I've had one of these for quite some time. My use is primarily EDC. I'm not really a big "bush crafter" in any sense of the term, I'm an every day guy that carries knives daily. The weight, brand, price, and size attracted me to this knife right away. A thinner, pointy'er blade might do better overall, but for the money you CAN'T go wrong here. I love it.
Thank you Chris for the review. I never heard of this knife cause I was never a fan of cold steel, but I just ordered one based off of your review. Keep up the good work.
I bought one and took it out into the woods as a light duty backup bushcraft knife. Holy crap this thing goes through wood like a beaver on speed. I bought another one and it is in my edc bag. I can't believe how this knife performs. The spine throws sparks better than the saw on my leatherman, and shaves fatwood so fine it makes me laugh. You want to cut notches? Done. It is a great bushcraft knife. Comes razor sharp and is great to sharpen. I took the thumb stud off first thing and sharpen it on stones. I love this knife.
I really like the Finn wolf. Lots of people complain about the thumb stud. Getting in the way when sharpening but it's a flathead so it's not really difficult to remove. I do wish they'd upgrade the steel since it's a scandi and meant to see a lot of carving time but cold steel does a great heat treat on their Aus8
Considering traditional, REAL/Historical Puukko knives had stick tangs, and were designed to do "bushcraft" tasks, I think this one will be wholly adequate for ALL bushcraft tasks because it is plenty strong enough. Heck, didn't Nessmuk recommend a two bladed pocket knife to use for "bushcraft" tasks (or was that the other guy?)? Seriously, I am pretty tired of RUclips experts who need a bit more real world experience and fewer hours watching other RUclips Experts in their expert circle jer......discussions. Good review Chris!
Hey guys , I got my finwolf a couple days ago . I love it ! I have the esee camplore, several mora , and a jacklore . Cut will cut with the best of them . And it being in my front pocket I don't have to plan having a scandi with me . I always have a fixed blade as part of Mt edc as I like everything north ga mtns .
This video sold me on the design. Then some of my subs bugged so much that I finally bought one and today it came in. Liking so far. Thanks for the tip!
I love my Finn Wolf for all the reasons you mentioned, but I do use mine in the woods. Not for batoning lol. I don't have to remove the thumb stud for stropping. Just start with the tip instead of the bottom of the blade. Just be sure you have the correct grind angle.
Chris Mccarthy I just took out the stud. I've been working on enlarging the hole a bit at a time with a dremel, trying to get the hole big enough to open with just a thumb.
I have had a Finn Hawk for a while, and it is my EDC knife. The thumb stud is no problem to sharpening in the field. Don't use a stone. Use a Lansky diamond sharpening stick. I prefer to use the tapered end, and I keep my Hawk almost as sharp as my Mora.
I never have trouble sharpening my Finn Wolf in the field. I use a Smith Diamond Rod to sharpen in the field. 5 or 10 swipes and it gets a razor edge...scary-sharp, almost as sharp as my Mora.
I was glad to see you do this review. I have had this knife and carried it every day for over a year. It has always performed very well. As far as the thumb stud is concerned, I removed mine a long time ago. I frapped about three loops of Bank line through the hole and melted the ends. The result is I have a very functional thumb stud that no longer gets in the way of the knife operation or sharpening. I uploaded a couple of pics on my Google+ for reference.
This knife is cheap on price but high in value. Own one and given two as gifts. After I'm done using it I take it to the strop just like my other edc blades. Glad you gave this knife a chance it will do wright by you Chris!
Heres a great POU, backup bushcraft folder for a BOB, triad lock means you can baton with it too making a solid light BOB backup folder,paired with a drop point fixed blade, and a large survival knife or axe
nevillesavage2012 I have the SR 1 and it's my favourite companion folder when i am going into the woods....also my favourite "hard use folder" i take with me when i dont know what i'll be doing
I like mine. Stays 8n my tacklebox. Great knife for cutting bait and bushcraft. And makes a great backup to put in bugout bag just incase your fixed blade is to big for smaller tasks. Awsome blade to it sharpens to a razors edge.
