Cold Steel 4 Max Scout VS Original 4 Max - Worth the Money? 

Just picked up 4max scout on sale 75 bucks and I'm blown away by how well made this knife is. This knife went through many torcher test videos and for the price I paid can't believe what it could own 6 times higher priced knifes and I would trust this any day of the week amazing build quality and the feel of the handle is like rubber grip that's in my microtech socks can't believe the build quality. I have every high end steel out there aus10 has blown me away cold steel killed it .

I have a master's in mechanical engineering from Stanford, and worked nearly my whole career as a spacecraft engineer. That certainly doesn't make me a metallurgist or materials engineer, but I did have to take classes on both. At the time of writing this comment, Cold Steel currently offers the 4 Max Elite, which is s35vn. From everything I've read, watched, and experienced in real life, there's very little difference between steels like Cold Steel's AUS-10A, s35vn, AUS-8A, 20CV, and VG10. S35vn is considered a super-steel (super stainless steel). What does that mean? It essentially means it will hold an edge longer. However, it's harder, and more likely to chip, rather than roll. Personally, I'm a big fan of both AUS-8A and AUS-10A. They're stainless (unless you live next to salt water), they hold an edge decently long, they're very tough, and they're easy to sharpen. Essentially, they're "bend-but-don't-break", high carbon stainless steels. IMO, they should be considered super steels. What I'm trying to illustrate, is that you're likely not going to notice much difference if you buy the same knife with s35vn, for 4 times the price as the AUS-10A version. And if you happen to chip your $400 4 Max Elite, you're going to be very upset. If you roll the edge of your $75 4 Max Scout, you'll probably just say "eh", and then fix the roll.

It should be mentioned that there were two versions of the American made knife. The truly original one had a dog leg in the bar for the lock back release unlike the smooth bar on the version that Bryan owns. It took me a long time but I finally found the dog leg version and it is a pleasure to open and close.

I have edc’d the Italian one for a long time now and love it

I’d have to agree on the qc. Issues on the 4MAX, I recently bought one and had the same issues but I’m completely happy with it after pulling it apart and fixing the problems..

The first run of the US made 4 Max was riddled with QC issues, to the point they moved the production to Italy. Later on, after fixing the QC issues, they resumed production in the US. I have 2 Italian made 4 Max and 6 Scouts (2 DLC version from DLT Trading and 4 regular Scouts). They are all insanely strong, but in a life or death situation, I will always chose the Italian 4 max.

Thanks for this review! I was looking for another and only see the Scout as my only option. I do own both, the Italian and USA versions of the original 4Max. The quality control is definitely much better in the Italian made 4Max, especially in the jimping like you mentioned - the Italian version has higher, cleaner ridges. I also prefer the Italian's grey G-10 wood-like grain handle where it blends so much nicer with the bead blasted blade. I'll be picking up this Cold Steel 4Max Scout, it looks like it'll do most jobs just as well... sharpening maybe a little more frequent but it'll be much easier.

Just received my Scout. An EXCELLENT knife. More knife than what I'll probably ever need... Really happy I got it!!!

I have the Scout and I am completely happy with it!!! plus I have $300.00 to spend on other knives great video Bryan thanks

My cousin bought the USA made version. But both the Italian and USA made versions are out of my price league. I did buy a 4Max Scout for under $80 from Amazon sometime ago. Although I am a Cold Steel fan, my Recon Tanto San Mai 3 is the only Cold Steel knife that I dropped $100+ for, and that is because I wanted a Cold Steel knife from Japan AND I had the cash to treat myself. The rest of my Cold Steel knives, machetes, and other tools were under $90 when I bought them. But Cold Steel puts quality in all of their products, so you can go wrong, no matter where your budget is. Nice video though.

How are you liking the American blade works model 1 v4?

By your review.i just get it the 4max Scout.thanks on the review.

Own the Italian version of the 4-max. Love the thing. I got it over the USA version due to the color. What is better is debatable. I will say that just because it says USA on it does not mean its batter.

