Hey GT family, because of this video and your agreement in the comments Cold Steel has lowered the price of the razor tek line! MSRP is now $100, and the smaller models are lower than that. Let see. Let’s see what happens next ???
Sad to see Cold Steel going down the road we all feared. Increase the cost while reducing quality - profit at all costs. Sad. Lynn Thompson put all that effort in to build up a great quality & value knife company only for the new owners to blow it all. This is not a performance argument - it's all about value. Yeah the 4116 may have done well in your testing but 4116 is still 4116 and a budget steel. Plastic handles are still plastic handles. There is no way I'm paying over $100 for 4116 steel & plastic.
Sold Steel worst case is the truth now,so sad.The pricepoint is hillarius...on the other Hand the early version of the Leatherneck had 4116steel too(better features overall), and is tough as f...
@@markhatfield5621 Yep. Look back lots of CPM premium steels now more recently 4116 and 4034 (from whatever waste bin they found that in). Again, sad. Recon 1, Code 4, American LM, SR1 all legend knives but now??? Have a great day.
That's why NO ONE should sell a legit, respectable, ethical, and quality company to a bunch of profit at all costs profit minded idiots. But it happens all. The. Time. As we see in the quality of goods today vs the price.
Definitely an interesting knife but I agree with you. For the money, I’d go with the tried-and-true Esee 6 all day. For $75, I’d give it some thought. But $150, I’ll pass
It’s decisions like this that really make me question the “new” cold steel. That said, these will certainly be on sale at some point if every retailer is sitting on a bunch of stock.
I bought some Espada XLs and trailmasters before the switch. Haven't bount one since. Waiting for the Natchez Bowie to drop. But alas still waiting. Stickman showed it in a video ages ago. Get it together neo-subzero-steel
This is the kind of stuff I was expecting from Cold Steel once GSM got hold of the company. I can see them starting a trend. High dollar budget steel knives and even higher dollar expensive steel knives.
I've always loved Cold Steel, especially their large folders, but for that price I definitely love ESEE and Tops a little more. Thanks Aaron for a good video.
Now the 90$ strong arm doesn’t seem so bad lol (inflation really hitting American companies hard). Steel is only one of three things needed to make a good blade. Heat treat it numero uno. Blade grind is also very important. If you nail the first two, steel type becomes an afterthought. Interesting review my friend!
G'day Aaron, in my experience large lumps of stainless are always expensive, (in fairness I usually target, S30 and 35, quite happy with N690 and 95 too), but yeah 150 odd USD for 4116 does seem over the top. It did appear to perform well, maybe it's under rated with a decent HT, but still, I'd rather do the extra maintenance on a BK and the like, rather than take a $150 gamble. Cheers Duke.
I have 4 knives from Cold Steel made out of Krupp 4116, two folders and two fixed blades. I am impressed by the edge retention and toughness of this steel. The heat treat must be spot on. #22aday #22adaynomore Stay safe everybody, and stay blessed. Greetings from Germany!
Lynn selling the company got me out of collecting. Now I'm engaged and buying my first home. Thank you Lynn for being the George Lucas of knives and thank you GSM for being Disney.
This is seriously the best comment !! Hey - I’m an avid collector and my wife is always on me to sell off the collection and start focusing on a new home . Seriously!! It’s so hard to part with the collection. Now I am just getting word about how Lynn Thompson is selling or sold the company?? I don’t know about the logistics. I purchased the budget version of the Warcraft Tanto and did a video review . It’s really a bad ass blade ( I’m not a stonewashed fan by the way but I always wanted the original Warcraft so this is the next best thing ). But having said that , it’s the selling price for budget steel that bothers me . The knife should be selling for $60 to $70?- Not $140 !!! Even the new Laredo is priced at $189 for the same budget steel . I wish they would either lower the price or stop calling it “ budget “ . When I think budget blades , I’m thinking $10 to $50 . So I don’t know what is going on out there in Cold Steel land but the entire industry is beginning to annoy me . It has me also getting close to never purchasing any more knives . I may just keep the sentimental ones , my customs , sell off the rest , and start focusing on a new home . Again - sorry so long but your comment got to me . Enjoy the day 🤠
I had a problem with the cold steel swift, gsm blew me off and was rude to boot, nobody know squat a knife, they will not honor warranty, Atlantic knife made it good can’t say enough good things they are a small business with great customer service, but it will be my last cold steel.
Spot on review! Totally agree with all comments. Thanks for reviewing this new piece. Unfortunately it appears GSM is only after the brand equity of CS. -GideonTactical is the one who is always ready for a top notch review - 'anytime, anywhere'! :-)
I'm glad you put this video out. Very informative and with everything going up in price its good to see it compared with competitive options. Gives things some much needed perspective.
The whole point of Cold Steel is that you can get a really tough knife for a great price. Example: the Recon Tanto is spectacular at $45, and the SRK-C is insane at $35. Retail pricing on the Razor Tek is now closer to $65 - $85, but even at that price the aesthetics and the mall ninja name make it hard to take seriously. To be fair tho, the 4116 steel punches way above its weight: I have a Cold Steel kitchen cleaver made out of the stuff and it's wicked.
I'd argue that 4116 is a really good steel for a stainless survival knife. It's really tough, has decent edge retention compared to steels like aus8, and it's of course stainless. You can also easily sharpen it and it usually just needs a quick strop to get back a razor edge. It is just really dependent on the heat treat. Those kitchen knives that use it are usually around 54HRC.
the fact that it's Chinese should now be all the reason to veto any knife from that steel. If you need to ask why, then perhaps you need to ask yourself why doing business with your adversery is a good idea.
@@The_Zilli "he writes as he types on his made in China keyboard, while looking at his computer made entirely of chinese parts, while on his chinese sofa, while wearing his chinese slippers, while his hot pocket is heating in his chinese microwave, as he sits in his house, made out of chinese steel."
4116 is a pretty decent steel but in the right price range. I have a CS kitchen knife and a few other small blades in it and its highly stainless, good toughness and ok wear resistance. But all were under $30. If this was under $70 I might consider it but at double the price its a hard pass.
