Absolutely right, Aaron. For toughness, utility, and bang-for-the-buck, it's Cold Steel by a WIDE margin. For the bush, the XL Drop Point Voyager is my first choice.
I definitely agree, my first drop point came with a flat spot just before the belly, which I warrantied and I’ve been in love with it ever since. I have the xl clip point and drop point, I will say though, my drop point isn’t the chopper I wanted it to be. I’ve had my clip point for almost 10 years though too, for what that’s worth.
I spent $80 on a drop point Cold Steel Recon 1 back when that model was young. It’s been through a lot of tough tasks over the years, but it still in excellent working order, although it does have some battle scars. It just doesn’t stop.
@@teardrop5326 I keep it sharp with ceramic plate and strop with diamond emulsion fluid. I don’t let it get dull. Same way I do all of my knives. Watch “Neeves Knives” here on RUclips. He has plenty of in depth sharpening videos and will explain how to strop without rolling the edge or over stropping. You have to keep some micro serrations on the edge or it will not perform well. He will teach you what type of edge to use depending on your typical usage. I don’t know of and better sharpening videos than his.
Absolutely agree that the AD10 is the toughest folder within financial reason. You can find them around 110 dollars for the S35VN version when it is on sale.
Absolutely nothing compares to coldsteel. I love the sr1 lite or the 4max scout. But my favorite knife is G10 Espada large in xhp what a great knife. The xl voyager tanto is another can’t be beat model especially the price.
I have a slim select Buck knife. With a blue handle I carry. Or I carry One of my coldsteel voyagers. Still carry a fixed blade. I could Carry my cold steel Spartan, It's a little heavy
I keep finding myself carrying the clip point CODE 4 with aftermarket thumb studs. I carry for defense and I really appreciate the peace of mind in how strong it is. Of course it helps that it's super thin and light too.
I'm with you, Aaron on Cold Steel. I love the triad lock. Voyagers are such a good value. I'd still like to try the AD15, just to try the scorpion lock.
👍 I’m loyal to my Buck 110s, but if I were not a 110-fan boy I would have an Cold Steel AD10. I don’t necessarily agree that it is a compact BK2; the standard (unmodified) BK2 is a sharpened manhole cover, the AD10 has much more finesse more like a 110 on steroids IMHO.
I still carry the Buck 110 that’s been on my hip everyday since my first one on my tenth birthday in 1976. I use ESEE for my fixed blade needs but that Buck 110 is my everyday companion only time I haven’t had a 110 was when I spent a week in a state with stupid knife laws and had my Buck 112 that single week.
I was searching the comments to see if anyone was sticking up for the 110. Carried one since 1986. When you actually use the knife for work, I mean more than fidget-flipping and opening Amazon packages, I mean really use it, you know the difference.
Agree 100% other knives have msny more bells and whistles but for a rugged working everyday knife I’ll take the 110 everyday of the week and I don’t see anything that’s gonna change that.
*Couldn't agree more!* My first thought, was something like the Benchmade Adamas, but once you said *Coldsteel* ...I immediately said *yeup!* *Especially* that *Finnwolf!* I use that thing *over* my Mora scandi fixed blades *all the time!* Its just such a *great design* for *everything carving,* and I feel *particularly safe* using it, thanks to that *tri-ad lock* mechanism.
Cold Steel definitely holds a special place in my collection, despite how GSM Outdoors has been running Lynn's legacy into the ground over the past few years. For me it has to be Spyderco though.
I think its hard to beat the Rat model 1. It's only a liner lock, but we all carry a fixed blade too so theres really no reason to have an indestructible folder. The Rat 1 has a nice large handle and a flat grind so it qorls great for food and tinder prep.
AD10 Lite is my hard use folder and so far has not needed anything more than a couple of swipes on the ceramic rod. Honestly, this knife has convinced me that people make too big a deal about blade steel. I use axes for chopping but other than that I can't imagine a task that AUS-10a can't handle and I'm outdoors most of the time.