Hi Brian I pray that your feeling better. I went to Myrtle Beach for fathers day to visit my parents recently and I went to SEKW just to see what all of the fuss was about. That was a nice shop!!! Just wished i would have had more money to blow. Lol

I have the Italian version, which is made by LionSteel, and I'd say it's quite a bit better than the US-made version (which I've handled, but do not own). The fit and finish are definitely better, but where you really notice the Italian version shining is the action. It's that same, drop-shut action the Scout has and except for my Cold Steel AD-10, it's probably the best Tri-Ad Lock I own. It's also easier to disengage thanks to having a slight indent on the lockbar. Would love to give the new Taiwanese S35VN version a look and I certainly wouldn't turn down a Scout if I came across one at a good price. Nice design overall and it's kinda cool to see how many different takes there have been on it.

Yeah, I got bit by my Scout so I use both hands now opening & closing. AUS10A is a good steel.

I would take either!

Luv the honesty

I have the usa one,and i love it to death. I got it when the Italian one did not exist yet. Wil i get the scout? I'l bet ya.

Can I get one in Damasteel and Timascus?

Carry one on each side, nearly 2 pounds of apocalypse steel right there. Lynn Thompson would approve.

If one shows up gently used or by some miracle GSM bring it back, I have to get me a 4-Max. I just hate the griv-ex handle with the DIY looking grip pattern so much.

A lil late to the party though having all of the 4-Max models, and as a National Ski Patroller, I alternated the US version 4-Max with the Italian and the Elite, and while the Italian version is an excellent hard-core knife, I would take the US version all day, every day, 7/365!! 16:06 I preferred the fit/finish of the US version, with the only feature/area that I would give the nod to the Italian Max us with the tension of the pocket clip, as it's easier to separate from the scale when clipping to pants. It is actually thinner than the US version, which may or may not compromise long term robustness though there is absolutely nothing in its appearance or performance that leads me to say this, other than a cosmetic based opinion. It continued to work superbly🤙 Actually, if one just wanted one insanely obnoxiously offensively bad@ss knife, that will do EVERYTHING that they tell you NOT to do with a knife, I would grab a 4-Max Scout!! It's one of the greatest values in the knife world and the perfect knife to pull out in response to the guy who thinks that their Troodon Combat is the sh!t, lol😉 Nice vid🤙 Continued Success🍻 RP

SIIIINCE the 4 maxx was availble for so long before the scout came along.. I’d say the 4maxx is worth the money.. but the scout is super good.. like incredible for the price for sure.. just the sheer amount of steel.. lol I’ve got the Italian one a friend gifted to me I love it. For work and daily.. aside from it def not shorts friendly lol.. work pants and jeans ok.. sweats and anything else.. nah 😊😊😍

Bought a 4MAX Scout recently and ive done things that most people are scared to do with their "full tang" fixed blades.... i paid 70 dollars on Amazon for it and i tell you its an incredible deal from Lynn and Demko.

I've been annoying my wife with my new Espada XL hehe

I love my US version 4-Max. I'm blessed to have one. Stay safe and GOD bless everyone > 🤙🏽

The Italian 4MAX is slightly better than the US made the same way the US is slightly better than the Scout. IMHO.

Funny i will tell you the proper way to close any triad lock. Blade down angle the tip of the knife towards the floor then press the lock release, once the blade is free it will slide down slightly (it won't go all the way) ok now let go of the lock bar and close it. It works every time as long as you point the blade towards the floor.

Wish they had carbon fiber scales

I

Italian version was made by Lionsteel

I gor an Italian 4 max on ebay lucky find in mycase i dont like using facebook knife groups been scammed on them

Awesome knife 70 dollars on Amazon in 2024

I love my 4Max Scout, it is a beast of a knife. I'm sure even the expensive version could take some abuse.

When I carry my 4 MAX SCOUT it's the right rear pocket. I find it to be more comfortable and easier to access.

🤨

Well the high end 4max was american made...

Bacon + 4max = awesome 😂😂😂

You have a fear of walking around your house?

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