Ive thought about this blade alot as well. But for those who like similar knives... The KHAN might be a good alternative. However ill probably still end up checking this one out
Picked it out of a drawer the other day, replaced the thumb stud with a mini zip tie. Doesn't look as snazzy but it's way less of a pain in the arse to strop.
Pro tip: I got rid of the thumbstuds on all my folding knifes and applied a cable tie. With the lock of the cable tie on the spine of the blade, and pulled real tight, it does not come in your way when sharpening on a wetstone, you are able to use it like a thumbplate and it works like a snaggletooth - with a bit practise. My tip: cable ties.
I've been carrying traditional Finnish fixed blade Puukko this weekend at our sumerhouse. One thing I noticed is that the knife was rather hard to get back into the sheath (you have to be careful to not to stab yourself) whereas you can simply fold a folder and throw back into the pocket. I would like to have a folding scandi ground knife and I think I'll go with Finn Wolf. I wish there were more Finnish companies that manufactured folders... One thing that is important to me as a Finn: There's a gap between the blade and the handle when the knife is folded. Can you open a beer bottle with it?
I thought the same thing as soon as I saw a picture of it. Since I bought my Finn Wolf I haven't actually tried it on a metal cap, but I did use it to pop off a plastic cap of roughly the same size. It worked fine for that, and the knife is plenty strong, so I see no reason it wouldn't work on a beer bottle.
Thanks for this first impressions video Chris. We (my son and I) love our Finn Wolfs. We actually got two of these from Amazon in the same order as our two "fantastic big choppers" (name unmentioned). That was a great day for us! The Finn Wolfs are not our EDC knives, but we do keep them in our "go bags" as backup folders (thumbstuds removed... too hard to sharpen otherwise). Do you know what I'd like to see? ... how you sharpen skandi grinds with the Ken Onion. I was always of the impression that the Worksharp puts a convex bevel to everything... ? Thanks for any incite.
@@preparedmind101 Yep the minute velcro closure systems become muddy they are less useful,have bought Cold Steel Finn Wolf folder really good review, thank you Chris, Greetings from Arbroath ,Scotland.
After observing the new random sheath cutting test, I can say it should become a knife reviewing standard. I would like to see Ben, NutnnFancy, and the rest of the knife reviews add this to the tests they put the knives to. Great idea Chris!
Great review👍🏻 I have had one of these for a couple months. I love it! Very light. All it is used for is notching green wood. I have Becker saber grind for all other tasks
I have had this knife a long time. I like it. I sharpen mine on a strip. Glue leather strap to a large paint stick. Rub it with Jewelers Rouge and it keeps it sharp most of the time. Also I got out the Dremel and made one divot for the finger that double divot was uncomfortable to me.
You know what? What is the best knife to have? The one that is on you. If you happen to be stranded out in the wild, this knife is your life saver. It is what it is, a folder, with all the positives and negatives a folding knife has into it.
That knife is really a pricy investment, there's a lot of blades on the market nowadays that is capable of doing the same tasks as the msk1…, as for myself, it's not worthwhile to buy it
I don't own the Cold Steel Finn Wolf yet, but I've hard that it's an awesome folder. However, yes, you would have to take that thumb stud off to sharpen...
Yep I took the thumb stud off mine (I know I'm now defenseless against woods ninjas). For me this is a good use of the true scandi, I don't want to dedicate my fixed blade to that grind, I've used it out in the woods a few times as my carving tool, it's light enough to just go in my pocket until it's needed. The only other true scandi folder I found is the enzo in d2 at $115 and I think spyderco makes one for like $180 or something.
If the thumb stud is like the one I had on my Counter Point 1, then it is actually 2 pieces that screw together. It isn't a solid piece of allthread (like I thought it was originally). Use a set of vice grips on one side, and a leatherman on the other, and you'll be able to unscrew it (or break it off completely). I broke the thumb stud off of my Counter Point 1 on my first day, and found out that it was 2 pieces. 😕
Have you seen the Colossus 2 and Rajah 3, blew my mind, I love those for defense knives, out of my price range though, the Rajah is 109, Colossus is 349 I think.
some of the newer cold steel knives come in CTS-XHP. I believe you can get this one in the better steel as well. I have the American Lawman in the xhp steel and it is great.
