Which Cold Steel Knife? (2 to avoid, and 2 to buy) 

I don’t know what your Definition of Hard Use, but the Airlite is Definitely not a Hard use Folder. I’m an Arborist and unfortunately my Airlite was Destroyed. The Recon 1 is a Great lightweights Hard use Folder. When Hurricane Irma Hit Florida I went down to assist in Tree Cleanup, well my Recon 1 held up to being dropped 60ft out of a Tree, Ran over by a Mini Skid Steer, Dropped in Mudd, saturated in Wood Chips. I had no tools to take it apart and Clean all that I used was WD-40, water and a Toothpick. I’ll be honest, I was Completely Shocked with its Performance and even more Shocked that it Never failed on me and not a single chip on the blade.

RECON-1 in my pocket Everyday. It don't sit on a shelf with 20 other knives. Its for working, not looking at.

Modified my Code 4 with a pattern of gun tape on the scales, a titanium deep pocket clip, a snaggletooth and a 3 inch pigtail of braided paracord. It's now a near perfect ever day carry. Purchased my custom Recon 1 without the black coating on the blade. No issues with deployment.

Out of the box, I can relate. Over time my Recon 1 and Voyager have improved greatly. My Code 4 took over a year till it started working well.

Ive owned and used just about every Cold steel knife ever made. And the Recon 1 is the absolute best on the Market.

American Lawman

The Air Lite is most definitely a hard use folder when objectively compared to almost any other brands folding knife. However when compared against hard use CS Triad folders made by Cold Steel (like the Recon 1, AK47, AD10, ect it might fall a bit short. But just barely. That being said, the Airlite punches FAR above its 3 oz weight. Other hard use lightweight sleepers are the 3" Recon Mini and the 4" Range Boss (FRN version of the discontinued Broken Skull) with lower grade steel..

Feathers ruffled! I love my Recon 1!

I like the thick blade stock on a Cold Steel knife for confident heavy use. I have the SR1 in tanto point and enjoy the neutral handle without the grooves for fingers a little better. The Voyager XL is great and always puts a smile on the face while using. The serrated version is great on those for hacking and slashing and destroying whatever you give it.

Definitely check out the Black Talon 2. I have the plain edge version and it is insanely badass. Big and smooth and solid with a razor chisel edge. Can be "waved" open and actually has a decent pocket clip. And almost as slim as an Air Lite, which is crazy. You can easily carry it in the waistband of gym shorts.

The air lite is great for shorts and sweatpants. One of my favs

The AD10 is one of the best production knives ever made.

I want to try an American lawman from cold steel. Great video.

I have all three. My choice is the Recon 1. Ad10 is just too think for comfortable pocket carry for me. Agree the AirLight is awesome, totally agree.

I have several Cold steels. I find they are one of the best value/price brand in the market. Most are fixed blades (Master Hunter, SRK, Bird & Game) and only one folding: the AD15. The AD (for Andrew Demko) is a huge, heavy and unconfortable piece of steel, aluminum and G10 but it feels so robust and safe with the scorpion lock that has grown into me. I wouldn dream to carry it, but for every day use at home, it shines. Maybe I should have bought the AD10 instead. That handle looks very confortable. Great video! Thumbs up!

I wish they would upgrade the scales on the Code 4 to a frag pattern. Such an awesome knife, just add a little texture and maybe the slightestbit of extra thickness. I love the hollow grind on it for edc.

Interesting to see how different our opinions are. I never had any issues with my Recon 1 for deployment but the lock initially was pretty brutal and although the G10 feels good in the hand it was so rough it wanted to take my pockets with it anytime I took it out. Gave the scales a quick hit with a sanding block to take the edge off and it's served me faithfully ever since. The Code 4 is definitely more pocket friendly than it is hand friendly given how narrow it is but it's a pretty light and comfortable knife to carry for the size of knife it is so I don't think it's that much of a bad thing for an edc knife and I personally don't feel like it's going to slip out of my hand when I open or use it but obviously ymmv. I don't have the AD10 but I do have the 4max scout which is pretty similar if a bit chunkier and that is a comfortable and thwack-y knife to play with but the 4max is probably about as unrealistic to EDC as the Voyager XL. Speaking of the Voyager out of all of the cold steel knives I have it feels by far the cheapest and most plastic-y in the handle department. Still a perfectly sturdy knife and practical assuming you get the normal sized ones but the scales don't feel high quality from a tactile perspective.

