Ladies and gentlemen, this is the way a professional reviews a knife. I've watched others review cold steel and allow personal feelings to hinder an honest review. Not the case with MC as usual. Excellent work sir
Lost this knife 2 years ago and bought the tanto version because it was on sale and just knew i was eventually going to find it one day. Glad i did because today my wife was cleaning out a beach bag and it fell out. Threw it under the faucet to rinse out sand and its perfect, now i got 2 versions both great.
This guy and the American Lawman are probably Cold Steel's best EDC options. When I was in high school I wanted the Espada XL, thought it would be so cool to pull that out of my pocket. 🔪💀🔪
Great vid. I love my Code 4. I have the CTS-XHP version and it has been fantastic. I have not found any other knife this large that carries so easily. And if you leave it sit partially open for a few day, the back lock spring softens and it gets even smoother.
I handled one of these at a big knife store here a few days ago and had to get one. After 65 years of collecting and using folding knives, I've determined that my thing is knives that are thin through the handles but lightweight, heavy duty, rugged and classy looking. Just like me. ;-) Actually, looking back in my collection, I discovered that I had a mini American Lawman, apparently not made anymore. It looks like a train ran over it, but it still cuts and works like a dream. Actually, I'd show my collection, but there are plenty of guys already doing that on youtube. ;-) And, finally, you don't actually move that pocket clip to the other side for left-handers. Apparently Cold Steel furnishes the knife with a 2nd pocket clip curved to fit the shape on the other side of the knife.
Excellent review and recommendation. I picked one of these up on Prime at a great price in the spear point version and it is very well built with an incredibly sharp blade. Great factory edge and great for EDC. Absolutely love it. Not for bushcraft or heavy prying but it seems like it is perfect for EDC and will hold up to normal use.
Purchased one at the Cold Steel parking lot sale a couple of years back, good slicer and a beautiful folder. Eventually sold it as it was a bit thin in the handle for me.
I got a spear point Code 4 in AUS8A soon after it was released. Looks and feels a lot like my Sebenza, cuts like it too, but it's significantly stronger. I still carry my Sebenza way more though
Wow your story is almost like mine. I didn’t like how cheap they looked but one day at a knife shop saw this and thought wow fit and finish looks not bad. So a friend and I bought one each that day. Bought some more at times but I could never convince anyone else to really get. Functionally very nice knives. I think the code 4 is a good gateway knife into the brand Currently I believe there is no CS made in the USA. The 4max isn’t the only one made in the USA in the past.
The best thing about CS is the fact that they do make everything under the sun. Or you could stay with Spyderco that regurgitate their leaf blade in almost every model
@@metal_complex yes I know the company is sold. CS makes a cricket bat for heaven's sake and a silly 'torpedo' thing... battlestar anyone? That's alot of unnecessary variety but it doesn't dilute their knives. Spyderco barely makes a variety of their blades. Quality, but overpriced. Buy 1 maybe 2 Spydercos and nothing else is needed from their lineup. I suppose I have my left field view as well
@@JustIn-op6oy so tell me what it is then. Sure they provide popular models in many different steels which is good but the designs are practically the same but in a different size. Leaf blade, full flat grind
Good review. I love the blade too. The Code 4 is one of the best bargains out their. S35 steel, really good ergonomics, fairly light weight, nice grind and all in a package that you can get for around $75. Hard to beat. I don’t care about the Cold Steel marketing, they make great knives.
My Code 4 cut me 3 times in 2 days just closing the knife. The third time, it guillotined my index finger leaving a gaping gash. The blade is one of the sharpest I own. 👍🏽🔪👉🏽
CS has some over the top stuff that most certainly does not appeal to me, but the ones they get right, they really get right. I love the 5 that I have, and the Lawman and Code 4 are my 2 most carried ones. Great knives. My AD10 is the only one that has bit me..repeatedly, lol. I put 3 of those racing stripes on my finger..once you release that lock, the blade just drops like a guillotine,. Smoothest back lock knife I own.