Wouldn't mind paying a little more for CPM-154. It would give extra edge retention, still be easy to bring the edge back to service, and still maintain good corrosion resistance for a bush knife.
Weird. So a few years ago at the NRA Annual Meetings, like JD Grayman, I bought a Counter Point 1 folder. I was only able to EDC it a few days when the Pocket Clip broke. Took it to the next one, was able to talk to Larry Thompson himself. He asked if I wanted to replace the Knife. I told him the knife was fine, I just needed a new Clip. He said to contact the company back in Kalifornia, but he didn't think I'd be able to get one, since the Knife was made in Taiwan, and any parts for it would be at the Factory. Fast Forward, and Guess What? You have the same Thumbstuds and Pocket Clip. So let us know how well it lasts as an EDC. As for my Counter Point, I'm keeping it stashed in a Milsurp 9mm Pistol Mag Pouch with a Lanyard to yank it out in case of Emergency. Yeah Ohio.
Just ordered one off Amazon durung Memorial Day on sale for $17 including the tax and free shipping. At that price I jumped off the fence. Turned out they cancelled my order. Must have been out of stock. I still my get one at regular price some day.
I've had one of these for quite some time. My use is primarily EDC. I'm not really a big "bush crafter" in any sense of the term, I'm an every day guy that carries knives daily. The weight, brand, price, and size attracted me to this knife right away. A thinner, pointy'er blade might do better overall, but for the money you CAN'T go wrong here. I love it.
I have used the finnwolf as an edc folder for almost 2 years now. GREAT KNIFE!!! I use the very same leather from KSF. Razer sharp every day.
Thank you Chris for the review. I never heard of this knife cause I was never a fan of cold steel, but I just ordered one based off of your review. Keep up the good work.
I bought one and took it out into the woods as a light duty backup bushcraft knife. Holy crap this thing goes through wood like a beaver on speed. I bought another one and it is in my edc bag. I can't believe how this knife performs. The spine throws sparks better than the saw on my leatherman, and shaves fatwood so fine it makes me laugh. You want to cut notches? Done. It is a great bushcraft knife. Comes razor sharp and is great to sharpen. I took the thumb stud off first thing and sharpen it on stones. I love this knife.
I really like the Finn wolf. Lots of people complain about the thumb stud. Getting in the way when sharpening but it's a flathead so it's not really difficult to remove. I do wish they'd upgrade the steel since it's a scandi and meant to see a lot of carving time but cold steel does a great heat treat on their Aus8
Just picked one of these up at an Army Surplus while I was in Denver & I think I'm going to like it for sure! Thanks for the review.
Considering traditional, REAL/Historical Puukko knives had stick tangs, and were designed to do "bushcraft" tasks, I think this one will be wholly adequate for ALL bushcraft tasks because it is plenty strong enough. Heck, didn't Nessmuk recommend a two bladed pocket knife to use for "bushcraft" tasks (or was that the other guy?)? Seriously, I am pretty tired of RUclips experts who need a bit more real world experience and fewer hours watching other RUclips Experts in their expert circle jer......discussions. Good review Chris!
@@1800moonSugar Excuse me? It's called reality pal. It would help if you tried some.
Good colour for camo aspect I got the exact same with some Christmas gift money. I’m loving it
Yes perfect edc backup folder, thanks for video, I had ordered one just for edc, Good to see you still going hope your safe and well during covid
I love that knife. Took off the thumb stud for sharpening... love it for backpacking
That was really cool seeing the different grinds working on the same media.
Hey guys , I got my finwolf a couple days ago . I love it ! I have the esee camplore, several mora , and a jacklore . Cut will cut with the best of them . And it being in my front pocket I don't have to plan having a scandi with me . I always have a fixed blade as part of Mt edc as I like everything north ga mtns .
I got one a couple months ago. It quickly became an EDC for me. Damn good knife for the price.
Been using mine for 2 years. Holding up great. Gutted many rabbits and squirrels with it. Also some small wood processing for my emberlit.
This video sold me on the design.
Then some of my subs bugged so much that I finally bought one and today it came in.
Liking so far.