I have a code4 tanto from Lynns days and a clip point from the very beginning of the sale of the company before QC was dismantled. They are both high quality, not slippery whatsoever in my rough manhands. Coming in at $85-$110 it is the best in class and the lock is smooth. I farm and work on equipment and trucks & also cut trees and split firewood, ouchy on my hands isnt an issue, however i can see how it wouls bother people who don't work outside frequently

You won't be disappointed with the ultimate hunter. Awesome knife.!!!

edc my code 4 for a few years it got sand blasted and polished, it grips grate it does not slip out your hand , while polishing it it cought the buffer wheel several times, we are talking industrial grade equipment. it kicked hard but it suprisingly stayd in my hand and dint go flyng. blade is great keeps sharp and does not brake i open cans of food or anything. it s a work horse

I know you're not too keen on half-serrated knives, but I've got half-serrations on a Voyager XL and it's pretty great. With the length, you're basically getting two normal sized blades, one serrated and one not., and the serration pattern is really good in my opinion. Being able to choke down on the grip for a bit more chopping power is neat as well.

I recently sold my Airlite Tanto. The unnecessarily big and polished pocket clip was the deal breaker for me. Everything else about the knife (as you said) is great. I'd love to get the new version with the OD Green scales and black coated clip, blade and hardware. But sadly they haven't made it to 🇩🇪 yet. Edit: The Pro Lite is also a great option if you're on a budget. Got mine for just 35€ and it handles great, been using it a lot.

MAX !!! Amazon selling Air Lite for $40. Also, try the 4” Counter Point. Great action and great grip. I replaced the clip.

Ok...While I appreciate the time and effort that went into your assessment, I don't necessarily agree with your take on the Code 4 and Recon One...I actually regard the Code 4 as a refined, gentlemanly, hard use capable knife...a sort of slight departure from the usual Cold Steel tactical, hard use design heritage, and the Recon One has been almost universally regarded as an iconic folder. My own assessment comes from upon discovering Cold Steel when I bought my first one 4 months after starting down my EDC road. I had about 60 to 80 knives from a couple dozen makers by then...including Ontario, Buck, Civivi, Kizer, Kubey, Artisan, CJRB, SRM, Benchmade, Spyderco, Hogue, among others, and then bought an SR1 Lite. A year and a half into it now, I have 200 plus knives...of which 100 or so are Cold Steels. There are certainly more expensive knives, made from higher quality materials, and there are some inexpensive budget knives that are very good for what they are, but generally speaking...I can find no other brand that comes close to Cold Steel in terms of toughness, durability, ergos, and reliability at their price point...They offer tremendous bang for the buck...Of course that's just my opinion, but for what what its worth, I had no preexisting bias either way, before I bought one...Now...I'm biased as hell...lol.😂 Cheers!

My most used and abused knife is an AD-10 lite. Most of my other knives are fixed blades, so they only get used on planned trips.. when i go into the jungle, for example.

Recon 1 is my favorite modern folder. I can understand why you don’t like the opening, but that’s just not how I open it. I swing it open, you basically flick it forward/down, then swing back out, and walla. It’s one handed opening, one handed closing, 100% safe, and it’s the lightest strongest and yet decently large cold steel knife in my opinion. I think it’s a little sad that you wouldn’t promote it, but I’m also not going to pretend like cold steel knife fans are in the dainty fast knife brigade.

If you something ridiculous try the Rajah 2. Big but can still sort of pocket carry.

I have the code 4, not a bad knife for $62, not really that slippery unless you have no grip strength, it's slim so it's nice for EDC. No hard feelings I like them all.

I would suggest the Voyager Clip Point, XL. I've had one for about 3 weeks now, and it opens and closes nicely. Its only a 5.5 inch blade, but its just the right size for the pocket. Now if you want one that is really large and lets just say, crazy, the Rajah 2. It is a folding Khukuri with a six inch blade and 8 inch handle. With a thumb thing on the top of the knife, which also works as a "Wave" opener from your pocket. Now you can add one to the Voyager. I have the Rajah 2 and it is a tank and beast of a knife, and I Like it.

Just so you know, there's also a medium Voyager. Smaller than the Large. Edit: been discontinued though.

I love Cold Steel knives and have been buying them for around 13 years, the Recon 1 (aus 8 version) was one of the first I bought and is a favorite. I love the tri-ad lock for security and will gladly put up with that little bit of stiffness (mainly when they are new) for having such a great lock.

