The Cold Steel Code 4 Pocketknife: The Full Nick Shabazz Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ก.ย. 2024
- The Cold Steel Code 4 is an all-metal EDC pocketknife with CTS-XHP steel, thin construction, and the Tri-Ad lock. It's a solid tool, with a lot of advantages, but it's slippery, strangely proportioned, and lately, Cold Steel's working hard to make the knife world a worse place, so it's kind of a wash.
If you're in love, you'll probably enjoy it. But unless you are, I'd go elsewhere.
Having owned this knife for several months, I can give some good feedback on a few things here:
1. The elongated ricaso is for closing the blade one-handed. If you have enough hand strength to handle that spring tension. It does break in.
2. I find blade/handle ratio to be pretty good. The PM2 is probably worse, but people love it all the same.
3. I will agree the knife is slick, but being so ergonomic, it really doesn't matter all that much, if it really bothers you, you can put a little skateboard tape on the sides. Being so thin and smooth, it does carry VERY well. Would be great if you're a female (or dude) and you're wearing tight pants. I find it a bit too thin for real hard use.
4. No jimping, lame. But doesn't need it.
5. That dark, anodized aluminum contrasts very well with engraving work, and it is hard-wearing.
6. Super easy to disassemble and clean.
7. He can be a very brash man, but I generally like Lynn. The whole San Mai stunt was a bit of a dick move, imo. I focus on the KNIVES not the people marketing them. Just me.
Overall I'd recommend it. Dude, you're getting American Crucible Super Steel and the world's strongest folding knife lock in a sleek, smooth, lightweight, handsome package. Pretty damn good. But, haters gonna hate regardless.
Nathan Navaja well said man, while not being perfect it's a pretty well rounded blade for not a lot of money.
Very well said..I agree!
It's a great knife especially for the price. I never understood how people have problems with the lock. It never was a problem for me on any of mine. But I am a bigger guy so eh who knows.
I just don't get why he would complain about the lock being so strong because he'd never need a lock that strong.. Then complain that the handles to slick as if he's going to use it hard enough to matter. Like you said it may be smooth but it has great ergos and if you properly grip it your hand isn't going anywhere because of the shape of the handle.
He's an enthusiast but probably not into using his knives. Look at those hands, seems so delicate. Cold Steel knives reflects the owners personality, not for the weak.
This knife is now made with S35-VN. And it's the same price as a plastic handled VG-10 Delica.
Spyderco is officially overpriced.
Amen
Sebastian m I would have to disagree. This is a real exception in the budget section.
@@AK-hg6vr not really... Cold steel has plenty of amazing knives in the 70-120$ price range. Spyderco is hugely overrated.
Spyderco sucks
Truth. And as "tactical" as the PM2 is, it has a VERY DELICATE tip.
I am convinced that weird flat choil is so you can close the blade one-handed. Depress the lockbar and jerk the knife shut and that flat section will hit your finger and prevent you from cutting your finger
That's the best explanation I've heard.
that's how I closed my American Lawman.
Awww, I miss my American Lawman.
James Mackintosh I've only gotten into knives about a year ago so I'm no affecianado. Been trying to build a collection from different brands and different styles of folders. I picked up an American Lawman with brown scales and black dlc coated blade. Love the look of the knife. The triad lock is super strong even though I need to two hands to close it, guess I need to work on my technique. The G10 is quite aggressive but it really gives a great purchase. The ctsxhp is super sharp...I haven't had a need to sharpen it yet. The pocket clip is very tight..too tight imo. But overall I'm very happy with it. I just purchased a zt 452cf, my most expensive knife to date and I must say it's well worth the money. I'm still very much in the learning process but it's obvious what kind of quality spending a little more will get you. Been looking at the recon 1 as a possible future purchase. I prefer larger blades, in the fall Kershaw is coming out with a 3.75 inch blade on the skyline for $40 and I'm definitely getting that one. Another knife on my wish list is the WE 703 for $100. Love the look of that one.
Man I would never try that, it is so sharp, i will use two hands to close it.
That unsharpened portion of the blade is a safety feature and allows one handed operation of the knife. If you're index finger is in the handle choil at the front and you disengage the lock with your thumb, when the blade swings back to close, the cutting edge will not contact your index finger, the unsharpened portion will. That is why it is there.