Thanks for the tip!
I love my Finn Wolf for all the reasons you mentioned, but I do use mine in the woods. Not for batoning lol. I don't have to remove the thumb stud for stropping. Just start with the tip instead of the bottom of the blade. Just be sure you have the correct grind angle.
+Joshua Ritzheimer The JRE hanging strop is easier (for me).
PREPAREDMIND101 I've got a similar strop. I'll have to give it a try.
Nice..a lot like a "bushcraft" folder. I like it. Good review. Thanks Chris.
It looks great in other colors too like orange - iluvknives.com/cold-steel-finn-wolf-review/
If you take out the thumb stud you can have a small zip tie through the hole and would be the same thing.
I will do that with mine when it comes in, and I may do it with another folder I have as well! Thanks for the idea!
Chris Mccarthy
I just took out the stud.
I've been working on enlarging the hole a bit at a time with a dremel, trying to get the hole big enough to open with just a thumb.
l have had mine for over a year and love this knife. I sharpen mine on my DC4 and have not had any issues getting it razor sharp.
I have had a Finn Hawk for a while, and it is my EDC knife. The thumb stud is no problem to sharpening in the field. Don't use a stone. Use a Lansky diamond sharpening stick. I prefer to use the tapered end, and I keep my Hawk almost as sharp as my Mora.
I never have trouble sharpening my Finn Wolf in the field. I use a Smith Diamond Rod to sharpen in the field. 5 or 10 swipes and it gets a razor edge...scary-sharp, almost as sharp as my Mora.
I was glad to see you do this review. I have had this knife and carried it every day for over a year. It has always performed very well. As far as the thumb stud is concerned, I removed mine a long time ago. I frapped about three loops of Bank line through the hole and melted the ends. The result is I have a very functional thumb stud that no longer gets in the way of the knife operation or sharpening. I uploaded a couple of pics on my Google+ for reference.
Try a cable tie works great
This knife is cheap on price but high in value. Own one and given two as gifts. After I'm done using it I take it to the strop just like my other edc blades. Glad you gave this knife a chance it will do wright by you Chris!
I have a Finn Wolf. It's a cool little folder!
I like it as a secondary bush edc option. Nothing wrong with using the Finn Wolf for smaller outdoor tasks. Thanks Chris!!
Heres a great POU, backup bushcraft folder for a BOB, triad lock means you can baton with it too making a solid light BOB backup folder,paired with a drop point fixed blade, and a large survival knife or axe
Waiting for the SR1 video :) I am so getting that knife
nevillesavage2012 I have the SR 1 and it's my favourite companion folder when i am going into the woods....also my favourite "hard use folder" i take with me when i dont know what i'll be doing
Nice looking knife for the cost
I like mine. Stays 8n my tacklebox. Great knife for cutting bait and bushcraft. And makes a great backup to put in bugout bag just incase your fixed blade is to big for smaller tasks. Awsome blade to it sharpens to a razors edge.
Bought this blade when I seen your instagram post on Saturday. Just got it. Love it! Thanks for the heads up
Received mine in the mail today. Awesome knife
The handles look gray in all videos and photos, but it IS green...no doubt.
Gotta love the sheathe test
I love this knife. It gives good value for the money. This was my woods folder of choice before I replaced it with a Tree Frog.
Ive thought about this blade alot as well. But for those who like similar knives... The KHAN might be a good alternative. However ill probably still end up checking this one out
Beauty of a knife, I like the scandi. Good physical review. Thanks. Tonyo
I noticed the sheath. Did you have fun cutting it. I bet you did.
Picked it out of a drawer the other day, replaced the thumb stud with a mini zip tie. Doesn't look as snazzy but it's way less of a pain in the arse to strop.
Pro tip: I got rid of the thumbstuds on all my folding knifes and applied a cable tie. With the lock of the cable tie on the spine of the blade, and pulled real tight, it does not come in your way when sharpening on a wetstone, you are able to use it like a thumbplate and it works like a snaggletooth - with a bit practise.
My tip: cable ties.
The folder seems to make a good impression.
Great test. I haven't seen to many folders with a scandi grind. It looks like a solid performer.