Agree. Love the fact they have a tough well heat treated steel on a lot of their old designs. BUT the prices for the steel? Completely outrageous and way overpriced! Look GSM has way overpriced their stuff! I think they are hoping it can compete due to it does overperformance in tests. Will people go with the old standards of Becker and essee. I have the marauder and 12 of their blades but I buy based on personal preferences. The only qualifier is if I neede a stainless steel knife of that usage style and did not mind paying more for it than it is truly worth If it was 80 bucks it would already be ordered!
I picked up a Cold Steel AD-10 for under $100 on Amazon during a sale. I imagine you will be able to find this one at a deep discount too eventually. Thanks for the look, seems like a excellent offering from CS.
I am so glad u reviewed this blade! You’re the first one I know of to do so. When I saw it on the website I was hoping u would do a review and you did! Always rely on ur recommendations. Looks like an awesome blade but not at that price point. Give me Aus 10 or 440c and lower the price a bit and u got me. Thx and God bless! 👍
Just saying you should check out the Boker Arbolito Esculta. It's my favorite bowie, n695, and just absolutely beautifully made! For being such a robust bowie it's pretty light in the hand, I've never been one to care about the balance of a knife until I started using this; it's so well balanced that when doing fine work like cleaning a fish or something with the belly or tip of the blade it feels precise like a scalpel. The feeling you get when you hold it just screams perfection, it's hard to explain but intuitively understood. Can't stop raving about this thing even about 2 years after I've first bought it!
I'm a fan of 4116 steel. Glad to see they are bringing out a new line which features this steel. You are correct about the pricing though when compared to the competition.
I was expecting some downgrading materials but you would expect the pricing to at least stay with what the AUS8 materials were. Not almost doubling of the price point.
You definitely need to add more "dramatization" scenes to your videos lol that was great especially the douchy tool marketing exec. that was spot on man. 😂😂😂👍👍👍
I have a few cold steel blades. They are mostly around the 45 to 60 dollar range. They are really good for that price. However for what arena this knife is in. I would never spend that much money for that steel. Ill stick with my terava jaakaaripuukos 110 and 140. My LT Wright GNS and any of my Esee knives . Just my opinion But the best part of this video is you made it. This knife is a definite pass for me. Great video thank ya
I'm liking my RT more and more! If CS made just a few changes, making the handle a bit thicker and longer, this would be an epic knife! No matter the steel, this blade performs! Stainless, tough, 90 spine, drop point with a robust wicked tip! As a field/expedition knife, I could even see processing a moose with it! You buy it and use it as hard as you like. Nothing to do with it! Razor Sharp, no coating to remove, handles or sheath to replace. A great utility blade!
I’m grateful that you sold me on many knives over the years, including the Cold Steel blades of old. My experience the last few years with GSM is that I’ve found good deals on Old stock or designs. Any redesign, reincarnation or new design have come grossly overpriced. And I’m not seeing any sign of prices being competitive again. There are 5 or 6 new CS knives I would have tried but their pricing came in more that double of what I expected. The last CS knife I bought was the 7” Warcraft in 3V steel for $140ish.
Wow I just paid 160 for a handmade takeshi saki knife from Japan with white steel no.2 Damascus, and a damn shark skin wrapped handle. I miss Lynn lol thanks for the review
It actually reminds me of some of thebold Schrade knives. I love my Cold Steel knives and I've never had one disappoint me, no matter how hard I've used it. I'm definitely picking one up at some point, but only when that price comes down.
What a.... This blade catched my heart. I wanted Cold Steel to use our VG-10 for this product but that's a good survival knife for Japanese who live in humid environment. One problem is, we don't know when this item is imported to Japan....
totally agree with you. cold steel was the best ever at budget blades that were sharp and damn.near unbreakable now even their folders are all pushing 100+ and its a sad sight to see
It's all got to do with the times we are in. Everything is going up in price. We need to be smarter and not buy certain products with outrageous price tags. Great review Aaron!
That Cold Steel Razor looks similar to Hogue Knives' EX-F01 7". I like that the Razor's made from stainless, rather than carbon steel. Living near the coast like I do, I find myself having to spend a little more time oiling my knives (most are 1095 carbon) even when they're not in use. That Razor has a similar slight recurve to Hogue's EX-F0, with a drop point. I like that the Razor's got a 90 degree spine too (Hogue's doesn't), but the EX-F01 is made from stainless steel as well, A2 steel as I recall. I love the finish on mine. And SHARP. I can still shave with it. I've yet to sharpen mine in the year or so I've had it. You're right, the Razor's price is kinda' steep, but then a Hogue will cost $60 - $90 more, but they're made here in the U.S. You should review a Hogue, if you haven't already.
I definitely agree with you about the products and the high price point. They think that no one knows anything about Metals. This day and age all you have to do is google it if nothing else.
We have seen some of the Best of the Best Salesmen & Saleswomen in our time but YOU matey definitely top them all. Cold Steel should hire you for their Marketing & Promotions on social media. Cowabunga to GT family. Greetings from Australia.
I’ve been a Cold Steel fan for a while, and this is incredibly disappointing (among other things). Pricing structure on a lot of their new offerings is way off. Good to hear the knife performs well though!
Thank you so much for the review. You do such a great and honest review. I agree with you and in no way would I buy this knife at the price. I love my Esee 6. It is my go-to knife in this range and the one I compare my knives to. I would not replace it for anything else at this point. It is my companion to my Lion Steel T5. Esee 6 on my pack and T5 on my belt.
I've personally come to the conclusion that blade steel is the last consideration I'll concern myself with, especially for an outdoor knife. 99 percent of people would buy that as 3v and never know the difference. Heat treat Is much more important. I recently made two identical knives in aebl and one in m390 and the only difference I could see in use is m390 would still cut rope like a beast and aebl would have needed a quick tune up after extensive use. Even aus 8 has its place for me because I can get that steel razor sharp in under a minute and the edge is crazzzyy sharp. For me, if Iike the design and trust the heat treat I'm done being a steel snob but yes, the price should reflect the material used. To be fair, with America on its way out and China and Russia taking its place, things are going to get much more expensive all around.
