When doing the weight test can you tell your camera guy to zoom in on the blade handle? It makes no sence to do a test and not be able to see the stresses on the blade. Thanks
This is why I prefer Cold Steel. What other brand is willing to show the capabilities of their product like you guys? None of them. I see a lot of big claims but they never back it up like Cold Steel does.
This is why I don't like cold steel any sharp knife will cut you don't need to show me a damn pig carcass and cut it and be like "look how cool we are". Spyderco and benchmades let their products do the talking, top quality and customer service.
Of all the companies I've bought from Cold Steel has by far the worst customer service I've ever experienced in my entire life. took them 10 months just to send me out of pocket clip
I have a CRKT M16-10KZ (the Z stands for Zytel and is the type of material used for the handle) and the frame bowing out allowing the blade to fold has been my experience as well. I agree that a steel frame or aluminum frame would be better suited for this application
It's still just a framelock. The Autolawks system doesn't increase the strength of the liner lock, it just helps preventing the liner from sliding off the locking surface.
im amazed at the weight test, it shows the sctructural weekness of the blade, hope the manufact. sees it and improves their knifes, just for the sake of competition
I would love to see the tri-ad lock compared to the axis, maybe not in a Griprillian, since the lines are smaller, but something like the Adamas. Actually, I think the Griprillian against a voyager would be a great test. Same size knife, both great hard use edc blades. Love the series, look forward to more.
I think they got around to testing the Axis lock, great static weight test, failed the spine whack test early on both the models they tested (I sure didn't see the spine whack failure coming!).
Just bought the exact M-16, on sale at Amazon. Wasn't too crazy about the liner lock AND, if I'd of seen this video before the sale, I would've passed! The "only" liner lock I trust in the ENTIRE KNIFE WORLD, is on the Ti Lite, period! It's the best!!! I have ALL of the XL Voyager models and a few Lg. too and, I'm damn glad of THAT!!!
I’ve taken the M21 14DSFG With me on 3 deployments. Hasn’t failed me one time everything from prying open anything you can think of, to cutting seat belts, clothes etc etc.
I know liners aren’t the best look out there I wish they would have tested it against the metal liner ones. I would have like to see the results of the metal m16
@@xlilnetx on the second test the locking liner actually twisted. If you're looking for a stronger lock in this Kit Carson pattern, the deadbolt is much stronger. Also more expensive...🤔
They both work, but you get what you pay for. I have carried a M21-04G for 7+ years. I have taken it with me to Afghanistan as well, and it held up. CRKT makes good knives for their price, as does cold steel.
I just got my six inch zy-ex ti-lite and couldn't be more pleased. I love cold steel and Andrew Demko is my hero. Thanks for making such an awe inspiring bad ass product.
Emerson is weak, pretty advanced with the titanium if it was still the 1980's or 90's but folding knives have came a long way since. To be fair, using an Emerson against human flesh and using the knife correctly i would trust it but my thing is why??? I carry an XL Voyager Vaquero because it's just better everywhere.
I've had the spartan and currently my edc is a XL voyager these knives have stood up to everything I've ever thrown at them including being used as a hammer on a few occasions. My only complaint is the pocket clip seems to loosen pretty quickly but it's a fairly simple fix if you can find the tools.
I have the Micro recon 1 and that is one tuff lil´knife. No wiggling nor wobbling, definetely no blade play whatsoever. Great C.S. products. The only thing I complain about is the silly black coating that wears and chips out fast. Just a cosmethic little detail tho. Great products.
***** I think this is the first time I've seen a lawsuit as part of a marketing campaign. I don't relish the use of the Judicial system as a means of attacking competitors in our supposedly still free economy, even if it is ostensibly to protect consumers. Gerber would have been an easier target anyhow.
My Tanto Cold Steel Voyager knife had a defective lock. I was practicing slashing on a banana tree and when I pulled the knife off the trunk and it closed on my index finger and almost severed it an inch below the nail. I suggest you test your knives by tapping it on a piece of wood using the blunt side to see if your lock is safe. I have always been a fan of cold steel and have several knives. The best are the straight ones, I cannot trust the locking system anymore. Sent them an email with pictures and a video of the knife failure, sad to say no reply.
I'm honestly not surprised. I've managed to fail a CRKT LAWKS knife (An old Steve Ryan model) while processing boxes after a trip to Costco. I still look at CRKT blades on occasion though. Just the fixed ones.
Good test but I steel love crkt m16/m21 series. Cold steel knives are stronger for sure but crkt are smooth, fast to deploy and cool. Btw I own an American lawman and a Lobo, I'm satisfied about that too
Assuming the drop weight is 30lbs, the first test is actually using more than 30lbs of force. Note the location of the fulcrum, it's similar to how a catapult works. Regardless - I like the tests; although I'm not sure how conclusive the test results are, due to the functional differences between the different 2 different types of locks presented in the video. I'd like to see these same tests on knives with similar style locks.
To people asking for an Adamas test. I'm fairly certain the Adamas would overcome the voyager in these tests simply because of the bladesteel. You see I believe neither lock will fail but the blade on the voyager will snap before that thick slab of D2 on the Adamas will. That said, putting the new Recon 1 in cts xhp against the Adamas could be interesting. Truth be told the steel liners on the Adamas could prove too much for the on the Recon.
i like those quillions on the m16 though...wish they would put those on the ti-lite stiletto. also you guys should do stab tests through plywood and blade bend tests
It would be cool to see a comparison between the Tri-Ad and the older track and bolt mechanism (can't recall the name of it) that Cold Steel used to use. Just to see where improvements have been made. I assume the flaw with the last lock was how it made the tang weak, as well as being more expensive and complicated to machine.