This guy is a fucktard I support cold steel and Lynn
Hey Nick, good review. I have a Code 4 and certainly agree with the proportions argument. Now to something I think you did unfairly criticize: the Code 4 ricasso is, in my experience, essencial for allowing it to be closed one-handed. Picture how you one-hand close a lockback or tri-ad lock: you disengage the lock and swing the blade forward, against your index finger that is located on the blade path, then switch the grip and fold the blade all the way. If that ricasso was not there, the cutting edge would be hitting your finger when you swing the blade. One of my knives that has this "problem" is another Cold Steel, the Finn Wolf. As I see it, having that ricasso or not is a trade-off between more edge lenght and being able to close it one handed. Personally, I preffer having it. Keep up the great work, Nick.
Edilbert Nahn 100% agree, the 2 CS blades you called out also have more than enough cutting surface to sacrifice 1/2" for that "ricasso", I have a habit of flipping mine closed like this all the time.
I have the AUS8 version of this knife, and I love it. It's my EDC knife. Strongly considering getting the new S35VN model.
Code 4: No further assistance needed (situation under control). I think the knife has a cool name and meaning. American Tanto blade version is a classic. Good steel. Very sharp. Easy to carry with gear. In real life, ease of deployment is more important than how fast you can close the folder. Not to expensive in case you loose it. Not my favorite knife but does the job same as any and better than most in that price range. As always Nick you do a great review.
Regardless of the politics, this is a stellar knife.
I find it funny how in this video you used cold steels ethics against them but in the strider video you chose to leave it alone. great review otherwise
I know this is old but the cold steel hate is way overdone almost every knife company (any company for the matter) has issues and bad press cold steel gets too much hate. It's always okay when spyderco makes something in Taiwan in fact everyone loves it when they charge over 100 for a vg10 Taiwan made blade. But God forbid cold steel makes a knife for less and a better value.
@@ht8138 cold steel is way better than Spyderco or Benchmade as a company. They don't overprice their shit for one thing. Benchmade has terrible quality control and value. And Spyderco is extremely overpriced for the product you're getting. The only good value I see coming out of Spyderco now is the PM2 in S45VN for $150. Other than that even their tenacious is ridiculous. $50 for 8cr13mov 😂. Coldsteel has great value but they only have a few good models. Most of them coming from Andrew Demko, other than that it's all mall ninja shit.
@@Phaminator525 im glad im not the only one that shares the sentiment of spydercos being overpriced. Ive always found they hit way below their weight class for what you pay. Almost every single one of them.
The Code 4 is my favorite knife, considering the price, and has been my only EDC knife for four years. I actually like that it is a little slippery because it is easy to put in and out of your pocket, and it is easy to clean. The lock is a little stiff iif you aren't used to Cold Steel knives, but I can open and close it with one hand without much effort. As for their "tacticool" designs, I prefer their general bias towards beefy and utilitarian designs. I think Cold Steel is generally the way to go for anyone who values function over form and will actually use their knives for harder tasks.
Having carried folders for over 14 years, this is my favorite edc knife now just beaten the benchmade 940. Everything I could ask about a folder it has. The hollow grind and CTS XHP blade is perfect for cutting tasks. I have the clip point fyi. Its slimness and light weight really does such a great job a diapering in your pocket to the point where I need to feel it to make sure it’s there. The only complaint is how he mentions that it can be tough on fingers if you’re constantly opening and closing it repeatedly, but it will break in and you’re fingers will adapt to it. Keep in mind that I have a few Benchmades that are between $180-205 and I’d rather take this $85 knife over them. It’s excellent for edc and outdoors. … … I don’t care for knife politics. I love Coldsteel products.
I find it interesting that you sing cold steel for the blade to handle ratio for here but NEVER mention it for any of the Spydercos. The para 3, for instance, the handle is twice the length of the cutting edge. The Para 2 is just under that so it’s a little better but still has way more handle proportionately to blade than the code 4 does. So why don’t you ever mention that when taking about Spydercos?
Been using Code 4 Tanto point as my hard use folder since 2015... still holds like brand new except for saom battle scars on the surface of the stainless steel blade, no chips, sharpened it several times... great knife, love it
The longer ricasso is to protect your finger during closing, I love love love this knife, it is my go to for almost every occasion,
I love your channel. I really do ..I never post but always give a thumbs up. But not on this video. I know your a huge fan of the Slysz Bowie.And yes I do own that knife and Its fantastic. But I also own the Cold Steel Code 4. I carry and use the Code 4 all the time but because of the cost of the Slysz Bowie its more of a play toy. Sorry my point is I don't in any way find the Code 4 any slicker to handle than the Spyderco. And as for a useable knife .. In my opinion the code 4 is by far the better deal. I think your dislike for who runs cold steel has tainted the true value of this knife. Yes I know its your channel and you can do and say what you like. But we watch your channel for your honest opinion. And well can you really say that you gave us that??? I one person but like I said I own both knives. Your main dislikes for one knife was not a problem for the other WAY more expensive knife. Guess the maker makes the difference.