@@daemonharper3928 which of the 6 corporations news is the trustworthy one? I think there is only one owner of those 6 corporations but I can't prove that one. I'd be curious to know which nation our zionist controllers haven't bombed and subverted into submission yet
@@jusme8060 This is the Internet - its not America, its global. There are 1000's of reliable news outlets across hundreds of Countries. However - to take your point about American networks, all of them are reporting the Ukraine war and that Russia can no longer buy or sell anything from anywhere except China and a couple of Countries like Syria....and this situation will continue for at least a decade. The Chinese global relationships are also significantly more tenuous because of their stances on Russia and Taiwan. So, neither Country is winning any knife manufacturing wars any time soon.
If you can find the original interview with Lynn he says it's gonna be sub 50$ if I remember correctly. I could be wrong but it seems that's what I remember. I may be mistaken tho.
I have many Cold Steel blades and one CS boot knife with 4116 steel. That blade is the sharpest blade I own (shaves hair with NO pressure) and have not been sharpened by me in the last 4 years. They do know how to do a heat treatment.
When Andrew Demko & Lynn Thompson left Coldsteel everything has gone down hill and I don't think the knife community will follow any thing that the big company has come up with just for the all mighty dollar!
Ok! One of the best reviews I have seen in a long looooong time. Excellent. Honest up front and extremely informative. Now I am &$#%^ years old and on a tight budget. The main reason I don't own an ESEE or other USA made excellent top of the line blades is price. Anything over a $100 is almost too much for my budget. The most I have paid is $100 for knives of Alaska bush camp. For me the best camp knife I own. I have a couple of BPS Knives from Ukraine and have been pleasantly surprised at the price point. Less than half of the big names and yes they work. Yet to have an issue with them.I am not surprised at the price point. Its the way of ANY big business. The almighty dollar!!!. Unfortunately we the consumer must pay for this. I like thier blades bought my daughter one at about half the price of this guy. I believe it was the Hudson Bay knife. Very nice and served my daughter well. Why this jump. Do they believe if it's more then it must be better. That's quite a jump in price points for them.Are they right in thier marketing? Time will tell. Frustrating for the majority of us. Once again thankyou for a great review
Thanks for this one! Exactly the kind of feedback they need, including the skit! Lynn Thompson’s Laredo bowie video in March helped mend my broken heart a little, and videos like this give me hope, but we’ll see😁👍🏻👍🏻
You really said it all when you compared this knife to the Becker and Esse options. There just is no way that this thing can offer the experience of those knives, and made in the USA just ends the conversation right there. I appreciate you giving it an honest appraisal though.
Excellent review, as always! It's a good looking blade but I have both the BK-7 and ESEE 6. Wouldn't bother adding this one to the arsenal... especially at that price point.
That should be a $50 knife. Food for thought: Back in the day (I'll say 7+ years ago), I purchased a Schrade SCHF37M and SCHF28 'LITTLE RICKY'. Both in the $45 range. Both low-mid end stainless. The Schrade SCHF37M has proven phenomenally well - go anywhere mild to wild to this day. The Little Ricky had to be sent back within 1/2 season use... as was determined very poorly heat treated with the edged breaking big chunks out like a cookie crumbles. Schrade SCHF28 was replaced at no charge with exceptional customer service. The SCHF28 I received was a completely different run and had design changes.
For that price you could get 2 or 3 of their older and infinitely better 52100 monolithic drop forged knives and have $ left over though, it still doesn't make sense to me unless it was under $20 as an ultra crappy beater knife. They used to use that same steel in all their sub $20 stuff and kitchen utensils not 2 years ago, they're delusional af. They're even trying to use structural steels as blades, it's super crazy, I mean $6 Walmart and/or gas station knives don't even have the guts to try to be that ghetto. Hell, that one in the video even looks like the typical $15 no name 440a or 420j2 knife at a fleamarket on top of it. There was no more loyal CS fan than me but f them now, the new owners are complete scumbag grifters abusing the company's good name to do scam products like this that seem to be designed to prey on people who don't know what they should pay for what steels but instead buy based on hearing of the brand's reputation from friends or wtv. Are we supposed to even trust them to heat treat properly if they're that scummy and/or technologically ignorant? F that, I'll go buy my knives from someone honest who knows wtf they're doing instead. RIP to the REAL Cold Steel, it was a nice ride. Without an actual knife guy running things it's clearly doa.
Glad I got mine while it lasted. A shout out to: Espada XL Hold out 2 Frenzy 2 Trailmaster Counter point And that really nasty number, you know the one ;)
Morakniv garberg carbon steel...80 bucks...if you need all that knife to chop wood might as well get a different tool like a axe or saw or eeeven...and here me out here...both
For the entry price on this blade- I've purchased an AD-10, AD-15, Outdoorsman in San Mai, SRK in San Mai, hand and a half dagger. If this knife was $80 I would own one when they first dropped.
The look, materials, and price of this don't thrill me on this or a lot of 2022 Cold Steels. The SRK, Drop Forged Hunter and Survivalist have been going for super cheap lately though
As far as the Marauder, don't get it from Amazon as they are doing a bait and switch with the serrated version. They advertise a smooth satin finish and then sent the crappy stone washed version
Both Cold Steel and SOG are recently releasing some okay midrange items that are all FAR overpriced for what they are. I wonder what the common denominator is??
Just got mine. Similar to my modified Steel Will Druid 200, only a bit beefier. Well made for an outdoor tool. Pretty even grind. Blade heavy. Good tip. I see it as a very good general expedition blade. My only gripe for now is the handle should be 1/2 inch longer. Yup, I'm keeping it!
GasLamp Nation You catch on quick homie. Because that's exactly what I was getting at with my comment 👍😎. He deserves a lot of respect for being a man and just being honest with the viewers. Most wouldnt've done that.
I'm placing the Warcraft Tanto XL in 4034 along with your appraisal (without the performance) . Nice geometry, good grind, great sheath + crap steel = buyer's remorse.