I really love the cold steel Voyager, I often use it when I go camping or hunting, it is a very usefull knife, and in my opinion I think it is better that the CRKT M16-14ZSF knife
Really like my voyager and the triad locking system reminds me of what leatherman have in the tool locks (not the blade/saw/file) but the bit/opener etc. locking
My Tanto Cold Steel Voyager knife had a defective lock. I was practicing slashing on a banana tree and when I pulled the knife off the trunk and it closed on my index finger and almost severed it an inch below the nail. I suggest you test your knives by tapping it on a piece of wood using the blunt side to see if your lock is safe. I have always been a fan of cold steel and have several knives. The best are the straight ones, I cannot trust the locking system anymore. Sent them an email with pictures and a video of the knife failure, sad to say no reply.
While I have a couple of CRKT M16 series knives, I have always thought the locks looked to be of a light duty, and this test seems to confirm that. Always interested to see more comparisons on the csknives channel.
I never met a liner lock I had any confidence in, and knife makers should just cease making the damn things (as well as slip joints, in my view). Now I have to admit I really enjoy CRKT's M21-04. It's a beautiful spearpoint and I've never thought it was very strong. The thing shouldn't be called a "virtual fixed blade," but rather, "a virtual knife." It's purty, but when the company calls them "folders," it means the knives fold like a cheap stack of cards!
Still looking forward to the inevitable ParaMilitary 2 test... maybe a Buck 830 and Manix 2 as well? The major flaw of liner and frame locks is how force is distributed to one side. Ultimately, if the interface is well designed not to slip (like the AutoLAWKS system does), they are limited by their tenancy to twist or bow, all designs of this manner must try to compensate for this. Locks on the back spread the force down the center line, like a spine or a bridge. The back lock there for can spend more time focusing on the interface to prevent slipping.
so im sure the answer is yes but the voyager xl will perform to this same standard correct? i had a tanto xl that i gave a buddy and picked up another one for myself. this video is great because i was buying and recommending the crap out of those crkt's. my personal one is the one you broke 2 of in this video and i have had maybe 10 other variants. maybe 3 with the aluminum body? still have one. i was thinking about switching the double flipper tanto blade to the aluminum body and for sure will now. hopefully it holds up better than the zytel. i like them and theyre strong/sharp enough for my needs but none of my cold steel knives have ever let me down. i had a salute 2? that was a WORKHORSE and after a few years of abuse i gave it to a work buddy who didnt have a knife. think its time for a few more cs knives
jacob manalang The only lock I've ever had fail was a CRKT Auto LAWKS. I'll never buy one of their knives again after that. I've had plenty of knives with regular liner locks that never failed me.
I would LOVE to see a "TORTURE" test between the Cold Steel 4 Max vs CRKT XOC Folding Knife. Which would be the "KING" of Tolerance and Strength. I think the Deadbolt Lock on the CRKT XOC might give the Tri-Ad Lock some Competition. Let's see if Cold Steel is willing to put the Cold Steel 4 Max vs CRKT XOC Folding Knife. That would be an acceptable CHALLENGE. Come on Cold Steel, Put your BEST against CRKT's Best.
I wanted to ask if you will ever do a test with a Gerber knife and a cold steel knife, Gerber knifes are usually pretty cheap and I used to own one a very long time ago. I am sure that a cold steel knife is much better, but I would still like to see a test between those two knifes.
I think Cold Steel was right to ask CRKT to stop calling their LAWKS a “virtual fixed blade’. As much as Cold Steel brags about having the strongest lock back, they’ve never claimed to match a fixed blade. While “virtual’ (as in “virtual fixed blade’”) might be legally ok - as arguably “mere puffery’” which is permitted in advertising - I don’t think CRKT should have gone as far as they did. BTW this whole video now makes me worry about ALL liner locks and frame locks including Cold Steel’s own Ti Lite and Luzon. On the other hand almost anything is better than those old Boy Scout slip joints and Swiss Army slip joints, I almost lost a finger to a Barlow style slip joint as a kid. It was so cool in the beginning when Demko (?) expressed some admiration for the Kit Carson designed CRKT while glancing at Lynn Thompson and saying he probably didn’t agree; I think Thompson probably never met a competitor’s knife that he liked!
Thank you for making the world's strongest knives. I own over a dozen. I would like to see a Benchmade axis lock knife tested. I watched a video they did on their 810 Contego that was similar to your videos. I purchased that knife due to the steel used. Please, Cold Steel, show us what Benchmade does!
A quick question for Andrew. Do you think the LAWKS adds _any_ strength to the knife or is it all a gimmick? Did you do any testing with and without the LAWKS deployed?
357Muzzleblast I had a CRKT knife fail. The liner lock shifted around a bit under load, and the LAWKS thing jammed the liner closed. I had to use a pair of pliers to get the lock unstuck. The thing that sucks is that I barely put any strain on the lock. I had done similar tasks with dozens of cheap knives, and none of them failed me.
Alberto V. Will there ever be ? Yes, of course there will. As materials and technology advance, then sooner or later someone - maybe Cold Steel, lol - will invent one. But right now, it does seem that the Tri-ad is king !
The cold steel ti lite 6 is my favorite tactical folder ever. I carry one everyday now. It alone is stronger than the crkt m16-14, and it doesn't even have the tri ad lock! Just a reinforced liner lock. I still like Crkt and carry the smaller crkt m16-13sfg but cold steel to me is the best.
i would love to see an actual test of what a fixed blade knives with different steel types and thicknesses can hold. just as a bases of comparison to what these companies think they can achieve with a folding knife.
i have a timberline tactical, crkt m16, crkt crawford casper, a boker jim wagner, and a cold steel recon 1 (original)...not to boost your ego, but i think im going to sell all my knives and just keep the recon 1. mabe get a new generation recon1 and a code 4. i see no reason to buy anyother blade besides cold steel knives. no one can match their strenth and durability. A1 quality guys!