Pretty fond of my code 4 for what you get for the price. As far as the question as to why there is that 1/2" blank section at the back of the blade vs having the blade run back further to the handle, my guess is that when you are holding the knife, if you use your thumb to depress the lock while having your forefinger in the first finger choil, if you flip it forward that blank section falls on your forefinger, for me it allows me to close the blade one handed. Not sure if this was by design or not, but that's what I find it useful for.
That notch is a sharpening choil. It allows even sharpening all the way to the end of the cutting edge. I have seen discussions where some claim that it doesn't technically, by itself, fall under the definition of a choil, but so many people just call it a sharpening choil that even if it isn't technically correct, everyone knows what you're talking about. I've also called it a sharpening relief.
I'm sure that's half of it but the other half is its a stopper for your finger when you close it one handed.
Cold Steel Code 4 is for working men, not fashion knife show offs.
But wouldn't do bad as a show knife.
@@privateparker5698 not at all. I think it's sexy it looks better in person. The handle color is eh but it really is well done. Make it in different colored handles and it could definitely be a shower.
@@sneakypeaky6000 yeah honestly!! Just ordered one. I usually agree with Nick but this time his reasons for disliking it were kinda bs. I'm yet to see but it cost as much as my delica and I'm sure it will out perform it. I kinda fell out of love with spyderco just cuz of price and fanboys.
@@ht8138 definitely a great knife. It's a larger one but it's just overly thick so it fits in pockets nicely. Mine came absolutely razor sharp with a perfectly even grind. It flicks open nicely with the thumb studs or you can literally just flip the blade out with a nice strong downward motion. The detent is perfectly acceptable though it's not going to just accidently open. The triad lock broke in very nicely and it's not hard to push the lock down at all. The unsharpened portion of the knife is so it can be safely closed with one hand and it makes sharpening a bit easier. As for the blade to handle ratio its perfectly acceptable. Lol you aren't going to open the knife and think wow this blade is really short compared to the handle.
It really is a beautiful knife and for the materials the price is great. Not many reputable companies will sell you s35vn and quality aluminum scales for 80 bucks.
He sadly has an obvious bias towards cold steel due. They make a lot of great knives with affordable price tags.
@@ht8138 Kershaw makes some nice ones too. Kershaws new link in 20cv with the milled aluminum handles is just perfect. I'm usually not a fan of assisted blades but I love it. It's also around the same price range as the code 4 ($80).
I agree about the size of blade to handle ratio can be not always great to look at, but for those with bigger hands, that can be welcome in terms of control. great video always,
Obvious bias. Nothing comparable for the price. Spyderco handle:blade ratio can be worse.fact
I have a Cold Steel Hold Out 3. Suffers from some of the same things. Wonky blade to handle length and it's wider than it needs to be. But worst aspect is the pocket clip. The handle is very aggressive G10 and the pocket clip is so freaking tight (even after a lot of work) that it will just shred your pocket after putting it in and out a few times. Best way to carry it is just to take the clip off and stick it in your pocket. Another great review Nick!!
Sandpapery G10 and tight clips is a terrible thing, absolutely. The Broken Skull was terrible like that. At least with non-flippers, pocket carry is safe.
how is the hold out 3 wider than it needs to be? it's a pretty narrow knife..
As a Spydie and Benchmade guy (favorite American production companies) I tried a code 4 (my first CS folder) since they are using xhp steel, I think it is a great folder so far, the "issues" most seem to have with it are the traits (for most part) are my likes for it. To each their own I guess.
I love Spyderco, but they are far from drama free in past......
Love this knife. The easiest cold steel to clip into the pocket. No more thorn pocket.
Hollow grind for that razor task. I shave with this knife.
Mine came with tougher S35VN. I chopped down small tree with this knife with my HR looking impressed. 😅
Doing routine packaging work at the office. My whole office borrowed this knife 😁. Feel good to be helpful.
I bring it fishing at the sea and forgot to wipe it after a week, rust spots are easily wiped off.
Light weight and slim, forgot its in the pocket.
This knife just brings joy and ease to me.
6:07 they put that on most triad lock knives for one handed closing. i don’t have any issue with the triad lock. that blunt end hits your index finger when you flip it closed and allows you to pinch the lock bar down without even changing your grip on their larger folders
The little unsharpened part is for one hand closing .i flip them open .with a lock spring mod very nice .getting the clip point next .