I paid $141 for my TOPS Operator 7. As you know since you did an extensive test on it, it would most likely out perform any knife listed in your comparison, the handle shape and scales quality have to be experienced to truly appreciate, and that blade geometry/shape! I do have a Becker BK7 that I put the Micarta grips on, dyed Brown, and had a custom Red Feather Gear Kydex sheath made for it, approx total in the custom BK7 $280, I still prefer the robust TOPS Operator 7, over built, capable of heavy/fine work. I honestly can't find a better 7 inch knife than TOPS Operator 7 in it's price range or much higher....it's that good! Thanks for your great videos, been watching them for many years, keep up the great work!
I have various Cold Steel fixed blade knives. The ONLY one that I spent over $100 was for my Recon Tanto San Mai 3 from Japan many years ago. My other 3 (OSI, Pendleton Hunter, and First Edition Drop Forged Survivalist) were each under $100. All 4 have better steel and cheaper price tags. I do have the Kitchen Classics knives and some of the Commercial Series knives from Cold Steel. Those have Zytel/Kray-Ex handles and 4116 stainless steel blades. For $142, you could almost buy the whole Kitchen Classics knife set, with the Wood Block! Some of those Commercial Series knives are designed for outdoor use, but not for what the Razor Tek knives are poised for. Those knives look nice and durable, but for their prices I will say no to the Razor Tek knives!
How long ago was the esee 6 bought? Pre 2022 mega inflation. If a gallon of milk can go up by double in price in less than 6 months, mid grade knives can too.
Too expensive when you factor in materials used and place of manufacture . Same reason I won’t buy work tuff . At that price point I’m going Esee or Tops every time . I might get one for saltwater adventures if the price point settles down .
Super good points! Cold Steel makes some great knives, but as you say, at that price point I'd probably go with an Esee or a Becker. If the steel in Razor Tek was S35VN, I might spring for it--though I'd prefer a more traditional knife shape.
I’ve been buying from cold steel since the 80s because they have always made a good knife at a good price I guess those days went out with Lynn Thompson
Did'nt like the two larger knives, but I bought 2 of the smallest. I liked the design and think they would be good for game processing and fire starting.
The biggest win for cold still was being able to provide us with CPM 3v blades for $150 to $200 (knife dealer price) I have both Warcraft tontos and an AK-47 field knife. It looks like the CPM 3v is mostly going away. I'll have to go to other brands and pay more for cpm 3v.
HURRAH, new WC Tantos arrived in the German store with 4034 and a hardness of 54 to 55 HRC (had to look up that steel). Who wouldn't prefer to save the 100€ and waive trusty CPM-3V. /s
@@myhellbabyspeaking some of the new Warcraft Tantos are going to come in san mai which is decently cool. Using cheaper grade stills isn't all that cool however cold still has proven that they are able to treat mid-grade steels to perform very well. It sucks I will now have to spend $200 to $400 to get any of the new powdered super steels.
Hi, I have a question for you. Watching the video, it seems like a good knife, but I'm undecided between the Leathernek and the Razor Tek. I know that both have a good reputation as excellent knives, but in your experience, which one would you choose and why? I hope you can read this comment and I appreciate your time.
Hey GT family, because of this video and your agreement in the comments Cold Steel has lowered the price of the razor tek line! MSRP is now $100, and the smaller models are lower than that. Let see. Let’s see what happens next ???
thank you man i watch a ton of your videos
Yes - thank you. I just bought one at the new lower price
So cool
See, the internet swarm works!
Don't anyone ever say again that the Interwebz is a useless waste of time...
GT family check GPKnives much lower.
Sad to see Cold Steel going down the road we all feared. Increase the cost while reducing quality - profit at all costs. Sad. Lynn Thompson put all that effort in to build up a great quality & value knife company only for the new owners to blow it all. This is not a performance argument - it's all about value. Yeah the 4116 may have done well in your testing but 4116 is still 4116 and a budget steel. Plastic handles are still plastic handles. There is no way I'm paying over $100 for 4116 steel & plastic.
Sold Steel worst case is the truth now,so sad.The pricepoint is hillarius...on the other Hand the early version of the Leatherneck had 4116steel too(better features overall), and is tough as f...
1000%
That trend started in CS years ago. They would put out some good quality reasonably priced items and alongside it some real crap.
@@markhatfield5621 Yep. Look back lots of CPM premium steels now more recently 4116 and 4034 (from whatever waste bin they found that in). Again, sad. Recon 1, Code 4, American LM, SR1 all legend knives but now??? Have a great day.
That's why NO ONE should sell a legit, respectable, ethical, and quality company to a bunch of profit at all costs profit minded idiots. But it happens all. The. Time. As we see in the quality of goods today vs the price.
Definitely an interesting knife but I agree with you. For the money, I’d go with the tried-and-true Esee 6 all day. For $75, I’d give it some thought. But $150, I’ll pass
Camp out on it for a year. The marketing dorks won’t be able to defend the horrible sales numbers and the price will come down.
1095 is a very budget steel as well to be honest.
💯%, sir❗
You can't get an ESEE-6 for $75. 1095 is not even stainless.
It’s decisions like this that really make me question the “new” cold steel. That said, these will certainly be on sale at some point if every retailer is sitting on a bunch of stock.
I bought some Espada XLs and trailmasters before the switch. Haven't bount one since. Waiting for the Natchez Bowie to drop. But alas still waiting. Stickman showed it in a video ages ago. Get it together neo-subzero-steel
@@gaslampnation735 Natchez Bowie is like $200 on bhq and has 4034
Unless you want to pay like $500 for 3v
This is the kind of stuff I was expecting from Cold Steel once GSM got hold of the company. I can see them starting a trend. High dollar budget steel knives and even higher dollar expensive steel knives.
We all knew Cold Steel would go the way of Remington. Another American legend dying off, really sucks!
It’s sad. China will take over if we aren’t careful. Keep America strong!
I've always loved Cold Steel, especially their large folders, but for that price I definitely love ESEE and Tops a little more. Thanks Aaron for a good video.
Now the 90$ strong arm doesn’t seem so bad lol (inflation really hitting American companies hard). Steel is only one of three things needed to make a good blade. Heat treat it numero uno. Blade grind is also very important. If you nail the first two, steel type becomes an afterthought. Interesting review my friend!
