So i just bought an American 4 max to compliment my Italian 4 max. I was aware there were issues but i took a chance. Fit and finish differences aside, i had the same issue with the lockbar not falling all the way closed and leaving the blade flopping around. So i got a replacement and it has the exact same issue. I'm going to send it to cold steel, this is ridiculous. The Italian model is definitely a better knife.
My Italian max is tighter than a nuns coolo. Has no play when open, midway or shut and no jiggle . Glad i went with tbe italian. When I close it it almost goes all the way down but hasn't been broken in yet. I love my Italiano max.
I have a Cold Steel Recon and I was adjusting the pivot yesterday and I realized the Tri-Ad lock has to be perfect adjusted to work properly. If you tighten too much the detent doesn't work properly. If you loosen too much then is going to have blade play. It has to be just in the right spot.
Thanks, everybody. I truly appreciate your honest input. I'm a retired professor on a low-mid income. I don't have the cash to throw around. The socialist state of Noo Yawrk has now limited us to 4" on any carry knife. Great review, and again, thank you.
I think i'm going for the Italian version. Made in the USA doesnt mean what it used to. America's best manufacturing days are behind her. Sad but true.
Oh, I'm sorry, I don't know where you get your data from, but you are so wrong. If you are talking cars, yeah, you are right, because American car companies don't want to produce cars that last. But when it comes to materials and smaller industry items, bicycles, guitars, guns, I'll happily go with USA. No, I don't have an expert point of view. But at least I have something to go on.
You sir got me sold on an Italian 4 max, I expected a lot more from a $300+ knife made in the US. Surprisingly my xl recon 1 also got the rattling issue you were talking about, granted it's only half the price and huge, but it's still $100+.
Thanks for this. My honest feedback is that by owning both, expensive knives, you have a neat opportunity to share any feelings regarding the differences between the two manufactures, and you rambled quite a bit. Personally, I would have liked your video better if it was shorter. It seems based on your video and another I saw, that the main differences are the notch in the lock and the texture of the G10, on the Italian version.
My first 4 Max (USA) had to be sent back because lock mechanism failed and could not be folded-and this was right out of box. The one sent back to me works great, but it does have to be oiled every few months otherwise the lock button becomes difficult to depress and open. Love the knife. I own 2. One day i will own 3.
That's so depressing. Not just that it's a friggin' $330 has iffy QC, but that knives between $15-200 by a slew of manufacturers have great QC. Just because they use more materials doesn't mean it's harder to make it right. They're having no problems selling these things though. I'm sure if you get a good one and tune it properly, it's a joy.
Slidetek- I agree. Just a heads-up. I received my CKF Gavko Spinner today. It only took five days to arrive. I checked the box to get the CKF case for the knife for $10. Turns out the knife came in one and the $10 was an extra (good communication on website). I'll put my KJ New Concept in it. So don't order the case in the future.
The Cold Steel 4 Max is actually intended to be an AD-10 XL: th-cam.com/video/3mokpuLuDf8/w-d-xo.html The hole on the handle in front of the blade is actually for Aesthetics. However, originally it was designed as an extra line of safety to prevent the blade from closing on the fingers of Lynn Thompson on another version of Andrew demko's knife which originally had a lanyard with a pin to be placed in the hole. Lynn Thompson took the knife on safari and Andrew wanted to make sure not to have one of his knives cut the Bosses fingers. Hence the hole.
I like the Italian one more the finish on the blade the lock bar everyone always complains about the cold steels lockbar on the 4max and the finish on the dark gray and color just me
The American one looks like it would be more secure. Because it looks like it bites down deeper on the blade tang. The Italian version looks like it doesn't bite as deep. But, I do like the darker grey scales better, though. Both are nice. I would say the Italian Manufacturer is doing a good job, out the box, when it comes to fit and finish.
Both locks are okay, its meant to be used by real men not kids who play with knife opening and closing, I mean if you open it you use it that massive chunk of blade is perfect
That’s funny I just seen stassa27 playing with the America version you sold him in a video he posted today. I would have kept the Italian version as well good deal!
Yes. : ..- ( But chinese knives cost the same in the world and free shipping haha. It's sad that good knives like cold steel than in USA have a good price for the quality, here they are not competitive.