Another test, i was happy to see. I actually own both knives and other variations of the m16 and also the crkt desert cruiser, and i did some hard choppings with them and was often astonished, how good the knives hold up. But i never anticipated the rock solid lock strength of the triad lock in them. If the pivot screw of crkt knives with AutoLAWKS loosens too much, the AutoLAWKs system fails. That is, of course, not very good. A little bit of lock tite might be needed there. Otherwise, the fail of the liner was horrible. Thank you for testing.
I'm going to play Devil's Advocate here because I've owned both knives: Cold Steel Code 4 (same Tri-Ad Lock as the Voyager in this video), and a CRKT M16 Big Dog Tanto. I've carried and used more CRKTs than any other knife brand, so I'll try and be objective here. I don't believe that it is fair to compare the two of these knives, simply because one is a liner lock, and the other is a lock back design. The liner lock will almost always fail before a lock back does. It's just simply not as strong, because with the liner lock, you're trusting a bent piece of metal that is under tension to hold the blade in place. Whereas with the lock back design, you're trusting a solid piece of steel that actually locks into specifically-designed "holes" that hold the blade in place. That being said, if you are testing the M16 based on the claim by the company that it "automatically turns the folder into a fixed blade", then I suppose you also have to take other claims with other products literally. All CRKT is saying is that it HANDLES like a fixed blade. Not that it PERFORMS as one. Big difference. Now "yes", should they back up their 'claim'? Absolutely. But again: they've never claimed that this will perform like a fixed blade. So, in that sense, the burden of proof is not entirely on them. That's called "Clever Marketing and Advertising". So good test, I guess. But until Cold Steel comes out with a liner lock of their own that can be closed with one hand then, when it comes to ease of use and convenience, I believe that CRKT (and other companies that make liner locks) will have that slight advantage over others.
Vladpryde "It also features our exclusive patented (1) AutoLAWKS™ automatic safety, which turns the folder into a virtual fixed blades automatically." quote from their site.Ti-lites have liner locks and they close pretty well with one hand.
Prinzmetal49 I know what it says, bro. As I've said: I've carried more CRKTs than any other brand. They never claimed that the AutoLAWKS made the knife the equivalent of a fixed blade. They meant that it HANDLES as a fixed blade, not that it FUNCTIONS as one. Big difference. As for the Ti-Lite: I know. Liner Locks will always be easier to close with one hand than Lock Backs.
Vladpryde Dude, it says that it'll turn into a fixed blade, where do you see anything about handling? Anyway, a blade is never going to handle like a fixed blade, unless it's a fixed blade. So such claimes shouldn't even be suggested.
Prinzmetal49 "Handles" simply means that it feels like a fixed blade and, perhaps, can do MINOR chores/tasks that a fixed blade can also do. For example, I imagine that, under a survival situation, the M16 can be tied to a stick and used as a spear. It doesn't mean it was DESIGNED to do it, but that it CAN. You have to break down the wording of such claims and take them in a case-by-case basis, or with a grain of salt. Like when Cold Steel says "The World's Strongest, Sharpest Knives"...well, Nutfancy here on RUclips has broken 2 of them. And I'm quite sure that a few other less-popular people somewhere out there have broken a few of them as well. So does that mean that Cold Steel's marketing claim is wrong too? NO folder, regardless of how strong, is EVER going to equal a fixed blade knife. But what CRKT is saying is "hey, we made this knife with these features, and it comes close to a fixed blade, but as a folder that you can carry with you anywhere." Which is something that you can't always do with a fixed blade. So again: if you're going to test this knife based solely on one advertising statement, then I think it's not an accurate test. Especially again, as I stated in my first post, that it is a liner lock vs. a lock back design. Which, in itself, is not an accurate test, because each design is not equal to the other.
Vladpryde 4 inch ti-lite holds 100lbs without breaking. Are you happy now? It's stronger, than the CRKT, but cold steel never claimed it was close to a fixed blade. Nor did they about the tri-ad lock knives. They tested the claim in this video and not the litteral strength. So CRKT got busted, if you like.
I had Voyager AUS10A Clip point, now have CRKT M16-14 DSFG. Lock is better on Voyager, but for stabbing (tanto poing main use) CRKT is better, no broke tip on CRKT , but Voyager is so brittle . Lock is important, but broken blade is worst thing which you can expirience. Imagine Voyager Clip point, in one of premium steels in Scandi grind, that would be awesome.
i have the crkt knife and it is the best folding edc knife have ever owned and bought it for $35 on base so you cant beat it is by no means a fixed baled but it is a stout soil sharp baled
i bought a spyderco knife. the manix 2 lightweight. i keep going back to my extra large and medium voyager combo. i still havent found a knife to take thoes 2 out of my pocket.
cold steel makes a great lock but there g10 is too gritty and there black blade finish is too shiny improve on these issues I will buy a lot more great video
Awesome triad lock, will anybody be able to beat Cold Steel for value and strength? Knife steel snobs have always looked down on Cold Steel. I believe it's gonna change this year.
Do a 4 inch-ish serrated Tanto folder that is not overly fat/thick with the clip on the bottom of the knife (Opposite the lock) with some method for fast opening, PLEASE? Discreet with offensive options. Not fatter and broader than my phone.
Not degrading this brand of knives, but this is a poor way to test durability... The CRKT M16-14ZSF is very tough knife, and I still use the hell outta mine. Maybe some real field testing situations would be better. Just my opinion..
Cold steel edge retention has been horrible on my Ti lites I have 2 and both lasted less than a month with normal use. Wanted to charge me 10 bucks to sharpen each knife. Will never buy another cold steel ever again.