They have their HT all over the place. I have decent bd1 voyager around 60hrc, but i regrinded several s35vn by CS and it WAS RAW.
Strongarm is a great production knife at a great price, and it’s made in USA!🇺🇸
G'day Aaron, in my experience large lumps of stainless are always expensive, (in fairness I usually target, S30 and 35, quite happy with N690 and 95 too), but yeah 150 odd USD for 4116 does seem over the top. It did appear to perform well, maybe it's under rated with a decent HT, but still, I'd rather do the extra maintenance on a BK and the like, rather than take a $150 gamble.
Cheers Duke.
I have 4 knives from Cold Steel made out of Krupp 4116, two folders and two fixed blades.
I am impressed by the edge retention and toughness of this steel. The heat treat must be spot on.
#22aday
#22adaynomore
Stay safe everybody, and stay blessed.
Greetings from Germany!
Lynn selling the company got me out of collecting. Now I'm engaged and buying my first home. Thank you Lynn for being the George Lucas of knives and thank you GSM for being Disney.
This is seriously the best comment !!
Hey - I’m an avid collector and my wife is always on me to sell off the collection and start focusing on a new home .
Seriously!!
It’s so hard to part with the collection.
Now I am just getting word about how Lynn Thompson is selling or sold the company??
I don’t know about the logistics.
I purchased the budget version of the Warcraft Tanto and did a video review .
It’s really a bad ass blade ( I’m not a stonewashed fan by the way but I always wanted the original Warcraft so this is the next best thing ).
But having said that , it’s the selling price for budget steel that bothers me .
The knife should be selling for $60 to $70?- Not $140 !!!
Even the new Laredo is priced at $189 for the same budget steel .
I wish they would either lower the price or stop calling it “ budget “ .
When I think budget blades , I’m thinking $10 to $50 .
So I don’t know what is going on out there in Cold Steel land but the entire industry is beginning to annoy me .
It has me also getting close to never purchasing any more knives .
I may just keep the sentimental ones , my customs , sell off the rest , and start focusing on a new home .
Again - sorry so long but your comment got to me .
Enjoy the day 🤠
I had a problem with the cold steel swift, gsm blew me off and was rude to boot, nobody know squat a knife, they will not honor warranty, Atlantic knife made it good can’t say enough good things they are a small business with great customer service, but it will be my last cold steel.
Spot on review! Totally agree with all comments. Thanks for reviewing this new piece. Unfortunately it appears GSM is only after the brand equity of CS. -GideonTactical is the one who is always ready for a top notch review - 'anytime, anywhere'! :-)
I'm glad you put this video out. Very informative and with everything going up in price its good to see it compared with competitive options. Gives things some much needed perspective.
I love the RAZOR TEK 4". It’s a really great design. And I love the full flat grind.
By far my favorite video from you, telling it like it is. You hit corporate on point.
The whole point of Cold Steel is that you can get a really tough knife for a great price. Example: the Recon Tanto is spectacular at $45, and the SRK-C is insane at $35. Retail pricing on the Razor Tek is now closer to $65 - $85, but even at that price the aesthetics and the mall ninja name make it hard to take seriously. To be fair tho, the 4116 steel punches way above its weight: I have a Cold Steel kitchen cleaver made out of the stuff and it's wicked.
I'd argue that 4116 is a really good steel for a stainless survival knife. It's really tough, has decent edge retention compared to steels like aus8, and it's of course stainless. You can also easily sharpen it and it usually just needs a quick strop to get back a razor edge. It is just really dependent on the heat treat. Those kitchen knives that use it are usually around 54HRC.
the fact that it's Chinese should now be all the reason to veto any knife from that steel. If you need to ask why, then perhaps you need to ask yourself why doing business with your adversery is a good idea.
@@The_Zilli "he writes as he types on his made in China keyboard, while looking at his computer made entirely of chinese parts, while on his chinese sofa, while wearing his chinese slippers, while his hot pocket is heating in his chinese microwave, as he sits in his house, made out of chinese steel."
Damn thing looks like a gas station knife. I suspect they've commissioned MTech to do the knife design for them.
@@mattc5647 it's not all or nothing!
We must start somewhere to wean ourselves off funding communist China.
Where you have other options, take them.
@GAMERZ China is the largest producer of many things. You can't even watch TH-cam if you veto China as every pc or phone needs their components.
4116 is a pretty decent steel but in the right price range. I have a CS kitchen knife and a few other small blades in it and its highly stainless, good toughness and ok wear resistance. But all were under $30. If this was under $70 I might consider it but at double the price its a hard pass.
Agree. Love the fact they have a tough well heat treated steel on a lot of their old designs. BUT the prices for the steel? Completely outrageous and way overpriced! Look GSM has way overpriced their stuff! I think they are hoping it can compete due to it does overperformance in tests. Will people go with the old standards of Becker and essee. I have the marauder and 12 of their blades but I buy based on personal preferences. The only qualifier is if I neede a stainless steel knife of that usage style and did not mind paying more for it than it is truly worth
If it was 80 bucks it would already be ordered!
Kydex, micarta, better steel.
Feels like the beginning of the end for Cold Steel. Hopefully they watch this review!
I picked up a Cold Steel AD-10 for under $100 on Amazon during a sale. I imagine you will be able to find this one at a deep discount too eventually. Thanks for the look, seems like a excellent offering from CS.
I am so glad u reviewed this blade! You’re the first one I know of to do so. When I saw it on the website I was hoping u would do a review and you did! Always rely on ur recommendations. Looks like an awesome blade but not at that price point.
Give me Aus 10 or 440c and lower the price a bit and u got me.
Thx and God bless! 👍
Just saying you should check out the Boker Arbolito Esculta. It's my favorite bowie, n695, and just absolutely beautifully made! For being such a robust bowie it's pretty light in the hand, I've never been one to care about the balance of a knife until I started using this; it's so well balanced that when doing fine work like cleaning a fish or something with the belly or tip of the blade it feels precise like a scalpel. The feeling you get when you hold it just screams perfection, it's hard to explain but intuitively understood. Can't stop raving about this thing even about 2 years after I've first bought it!