Yes. :...-( But chinese knives cost the same in the world and free shipping haha. It is sad than good brands like cold steel than in USA have a good price/quality ratio here they are not competitive.
Loved the comparison looks like the Italian version may be a good buy. Hey what steps did you take to send the knife in for warranty cause I'm thinking about sending it in again cause the lock is seizing up again unless I really thwack it open. Now you have me wanting to pick one of the Italian ones as well. The knife just puts a huge smile on my face every time I pull it out and I love showing it to non knife people it's definitely a jaw dropper for them lol. Thanks for giving my destruction video a shoutout I really appreciate it. Well brother hope your having a great night talk to you later
I would think for the exstra hundreds it would only take hyman strength to operate the damn lock !!! I have to take several pounds off the lock bar springs on all my recon 1 s and code 4 s . I would expect a reasonable strength to operate it !!! Shabazz says they used t6 screws ??? Like what the hell ! Im really glad I didn't just by it because i like cold steel !!!
Every Tri-Ad lock I've ever owned rattles like that when you partially disengage the lock. The lug is tapered and locks tighter as is engages deeper into the mortise. Naturally, it will have play when partially disengaged. I'd be more concerned with the Italian 4 Max, and it's blade NOT having play when partially disengaged. This would indicate the locking lug wasn't machined with the correct taper and it might have a tendency to loosen from wear and possibly bottom in the mortise.
hermit dave Ok. Good point. I really have no response to the tapered lug and mortise statement. That shows you the extent of my engineering and design knowledge. Lol
I made a comment in your of your videos for a Bastinelli knife and was saying the knife was too heavy and don't agree with that anymore. I bought a Harnds Blazer which is a 8.2 ounces knife and it's not too heavy for EDC even for gym shorts and now I like beef knives. If I had the dough I would buy and actually EDC one of these.
How many hundred pounds is the lock bar spring ??? When I get a reacon 1 nearly the first things I do is customized ( take many pounds off the lock spring leave just enough to retain the blade when closed ) You shouldn't have to with a high end ass they say knife ! B
Good review. I could afford one but I don't know that I want one. If I did buy one it would be the Italian made version. Do you really like them well enough to own both?
Pic of the blade on the american version doesnt look like it matches the blade on the knife itself. Pic looks like a hollow grind with a higher grind line than the actual knife has, and no false edge on the back. Actual knife looks like it has a flat grind.
After seeing the Italian and American made 4 Max I can tell you right now my 4 Max Scout tells me I will take the Taiwanese production Over The American or Italian ones
Dang it. One would think the 2nd American version you received should have been trouble free but still you have issues. I've seen reviews on the 1st release of the American version that had very uneven blade grinds, poor centering, plus the lock issues. I am guessing the American made model is mostly purged & now all 4 Max will be coming from Italy. I liked the big n' beefy knives but this one has me waffling a bit.
This is the first video I've watched of yours (subbed now). I like/need a big folder. I've got wide hands and take a medium to large glove (I'm an inbetweenie). My palms are wide but my fingers are not overly long; a 4x4 palm with a 3 & 3/4 inch middle finger. I have a Benchmade 15080 Crooked River that is a great fit for my hand.
This is hard to watch because you are comparing how the blade falls from the fully open stage. There are so many potential factors going into that black box and you can only speculate or 'think' what the difference might be. I'm not getting much from that. That, the difference in the texturing on the scales and blade .... when, or will you even get to something more nuts and bolts here. It's 27:30 and I'm skipping to the end now. Glad you told me about the good WIHA tools however! Good night and God bless.
Why? Why must we have different versions of things for different continent of humans? Americans can't appreciate a bit of more finesse and quality?! Lol jokes aside these are beasts and awesome video!
Own the xl talwar in XhP love the blade but that tri lock sucks watching you fight with it is the same shit I've been going through hearing that clicking sound makes my skin craw.don't care how strong it is no fun !! Got my adamas bk 275 for Christmas butter smooth love it. Sorry cold steel..
The lock bar issue of 20# of pressure is common on Cold Steel knives. The Taiwanese knives are all this way. The re-engineered thinner lock bar proves they know a problem exists. I am an engineer, I wrote to Cold Steel and they never replied. I fixed this problem with 10 of my Cold Steel lock backs. But If some needs to know I will answer with the solution. But since Cold Steel wants to be butt heads I won't give away my expertise! If Cold Steel gives me the Italian version for free I will share the simple solution.