+AxleKlown It's good for what it is -a safety measure if the liner is about to disengage by accident. It's also a better lock than Chris Reeve's Sebenza integral lock, which disengaged and critically failed at 45 lbs.
I like the CS, and big knifes. Nice VOYAGER , but thumb recess too much (old design was excellent) aluminum liners, plastic !!! holder for the torsion bar. supporting stud for holder is not a cross-cutting !!!. When I disassembled it, the statement "strongest in the world" look ridiculous. I hope you read this. Thanks from Russia
Cool video, I have both. And I think that the test is nonsense at all. Just probed that the crkt is going to fail in a unrealistic scenario. Is not made to support this kind of "test". If you want to see wich is better in a realistic scenario you have to see, fast deployment, edge retention, cutting, stabbing, materials, finished, quality value for the price. I find my M16 super faster flipping it or using the guard as a wave, I can´t say the same of my voyager. Cutting the same way, stabbing same way, better crkt serrations IMO, etc. If I have to chose one for use it as a knife , not as a pry bar or concrete demolition (edc and defensive knife in my case) I prefer the M16. If I want to (for some reason) do the thing in the video I´ll took my voyager :-) . I use to used both any way.
No doubt in my mind the CRKT would fail this test I will admit to not thinking it would fail so horribly. I love CRKT designs I however don't like the materials used at all (blade steel or liners). I even love the idea of the auto LAWKS but why oh why would you back up such a great design with such a flimsy thin liner lock make it thicker. Cold Steel some of your stuff is over the top but there is nobody else out there with the BALLS to back up their claims with their own money like Cold Steel does with absolute proof videos. My major gripe with Cold Steel has been the use of crap for blade steels. Aus-8 steel sucks ass for the price point of your knives in the past it was easy to find better performing steels for the prices of CS knives. Cold Steel has changed that for 2015 I look forward to having all my favorite cold steel folders in CTS-XHP steel. I hope and pray you finished it hard enough( going to buy one to test first) so it holds an edge well if so there's easily 20 Cold Steel knives will make it into my EDC rotation this year. First knife I'm in line for this year is the 20CV 4-MAX hurry up and get it released and take my money. Think I'm going to buy two one for use one for the collection. WTG Lynn Thompson and Cold Steel you've hit the ball out of the park from my viewpoint this year.
***** Taiwan = Republic of China. Why is American steel assembled in Taiwan though? You would really rather take an American product and ship it across the world, then ship it back, rather than pay an American to assemble it? You'd rather provide jobs to the Taiwanese people and take the profit from the Americans, cuz that fattens your pockets the most. Don't sweat it though, that CRKT is a Republic of China piece of crap too.
I am going to crash my Kawasaki ninja 750cc at 150 miles/hour, with a wall or a house maybe, if my bike break a part or exploit, is going to be a fail...I will be riding a cold steel next time. (ironic joke by the way)
CRKT just doesn't do.it with style nor quality like Cold steel. Just off the mark CRKT folders dont feel thunky and solid like the cold steel voyager triad locking system. I take a cold steel over almost any other brand knife any day. I know that that knife can't fail under any situation
And this is why Cold Steel is, and always will be, my favorite knife manufacturer. Unmatched strength and durability for an unbeatable price. :)
When doing the weight test can you tell your camera guy to zoom in on the blade handle? It makes no sence to do a test and not be able to see the stresses on the blade. Thanks
This is why I prefer Cold Steel. What other brand is willing to show the capabilities of their product like you guys? None of them. I see a lot of big claims but they never back it up like Cold Steel does.
Spyderco does, and so does Benchmade. they just don't show off as much as cold steel does
This is why I don't like cold steel any sharp knife will cut you don't need to show me a damn pig carcass and cut it and be like "look how cool we are". Spyderco and benchmades let their products do the talking, top quality and customer service.
+TheFiendRacer also cold steel outsources their labor to China/Taiwan. These are Chinese made. Buy American.
Of all the companies I've bought from Cold Steel has by far the worst customer service I've ever experienced in my entire life. took them 10 months just to send me out of pocket clip
***** usa made knives huh. What are the names of these knives I might have to check them out and see if I'm interested
I have a CRKT M16-10KZ (the Z stands for Zytel and is the type of material used for the handle) and the frame bowing out allowing the blade to fold has been my experience as well. I agree that a steel frame or aluminum frame would be better suited for this application
I love the CRKT M-16! I can’t believe it performed so poorly. Thanks Andrew and the Cold Steel team. I really love your products.
It's still just a framelock. The Autolawks system doesn't increase the strength of the liner lock, it just helps preventing the liner from sliding off the locking surface.
im amazed at the weight test, it shows the sctructural weekness of the blade, hope the manufact. sees it and improves their knifes, just for the sake of competition
I would love to see the tri-ad lock compared to the axis, maybe not in a Griprillian, since the lines are smaller, but something like the Adamas. Actually, I think the Griprillian against a voyager would be a great test. Same size knife, both great hard use edc blades. Love the series, look forward to more.
I think they got around to testing the Axis lock, great static weight test, failed the spine whack test early on both the models they tested (I sure didn't see the spine whack failure coming!).
Just bought the exact M-16, on sale at Amazon. Wasn't too crazy about the liner lock AND, if I'd of seen this video before the sale, I would've passed! The "only" liner lock I trust in the ENTIRE KNIFE WORLD, is on the Ti Lite, period! It's the best!!! I have ALL of the XL Voyager models and a few Lg. too and, I'm damn glad of THAT!!!
I’ve taken the M21 14DSFG With me on 3 deployments. Hasn’t failed me one time everything from prying open anything you can think of, to cutting seat belts, clothes etc etc.