I still have my original Cold Steel 4 inch Tanto from back in the 90's. The absolutely worst lock. I avoided Cold Steel for over 20 years. I was piercing a hold in a corrugated cardboard barrel for work. And the lock failed, cut off the corner of my thumb, nicked the bone and halfway through my index finger. I ha just sharpened the knife the night before. Even the doctor was surprised how clean it cut through, like a medical cut away diagram. Anyways completely put me off Cold Steel afterwards. I called the company, they wanted me to send the knife back. I knew it would disappear, I still have it. Now that being said, the same time I bought the Voyager tanto, I had bought the Cold Steel recon carbon steel fixed blade Tanto , and was the only bush/camping knife I trusted for well over 20 years before I retired it for my Tops Skullcrusher and Operator 7. My daily EDC is the Cold Steel AD10, absolutely love it. The Voyager issue is because it has no metal liners in the handle. Just Zytel or whatever they called it. The blade Steel, absolutely amazing, but the handle and lock are trash. I still have it in the original box and still razor sharp, haven't sharpened it since the incident back in the early 2000's.

Code 4 any day with scateboard tape on handle

I have many cold steel folding knives. Espada xl g10 Espada premium large Recon 1 Spartan Black talon 2 Ad10 Ad15 Sr1 Sr1 lite Code 4 Voyager vaquero xl Voyager tanto xl Voyage bowie xl 4max scout Rajha 3 Rajha 2 All are badass and ALL get carried.

1st turn the pivot screw back a bit they will open easier and still be tight. As for the smooth handle its made for slacks/dresspants so as not to damage them pulling it out of pocket. Then the recon1 is one of the best knives on the market. Yes the AD10 is sick but also a lot more bulky and a bit heavier. I own 96 Cold Steel knives all the large and xls 3 recon1,2 code4 and both AD10s drop point and tanto. Honestly u want the do all get a 4max its a beast. COLD STEEL ANYTIME ANYWHERE.

I have a Code 4, Recon 1 and AD10. I’m waiting for delivery on my Engage. Then I’m gonna save up and seek an American Lawman. I love Cold Steel knives.

I agree. My recon 1 clip point does not jump open like my air lite either.gotta really honk on it .wrist action

If you want a knife that is hilariously big, consider a Spartan, Rajah II, or Espada Large. I like the American Lawman. I have two. An older one with AUS-8 and a newer one with S35VN. The newer version has thinner handle scales, which is both a pro and a con. A thinner handle fits easier in the pants pocket, but a thicker handle fits easier in the hand.

While the code 4 handle is slick, the handle shape locks me in well so I'm not worried about slipping. I do wish it had some texture to it though. I've seen people put grip tape like gt 5000 on theirs to give it some. I still really like my code 4, american lawman, and ad-10, but I like the code 4 the least of the three.

I'm sure I would agree mostly with all your opinions here, but "avoid" the Recon 1? Seems a little strong. It's my favorite. Push with the thumb, little whip of the wrist, and it's open every time. Personally, I start with the Am Lawman for light EDC, then skip the 3.5" size and go straight up to the Recon 1 for big pocket folder. Carry the Bush Ranger if I want a folder to use hard and long. Then I go to the SR1 for an all in tactical folder.

My AD 10 is my EDC for work.

I carry the Recon 1 daily, both blade profiles. Both are very smooth deployment. Lube and adjust your pivot. Keep up on maintenance.

You need to try the Range Boss. 4 inch blade and very thin handle. Lightweight.

I love my Recon 1, big blade and handle. The texture is great and doesn't slip, even when working with gloves. Don't care about deployment speed because I don't play with my knives. Depends on what you like.

I knew within the first ten seconds of this video that the AD10 would be the winner. I own 2 (both in satin, one is a tanto, neither is the Lite variant) as well as that same AirLite variant but I’ve never held the Code4 or Recon1 or even a Voyager. I do own many other Cold Steel products, (including both the fully serrated and plain edge Black Talon II), i.e. knives, Brooklyn series polymer bats, woodsman tomahawks, FGX Nightshade defensive blades, kubotans, etc.

Good luck finding a CTS-XHP version of any Cold Steel under $200

Recon 1 XL for me. Since they are discontinued, I'll be making some Recon 1 XL scales out of G-10 and drop in a Voyager XL blade and Triad lock with a custom backspacer. Maybe a Signet Ring on the backspacer and a Fang or Snaggletooth mod.