Just ordered this folder for my edc yesterday!
I've been carrying traditional Finnish fixed blade Puukko this weekend at our sumerhouse. One thing I noticed is that the knife was rather hard to get back into the sheath (you have to be careful to not to stab yourself) whereas you can simply fold a folder and throw back into the pocket. I would like to have a folding scandi ground knife and I think I'll go with Finn Wolf. I wish there were more Finnish companies that manufactured folders... One thing that is important to me as a Finn: There's a gap between the blade and the handle when the knife is folded. Can you open a beer bottle with it?
I thought the same thing as soon as I saw a picture of it. Since I bought my Finn Wolf I haven't actually tried it on a metal cap, but I did use it to pop off a plastic cap of roughly the same size. It worked fine for that, and the knife is plenty strong, so I see no reason it wouldn't work on a beer bottle.
Nice to see you finally come around to the wolf, I recommended that knife to you a couple years ago after I got mine and you blew it off.
Man....you guys really hold onto stuff for a long time!
PREPAREDMIND101 lol
Stropping it works fine without removing the thumb stud.
Brutal factory sharpening!
Thanks for this first impressions video Chris. We (my son and I) love our Finn Wolfs. We actually got two of these from Amazon in the same order as our two "fantastic big choppers" (name unmentioned). That was a great day for us! The Finn Wolfs are not our EDC knives, but we do keep them in our "go bags" as backup folders (thumbstuds removed... too hard to sharpen otherwise). Do you know what I'd like to see? ... how you sharpen skandi grinds with the Ken Onion. I was always of the impression that the Worksharp puts a convex bevel to everything... ? Thanks for any incite.
The Random Knife Sheath Test is awesome
Sweet folder brother nice EDC folder! It eat threw that sheath
I have my eye on this for awhile. Thanks for the review
The random knife sheath test should be the new standardized test for folders
I have enough of them to do it for a while...
Sherade sheath
"random" 😜
@@preparedmind101 Yep the minute velcro closure systems become muddy they are less useful,have bought Cold Steel Finn Wolf folder really good review, thank you Chris, Greetings from Arbroath ,Scotland.
Use a Fallkniven DC4 to sharpen and you don't have to take the thumb studs off. You can also use the leather slip for stropping.
After observing the new random sheath cutting test, I can say it should become a knife reviewing standard. I would like to see Ben, NutnnFancy, and the rest of the knife reviews add this to the tests they put the knives to. Great idea Chris!
I love the random sheath test! I wonder if we could get the flamethrower and random sheath bonfire?
Great review👍🏻 I have had one of these for a couple months. I love it! Very light. All it is used for is notching green wood. I have Becker saber grind for all other tasks
Great video thank you. I have added to my shopping list .
Has been a positive experience to have a scandi edge.
I have had this knife a long time. I like it. I sharpen mine on a strip. Glue leather strap to a large paint stick. Rub it with Jewelers Rouge and it keeps it sharp most of the time. Also I got out the Dremel and made one divot for the finger that double divot was uncomfortable to me.
You know what? What is the best knife to have?
The one that is on you.
If you happen to be stranded out in the wild, this knife is your life saver. It is what it is, a folder, with all the positives and negatives a folding knife has into it.
Chris, if you hold the knife blade up. and use a small sharpening stone to "fill the gap" of the edge, the stude won't be in the way.
I love mine. Backup camp knife. Doesent get used a lot but fantastic value I think. Very solid.
Love my Finn wolf.
Nice looking budget friendly folder
I really like it. Bought one myself.
Chris that seems to be a good budget friendly knife, I like the design
Thanks for this! This is going top the top of my wishlist. Looks like a great option for me. Beats the snot out of my current EDC knives.
you should also look at the Finn Hawk
Nice looking blade
I love it,thanks for the post man
Thanks Chris, i been curious about this lil knife.
Think ill get one. Maybe get rid of the thumb studs and dremel in a nail nic
Amazing knife
The feather stick out of newspaper was interesting. :) An interesting folder.
Hey Chris, are you going to be doing a review on the msk1 anytime soon? Man I would love to see what that knife is capable of.