Love the code 4 and american lawman. I haven't had an issue with closing like yours seems to, my code 4 and lawman just drop when I release the lock. They did have a bit of a break in time, but leaving the blade open over night really helped with the lock strength and the lawman needed to wear off some of that coating, but no big deal. Yea, they'll never be fidget friendly knives, but as a tool they're rock solid. Everything I've gotten from cold steel has come VERY sharp out of the box. Their adverts are a bit mall ninja, but they have some solid products.
As usual another great video. If you're worried about the slick handles you can add some gator tape for a little added palm swell and traction. I did it mine and I'm loving it.
I think most of their knives are for practical use, but for actual blue collar workers. They have some stuff that’s huge, like the Espada XL and their other longer blades, but they’re practical for farmers, trackers, bush crafting, camping, survival, etc; They’re big, but they’re great because they can actually be carried quite easily (For the activities I listed).
I have been debating on getting one. The thing holding me back is in Northern KY and time I spend in Sault Ste.Marie Michigan that aluminum I imagine would get very cold very quick. I wonder how it would be with gloves. Thanks for the review.
My first Cold Steel and decent folder even was the Gunsite 2, (basically a gen 2 large voyager combo edge tanto with branding) $25 with coupon at Academy.
I got an XHP version as well, but I've used it as my only pocket knife for about three or four years while working on a ship. I recently got a Spyderco Native 5 in S110V because the place I work at now limits the size of knives. I also need to find replacement for the washers. The bronze washers are covered in corrosion and the thin plastic washers they put in on top of the bronze ones are very squished. The blade centering and play is pretty bad right now because of that.
I own over 125 knives I'm my collection but only keep 4 out of the box for EDC rotation: 1. Cold Steel Code 4 2. Civivi Shredder 3. Ontario Rat 1 4. Bestech Swordfish
I just watched the review for this knife because I’m thinking about buying one as well as a leatherman free P4 for work. I’m doing cabinet installs and finish work for a large company as well as small random things for private homeowners. Lol I also watched Nick, Pete, and AKB’s reviews. Good marks across the board other than from Nick obviously 😂 I think I’m gonna pull the trigger on this and the free P4. I’ve had other leatherman’s but this will be my first Cold Steel. I hope I don’t turn into a Triad Lock cultist lol.
I hope you ended up grabbing one of these. They are excellent tools and the one real gripe - thin handle - is obviated when wearing gloves. This is my favorite knife to use when I’m wearing my heavy leather work gloves.
Sean H my AUS-8 voyager from 2012 and my AD-10 both have great action, I think it’s the aluminum lined/handled ones that have the smoothest Triad action.
Can you review the Tanto? Of course, tango grinds have limited usage. Seems way lighter and more usable than the Buck 110. My son's and I got them about 13 years ago. Took the Buck 110 out deer hunting and absolutely hated the way the tip made it difficult to open up a deer. Immediately switched back to a old (1950's) Case fixed blade.
I`m more of a Sencut, Civivi guy. However, I`ve had my eye on this and the Recon. Trying not to. The closest knife I have is the Sencut Tynan. I don`t think these are fair comparisons because of the size. The Tynan is way more classy than the Cold Steel. Wait a minute, I think I just talked myself out of the Cold Steel. Thanks bro. Like your vids.
I disagree on the classy department. Also I dont like steel framelocks. Way to heavy. Coldsteel makes very different knives compared to civivi. Civivi is light edc, coldsteel for users.
I would like to know if anyone experiences blade rattle when the knife is being carried? My Code 4's blade hits against the scale when in the pocket.Any help would be much appreciated.Thanks
@@musclebillcoaching i have the spear/drop point and i love it. I appreciate a knife i can get the point online without over extending my wrist or elbow, and i love the aesthetic pairing between the blade shape and handle shape. Check out the Civivi Governor if price is a thing, very similar handle with G10 and D2 for about half the price. That one's on my short list now.