I'm a fan of 4116 steel. Glad to see they are bringing out a new line which features this steel. You are correct about the pricing though when compared to the competition.
Its good steal, just completely inappropriate pricing. Shame, I would probably have bought one at $75-$80.
I like 4116 too, I've had good luck with it & it's pretty much rust corrosion proof.
Isn't this what we were worried about when Cold Steel was sold? The only thing surprising here is how long it took to happen.
I was expecting some downgrading materials but you would expect the pricing to at least stay with what the AUS8 materials were. Not almost doubling of the price point.
You definitely need to add more "dramatization" scenes to your videos lol that was great especially the douchy tool marketing exec. that was spot on man.
😂😂😂👍👍👍
I have a few cold steel blades. They are mostly around the 45 to 60 dollar range. They are really good for that price. However for what arena this knife is in. I would never spend that much money for that steel. Ill stick with my terava jaakaaripuukos 110 and 140. My LT Wright GNS and any of my Esee knives . Just my opinion
But the best part of this video is you made it. This knife is a definite pass for me. Great video thank ya
This knife is in the $70-$80 range these days and it is still an amazing blade even if it is an odd choice of steel!
No way would I buy 4116 and plastic for the price. Esee 6 or Rat 7 all day. Thanks for the video Aaron!
You could get a Rat-7 ($90), a Rat-1 folder($30), and a diamond steel to re-sharpen($12) for less than this knife.($132=$10 less)
I'm liking my RT more and more! If CS made just a few changes, making the handle a bit thicker and longer, this would be an epic knife! No matter the steel, this blade performs! Stainless, tough, 90 spine, drop point with a robust wicked tip! As a field/expedition knife, I could even see processing a moose with it! You buy it and use it as hard as you like. Nothing to do with it! Razor Sharp, no coating to remove, handles or sheath to replace. A great utility blade!
I’m grateful that you sold me on many knives over the years, including the Cold Steel blades of old. My experience the last few years with GSM is that I’ve found good deals on Old stock or designs. Any redesign, reincarnation or new design have come grossly overpriced. And I’m not seeing any sign of prices being competitive again. There are 5 or 6 new CS knives I would have tried but their pricing came in more that double of what I expected. The last CS knife I bought was the 7” Warcraft in 3V steel for $140ish.
Wow I just paid 160 for a handmade takeshi saki knife from Japan with white steel no.2 Damascus, and a damn shark skin wrapped handle. I miss Lynn lol thanks for the review
Thanks for keeping our finances and the value in mind when you do these reviews!
It actually reminds me of some of thebold Schrade knives.
I love my Cold Steel knives and I've never had one disappoint me, no matter how hard I've used it. I'm definitely picking one up at some point, but only when that price comes down.
What a.... This blade catched my heart. I wanted Cold Steel to use our VG-10 for this product but that's a good survival knife for Japanese who live in humid environment. One problem is, we don't know when this item is imported to Japan....
R.I.P. Cold Steel , you Will Truly Be Missed ....😪😩😭
totally agree with you. cold steel was the best ever at budget blades that were sharp and damn.near unbreakable
now even their folders are all pushing 100+ and its a sad sight to see
30$ cold steel shovel with a 30$ morakniv and you can do everything you need for less than half the price
It's all got to do with the times we are in. Everything is going up in price. We need to be smarter and not buy certain products with outrageous price tags. Great review Aaron!
Thanks eric
Let's go Brandon! More In-Flation! Can't climb stairs and bike face planting!
That Cold Steel Razor looks similar to Hogue Knives' EX-F01 7". I like that the Razor's made from stainless, rather than carbon steel. Living near the coast like I do, I find myself having to spend a little more time oiling my knives (most are 1095 carbon) even when they're not in use. That Razor has a similar slight recurve to Hogue's EX-F0, with a drop point. I like that the Razor's got a 90 degree spine too (Hogue's doesn't), but the EX-F01 is made from stainless steel as well, A2 steel as I recall. I love the finish on mine. And SHARP. I can still shave with it. I've yet to sharpen mine in the year or so I've had it. You're right, the Razor's price is kinda' steep, but then a Hogue will cost $60 - $90 more, but they're made here in the U.S. You should review a Hogue, if you haven't already.
@Stoned Josh Yeah, I've got a couple of their knives. They're almost too pretty to use.
Hogue does design and fabricate world-class, indestructible knives!!
I definitely agree with you about the products and the high price point. They think that no one knows anything about Metals. This day and age all you have to do is google it if nothing else.
We have seen some of the Best of the Best Salesmen & Saleswomen in our time but YOU matey definitely top them all. Cold Steel should hire you for their Marketing & Promotions on social media. Cowabunga to GT family. Greetings from Australia.
Seems like the actual performance is there for the price point. Seems like it’s more of a mental hurdle paying that much for cheap steel
Always the best knife reviews here! Thank you for always being so informative 🙏
I’ve been a Cold Steel fan for a while, and this is incredibly disappointing (among other things). Pricing structure on a lot of their new offerings is way off. Good to hear the knife performs well though!
Yeah but the new lock doubles as a diving board so...
Jump in!
You nailed it! Half the price and I already would have one in my cart….buy this over an esee….never!
Thank you so much for the review. You do such a great and honest review. I agree with you and in no way would I buy this knife at the price. I love my Esee 6. It is my go-to knife in this range and the one I compare my knives to. I would not replace it for anything else at this point. It is my companion to my Lion Steel T5. Esee 6 on my pack and T5 on my belt.
I've personally come to the conclusion that blade steel is the last consideration I'll concern myself with, especially for an outdoor knife. 99 percent of people would buy that as 3v and never know the difference. Heat treat Is much more important. I recently made two identical knives in aebl and one in m390 and the only difference I could see in use is m390 would still cut rope like a beast and aebl would have needed a quick tune up after extensive use. Even aus 8 has its place for me because I can get that steel razor sharp in under a minute and the edge is crazzzyy sharp. For me, if Iike the design and trust the heat treat I'm done being a steel snob but yes, the price should reflect the material used. To be fair, with America on its way out and China and Russia taking its place, things are going to get much more expensive all around.
I think your opinion on steels is spot on but you should maybe watch the international news dude.