I know liners aren’t the best look out there I wish they would have tested it against the metal liner ones. I would have like to see the results of the metal m16
Knives are not pry bars! 🤣
@@xlilnetx on the second test the locking liner actually twisted. If you're looking for a stronger lock in this Kit Carson pattern, the deadbolt is much stronger. Also more expensive...🤔
Spyderco paramilitary 2 next? I'm a big fan of the compression lock! Let's see if can win me over :)
I want another cold steel folder after watching this
They both work, but you get what you pay for. I have carried a M21-04G for 7+ years. I have taken it with me to Afghanistan as well, and it held up. CRKT makes good knives for their price, as does cold steel.
would love to see a benchmade adamas or contego take on the tri-ad, also maybe a hogue EX 01
I just got my six inch zy-ex ti-lite and couldn't be more pleased. I love cold steel and Andrew Demko is my hero. Thanks for making such an awe inspiring bad ass product.
God,I love these tests!
Please Test Emerson Knives to Check his Claim that it is the Worlds number 1 Hard Use Knives.
Emerson is weak, pretty advanced with the titanium if it was still the 1980's or 90's but folding knives have came a long way since. To be fair, using an Emerson against human flesh and using the knife correctly i would trust it but my thing is why??? I carry an XL Voyager Vaquero because it's just better everywhere.
I've had the spartan and currently my edc is a XL voyager these knives have stood up to everything I've ever thrown at them including being used as a hammer on a few occasions. My only complaint is the pocket clip seems to loosen pretty quickly but it's a fairly simple fix if you can find the tools.
I have the Micro recon 1 and that is one tuff lil´knife. No wiggling nor wobbling, definetely no blade play whatsoever. Great C.S. products. The only thing I complain about is the silly black coating that wears and chips out fast. Just a cosmethic little detail tho. Great products.
That's just great news. I really dig your products, I have lots of them as daily companions. The wear marks give character to the blade anyway
Lol, anyone who believes that it is a virtual fixed blade is a fool.
Great video series ! Keep them coming
***** I think this is the first time I've seen a lawsuit as part of a marketing campaign. I don't relish the use of the Judicial system as a means of attacking competitors in our supposedly still free economy, even if it is ostensibly to protect consumers. Gerber would have been an easier target anyhow.
Cold Steel you said that every knife passes that test but them later you said that sometimes you take shipments back? Explain yourself please?
My Tanto Cold Steel Voyager knife had a defective lock. I was practicing slashing on a banana tree and when I pulled the knife off the trunk and it closed on my index finger and almost severed it an inch below the nail. I suggest you test your knives by tapping it on a piece of wood using the blunt side to see if your lock is safe. I have always been a fan of cold steel and have several knives. The best are the straight ones, I cannot trust the locking system anymore. Sent them an email with pictures and a video of the knife failure, sad to say no reply.
I am very curious how the Buck 830 Marksman with the new lock performs against f.e. a Code 4. I like these tests.
Thanks a lot! You've already frustrated 0350 and now the M16 ... :)
really impressed with the ingenuity and craftsmanship of andrew demko.
I'm honestly not surprised. I've managed to fail a CRKT LAWKS knife (An old Steve Ryan model) while processing boxes after a trip to Costco. I still look at CRKT blades on occasion though. Just the fixed ones.
Good test but I steel love crkt m16/m21 series.
Cold steel knives are stronger for sure but crkt are smooth, fast to deploy and cool.
Btw I own an American lawman and a Lobo, I'm satisfied about that too
Assuming the drop weight is 30lbs, the first test is actually using more than 30lbs of force. Note the location of the fulcrum, it's similar to how a catapult works. Regardless - I like the tests; although I'm not sure how conclusive the test results are, due to the functional differences between the different 2 different types of locks presented in the video.
I'd like to see these same tests on knives with similar style locks.
To people asking for an Adamas test. I'm fairly certain the Adamas would overcome the voyager in these tests simply because of the bladesteel. You see I believe neither lock will fail but the blade on the voyager will snap before that thick slab of D2 on the Adamas will. That said, putting the new Recon 1 in cts xhp against the Adamas could be interesting. Truth be told the steel liners on the Adamas could prove too much for the on the Recon.
Thank you Andrew for these nice and interesting lock test videos. Keep on uploading.
Cheers from France
i like those quillions on the m16 though...wish they would put those on the ti-lite stiletto. also you guys should do stab tests through plywood and blade bend tests
It would be cool to see a comparison between the Tri-Ad and the older track and bolt mechanism (can't recall the name of it) that Cold Steel used to use. Just to see where improvements have been made. I assume the flaw with the last lock was how it made the tang weak, as well as being more expensive and complicated to machine.
I really love the cold steel Voyager, I often use it when I go camping or hunting, it is a very usefull knife, and in my opinion I think it is better that the CRKT M16-14ZSF knife
Really like my voyager and the triad locking system reminds me of what leatherman have in the tool locks (not the blade/saw/file) but the bit/opener etc. locking
My Tanto Cold Steel Voyager knife had a defective lock. I was practicing slashing on a banana tree and when I pulled the knife off the trunk and it closed on my index finger and almost severed it an inch below the nail. I suggest you test your knives by tapping it on a piece of wood using the blunt side to see if your lock is safe. I have always been a fan of cold steel and have several knives. The best are the straight ones, I cannot trust the locking system anymore. Sent them an email with pictures and a video of the knife failure, sad to say no reply.
While I have a couple of CRKT M16 series knives, I have always thought the locks looked to be of a light duty, and this test seems to confirm that. Always interested to see more comparisons on the csknives channel.
I never met a liner lock I had any confidence in, and knife makers should just cease making the damn things (as well as slip joints, in my view). Now I have to admit I really enjoy CRKT's M21-04. It's a beautiful spearpoint and I've never thought it was very strong. The thing shouldn't be called a "virtual fixed blade," but rather, "a virtual knife." It's purty, but when the company calls them "folders," it means the knives fold like a cheap stack of cards!