@@Brewhound77 Great points! I'm torn between the smooth aluminum or the g-10+finger choil of the American Lawman. I like hollow grinds (Code 4) over the flat/saber (AmLaw), but also love a good finger choil.
@@musclebillcoaching as much as I love FFG blades, im a huge sucker for an excellent hollow grind, and the Code 4 is just that. Stays thin behind the edge through repeated sharpening and looks killer the way CS does it. I don't care so much about finger choils, but the code 4 has enough of the blade tang coming out past the handle that you can safely and comfortably choke up when the situation calls for it. The Lawman wouldn't disappoint I'm sure, but i can't say anything bad about the Code 4. I love G10 handles too but the aluminum on the Code 4 is gorgeous and the shape of the handle keeps you so locked in you don't mind the smoothness at all. Just my mileage, but you might as well get both!
I don't like how thin it is and the feel of aluminum and the thumb studs are too shallow and the pocket clips on cold steel are straight garbage but the blade is fantastic everything about it.
Old video. This has been thoroughly discussed and I've given my updated thoughts in a much more recent upload. But what you're saying is only circumstantially true. Does Taiwan have good manufacturing quality? Generally, yes. Is a Taiwan made Cold Steel knife better than a US made Kershaw? Yes. Is it better than a US made Rick Hinderer knife? Absolutely not. Not even close. You can't apply this statement to everything. Doesn't work that way. It depends MUCH more on exactly how much work is going into any given knife.
And about their tacticool, high speed low drag, mall-ninja shenanigans - there is a certain joyfulness to CS's more ridiculous models and their videos which I think really adds something to the greater knife universe, if only for the spectacle of it all.
Open the knife to a 90 degree point and leave it sit for a week. It'll be smooth like butter after that. I had the same issue and same fix with the Large Voyager.
Patriotism aside I would not dismiss anything made in Taiwan. It is not the same as (questionably) made in China. Taiwan has had ISO standard manufacturing for a long time.
The Code 4 is Cold Steel's version of a gentleman's knife! 😉
Well said!
Ladies and gentlemen, this is the way a professional reviews a knife. I've watched others review cold steel and allow personal feelings to hinder an honest review. Not the case with MC as usual. Excellent work sir
Lost this knife 2 years ago and bought the tanto version because it was on sale and just knew i was eventually going to find it one day. Glad i did because today my wife was cleaning out a beach bag and it fell out. Threw it under the faucet to rinse out sand and its perfect, now i got 2 versions both great.
This guy and the American Lawman are probably Cold Steel's best EDC options. When I was in high school I wanted the Espada XL, thought it would be so cool to pull that out of my pocket. 🔪💀🔪
Code 4 or Lawman if you could only have 1
@@jessruss40 American Lawman I like G10 better than Aluminum, and I like the choils.
My work carry and one of my favorites... love the Code 4!
Great vid. I love my Code 4. I have the CTS-XHP version and it has been fantastic. I have not found any other knife this large that carries so easily. And if you leave it sit partially open for a few day, the back lock spring softens and it gets even smoother.
Killing it with the timing!! Love it! About to NOT shave, and just hit the video with a cup of coffee! Cheers guys!! ☕️
I handled one of these at a big knife store here a few days ago and had to get one. After 65 years of collecting and using folding knives, I've determined that my thing is knives that are thin through the handles but lightweight, heavy duty, rugged and classy looking. Just like me. ;-) Actually, looking back in my collection, I discovered that I had a mini American Lawman, apparently not made anymore. It looks like a train ran over it, but it still cuts and works like a dream. Actually, I'd show my collection, but there are plenty of guys already doing that on youtube. ;-) And, finally, you don't actually move that pocket clip to the other side for left-handers. Apparently Cold Steel furnishes the knife with a 2nd pocket clip curved to fit the shape on the other side of the knife.