I have had zero issues with the recon 1 deployment is fine it's just a great knife.

Code 4 is one of the best mid knives I have. Highly recommend! Recon 1 also a great knife and recommend.

I would suggest you give the Engage series a try. The 3.5" or 3" S35VN versions. With the blade deployed on the 3.5" version it has a very similar feel to the CS Ultimate Hunter, completely different locks, but a similar feel in hand. I own 3 and gave 2 away and all 5 of them were versy smooth to deploy and close.

The Cold Steel AD15 and the Silver Eye knives.

Your last 3 videos are literally things Ive been wondering about. 🤨

I have a large selection of Cold Steel knives. folding and fixed blade. you make comparisons of Aus-10 and S35VN knives. both are good steels but S35VN is a premium steel. the Air Lite is a nice lite knife. the AD-10 is a working knife with a rounded handle for comfort for tight fisted holding. a smaller choice would be the Ultimate Hunter. both use S35VN. they do make an AD-10 lite with Aus-10. the Code 4 to me is the ultimate gentleman's carry knife because of its smooth comfort finish. if you would like some texture and a touch smaller. go with the American Lawman. I like my Recon 1's. your issue sounds like you just need to do a little tuning. loosen your screw a little. if you want a heavy duty strong work knife. I would recommend the SR1. thick 4 inch blade in S35VN. you can get the SR1 in the lite vision in 8Cr13MoV for under $40

I have code 4 all you need is a little skate board tape on handle one of best knifes they make

Is that a bow drill divot in the custom AD10 handle scale?

Good review. Completely agree regarding the slippery smooth handle on the code 4 (wondering if skateboard tape is a viable solution to that issue). I don't have the other knives you show so I can't comment, but it seems like the AD10 has a very thick (maybe too thick?) blade to be a good everyday slicer (or extensive slicing/cutting tasks) though it may be a great tank of a knife. I do have the large Voyager and love it. That Air-Lite is interesting...I may have to try one out. Thanks again for the review.

I had a Code 4 that I returned because it took a ridiculous amount of pressure to release the lock to close it. And, yeah, very slippery. My Recon tanto that I bought used is phenomenal!

Check out a vintage CS Scimitar as a defensive folder.

Thanks Man! I really like Cold Steel. My favorite is the SRK 49LCK. The only not fixed blades i own are Leatherman and Victorinoy. So thanks very much for recommending the air lite. Suggestion: The thumb stud seems to be adjustable easy. Just srew the flathead in, then you will have more space for your thumb. Greethings from Austria

I have all three an you are wrong! Each knife is perfect for their intended use! The code 4 is a great carrying knife. Unless you are fat with thickly flesh padded individual, then the folds of fat may migrate to the square edge blade slot causing discomfort. I have 3 Code 4s and have been carrying them daily for 3 years without any issues. For my warm and fuzzy feelings, sometimes I carry an ad10 or AD15 in the other pocket too, but I will always have the C4 and an HKUSP with me at all times!

Cold Steel SR1 is a beast! I prefer it over the others which I own.

Cold steel just hits diffrent! It feels like its depenable for hard work when you put it in your hand. I love my 940 but damn i think im going to break it every time i use it.

The ad10 almost cut off one of my fingers. It is that awesome.

I loved the air lite so much I bought 2 more in different colors

I own the Black Talon 2 in fully serrated and I know you will like it. I've been thinking about getting the CS Recon 1 with the clip point but after what you said I might consider the AD10 if it isn't too heavy. 🤙👍

As far as a wicked nonmetal tool, check out the Cold Steel “FGX WASP DAGER,” I used it on somebody arm that reached into my car! PD found him at a hospital as doctors were surgically removing it from his arm (through and through).

I prefer the Lawman in ctsbd1

I have a recon 1 with what looks like a similar level of stiffness when opening. For me, this is not an issue because I can either slow roll it out (which is actually very fast) or use some wrist on the flick.

The 3.5in engage isan awesome knife.

PS if you don’t own a Cold steel Talwar folder your collection is lacking. Talwar is one of the greatest fighting knives designs. As I have every version Lynn Thompson ever designed, I might be a we biased.

Code 4 need state board tape on Handel to make it the best

You can return a blade just because you dont like it?