Italians are better at refinement & Americans made good stuff be are not as good at refining things. Just look at the old car industry with the two and don't ad the Japanese because they on a totally different level then the Americans with design and refining.
America is good at making quality junk, other countries have Heritage all America has is problems with each other and voting problems every 4 years or so.
I have 3 of the USA versions. Solid knife. Stop complaining about tiny crap... you cry babies moved this knife from our American hands to Italian hands.
So i just bought an American 4 max to compliment my Italian 4 max. I was aware there were issues but i took a chance. Fit and finish differences aside, i had the same issue with the lockbar not falling all the way closed and leaving the blade flopping around. So i got a replacement and it has the exact same issue. I'm going to send it to cold steel, this is ridiculous. The Italian model is definitely a better knife.
I got an Italian one, its the same quality wise as that one. Best triad lock I've had on a CS yet.
Justin Nemeth same here
I just ordered an Italian version. I'm very excited about the increased quality. Yours still going strong?
4 Max Scouts have been on sale at Midway USA. I got mine for $40 and yesterday they were selling for $44. I would grab a couple if I were you.
LTK- Good to see Cold Steel is trying to improve the 4MAX. Nice update and comparison.
This video sold me on the Italian version.
My Italian max is tighter than a nuns coolo. Has no play when open, midway or shut and no jiggle . Glad i went with tbe italian. When I close it it almost goes all the way down but hasn't been broken in yet. I love my Italiano max.
Culo**
Nowadays the lefties call it a front hole......
I have a Cold Steel Recon and I was adjusting the pivot yesterday and I realized the Tri-Ad lock has to be perfect adjusted to work properly. If you tighten too much the detent doesn't work properly. If you loosen too much then is going to have blade play. It has to be just in the right spot.
Glad I didn't get one until the Taiwan model came out..my only complaint is that I didn't buy another at 190$
Great in-depth video mate :)
‘Cold Steel take my money$’ - Italian version coming my way.
It’s going to make one hell of a hunting/survival folder!
Seems fit and finish is slightly better on the Italian example.
bill R I seems that way to me. I prefer the Italian version.
Thanks, everybody. I truly appreciate your honest input. I'm a retired professor on a low-mid income. I don't have the cash to throw around. The socialist state of Noo Yawrk has now limited us to 4" on any carry knife. Great review, and again, thank you.
you'd think for that amount of money, CS could build that and have better QC ! better to go with the Italian made ...
JCB 67 Fucken aye, JCB!
i love demko designed knives and if I had the cash I'd have one. I like u.s.a. made blades, however the Italian ones seem better
This appears to be be a common issue with the factory cheaper blades in the $300 to $400 range these days...
Any high quality knife should require break in. Makes for a longer lasting knife that isn't all loose in a year.
I think i'm going for the Italian version. Made in the USA doesnt mean what it used to. America's best manufacturing days are behind her. Sad but true.
Oh, I'm sorry, I don't know where you get your data from, but you are so wrong. If you are talking cars, yeah, you are right, because American car companies don't want to produce cars that last. But when it comes to materials and smaller industry items, bicycles, guitars, guns, I'll happily go with USA. No, I don't have an expert point of view. But at least I have something to go on.
You sir got me sold on an Italian 4 max, I expected a lot more from a $300+ knife made in the US. Surprisingly my xl recon 1 also got the rattling issue you were talking about, granted it's only half the price and huge, but it's still $100+.
Thanks for this. My honest feedback is that by owning both, expensive knives, you have a neat opportunity to share any feelings regarding the differences between the two manufactures, and you rambled quite a bit. Personally, I would have liked your video better if it was shorter. It seems based on your video and another I saw, that the main differences are the notch in the lock and the texture of the G10, on the Italian version.
My first 4 Max (USA) had to be sent back because lock mechanism failed and could not be folded-and this was right out of box. The one sent back to me works great, but it does have to be oiled every few months otherwise the lock button becomes difficult to depress and open. Love the knife. I own 2. One day i will own 3.
John Villafranca I had issues as well. But actually I prefer the Italian version.