I wish CS made a 3.75-inch version of this with carbon fibre scales and deep pocket clip with a wave feature
Excellent review and recommendation. I picked one of these up on Prime at a great price in the spear point version and it is very well built with an incredibly sharp blade. Great factory edge and great for EDC. Absolutely love it. Not for bushcraft or heavy prying but it seems like it is perfect for EDC and will hold up to normal use.
Purchased one at the Cold Steel parking lot sale a couple of years back, good slicer and a beautiful folder. Eventually sold it as it was a bit thin in the handle for me.
I got a spear point Code 4 in AUS8A soon after it was released. Looks and feels a lot like my Sebenza, cuts like it too, but it's significantly stronger. I still carry my Sebenza way more though
Gorgeous knife! Love the code-4 especially the clip-point model.
It's a great knife in use and even greater in pocket.
Wow your story is almost like mine. I didn’t like how cheap they looked but one day at a knife shop saw this and thought wow fit and finish looks not bad. So a friend and I bought one each that day. Bought some more at times but I could never convince anyone else to really get.
Functionally very nice knives.
I think the code 4 is a good gateway knife into the brand
Currently I believe there is no CS made in the USA. The 4max isn’t the only one made in the USA in the past.
the Code 4 was my first good knife...still in the collection. Love it. Great review.
The best thing about CS is the fact that they do make everything under the sun. Or you could stay with Spyderco that regurgitate their leaf blade in almost every model
Thats not accurate at all. Also, I'd pump the breaks there. You know Lynn Thompson just sold the company, right?
@@metal_complex yes I know the company is sold. CS makes a cricket bat for heaven's sake and a silly 'torpedo' thing... battlestar anyone? That's alot of unnecessary variety but it doesn't dilute their knives.
Spyderco barely makes a variety of their blades. Quality, but overpriced. Buy 1 maybe 2 Spydercos and nothing else is needed from their lineup. I suppose I have my left field view as well
@@King88_8 I think you haven't looked very deep into spyderco's lineup, particularly the collaborations with smaller name custom makers.
@@JustIn-op6oy so tell me what it is then. Sure they provide popular models in many different steels which is good but the designs are practically the same but in a different size. Leaf blade, full flat grind
Good review. I love the blade too. The Code 4 is one of the best bargains out their. S35 steel, really good ergonomics, fairly light weight, nice grind and all in a package that you can get for around $75. Hard to beat. I don’t care about the Cold Steel marketing, they make great knives.
It was indeed. I’ve had my CTS XHP code 4 in my pocket for at least 6-7 years.
My Code 4 cut me 3 times in 2 days just closing the knife. The third time, it guillotined my index finger leaving a gaping gash. The blade is one of the sharpest I own. 👍🏽🔪👉🏽
CS has some over the top stuff that most certainly does not appeal to me, but the ones they get right, they really get right. I love the 5 that I have, and the Lawman and Code 4 are my 2 most carried ones. Great knives. My AD10 is the only one that has bit me..repeatedly, lol. I put 3 of those racing stripes on my finger..once you release that lock, the blade just drops like a guillotine,. Smoothest back lock knife I own.
Code 4 or Lawman if you could only have 1
Love the code 4 and american lawman. I haven't had an issue with closing like yours seems to, my code 4 and lawman just drop when I release the lock. They did have a bit of a break in time, but leaving the blade open over night really helped with the lock strength and the lawman needed to wear off some of that coating, but no big deal. Yea, they'll never be fidget friendly knives, but as a tool they're rock solid.
Everything I've gotten from cold steel has come VERY sharp out of the box. Their adverts are a bit mall ninja, but they have some solid products.
👍👍
Code 4 or Lawman? GO!
For me the Lawman. I really like the option of being able to choke up and the extra grip from the g10.