I love these lock tests videos coldsteel keep em coming! Coldsteel G.O.A.T!!! Spyderco paramilitary ii compression lock vs code 4!!
Cold steel is the best knife company in my opinion. I'm gonna get the ti lite switblade soon. Never can go wrong with cold steel.
Love these videos !!
Still looking forward to the inevitable ParaMilitary 2 test... maybe a Buck 830 and Manix 2 as well?
The major flaw of liner and frame locks is how force is distributed to one side. Ultimately, if the interface is well designed not to slip (like the AutoLAWKS system does), they are limited by their tenancy to twist or bow, all designs of this manner must try to compensate for this. Locks on the back spread the force down the center line, like a spine or a bridge. The back lock there for can spend more time focusing on the interface to prevent slipping.
Thats what makes
CS Tri-AD my favorite.
#STRONG 💪
so im sure the answer is yes but the voyager xl will perform to this same standard correct? i had a tanto xl that i gave a buddy and picked up another one for myself. this video is great because i was buying and recommending the crap out of those crkt's. my personal one is the one you broke 2 of in this video and i have had maybe 10 other variants. maybe 3 with the aluminum body? still have one. i was thinking about switching the double flipper tanto blade to the aluminum body and for sure will now. hopefully it holds up better than the zytel. i like them and theyre strong/sharp enough for my needs but none of my cold steel knives have ever let me down.
i had a salute 2? that was a WORKHORSE and after a few years of abuse i gave it to a work buddy who didnt have a knife. think its time for a few more cs knives
jacob manalang The only lock I've ever had fail was a CRKT Auto LAWKS. I'll never buy one of their knives again after that. I've had plenty of knives with regular liner locks that never failed me.
Please do a Benchmade anything with an axis lock!
I would LOVE to see a "TORTURE" test between the Cold Steel 4 Max vs CRKT XOC Folding Knife. Which would be the "KING" of Tolerance and Strength. I think the Deadbolt Lock on the CRKT XOC might give the Tri-Ad Lock some Competition. Let's see if Cold Steel is willing to put the Cold Steel 4 Max vs CRKT XOC Folding Knife. That would be an acceptable CHALLENGE. Come on Cold Steel, Put your BEST against CRKT's Best.
I wanted to ask if you will ever do a test with a Gerber knife and a cold steel knife, Gerber knifes are usually pretty cheap and I used to own one a very long time ago. I am sure that a cold steel knife is much better, but I would still like to see a test between those two knifes.
So far this is the only knife that closely resembles a Cold Steel knife in cost and intended application.
I think Cold Steel was right to ask CRKT to stop calling their LAWKS a “virtual fixed blade’. As much as Cold Steel brags about having the strongest lock back, they’ve never claimed to match a fixed blade. While “virtual’ (as in “virtual fixed blade’”) might be legally ok - as arguably “mere puffery’” which is permitted in advertising - I don’t think CRKT should have gone as far as they did. BTW this whole video now makes me worry about ALL liner locks and frame locks including Cold Steel’s own Ti Lite and Luzon. On the other hand almost anything is better than those old Boy Scout slip joints and Swiss Army slip joints, I almost lost a finger to a Barlow style slip joint as a kid. It was so cool in the beginning when Demko (?) expressed some admiration for the Kit Carson designed CRKT while glancing at Lynn Thompson and saying he probably didn’t agree; I think Thompson probably never met a competitor’s knife that he liked!
Thank you for making the world's strongest knives. I own over a dozen. I would like to see a Benchmade axis lock knife tested. I watched a video they did on their 810 Contego that was similar to your videos. I purchased that knife due to the steel used. Please, Cold Steel, show us what Benchmade does!
Cold steel can you put a little solar panel on the knife for night time use. It's hard to use the knife and fumble around looking for a flashlight.
A quick question for Andrew. Do you think the LAWKS adds _any_ strength to the knife or is it all a gimmick? Did you do any testing with and without the LAWKS deployed?
357Muzzleblast I had a CRKT knife fail. The liner lock shifted around a bit under load, and the LAWKS thing jammed the liner closed. I had to use a pair of pliers to get the lock unstuck. The thing that sucks is that I barely put any strain on the lock. I had done similar tasks with dozens of cheap knives, and none of them failed me.
Andrew.........What knife is in your pocket? I dont recognize it. Maybe a custom?
amishassassin25 I want to know as well .
This is certainly cool, but it seems to me silly to compare these knives have different locks.
Will there ever be a locking mechanism that actually outperforms the tri-ad lock?
Alberto V. Will there ever be ? Yes, of course there will. As materials and technology advance, then sooner or later someone - maybe Cold Steel, lol - will invent one. But right now, it does seem that the Tri-ad is king !
Alberto V. The new for 2016 quad-ad lock!
***** test axis lock on BM barrage or griptilian.
Alberto V. yep! Ramlock from Cold Steel at Pocket Bushman.
Yes but it will be another demko lock!
The cold steel ti lite 6 is my favorite tactical folder ever. I carry one everyday now. It alone is stronger than the crkt m16-14, and it doesn't even have the tri ad lock! Just a reinforced liner lock. I still like Crkt and carry the smaller crkt m16-13sfg but cold steel to me is the best.
i would love to see an actual test of what a fixed blade knives with different steel types and thicknesses can hold. just as a bases of comparison to what these companies think they can achieve with a folding knife.
i have a timberline tactical, crkt m16, crkt crawford casper, a boker jim wagner, and a cold steel recon 1 (original)...not to boost your ego, but i think im going to sell all my knives and just keep the recon 1. mabe get a new generation recon1 and a code 4. i see no reason to buy anyother blade besides cold steel knives. no one can match their strenth and durability. A1 quality guys!