Good review as usual, Nick. In this instance however, I disagree. I recently ordered a Recon 1 and a Code 4 in CTS-XHP because Cold Steel is changing over to S35VN. I love sharpening and Cold Steel offers the best value in this particular steel. The American Lawman in XHP is also on my list of knives to get. Lynn Thompson's ill-advised law suit aside, I personally find him amusing in an outrageous way. I like you too, Nick. You're a witty, intelligent guy. Keep up the good work.
I support cold steel because they support me... Not many other manufacturers offer this quality at these prices.... I'd choose this over the 940 that costs more than twice the price. Quit bringing politics into the rating of the knife.... I mean really dig deep enough and most higher ups of knife companies probably done plenty that people disagree with..
Can't forget the low blow to them for making knives overseas... Almost all knife companies do and what's your point? Not everyone makes that easy money that you make nick and not everyone can drop stupid amounts of money to buy an American knife. Heck most of the popular spyderco are made overseas... Benchmade is American sure but I can't think of a knife within the 200 dollar price range that would even compare to the code 4... The 940 has lesser quality materials and goes for over twice the price. The bugout is just a joke compared to this thing. But Benchmade knows there are people like you that will push American knives because 'merica.... I have a couple Benchmades and enjoy them but they are ripoffs... The 551 wasn't so bad because I got it for 75 bucks on clearance. But plastic handles and 154cm doesn't even compare to the code 4. Now I can't find them for under 120 because of the s30v which isn't much better than the 154cm.
Heck spyderco delicas are 80 bucks and they are made overseas... With plastic handles and vg10 steel... It's an absolute joke and should be a 50 dollar knife or include g10 at the very least.
I can get a manix 2 lw for around 100 bucks but again plastic handles and cts-bd1 steel. Sure the plastic on them is intentional to make it lightweight and they are nicer plastic handles but that cts-bd1 is what turned me away... It should be s35vn or better cts-bd1 isn't that great and not worth the price.
Great reviews Nick. The reason the blade doesn't tuck into the handle, is because it was designed to be for a tanto. The drop point was an afterthought.
I have side by side photos disassembles and you can see how the tanto tucks in and the drop point just doesn't.
6:35 he had just complained about the non-choil area then shows the Ontario Rat which features the same sort of thing.
Chad Miller ontario rat has a worse design than code 4
@@IceMan-qt2tj most definitely... I know people praise the rat because of what the internet says but it's not that great of a knife for the price. The pocket clip is just to long and to close to the thumbstuds in my opinion especially for lefty carry. The aus8 is nothing to write home about for a $30 knife and the action isn't that great in my opinion. My pocket clip also wiggles a tad even tightened down as hard as she'll go with little use. For 30 bucks you can get a ruike that blows the rat 1 away any day of the week. Same with a 30 dollar ganzo or a 30 dollar Kershaw, cold steel ect ect.
I think you let your opinion of a bully,rub off on your objectivity of the knife.
I have this and a few other Cold steels (recon Tanto folder & Hatamoto). I really like the Code 4, I have large hands so I carry a larger folder and this fits really well in my hand. The slim design also helps keeps it on the discreet side in my office. Id love to be able to carry custom folders, but I just have a hard time paying that much for something I carry literally every day.
I do not follow the knife world much, so was not aware of the company history trying to use a marketing term to restrict other knife makers which is disappointing to hear. I actually own what I think was one of their first folders with the San Mai blade.
This was my first and last knife with metal handle, thats pretty much the only issue i have with it, i do use it at work where i use rubber coated gloves and the slippynes is not an issue, and i have nothing but good things to say about CTS-XHP atm my 3rd fave folder steel after CPM-M4 and ZDP-189. Code 4 is like 007 looks like an gentleman but isn't Afraid of hard work...
I know this is a year old thread, but almost every criticism that Nick held about this knife is IMO justified and necessary.
The flats on the blade top, for example, allow for a fixed angle sharpener to clamp easily. Comparing this to a full swedge on top like my Kershaw knock out, this is much easier to sharpen.
Also, the blade does not extend more fully into the tang so that you can use your index finger to stop it from closing to allow easy one handed operation.
I would love to see the thumb stud nested in handle when opened to provide even more stability against side to side play. To see that precision construction in a knife like this would be even more impressive 👌
Finally, this knife can be had on Amazon and secondary markets for a little over $60 right now… Not many deals better than that rn.
Ps.
