

A: The laws regarding carrying knives in public vary by state and country. Be sure to check your local laws before carrying a Cold Steel knife in public.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Sturdy and of decent quality
  • Full tang blade with satin finish
  • Great value for an impressive tactical knife
  • Perfect size for a carry blade
  • Good for defensive purposes
Cons
  • Poor sheath clip design
  • Handle is thin and not very comfortable
Bottom Line
The Cold Steel Kobun is a great value for those looking for an impressive tactical knife that is perfect for everyday carry and utility tasks. However, it may not be suitable for heavy utility tasks or camping, and some knives may have quality issues such as uneven grinds or being shipped dull.
Pros
  • Good price for the quality
  • Versatile and can handle outdoor tasks
  • Comfortable grip
  • Very sharp and even grind
  • Thick blade
Cons
  • Handle can become loose with heavy use
  • Sheath is too tight and difficult to remove
Bottom Line
The Cold Steel SRK is a good quality knife for the price and can handle most outdoor tasks. However, there are some quality control issues with the grind and sheath, and the handle can become loose with heavy use.
Pros
  • High-quality materials and razor-sharp blade.
  • Excellent design for camping and tactical self-defense.
  • Solid, heavy-duty, and well-built.
  • Beautiful blade pattern and stone wash.
  • Comfortable and ergonomic handle.
Cons
  • Locking mechanism can be difficult to disengage.
  • Thumb tab for opening is poorly located.
Bottom Line
The Cold Steel Spartan Knife is a high-quality and robust folding knife with excellent design for camping and tactical self-defense. It has a razor-sharp blade, comfortable handle, and wave opening feature. However, it may have some issues with the locking mechanism, thumb tab, handle size, and weight.
Pros
  • Durable and sturdy build
  • Excellent grip and lightweight
  • Sharp edge and easy to sharpen
  • Wharncliff blade shape and cutting edge length are ideal for utility tasks
  • Handy, robust, and well-designed
Cons
  • Lock is difficult to open one-handed
  • Triad lock is difficult to press and often leaves the blade open
Bottom Line
The Cold Steel Tuff Lite is a well-designed and durable knife with a sharp edge and ideal blade shape for utility tasks. However, the lock can be difficult to open one-handed and may be a deal breaker for some users. Overall, it is a good value for the price.
Pros
  • Large size and crazy sharp blade
  • Fits well in left hand
  • Tri-ad lock is heavy-duty
  • Comes super sharp
  • Reliable locking mechanism
Cons
  • Closing requires two hands
  • Pocket clip could be longer
Bottom Line
The Cold Steel Recon 1 is a large, heavy-duty knife with a sharp blade and reliable locking mechanism. It fits well in the left hand and has a grippy handle, but the chisel grind makes the edge one-sided and the pocket clip could be longer. It is made in Taiwan and requires two hands to close. Overall, it is a good option for heavy use, but may not be worth the money for some buyers.
Please add more products to compare
You can compare up to four products at once
{{compareData.brand}}