Another test, i was happy to see. I actually own both knives and other variations of the m16 and also the crkt desert cruiser, and i did some hard choppings with them and was often astonished, how good the knives hold up. But i never anticipated the rock solid lock strength of the triad lock in them. If the pivot screw of crkt knives with AutoLAWKS loosens too much, the AutoLAWKs system fails. That is, of course, not very good. A little bit of lock tite might be needed there. Otherwise, the fail of the liner was horrible. Thank you for testing.
There are a lot of Chinese made fixed blades that would fail at a lot less than 70 lb so it is unfair to say it is not a virtual fixed blade
What kind of holster is Demko wearing for his firearm? I like how it rides.
I'm going to play Devil's Advocate here because I've owned both knives: Cold Steel Code 4 (same Tri-Ad Lock as the Voyager in this video), and a CRKT M16 Big Dog Tanto. I've carried and used more CRKTs than any other knife brand, so I'll try and be objective here.
I don't believe that it is fair to compare the two of these knives, simply because one is a liner lock, and the other is a lock back design. The liner lock will almost always fail before a lock back does. It's just simply not as strong, because with the liner lock, you're trusting a bent piece of metal that is under tension to hold the blade in place. Whereas with the lock back design, you're trusting a solid piece of steel that actually locks into specifically-designed "holes" that hold the blade in place.
That being said, if you are testing the M16 based on the claim by the company that it "automatically turns the folder into a fixed blade", then I suppose you also have to take other claims with other products literally. All CRKT is saying is that it HANDLES like a fixed blade. Not that it PERFORMS as one. Big difference.
Now "yes", should they back up their 'claim'? Absolutely. But again: they've never claimed that this will perform like a fixed blade. So, in that sense, the burden of proof is not entirely on them. That's called "Clever Marketing and Advertising".
So good test, I guess. But until Cold Steel comes out with a liner lock of their own that can be closed with one hand then, when it comes to ease of use and convenience, I believe that CRKT (and other companies that make liner locks) will have that slight advantage over others.
Vladpryde "It also features our exclusive patented (1) AutoLAWKS™ automatic safety, which turns the folder into a virtual fixed blades automatically." quote from their site.Ti-lites have liner locks and they close pretty well with one hand.
Prinzmetal49
I know what it says, bro. As I've said: I've carried more CRKTs than any other brand. They never claimed that the AutoLAWKS made the knife the equivalent of a fixed blade. They meant that it HANDLES as a fixed blade, not that it FUNCTIONS as one. Big difference.
As for the Ti-Lite: I know. Liner Locks will always be easier to close with one hand than Lock Backs.
Vladpryde Dude, it says that it'll turn into a fixed blade, where do you see anything about handling? Anyway, a blade is never going to handle like a fixed blade, unless it's a fixed blade. So such claimes shouldn't even be suggested.
Prinzmetal49
"Handles" simply means that it feels like a fixed blade and, perhaps, can do MINOR chores/tasks that a fixed blade can also do. For example, I imagine that, under a survival situation, the M16 can be tied to a stick and used as a spear. It doesn't mean it was DESIGNED to do it, but that it CAN.
You have to break down the wording of such claims and take them in a case-by-case basis, or with a grain of salt. Like when Cold Steel says "The World's Strongest, Sharpest Knives"...well, Nutfancy here on RUclips has broken 2 of them. And I'm quite sure that a few other less-popular people somewhere out there have broken a few of them as well. So does that mean that Cold Steel's marketing claim is wrong too?
NO folder, regardless of how strong, is EVER going to equal a fixed blade knife. But what CRKT is saying is "hey, we made this knife with these features, and it comes close to a fixed blade, but as a folder that you can carry with you anywhere." Which is something that you can't always do with a fixed blade.
So again: if you're going to test this knife based solely on one advertising statement, then I think it's not an accurate test. Especially again, as I stated in my first post, that it is a liner lock vs. a lock back design. Which, in itself, is not an accurate test, because each design is not equal to the other.
Vladpryde 4 inch ti-lite holds 100lbs without breaking. Are you happy now? It's stronger, than the CRKT, but cold steel never claimed it was close to a fixed blade. Nor did they about the tri-ad lock knives. They tested the claim in this video and not the litteral strength. So CRKT got busted, if you like.
I've never had even a friction folder fold in on me I need to get me a cold steel and start clowning around a lot more.
Liner locks (and frame locks based on your CRK test) just plain suck. How many fingers will be sliced bloody before we understand that?
Is this what Cold Steel litigated over?
Got anything that stacks up to the Spyderco Manix 2 XL and Buck 110 Hunter folding knife?
I had Voyager AUS10A Clip point, now have CRKT M16-14 DSFG. Lock is better on Voyager, but for stabbing (tanto poing main use) CRKT is better, no broke tip on CRKT , but Voyager is so brittle . Lock is important, but broken blade is worst thing which you can expirience.
Imagine Voyager Clip point, in one of premium steels in Scandi grind, that would be awesome.
Cold Steel...can't beat them. Best folders out there....period!!!
hi from Russia! your knives are the best in the world! Thanks!!!
Next Spyderco Szabo compression lock vs Cold Steel Recon 1
Have you done this with a large Luzon?
i have the crkt knife and it is the best folding edc knife have ever owned and bought it for $35 on base so you cant beat it is by no means a fixed baled but it is a stout soil sharp baled
i bought a spyderco knife. the manix 2 lightweight. i keep going back to my extra large and medium voyager combo. i still havent found a knife to take thoes 2 out of my pocket.