Gene Simmons once said, “I would put a patent on air if I could”
I'm sorry Nick but I'll always be a Cold Steel fan. I've never once had a product fail. When my order went missing they went above and beyond in customer service to help me. If I absolutely have to depend on my knife not to fail (with my work I do) Cold Steel does the job.
How often do people have knives that aren't total garbage fail on them? Basically never. If you don't want a knife to fail, why not carry a fixed blade?
Polyfusia Not always feasible in public places.
Polyfusia hey idiot most of the places does not allow people to carry a fixed blade,., we like coldsteel coz it is well designed to Stab a jerk like u and surely it wont fail when thrusting on your chest
You make a lot of good points I know this is old an I got to say the knife community has really gone off the deep end with the prices but cold steel has good steel for a good price Kershaw I got a knockout in m390 for $99. Everyone else is crazy look at spydroco prices they really are not that great for the price but to each his own love to hear your accent had a buddy in the army that sounded the same
More I carry this knife, the more I like it. A shit ton of knife for the price.
It's a great knife. If you don't like it, don't buy it.
I fund it funny nick brings up politics of cold steel but no one else also has qualms about knives made out of the states yet tons of stuff he likes is made out of the states but what do I know hes got a following must be saying something right just wish he'd stick to the knife. BENCHMADE HAS WAY MORE TO ANSWER FOR THAN COLD STEEL in my no name opinion
Whaha what a coincidence! I recognize your voice from a completely unrelated video about a Steinhart watch..such a small world. Apparently we have 2 of the same hobbies mate! Thanks for sharing 👍
Generally speaking I'm not a big fan of ColdSteel, starting with how they redressed the 'ProLite' as a 'Working Man' just to sell it for twice the price🤔 Marketed as 'built in America' but actually made with cheap labor in Taiwan😖
That said, the Code4 is a good knife for a decent price. My main issues with this knife would be how wide it is in the pocket and that the blade:handle ratio is pretty small ... in that way it reminds me of a Spydie😬
I have the clip point version in AUS 8A. Like you said, it’s too wide of a knife, so I keep it in my camera bag. Don’t really EDC it anymore. But the Air Lite in the 2020 line up is amazing. You should do a review if you get the chance.
I like the width but it may be due to my large hands. If the handlers weren't as thick and the blade was as narrow overall as it is now I wouldn't be able to grip the knife that well. But with those wide handles it works and it's a pretty low profile in my pocket. Hasn't stopped me from putting my phone in the pocket atleast.
Nick Shabazz,
I was not aware that Lynn had engaged in those practices (I was likely on deployment at the time). As much as I detest those sort of practices, I wouldn’t be able to deal with most manufactures, if withdrew my business over anything I didn’t agree with. Let’s be honest here for a sec. Is Lynn an arrogant blow hard with a pronounced degree of pretentiousness? Yes he absolutely is. Still, the business sector is brutal and companies do this all the time. Let’s be fair. How many people have beat the heck out of Lynn and Cold Steel over the years while at the same time, ripping off designs or company particulars. I think it’s pretty much an industry standard and for some reason or another, people generally like to make Cold Steel or Lynn the whipping post, while giving other makers a pass.
when did Gilbert Godfrey start reviewing knives?
The only two valid arguments against the knife were the one about the trademark and one about Taiwan. That's fair. Maybe I won't get this one in the end. We'll see. Having fun with my Endura ZDP-189 at the moment.
Now it's in s35vn and the print on the blade is perfect now. Plus the reason you are getting these great materials at 80 bucks is because it's made overseas. It still has an amazing fit and finish regardless.
I’d love to be getting some XHP for $80 these days. Overall steel prices are way better and more accessible but that’s a deal.
I still like mine! : ) Great review.
If you think this blade proportion is wonky, check out the cold steel ak 47
You know what they say, "Cold Steel, Cold Heart."
I just revieved this knife and love it. The lock is tight but im sure that will wear in. But when you get a knife with the best lock back out there, it will come with a stiff lock. Really light and fits nice in the pocket using the clip, the thin size is perfect. I own a Chris Reeves Large Sebenza with macassar inlets which is amazing knife especially for the 750 canadian price tag. But i only take that, when i go to nice places. But this Code 4 is now my Edc, the blade finish is excellent. If it was made in the US id pay more no problem.
The weird part is for one hand operation .you put your finger against the front of the finger guard push the lock botton then un sharppened part drops against your finger and then you finish closing .one handed start to finish .
Girly hands,works in an office.