As usual another great video. If you're worried about the slick handles you can add some gator tape for a little added palm swell and traction. I did it mine and I'm loving it.
metal handles dont lend themselves to canadian winters ... lawman ,recons are good options
Ya and in heat they suck also. As soon as your hands sweat a little you slide all over this handle.
Just watched your review one year later. Noticed that the locking bar sticks out a little once engaged. Or it is only me noticing this...?
Cold Steel AD models are amazing. Seriously the fact that you ever doubted them says more about how little you know.
I think most of their knives are for practical use, but for actual blue collar workers. They have some stuff that’s huge, like the Espada XL and their other longer blades, but they’re practical for farmers, trackers, bush crafting, camping, survival, etc; They’re big, but they’re great because they can actually be carried quite easily (For the activities I listed).
4.20 ounces....thats my holy number...this knife caught my interest...thanks for the review!
They would probably sell a load of these if they called the knife Code 420 ;)
I have been debating on getting one. The thing holding me back is in Northern KY and time I spend in Sault Ste.Marie Michigan that aluminum I imagine would get very cold very quick. I wonder how it would be with gloves. Thanks for the review.
My first Cold Steel and decent folder even was the Gunsite 2, (basically a gen 2 large voyager combo edge tanto with branding) $25 with coupon at Academy.
I got the xhp one before it was to late. One of my favs. I treat it as a dress up knife. It feels to classy to mess up.
I got an XHP version as well, but I've used it as my only pocket knife for about three or four years while working on a ship. I recently got a Spyderco Native 5 in S110V because the place I work at now limits the size of knives. I also need to find replacement for the washers. The bronze washers are covered in corrosion and the thin plastic washers they put in on top of the bronze ones are very squished. The blade centering and play is pretty bad right now because of that.
Great review. I've been eying this knife for a while, but never pulled the trigger.
I own over 125 knives I'm my collection but only keep 4 out of the box for EDC rotation:
1. Cold Steel Code 4
2. Civivi Shredder
3. Ontario Rat 1
4. Bestech Swordfish
There is now a black version. Black handle and blade, or satin blade and black handle.
I have the Code 4 Spearpoint Fully Serated in XHP Steel and it's awesome. But Cold Steel Pocket Clips are stiff as all get out.
I just watched the review for this knife because I’m thinking about buying one as well as a leatherman free P4 for work. I’m doing cabinet installs and finish work for a large company as well as small random things for private homeowners. Lol I also watched Nick, Pete, and AKB’s reviews. Good marks across the board other than from Nick obviously 😂 I think I’m gonna pull the trigger on this and the free P4. I’ve had other leatherman’s but this will be my first Cold Steel. I hope I don’t turn into a Triad Lock cultist lol.
I hope you ended up grabbing one of these. They are excellent tools and the one real gripe - thin handle - is obviated when wearing gloves. This is my favorite knife to use when I’m wearing my heavy leather work gloves.
The newer cold steels must be being made in a new factory. My new AD10 is world's above any of my old cold steel knives in the action department.
Sean H my AUS-8 voyager from 2012 and my AD-10 both have great action, I think it’s the aluminum lined/handled ones that have the smoothest Triad action.
Can you review the Tanto? Of course, tango grinds have limited usage. Seems way lighter and more usable than the Buck 110. My son's and I got them about 13 years ago. Took the Buck 110 out deer hunting and absolutely hated the way the tip made it difficult to open up a deer. Immediately switched back to a old (1950's) Case fixed blade.
Hey, is the blade hollow ground on this or sabre ground?
Hollow grind
I`m more of a Sencut, Civivi guy. However, I`ve had my eye on this and the Recon. Trying not to. The closest knife I have is the Sencut Tynan. I don`t think these are fair comparisons because of the size. The Tynan is way more classy than the Cold Steel. Wait a minute, I think I just talked myself out of the Cold Steel. Thanks bro. Like your vids.
I disagree on the classy department. Also I dont like steel framelocks. Way to heavy. Coldsteel makes very different knives compared to civivi. Civivi is light edc, coldsteel for users.