Yes, the C.S. tri-ad-lock has an evident and well proven advantage but I have recently purchased a Spyderco Shaman and I prefer it over a Manix II for outdoors, specially with CPM M4 steel, what a beast!
Love my Cold Steel folding knives. I own 12, and they do so well wherever I go. For the outdoors, it would be my 4max Scout first, followed by my Voyager XL Clip Point or XL Drop Point.
The Triad lock makes for a fantastic heavy use folder, but some of them Cold steel knives are getting expensive! For me anyways, so I'll usually grab my Ontario Rat 1 when I know I'm gonna beat on it. Things are decent enough in its Aussie/D 2 versions and I imagine even better in iS35VN, and are cheap enough that I won't be pissed off if I lose it
Ha ha, that's hilarious. 5 years ago you hated Cold Steel. 70% of time in the bush I have my trail master on me. They are tough. Love your videos thanks for bringing them to us.
I really don’t like CS because of their business practices BUT I will admit that they do make a wide variety of well made hard use knives. Some are expensive and others are affordable.
Love my cold steels they just keep working and stay sharp
The Lawman, The AD 15 lite and the SR1.
Love my Cold Steel Voyager XL Tanto!
Had one and lost it; so sad. Of all the knives to lose I never thought I’d lose that one and it still bugs me.
You nailed it Cold steel it is for toughness and value they are second to none. Triad over their new lock hands down
AGREE... Hail the kings! Lynn Thompson & Andrew Demko.
Yes, Coldsteel
4max for the bush all the way, it’s basically a folding hatchet. been loving the verdict for edc.
Love my AD-15 but love my ZT 0562 just as much!
Absolutely right, Aaron. For toughness, utility, and bang-for-the-buck, it's Cold Steel by a WIDE margin. For the bush, the XL Drop Point Voyager is my first choice.
I definitely agree, my first drop point came with a flat spot just before the belly, which I warrantied and I’ve been in love with it ever since. I have the xl clip point and drop point, I will say though, my drop point isn’t the chopper I wanted it to be. I’ve had my clip point for almost 10 years though too, for what that’s worth.
Extrema ratio is one of the few folders I would bring into the wilderness.
I spent $80 on a drop point Cold Steel Recon 1 back when that model was young. It’s been through a lot of tough tasks over the years, but it still in excellent working order, although it does have some battle scars. It just doesn’t stop.
I have the OG Recon 1 as well. How do you sharpen yours? I just cannot get mine sharp again.
@@teardrop5326 I keep it sharp with ceramic plate and strop with diamond emulsion fluid. I don’t let it get dull. Same way I do all of my knives. Watch “Neeves Knives” here on RUclips. He has plenty of in depth sharpening videos and will explain how to strop without rolling the edge or over stropping. You have to keep some micro serrations on the edge or it will not perform well. He will teach you what type of edge to use depending on your typical usage. I don’t know of and better sharpening videos than his.
I love the American lawman for a do everything beater. I do miss the thicker handle they had in the past but it makes it easier for EDC
Cold Steel are def the best value for the quality. They are tough, hard working knives and not so expensive that you’re afraid to use them!
Everyone's got their opinion and everyone's got their favorites. I've owned one cold steel. After I bought that one I never wanted another one.
You nailed it.
Absolutely agree that the AD10 is the toughest folder within financial reason. You can find them around 110 dollars for the S35VN version when it is on sale.
My favorite was the foldable BK2
Love the finnwolf. I originally bought it just because I named my dog Finn and now I always have one!
nailed it. Recon 1
100% correct!
Had an XL voyager tanto for years. Most BA folder. As usual Gabe. You the man.😊
Cold steel knives are fantastic
I got my coldsteel Mini hunter since 10 yeahs, still my Favoriten neckknife/edc knife
Cant argue
I rock the rajah 3. Glove friendly triad lock. The blade shape is perfect for the outdoors.