Not a Lynn Thompson fan either but I buy what is a value to me. And simply put, find another knife that gives you this much for the price. Delica? 68 bucks? VG10 and plastic handles? Please. Not even close. XHP steel is great. Come on Nick, the printing?? for 80 bucks? Yeah it is slippery and thin. I agree and not psyched about that. Wide? ok. But what is it about the delica that you are so drawn to? Come on. It is overpriced. Yes Thompson is a bully and Sal acts elite with his warranty. I have dealt with Cold Steel warranty and they have backed me every time and I know people have had bad experiences with them. You do not recommend because of Lynn Thompson or the quality of the knife itself? You do not recommend but you failed to compare it to anything that you do recommend that it competes with. What is a better value? What about your Spyderco whatever model that the teflon washer disintegrated that you bought for a hundred and some odd bucks?
Also, dude, whatever happened to the knives I mailed to you that I donated to your channel. Never heard anything more about it after I sent them to you. Pretty lame, Nick.
Zero: The Link was in my pocket this week for review, as seen on the Instagram, and it's featured in a video that airs tomorrow, and next Sunday's Ask the Nick. :)
And the Ambitious is probably going to get some air-time later in the month, although I can't give details yet :)
buying for the value to you.... hm.
Tactical Center he is not bullying me. I'm a big boy. mmmm
Tactical Center sal and Eric run more bullshit in my opinion
I wish Cold Steel would license their Tri-Ad lock to other knife companies like Zero Tolerance!! So finally we could get a high end/quality better made version of the Cold Steel voyager!!!
Just get the fancy Espada...
At the beginning of this video I kinda liked the Code 4. Long story short we have one for sale now, really cheap.
Note to self: Make Birdshot IV purchase Stan Wilson Non-Flipper Flipper. Review negatively. Purchase from Birdshot IV really cheap.
The Non-Flipper Flipper is the most amazing knife creation EVER! We have been on a five year waiting list and have made many sacrifices in our lives to hope to obtain one. We will get it to you for review as soon as poss... wait....
o..all the ugly nick will find on the knife...it has weird screws, you can not open and clean it easily, the lock has too many moving part means it has more chance to fail. the handle is unnecessarily thick.. the blade stock is a bit too thick and because of the hump on the blade, it make the transaction from the flat to hollow grand too quick, it will not be a good slicer... Please do it nick...Please...so I can stop thinking to get one...I can save some money to feed my sick wife and fill up the hole on my roof...
BirdShot IV and what knife is better than this around 60-80$ and with a good steel? i thought this knife is the best solution with this kinda steel at this price.
Really? You liked a knife you used and you don't like it anymore after someone said something? That's states not very pleasantly of you, unfortunately.
Code 4 tanto has been on my lust list for a while and i always thought Thompson was a lovable goober. I have some things to think about now.
Im no fan of the owner of Cold Steel either. But are you gonna hate on the fact that benchmade took part in destroying firearms for police departments? It's the same sort of situation. i dont like bullies either, but one is more destructive than the other. ill let you decide.
That wouldn't be the same at all even if you weren't being hysterical. its the difference between punching up and punching down.
What should I get if I do like the minimalist though sturdy aesthetics of the code 4 but don't want to support cold steel, because I'm not into the knife scene and I just want a EDC knife to put in my pack that aesthetically pleases me and is decent enough to use on the rare occasions I do?
The prices ofcourse have risen but it's still WAY TOUGHER in strength than any knife in it's class. Watch the video of it compared to the Blur. That lock is amazing and the Demko design is as well.
Er.. this knife goes at ~$80 at blade hq with S30VN...
Iam seriously considering getting 2 for me and the Mrs. Outstanding construction and materials comparable to the market.
It is a unbelievable value really
S35vn not s30v... S35vn is the better of the two and an amazing value for a knife this size at this price.
What a difference 2 years makes.
spyderco will never come near cold steel in any aspect. . .its something like comparing toy car with a real car. . .it's ridiculous
Not in any aspect that matters to you.
Nick: CS code 4 is too thin an Lynn Thompson is a bully
Also Nick: BM bugout is fine an who cares they're anti 2A
I have the s35 vn with a Tonto, it's my favorite piece, super smooth action, great looking blade, slicing monster
Was a little nervous about your video because I love my Code4 so much, but I really appreciate your honesty. My biggest complain is that yes the thumb stud is in the slicing path, and I wish they could make the triad lock components slimmer to cut down in width of the knife folded, and yes Lynn Thompson is an idiot. Hopefully this creation in the hands of normal knife lovers will not reflect its creator.
Thanks friend
Utilitarian Sharp well said.