You're not going to find a better cold steel. folder than the AD-10 in my opinion. I carry mine often, and more often I use it as my kitchen knife. The SR1 is a smooth and easy to open knife also. I recommend it in tanto. S35VN steel is good, but I prefer the AUS10A. It's easier to sharpen and I don't see a difference in the steel the way I use a knife. If you just want a great stabber with great steel. I recommend the hold out in 6 inch. It's big, but plenty light in the pocket. If I go out to eat a steak. My AD-10 is usually my dinner knife, but I've used the SR1 for that a few times too.

That Air Lite 10A in Drop Point has already been on my Purchase list for about a week or so, along with the 3" Verdict in Spear Point. . . . and I have a birthday at the end of May. I guess I know what I'll be looking at more closely! Thanks for your thoughts on these!

My personal favorite coldsteel is the max4scout. I feel that knife is a larger, beefier and more comfortably shaped version of the AD10. I Did not like the code4 either.

Been using my Spartan every single day for over a decade. Hand slippage is non-existant with it. Kopis style blade really bites in & works well. Tri-ad lock is good as new after thousands of openings & closings. Rock solid...unchanged design (for good reason) & very budget friendly. Those that whine & complain about the size & weight...just take more testosterone & lift more weights or get you a little pocket folder thats small enough & light enough to keep your estrogen levels even. The Spartan is a real man's knife!

Must be your hand? I have no trouble whatsoever deploying my Recon 1's....🤔

SR1 LIte was my first!

Why is the ak47 always left out???

The slippery Code 4 handle comment will no longer fly. It never was relevant. There are many grip tape tutorials showing how to treat the Code 4. This not only improves grip, but makes it look great as well. Cold Steel has always suffered negative comments that could be easily mitigated. For example; need two hands to open and close, slippery handle on Code 4, difficulty deploying Recon 1. I can thumb and reverse flick all 3 versions of my Recon 1, Code 4, American Lawman, Air Lite, and Voyager.

The Finn Wolf is a great knife to me.

The Recon 1 is IME a considerable upgrade to the Voyager L series. The deployment hiccup of your model surely can be mitigated. My special edition Recon 1 spear point doen't have that.

I got the Counter Point; but just can't replace my Emerson with it.

Check out the mayhem..and the swift

Blasphemy!! You keep them all!!! YOU KEEP THEM ALL!!!!

Pocket clips: IMO, the pocket clips on the Code-4 (which I won), American Lawman, Recon-1; that weak silly little clip is for the birds. I work hard and sometimes I need to nab my working knife out of my pocket with one hand and do some work. The clip is a key part of a deployable knife. These clips are fad clips. Like deep carry clips- worthless and silly. In my opinion.

Carry the 4max scout myself everyday it's a tank

What do you think about the American Lawman?

I really like my ad15 . I got my brother a code 4 he likes it, but I hate how it feels in the hand.

Do you prefer the Air Lite or the Large Voyager? I'm debating on a new pocket knife that'll see some moderately hard use, for daily care and my job (linework), but something that isn't so expensive that I'm going to be too mad about becoming lost or stolen, I'm down to the Air Lite and the Voyager as they both seem excellent options. I prefer the G10 handle of the Air lite over the plastic handle on the Voyager, although the voyager does have some small liners. I appreciate a knife that fills the hand, I carried an Adamas for about 4 years in and out of the military until it broke the stop pin on the back recently, and I don't feel comfortable using it for work in worry that I'll lose it. I might be better off going a bit out of budget and getting an AD-10 Lite but I'd be concerned about it getting lost, although that might be a good thing to help me keep track of it lol.

Interesting video 👍🏻

You like your Air Lite. try the Hold Out 3" $68.90

That AD-10 pocket clip is just horrible. Otherwise it’s awesome. Recon 1 is five stars.

Cold Steel used to be the coolest of all cool knives. Lynn Thompson and his true guarantee = BEST - PERIOD! New Cold Steel owners are shingle shit!

Time to go shopping for some big-boy pants.

imagine returning your (back-lock!) knife because you have to thumb-roll it open or give it a slight flick with the wrist😂 guess what, some knives aren't fidget toys but serious tools, ment for real work.

How do i clean the blade of the recon 1 tanto?

Cold steel? buy all of them... you wont find a more substantial folding knife that can do what Triad lock blades can do

you want something rediculously huge, go for the gold if you're going cold steel, Espada XL baby

How about the ak47 and the ad15?