Absolutely nothing compares to coldsteel. I love the sr1 lite or the 4max scout. But my favorite knife is G10 Espada large in xhp what a great knife. The xl voyager tanto is another can’t be beat model especially the price.
ABSOLUTELY agree with you. Value per dollar = Cold Steel. SR1 or SR1 Lite for me.
I have a few cold steel knives from 15+ years ago. Great knives. A good choice for outdoors, imho, could also be a Ka-bar mule.
All good choices.
You can do some serious camp tasks with CS.
I have a slim select Buck knife. With a blue handle I carry. Or I carry One of my coldsteel voyagers. Still carry a fixed blade. I could Carry my cold steel Spartan, It's a little heavy
I keep finding myself carrying the clip point CODE 4 with aftermarket thumb studs. I carry for defense and I really appreciate the peace of mind in how strong it is. Of course it helps that it's super thin and light too.
Code 4 is great!!!
Cold Steel Rules
They do rock!!
I'm with you, Aaron on Cold Steel. I love the triad lock. Voyagers are such a good value. I'd still like to try the AD15, just to try the scorpion lock.
👍 I’m loyal to my Buck 110s, but if I were not a 110-fan boy I would have an Cold Steel AD10. I don’t necessarily agree that it is a compact BK2; the standard (unmodified) BK2 is a sharpened manhole cover, the AD10 has much more finesse more like a 110 on steroids IMHO.
Love all cold steel folders
On the American made front I am really digging hogue right now!
I will have to checkout their new stuff.
I still carry the Buck 110 that’s been on my hip everyday since my first one on my tenth birthday in 1976. I use ESEE for my fixed blade needs but that Buck 110 is my everyday companion only time I haven’t had a 110 was when I spent a week in a state with stupid knife laws and had my Buck 112 that single week.
I was searching the comments to see if anyone was sticking up for the 110. Carried one since 1986. When you actually use the knife for work, I mean more than fidget-flipping and opening Amazon packages, I mean really use it, you know the difference.
Agree 100% other knives have msny more bells and whistles but for a rugged working everyday knife I’ll take the 110 everyday of the week and I don’t see anything that’s gonna change that.
*Couldn't agree more!*
My first thought, was something like the Benchmade Adamas, but once you said *Coldsteel* ...I immediately said *yeup!*
*Especially* that *Finnwolf!*
I use that thing *over* my Mora scandi fixed blades *all the time!*
Its just such a *great design* for *everything carving,* and I feel *particularly safe* using it, thanks to that *tri-ad lock* mechanism.
Cant beat Cold Steel for value.
I've been rocking a Real Steel S7 Snowleopard Elmax for a couple years now and absolutely love it.
Cold Steel definitely holds a special place in my collection, despite how GSM Outdoors has been running Lynn's legacy into the ground over the past few years. For me it has to be Spyderco though.
this is why they make fixed blades right tool for the situation people...
I always have a pocket knife too, that is the point of the video. 👍
Just got an Espada LG as a gift for Dad’s Day and love it. One though knife!
Cold Steel American Lawman best tough EDC knife for the money.
Personally, I like to spend a little bit more for a better steel. Spyderco Shaman is a good one, and not out of range for most people price wise.
I carry a cold steel Spartan it's intimidating if I needed to be and it's laser-sharp
Agreed
Pocket bushman is the best
i agree. i carry either CS or spyderco native chief (lockback)
For over 10 years my edc has been the ColdSteel Voyager XL or the 4Max Scout.
I think its hard to beat the Rat model 1. It's only a liner lock, but we all carry a fixed blade too so theres really no reason to have an indestructible folder. The Rat 1 has a nice large handle and a flat grind so it qorls great for food and tinder prep.
I’d say the gerber strongarm or teracraft
Have the rajah 2 an the the finn wolf. Just sharpened the rajah 2 an it's wicked sharp thanks the work sharp.