Hi Nick! So I'm rather new to this, but the comments to this video have taught me almost as much about the Knife Community as your other vids have about knives themselves! Once again, many thanks for good concise reviews that explain your findings and opinions.
sweet blade
Did they switch to mainly flat grinds recently?
They usually turn me off, but a micro Recon 1 on my keyring has reminded me that on some level, Cold Steel fulfills the role of a lower-cost, mall ninja-compatible Spyderco competitor. Lots of their folders are obviously great working knives with a gas station influence.
Wait a minute cold steel is actually improving their steels? WHAT? It’s unheard of nowadays, everyone just use s30v and charge hundreds of dollars
Might be a good knife for gloves considering the size. I’ll see this winter as I’m in Wisconsin
Alot of cold steel folding knives are for self defense and not edc. That doesn't mean there bad knives there just for a different purpose.
Has Nick changed his view on Teflon/plastic washers? He doesn't mention this knife's use of them under bad or ugly. Also, at the 4 minute mark he says the knife is all metal with no plastic in it ?? His own disassembly video shows otherwise
My knife had a defective lock, and the knife closed on my finger and almost severed it off. I was practicing slashing on a banana tree and when I pulled the knife off the trunk of the banana tree it closed on my index finger and almost severed an inch below the nail. I suggest you test your knives by tapping it on a piece of wood using the blunt side to see if your lock is safe. I have always been a fan of cold steel and have several knives. The best are the straight ones, I cannot trust the locking system anymore. Sent them an email with pictures and a video of the knife failure, sad to say no reply.
good vid Nick, I was ready to purchase the knife until you brought up the trademark BS he is pulling that being said I will never buy a CS knife. Keep up the good work.
Nick will trash anything with masculinity. Sorry, Nick but some of us labor or like solid locks. Not everyone wants a delicate, I mean delica. For me a knife is a tool and not a fidget jewelry made to match a watch. But love the personality and fact you stand up with your version of honesty.
version of TRUTH is what you meant to say.
thank you Jim and you to nick you really! helped me decide what i thought of the knife. great vid man
I have 27 of this model, great knife
Need this in a blacked out tanto blade. Take my money!
I have the Tanto model. It's pretty slick. I have a collection of Cold Steel. I like My CS Halberd and War Hammer.
I'm not saying that I'm in love with cold steel as a company.
It seams there is a bit of a double standard here.
I have a Boker gifted to me in 1965 . And it was used when I got it. It had a "spyderco wire clip" and deployed with a Hole at the top of the blade. I also have a knife order than that. That has a Tod Begg ceramic ball for tension in the clip.
There isn't much innovation that hasn't been copied.
Spyderco does there own bullying. And takes credit for designs that were around decades before becoming a company
Hey Nick I have a brous blades sniper I could send your way for a loaner review if you want?
This one or ZT 450 (g10, spring run)? Thx
Thats like how Milwaukee trademarked the 18volt wording when it comes to power tools, even tho dewalt says theyre a 20volt its truly a 18volt. Any company that uses a 18volt system has to pay royalties to milwaukee, lawyers are the reason for this nonsense.
Great review! Since learning about Lynn Thompson's bullying from your videos, I can't justify buying their product for myself, but everytime I've tried to disparage Cold Steel, my buddy who loves them shows me another knife that honestly surprises me. They're the company that I wish didn't make good product >_>
+Brian Duncan There are a few knives they make that could make me seriously tempted.
+Brian Duncan With some minor revisions, that is.
So true! I wish they'd make some mid-tech versions of Demko's stuff - maybe they already do, but I doubt it.
Have you handled an AK-47 model yet?
i actually stopped buying Kershaw/zt because of the whole sub-framelock thing
WHY? knifenews.com/sub-framelock-patent/ microtech knows there is a patent, they should never have stolen the tech for there own profit. maybe you should stop buying microtech instead, they copied the zt designs too. sounds to me you are backwards in your thinking.
if you watch nick's review you see that cold steels situation is NOT the same as this. they are being a bully on purpose.
I just received one and I can‘t f*cking flipp that thing. The spring of the backlock is so strong that my thumb gets numb pressing on it…
One handed opening is unimaginable…
I received it brand new and it was stained with fat, I guess a dry washer isn‘t the problem here🤷🏻♂️.
Maybe I will send it back and choose a Manix 2 XL, I will see.
I like the blade shape
I have owned this knife for about a month now, and I agree with you, Nick- Unless you absolutely positively have to have the strongest lock out there because you’re batoning wood all day with a pocket knife, or whatever, dealing with the triad lock sucks the joy out of owning this otherwise OK knife. Great steel, but for $85 or so I still expect the knife to operate smoothly and easily. Live and learn.