Onde compro que envie para o Brasil???
I know this video is old
However I have two USA made cold steel
Knives. The arc angel in carbon v
Got this knife and love it
Any easy method to remove the text on the blade?
I would like to know if anyone experiences blade rattle when the knife is being carried? My Code 4's blade hits against the scale when in the pocket.Any help would be much appreciated.Thanks
Have you checked that all of the screws & the pivot are tight? Have you taken the knife apart?
The code 4 has been on my short list for way too long
Same! Clip or Spear has been my hold up
@@musclebillcoaching i have the spear/drop point and i love it. I appreciate a knife i can get the point online without over extending my wrist or elbow, and i love the aesthetic pairing between the blade shape and handle shape. Check out the Civivi Governor if price is a thing, very similar handle with G10 and D2 for about half the price. That one's on my short list now.
@@Brewhound77 Great points! I'm torn between the smooth aluminum or the g-10+finger choil of the American Lawman. I like hollow grinds (Code 4) over the flat/saber (AmLaw), but also love a good finger choil.
@@musclebillcoaching as much as I love FFG blades, im a huge sucker for an excellent hollow grind, and the Code 4 is just that. Stays thin behind the edge through repeated sharpening and looks killer the way CS does it. I don't care so much about finger choils, but the code 4 has enough of the blade tang coming out past the handle that you can safely and comfortably choke up when the situation calls for it. The Lawman wouldn't disappoint I'm sure, but i can't say anything bad about the Code 4. I love G10 handles too but the aluminum on the Code 4 is gorgeous and the shape of the handle keeps you so locked in you don't mind the smoothness at all. Just my mileage, but you might as well get both!
OK, I'm man enough for this one. Very cool.
Should the name of the steel be written on the blade for it to be legit? Because i encounter both and am confused which one is the real deal.
One of only a few Cold Steel knives I have considered.
There's something wrong with your code 4, the lock bar is not supposed to stick up when locked open. It's either a defect or a clone.
Took my thumb down to the bone with my 4 max lol...
Its beatiful 👍✌🤟🤙🍻
COLD STEEL AK-47 if possible keep up the good work dude I am so happy I found this channel you'll probably never see this comment
I don't like how thin it is and the feel of aluminum and the thumb studs are too shallow and the pocket clips on cold steel are straight garbage but the blade is fantastic everything about it.
This is the Recon Skinny.
Think bout buying this today for $78
The irony of the " made in Taiwan" statement is that a Taiwan made knife is gonna be way better quality than a USA made knife .
Old video. This has been thoroughly discussed and I've given my updated thoughts in a much more recent upload.
But what you're saying is only circumstantially true. Does Taiwan have good manufacturing quality? Generally, yes. Is a Taiwan made Cold Steel knife better than a US made Kershaw? Yes. Is it better than a US made Rick Hinderer knife? Absolutely not. Not even close. You can't apply this statement to everything. Doesn't work that way. It depends MUCH more on exactly how much work is going into any given knife.
Cold Steel's slogan should be "overkill is underrated"
And about their tacticool, high speed low drag, mall-ninja shenanigans - there is a certain joyfulness to CS's more ridiculous models and their videos which I think really adds something to the greater knife universe, if only for the spectacle of it all.
Hollow grind.
Yes hollow grind on the code 4 model
Code 4 or American Lawman?
Hmmm....
@@metal_complex Should I throw the ad10 in there too? Nah just code 4 or Lawman. GO!
Code 4 for regular edc. AL for tactical carry
I received mine, it‘s unflippable…
Open the knife to a 90 degree point and leave it sit for a week. It'll be smooth like butter after that. I had the same issue and same fix with the Large Voyager.
cs knives are not for soyboys
Patriotism aside I would not dismiss anything made in Taiwan. It is not the same as (questionably) made in China.
Taiwan has had ISO standard manufacturing for a long time.