Cold steel Spartan
Cold Steel 4 Max
AD10 Lite is my hard use folder and so far has not needed anything more than a couple of swipes on the ceramic rod. Honestly, this knife has convinced me that people make too big a deal about blade steel. I use axes for chopping but other than that I can't imagine a task that AUS-10a can't handle and I'm outdoors most of the time.
4 max scout and the sr1 are my fav :)
heads up, great choices u got there sir - i request a sponsorship from cold steel for you!
How about the pocket bushman
"Not sponsored by Cold Steel"
Cold Steel is the only brand name dropped, leading to the assumption that every knife shown is one
It’s a clarification. So much content out there and it’s easy for people to think that.
Yes, the C.S. tri-ad-lock has an evident and well proven advantage but I have recently purchased a Spyderco Shaman and I prefer it over a Manix II for outdoors, specially with CPM M4 steel, what a beast!
Recon 1 clip point
I have all of those!
Awesome knives, I've got a bunch of Cold steel knives. That Demko Triad lock is the stoutest out there. Thanks 👍
I find it horrendous that someone would even think to use a folding knife for heavy outdoor tasks.
But id feel way better knowing it was a cold steel.
For a heavyduty pocket knife i like the kabar mule.
The Code4 in CTS-XHP is my edc. Sweet spot thin design large blade great steel.
Kershaw, civivi and buck have great options under $50.
Word!
4max scout or sr1 lite. Solid knives!
I would throw the AD15 into that mix....
I keep a cold steel pro lit attached to my med kit that's in my car
IMO the 4 Max or 4ax scout is superior to tue AD10 due to its larger pin being able to take more abuse
Carryed the Raja j 2 for 2 years during plan-demic❤ all cold steel
You can clip a fixed into your pocket no problemo.
Benchmade Adamas
I have over 20 cold steels.
I got a Camillus Bushcraft folder, micarta and large thick blade with a back lock, it was pretty cheap too. You should check it out.
What about the extrama ratios Rao?
I don’t even own a cold steel folder and I knew they’d be the pick, those things are serious tanks
Love my Cold Steel folding knives. I own 12, and they do so well wherever I go. For the outdoors, it would be my 4max Scout first, followed by my Voyager XL Clip Point or XL Drop Point.
Cold Steel 100%!
The Triad lock makes for a fantastic heavy use folder, but some of them Cold steel knives are getting expensive! For me anyways, so I'll usually grab my Ontario Rat 1 when I know I'm gonna beat on it. Things are decent enough in its Aussie/D 2 versions and I imagine even better in iS35VN, and are cheap enough that I won't be pissed off if I lose it
I just bought a cold steel voyager xl diet cheap at Midway USA
Medford Knife 👍🏻🇺🇸
Ha ha, that's hilarious. 5 years ago you hated Cold Steel. 70% of time in the bush I have my trail master on me. They are tough. Love your videos thanks for bringing them to us.
When did I ever hate cold steel?
Thanks for always watching!
Cold Steel
I really don’t like CS because of their business practices BUT I will admit that they do make a wide variety of well made hard use knives. Some are expensive and others are affordable.
Lawman is the best knife ever!!!
Cold steel AD-10 S35V budget SR1,hand down.
Buck 110
Never compare a folder to a fixed blade.
Can’t forget gerber
Who makes that lightweight Hoodie you are wearing? Been looking for one just like it. Thanks
I went to Sierra. I actually think it’s a Skechers hahah
My CS Luzon. I've put that poor thing through Hell and butchered two deer with it.
It snaps out of my pocket real quick too.
Cold Steel SR1 Lite or Buck 110
Totally different knives, the SR1 is a thick monster the but is slim and lightweight
Finnwolf ☝️💯‼️
Smith and Wesson
Where did you leave the Ontario Rat 1?
It’s good like these better
Cold Steel SR1 Lite Tanto
Ad15