Tops heat treat is on point. I would buy a Prather war bowie over this any day of the week.
@@daemonharper3928 which of the 6 corporations news is the trustworthy one? I think there is only one owner of those 6 corporations but I can't prove that one. I'd be curious to know which nation our zionist controllers haven't bombed and subverted into submission yet
@@jusme8060 This is the Internet - its not America, its global.
There are 1000's of reliable news outlets across hundreds of Countries.
However - to take your point about American networks, all of them are reporting the Ukraine war and that Russia can no longer buy or sell anything from anywhere except China and a couple of Countries like Syria....and this situation will continue for at least a decade.
The Chinese global relationships are also significantly more tenuous because of their stances on Russia and Taiwan.
So, neither Country is winning any knife manufacturing wars any time soon.
What a stupid comment. America is certainly not on its way out and China and Russia are largely third world countries.
That reenactment of Cold Steels office made me feel like I was right there with them. WTF are they thinking?!
Probably they knew price of Raw materials are skyrocketing.
If you can find the original interview with Lynn he says it's gonna be sub 50$ if I remember correctly. I could be wrong but it seems that's what I remember. I may be mistaken tho.
$78 on Amazon now. But i would get the drop forged Survivalist first.
I have many Cold Steel blades and one CS boot knife with 4116 steel. That blade is the sharpest blade I own (shaves hair with NO pressure) and have not been sharpened by me in the last 4 years. They do know how to do a heat treatment.
Speak the Gospel, brother!.... ESEE 6 is the way of life.
When Andrew Demko & Lynn Thompson left Coldsteel everything has gone down hill and I don't think the knife community will follow any thing that the big company has come up with just for the all mighty dollar!
Sounds like the story of the United States corporation. Time for an American comeback!
@@gaslampnation735 💯💯💯💯💯💯
Ok! One of the best reviews I have seen in a long looooong time. Excellent. Honest up front and extremely informative. Now I am &$#%^ years old and on a tight budget. The main reason I don't own an ESEE or other USA made excellent top of the line blades is price. Anything over a $100 is almost too much for my budget. The most I have paid is $100 for knives of Alaska bush camp. For me the best camp knife I own. I have a couple of BPS Knives from Ukraine and have been pleasantly surprised at the price point. Less than half of the big names and yes they work. Yet to have an issue with them.I am not surprised at the price point. Its the way of ANY big business. The almighty dollar!!!. Unfortunately we the consumer must pay for this. I like thier blades bought my daughter one at about half the price of this guy. I believe it was the Hudson Bay knife. Very nice and served my daughter well. Why this jump. Do they believe if it's more then it must be better. That's quite a jump in price points for them.Are they right in thier marketing? Time will tell. Frustrating for the majority of us. Once again thankyou for a great review
Lynn was the main reason for cold steels success. At least he still makes stuff
Thanks for this one! Exactly the kind of feedback they need, including the skit! Lynn Thompson’s Laredo bowie video in March helped mend my broken heart a little, and videos like this give me hope, but we’ll see😁👍🏻👍🏻
Still haven't dropped it. Coming soon they say. Natchez Bowie they say...
its 99 dallors now is it good now? and has it surpassed the essee
Less than $100 on Amazon!!! Can't wait to test this puppy out!!! Woo hoo!!!!
I love how your intros are evolving 👍
I dislike recurves and I could notice this one right away. Too bad this knife is a miss at the price.
You really said it all when you compared this knife to the Becker and Esse options. There just is no way that this thing can offer the experience of those knives, and made in the USA just ends the conversation right there. I appreciate you giving it an honest appraisal though.
Excellent review, as always! It's a good looking blade but I have both the BK-7 and ESEE 6. Wouldn't bother adding this one to the arsenal... especially at that price point.
Ya crazy
Reminds me of something tops would put out. He treat does matter. You are definitely right cut that cost in half
and they'll sell 10 × as many
That should be a $50 knife. Food for thought: Back in the day (I'll say 7+ years ago), I purchased a Schrade SCHF37M and SCHF28 'LITTLE RICKY'. Both in the $45 range. Both low-mid end stainless. The Schrade SCHF37M has proven phenomenally well - go anywhere mild to wild to this day. The Little Ricky had to be sent back within 1/2 season use... as was determined very poorly heat treated with the edged breaking big chunks out like a cookie crumbles. Schrade SCHF28 was replaced at no charge with exceptional customer service. The SCHF28 I received was a completely different run and had design changes.
For that price you could get 2 or 3 of their older and infinitely better 52100 monolithic drop forged knives and have $ left over though, it still doesn't make sense to me unless it was under $20 as an ultra crappy beater knife. They used to use that same steel in all their sub $20 stuff and kitchen utensils not 2 years ago, they're delusional af. They're even trying to use structural steels as blades, it's super crazy, I mean $6 Walmart and/or gas station knives don't even have the guts to try to be that ghetto. Hell, that one in the video even looks like the typical $15 no name 440a or 420j2 knife at a fleamarket on top of it.
There was no more loyal CS fan than me but f them now, the new owners are complete scumbag grifters abusing the company's good name to do scam products like this that seem to be designed to prey on people who don't know what they should pay for what steels but instead buy based on hearing of the brand's reputation from friends or wtv. Are we supposed to even trust them to heat treat properly if they're that scummy and/or technologically ignorant? F that, I'll go buy my knives from someone honest who knows wtf they're doing instead.
RIP to the REAL Cold Steel, it was a nice ride. Without an actual knife guy running things it's clearly doa.
Glad I got mine while it lasted. A shout out to:
Espada XL
Hold out 2
Frenzy 2
Trailmaster
Counter point
And that really nasty number, you know the one ;)
Morakniv garberg carbon steel...80 bucks...if you need all that knife to chop wood might as well get a different tool like a axe or saw or eeeven...and here me out here...both
BK 7 That's all I need for this style of knife.
You're the best TH-cam Reviewer. Period. God bless you brother, praying for you and your family in Jesus Name 🙏
Thank you so much my friend really appreciate it.
I'm going to stick with leaf springs because they're free and I can custom make the shape, grind and length I want.