I've seen alot of knife reviews.. this is getting a thumbs down. It's clear the reviewer just picked out a bunch of things most people wouldn't notice about the knife to downplay the review and it may be because he has bad feelings towards Lynn Thompson because of a lawsuit which he calls "bullying". Some people might not support Cold Steel for some reasons but most people don't care.. so doing reviews in such a way doesn't help you get subscribers. I simply want facts and details when buying a knife.
+JustinL614 Check my other cold steel reviews, I don’t have an axe to grind.
been waiting for this one ;)
Great review Nick. I had a code 4. On mine the fit and finish was not very good, which was surprising considering the high level of quality Spyderco gets out of its Taiwanese factory. Also the heat treat of the XHP was poor and the knife was constantly requiring sharpening. In this price range there are much better options. The mettalugy of XHP seems to be better with other brands.
I had this knife but hated that useless neck between choil and edge. Also unimpressed with the personality of Cold Steel as a company, and I agree with your sentiment regarding the Triad Lock.
What a difference two years makes. Just watched your glowing review of the CS American Lawman in which you identify it as your favorite folding knife, even ahead of the Spydie PM2
Mike Borrelli true that. I’ve ordered another code 4 to have another look at. Cold Steel have turned their image around a lot. Still dont love the extended blank spot though.
And as for the Lawman, thats probably the best cold steel and probably the best overall knife for someone who wants a great pure user knife. I’m very interested to see how I feel about the Code 4 again.
@@CedricAda I hear ya,. The fact remains that this guy doing the review hates the brand and isn't giving the products capabilities a fair assessment.. There is simply no other brand who can compete with Cold Steel when it comes to extreme hard use folders that come closest to achieving the strength of a fixed blade
Love the way you say *CODE 4*
Sounds like ur bulling Cold Steel and Lyn T and I never heard of Lynn and the san Mai -could you post soem proof on that sir.
knifenews.com/san-mai-trademark-cold-steel-issues-open-letter-to-the-knife-community/
Thanks for the fast reply I had no Idea cold steel had done this - tHATS PRETTY WILD
In order to retain those trademarks, and in order to expand upon them - to the extent that they are now recognized as incontestably distinctive and associated with Cold Steel - we not only had to promote them but to protect them.
To do this, we are required by law to make a reasonable effort to defend our trademarks.
Whats wrong with a company defending their trademarks? I hardly see lynn bullying anybody. These kind of notices are pretty common and I bet my last dollar that many other knife companies send similar documents that never make it to the publics eye. In the end a this is is a company protecting its Interests and investments.
I mean really... If you think Lynn wrote those up and not some lawyer for the company then wow.... Not to mention he apologized and said he has never sued and hopes to never sue and didn't mean to seem intimidating which again his lawyers most definitely wrote that up anyway. Meanwhile I do see one bully talking bad about another human and that's Nick... I sure didn't see Lynn call people names or act rude towards them.
how about code 4,recon 1 and zt 301
It’s slim enough I carried mine in suit pants. Wish it was just a bit lighter tho…
Ok how many of us actually have a knife slip out of our hands because it's too "slippery"? I'm guessing it's very few. & how many work in "slippery" conditions that are so bad you can't hold on to your knife? Again, I'd say very few.
I agree, this is not the kind of knife for plumbing, oil field workers or working in the rain. For the average person the easy of use is a benefit. I see it as a variable not a con.
Congrats on giving this knife a fair review. I know your feeling on Cold Steel and pointing out the good must've been painful. So good job. My personal feelings on Lynn Thompson have nothing to do with my dislike of Cold Steel knives, I just don't like them.
Painful? Nah, I love finding the good where there is some. If Cold Steel dropped the perfect knife at a great price tomorrow, I'd be thrilled, just like if they dropped Lynn Thompson. I'm cheering for the community on the whole, and better value, even if sold by asshats, is a win.
Well said and you're a man of integrity and this video is why you are one of my most respected knife and gesr reviewers. Thompson is an avarice bully. Too much is never enough for some people
Mark....
Hi Nick
Awesome review...
I have always liked cold steel. I talking about the PRODUCT.
I think every company has its bad apples....and that includes CEO level.
For me the triad lock inspires confidence in your blade.
If one doesn't like the opening mechanism then my advice is cold steels SWIFT series.
A bit of the the best of assisted and triad lock. Hard to beat combo.
i love the code4!!!
Same here :-)
You should redo this video