I would really love to see a Spyderco Paramilitary 2 or Military compared to any of the CS offerings. ^^
cold steel makes a great lock
but there g10 is too gritty
and there black blade finish is too shiny improve on these
issues I will buy a lot more
great video
Sandpaper will smooth out rough edges on newer cold steel knives if it's that big of an issue lol
we've never made a knife that doesn't pass this test...10 seconds later: we've actually sent whole shipments back when they didn't pass this test...
Whos the guy behind the camera? is it lynn?
Great video!
Awesome triad lock, will anybody be able to beat Cold Steel for value and strength? Knife steel snobs have always looked down on Cold Steel. I believe it's gonna change this year.
That's almost as much stress as my last rub and tug...
Hardly shocked by the results. The CRKT never stood a chance. :)
Do a 4 inch-ish serrated Tanto folder that is not overly fat/thick with the clip on the bottom of the knife (Opposite the lock) with some method for fast opening, PLEASE?
Discreet with offensive options. Not fatter and broader than my phone.
You and CRKT the last american brands I would ever buy!
I just don't like that the steel is from Taiwan:/
It upsets me lol
You are right and me too.
Not degrading this brand of knives, but this is a poor way to test durability... The CRKT M16-14ZSF is very tough knife, and I still use the hell outta mine. Maybe some real field testing situations would be better. Just my opinion..
Liner lock and frame lock are good knives for opening letters ...
"Virtual fixed blade" lol
Cold steel edge retention has been horrible on my Ti lites I have 2 and both lasted less than a month with normal use. Wanted to charge me 10 bucks to sharpen each knife. Will never buy another cold steel ever again.
Calling that the autolawks is laughable when it really is the autolacks
+AxleKlown
It's good for what it is -a safety measure if the liner is about to disengage by accident.
It's also a better lock than Chris Reeve's Sebenza integral lock, which disengaged and critically failed at 45 lbs.
Jersey Streicher I will agree with you on the chris reeve thing his shit is over priced and not that durable
Cold steel is awesome because they are super fair in their test
I like the CS, and big knifes.
Nice VOYAGER , but
thumb recess too much (old design was excellent)
aluminum liners, plastic !!! holder for the torsion bar.
supporting stud for holder is not a cross-cutting !!!.
When I disassembled it, the statement "strongest in the world" look ridiculous.
I hope you read this.
Thanks from Russia
Cool video, I have both. And I think that the test is nonsense at all. Just probed that the crkt is going to fail in a unrealistic scenario. Is not made to support this kind of "test". If you want to see wich is better in a realistic scenario you have to see, fast deployment, edge retention, cutting, stabbing, materials, finished, quality value for the price. I find my M16 super faster flipping it or using the guard as a wave, I can´t say the same of my voyager. Cutting the same way, stabbing same way, better crkt serrations IMO, etc. If I have to chose one for use it as a knife , not as a pry bar or concrete demolition (edc and defensive knife in my case) I prefer the M16. If I want to (for some reason) do the thing in the video I´ll took my voyager :-) . I use to used both any way.
Ahh Thank you. I really wanted to know how safe the crkt autolawks is... Its a good thing my carry knife is a polished metal recon 1 clip point.
How about a manix 2 xl?
No doubt in my mind the CRKT would fail this test I will admit to not thinking it would fail so horribly. I love CRKT designs I however don't like the materials used at all (blade steel or liners). I even love the idea of the auto LAWKS but why oh why would you back up such a great design with such a flimsy thin liner lock make it thicker. Cold Steel some of your stuff is over the top but there is nobody else out there with the BALLS to back up their claims with their own money like Cold Steel does with absolute proof videos. My major gripe with Cold Steel has been the use of crap for blade steels. Aus-8 steel sucks ass for the price point of your knives in the past it was easy to find better performing steels for the prices of CS knives. Cold Steel has changed that for 2015 I look forward to having all my favorite cold steel folders in CTS-XHP steel. I hope and pray you finished it hard enough( going to buy one to test first) so it holds an edge well if so there's easily 20 Cold Steel knives will make it into my EDC rotation this year. First knife I'm in line for this year is the 20CV 4-MAX hurry up and get it released and take my money. Think I'm going to buy two one for use one for the collection. WTG Lynn Thompson and Cold Steel you've hit the ball out of the park from my viewpoint this year.
The Chinese sure do make a solid product.
***** It's not from that little island known as the Republic of China? Where is it made then?
***** Taiwan = Republic of China. Why is American steel assembled in Taiwan though? You would really rather take an American product and ship it across the world, then ship it back, rather than pay an American to assemble it? You'd rather provide jobs to the Taiwanese people and take the profit from the Americans, cuz that fattens your pockets the most. Don't sweat it though, that CRKT is a Republic of China piece of crap too.
+Bryan Allen Taiwan is not China. Maybe you should come to Taiwan sometimes.
+李懿恩 He said republic of china.
+HighClass GoogleWhore which taiwan is no longer part of
This CRKT knife sucks so bad, Cold Steel sued them. They have my full support.
Ничего не понял, т.к. не владею английским языком, но а ствол за поясом, однозначно лайк! Боже, храни Америку!!!!!
The Liner locks are very easy to bend out of shape, this test is another reason i am turn away from liner locks
I am going to crash my Kawasaki ninja 750cc at 150 miles/hour, with a wall or a house maybe, if my bike break a part or exploit, is going to be a fail...I will be riding a cold steel next time. (ironic joke by the way)
COLD STEEL FOREVER !!
CRKT just doesn't do.it with style nor quality like Cold steel. Just off the mark CRKT folders dont feel thunky and solid like the cold steel voyager triad locking system. I take a cold steel over almost any other brand knife any day. I know that that knife can't fail under any situation
you have to do the extrema ratio rao
this is pure awesomeness
but i love flippers
Still Like The M16 But Also I LIke Cold Steel