I just got the 5" for $48.
All personal preferences aside, damn that thing looks uncomfortable to work half a day with. Maybe just me
For the entry price on this blade- I've purchased an AD-10, AD-15, Outdoorsman in San Mai, SRK in San Mai, hand and a half dagger. If this knife was $80 I would own one when they first dropped.
The look, materials, and price of this don't thrill me on this or a lot of 2022 Cold Steels. The SRK, Drop Forged Hunter and Survivalist have been going for super cheap lately though
As far as the Marauder, don't get it from Amazon as they are doing a bait and switch with the serrated version. They advertise a smooth satin finish and then sent the crappy stone washed version
that designer/executive scene had me cracking, good acting Aaron.
Thanks for the input and review!
Going with the KA-Bar over this knife is a no brainer, if it were priced sub $70, Id pick one up..
The design kinda reminds me of the Smoke Jumper.
Both Cold Steel and SOG are recently releasing some okay midrange items that are all FAR overpriced for what they are. I wonder what the common denominator is??
Inflation
@@panchopistola8298 That's true, but legacy knives are still the same price. I blame GSM Outdoors who bought out both companies
@@JCRF yeah . Oh well coldsteel had a good run I guess
Just got mine. Similar to my modified Steel Will Druid 200, only a bit beefier. Well made for an outdoor tool. Pretty even grind. Blade heavy. Good tip. I see it as a very good general expedition blade. My only gripe for now is the handle should be 1/2 inch longer. Yup, I'm keeping it!
Your honesty about the price is highly, highly, highly respected, and appreciated 👍👌.
Yeah. Everyone else suger coats it to get free stuff. Respect.
GasLamp Nation
You catch on quick homie. Because that's exactly what I was getting at with my comment 👍😎.
He deserves a lot of respect for being a man and just being honest with the viewers. Most wouldnt've done that.
The 1:23 seconds of the video was golden hahaha. I quite enjoy the videos! Hope all is well!
I appreciate your honesty in this review.
Sweet. But........that price! Should get 3V for that! And a 3rd grip screw would give me more confidence. It's not like they can't afford it. JC!
In a way it kind of feels like a slap in the face with that price point
Like Homer Simpson turning into a pigeon as he walks by the carnival games.
I liked the blade shape, but the steel could be immensely better my rajah 2 is a better deal to be honest
I'm placing the Warcraft Tanto XL in 4034 along with your appraisal (without the performance) .
Nice geometry, good grind, great sheath + crap steel = buyer's remorse.
Geez!!! I just bought the r.t. 5" for 54$. I have "the spike" clip point with the same 4116 as and adore it.
I paid $141 for my TOPS Operator 7. As you know since you did an extensive test on it, it would most likely out perform any knife listed in your comparison, the handle shape and scales quality have to be experienced to truly appreciate, and that blade geometry/shape! I do have a Becker BK7 that I put the Micarta grips on, dyed Brown, and had a custom Red Feather Gear Kydex sheath made for it, approx total in the custom BK7 $280, I still prefer the robust TOPS Operator 7, over built, capable of heavy/fine work. I honestly can't find a better 7 inch knife than TOPS Operator 7 in it's price range or much higher....it's that good! Thanks for your great videos, been watching them for many years, keep up the great work!
Always Great Content!
I have various Cold Steel fixed blade knives. The ONLY one that I spent over $100 was for my Recon Tanto San Mai 3 from Japan many years ago. My other 3 (OSI, Pendleton Hunter, and First Edition Drop Forged Survivalist) were each under $100. All 4 have better steel and cheaper price tags. I do have the Kitchen Classics knives and some of the Commercial Series knives from Cold Steel. Those have Zytel/Kray-Ex handles and 4116 stainless steel blades. For $142, you could almost buy the whole Kitchen Classics knife set, with the Wood Block! Some of those Commercial Series knives are designed for outdoor use, but not for what the Razor Tek knives are poised for. Those knives look nice and durable, but for their prices I will say no to the Razor Tek knives!
How long ago was the esee 6 bought? Pre 2022 mega inflation. If a gallon of milk can go up by double in price in less than 6 months, mid grade knives can too.
Esee6 today is $139
@@gideonstactical oh OK. Still around the same price. It's nice to see some things haven't gone up exponentially. It's hard out here for knife guys.
This knife is 80 bucks on Amazon now
I think you were spot on, good knife way to much money.
Too expensive when you factor in materials used and place of manufacture . Same reason I won’t buy work tuff . At that price point I’m going Esee or Tops every time . I might get one for saltwater adventures if the price point settles down .
Super good points! Cold Steel makes some great knives, but as you say, at that price point I'd probably go with an Esee or a Becker. If the steel in Razor Tek was S35VN, I might spring for it--though I'd prefer a more traditional knife shape.
I’ve been buying from cold steel since the 80s because they have always made a good knife at a good price I guess those days went out with Lynn Thompson
Did'nt like the two larger knives, but I bought 2 of the smallest. I liked the design and think they would be good for game processing and fire starting.
Glad I stocked up on my fav the cold steel bushman so I don't have to worry about them switching it to 4116 and charging 100 dollars.
Is it an edc self defense tool
The biggest win for cold still was being able to provide us with CPM 3v blades for $150 to $200 (knife dealer price) I have both Warcraft tontos and an AK-47 field knife. It looks like the CPM 3v is mostly going away. I'll have to go to other brands and pay more for cpm 3v.
HURRAH, new WC Tantos arrived in the German store with 4034 and a hardness of 54 to 55 HRC (had to look up that steel). Who wouldn't prefer to save the 100€ and waive trusty CPM-3V. /s
@@myhellbabyspeaking some of the new Warcraft Tantos are going to come in san mai which is decently cool. Using cheaper grade stills isn't all that cool however cold still has proven that they are able to treat mid-grade steels to perform very well. It sucks I will now have to spend $200 to $400 to get any of the new powdered super steels.
Hi, I have a question for you. Watching the video, it seems like a good knife, but I'm undecided between the Leathernek and the Razor Tek. I know that both have a good reputation as excellent knives, but in your experience, which one would you choose and why? I hope you can read this comment and I appreciate your time.