That knife is really a pricy investment, there's a lot of blades on the market nowadays that is capable of doing the same tasks as the msk1…, as for myself, it's not worthwhile to buy it
Had that one for awhile now. Love it too. Cold Steel hit it out of the park on this one. Gotta love the price too. See ya Chris.
Great Knife ! Very Good Review !
This without thumb stud and a nail nick instead, and in 440C, would be an excellent second (or third) fallback blade in the woods.
I'm gonna get one, nice review!
Nice review. Tnx Chris!
Real Steel makes a scandi folder also in G10 and has liners. Have it and the fin wolf. Both have been good considering its budget. Nice review
I do like a good puukko. Best design for the northern woods.
Great review 👍 It's my kind of knife.
Chris, a new vender has the Orange one for $38
+Brian Mccann I already got two green ones though....
I don't own the Cold Steel Finn Wolf yet, but I've hard that it's an awesome folder. However, yes, you would have to take that thumb stud off to sharpen...
Neil Johnson that is exactly what he said... keyboard ninja spotted
Any chance you might be doing a review of the LT Wright northern Hunter in the future? Would like to see that ran thru some Bushcraft tasks
Yep I took the thumb stud off mine (I know I'm now defenseless against woods ninjas). For me this is a good use of the true scandi, I don't want to dedicate my fixed blade to that grind, I've used it out in the woods a few times as my carving tool, it's light enough to just go in my pocket until it's needed. The only other true scandi folder I found is the enzo in d2 at $115 and I think spyderco makes one for like $180 or something.
This is my edc knife...light strong clean beautiful
"random knife sheath test" cracked me up
Thanks!
Nice looking knife!!!
If the thumb stud is like the one I had on my Counter Point 1, then it is actually 2 pieces that screw together. It isn't a solid piece of allthread (like I thought it was originally). Use a set of vice grips on one side, and a leatherman on the other, and you'll be able to unscrew it (or break it off completely). I broke the thumb stud off of my Counter Point 1 on my first day, and found out that it was 2 pieces. 😕
Have you seen the Colossus 2 and Rajah 3, blew my mind, I love those for defense knives, out of my price range though, the Rajah is 109, Colossus is 349 I think.
Seems like a pretty decent knife. The issue with the thumb stud seems negligible to me, easy enough to adjust the angle for a quick tune up.
Nice knife sheath cut test... the sheath looks awfully familiar.... a hollow grind comes to mind.
some of the newer cold steel knives come in CTS-XHP. I believe you can get this one in the better steel as well. I have the American Lawman in the xhp steel and it is great.
Not yet. Hopefully they do it in CTS-XHP.
Wouldn't mind paying a little more for CPM-154. It would give extra edge retention, still be easy to bring the edge back to service, and still maintain good corrosion resistance for a bush knife.
+NickJayy OneSixteen I'll remember you said that when Bark River gets folders going next year....
EKA swingblade. I know Enzo makes one too.
I got one .its not bad it will do .good for a floder.aus8.its a good knive.the style to.
Weird. So a few years ago at the NRA Annual Meetings, like JD Grayman, I bought a Counter Point 1 folder. I was only able to EDC it a few days when the Pocket Clip broke. Took it to the next one, was able to talk to Larry Thompson himself. He asked if I wanted to replace the Knife. I told him the knife was fine, I just needed a new Clip. He said to contact the company back in Kalifornia, but he didn't think I'd be able to get one, since the Knife was made in Taiwan, and any parts for it would be at the Factory. Fast Forward, and Guess What? You have the same Thumbstuds and Pocket Clip. So let us know how well it lasts as an EDC. As for my Counter Point, I'm keeping it stashed in a Milsurp 9mm Pistol Mag Pouch with a Lanyard to yank it out in case of Emergency. Yeah Ohio.
A lot of knife for the money. You cannot go wrong for $35. Nice review!
Nice knife great review thank you.
Just bought mine. I hope that you get credit from Amazon if we use your link. Great review brother!!
Just ordered one off Amazon durung Memorial Day on sale for $17 including the tax and free shipping. At that price I jumped off the fence. Turned out they cancelled my order. Must have been out of stock. I still my get one at regular price some day.