That's so depressing. Not just that it's a friggin' $330 has iffy QC, but that knives between $15-200 by a slew of manufacturers have great QC. Just because they use more materials doesn't mean it's harder to make it right. They're having no problems selling these things though. I'm sure if you get a good one and tune it properly, it's a joy.
Slidetek- I agree. Just a heads-up. I received my CKF Gavko Spinner today. It only took five days to arrive. I checked the box to get the CKF case for the knife for $10. Turns out the knife came in one and the $10 was an extra (good communication on website). I'll put my KJ New Concept in it. So don't order the case in the future.
The Cold Steel 4 Max is actually intended to be an AD-10 XL: th-cam.com/video/3mokpuLuDf8/w-d-xo.html
The hole on the handle in front of the blade is actually for Aesthetics. However, originally it was designed as an extra line of safety to prevent the blade from closing on the fingers of Lynn Thompson on another version of Andrew demko's knife which originally had a lanyard with a pin to be placed in the hole. Lynn Thompson took the knife on safari and Andrew wanted to make sure not to have one of his knives cut the Bosses fingers. Hence the hole.
Do you have these still? I'm looking for the USA made one 👀
Love the Italian model. Just under $500 is a bit outta my reach. 👍😆
I like the Italian one more the finish on the blade the lock bar everyone
always complains about the cold steels lockbar on the 4max and the finish on the dark gray and color just me
I've found coldsteel blades will wiggle back and forth when they are closed but open they lock up tight.
I mean the tri ad lock wont fail from that but that means you need to tighten your pivot a little bit if you want it a little less wobbly
Thanks man, I couldn't choose between these two, now I decided : Italian!
can't go around that Italian know how to make quality stuff
The American one looks like it would be more secure. Because it looks like it bites down deeper on the blade tang. The Italian version looks like it doesn't bite as deep. But, I do like the darker grey scales better, though. Both are nice. I would say the Italian Manufacturer is doing a good job, out the box, when it comes to fit and finish.
After 2nd thought ill keep my 30 year old lb7...never failed.
Are you talking about the Schrade LB7? If so, that's from when Schrade were great knives.
I got the Italian version! It's a beast!
Very funny that the logo on the box is the exact replica of Extrema Ratio just spells Cold Steel
I think it is safe to say the European made knife is of higher quality then the american made one. Not surprised at all.
Both locks are okay, its meant to be used by real men not kids who play with knife opening and closing, I mean if you open it you use it that massive chunk of blade is perfect
That’s funny I just seen stassa27 playing with the America version you sold him in a video he posted today. I would have kept the Italian version as well good deal!
Those blades shouldn't move in the handle when closed like that.
Sadly, usa brands like cold steel cost double price in Europe :-(
Dont all knives cost double in europe :(?
Yes.
: ..- (
But chinese knives cost the same in the world and free shipping haha.
It's sad that good knives like cold steel than in USA have a good price for the quality, here they are not competitive.
Yes.
:...-(
But chinese knives cost the same in the world and free shipping haha.
It is sad than good brands like cold steel than in USA have a good price/quality ratio here they are not competitive.
I feel y bro... and it is made in Italy...
Change the tariffs of American products coming into your countries
Loved the comparison looks like the Italian version may be a good buy. Hey what steps did you take to send the knife in for warranty cause I'm thinking about sending it in again cause the lock is seizing up again unless I really thwack it open. Now you have me wanting to pick one of the Italian ones as well. The knife just puts a huge smile on my face every time I pull it out and I love showing it to non knife people it's definitely a jaw dropper for them lol. Thanks for giving my destruction video a shoutout I really appreciate it. Well brother hope your having a great night talk to you later
that blade play is bullshit. My $65 Talwar has never been adjusted and the blade is solid.
brianminkc I love the talwar now it’s discontinued and I regret selling mine
I would think for the exstra hundreds it would only take hyman strength to operate the damn lock !!!
I have to take several pounds off the lock bar springs on all my recon 1 s and code 4 s . I would expect a reasonable strength to operate it !!! Shabazz says they used t6 screws ??? Like what the hell ! Im really glad I didn't just by it because i like cold steel !!!
Every Tri-Ad lock I've ever owned rattles like that when you partially disengage the lock. The lug is tapered and locks tighter as is engages deeper into the mortise. Naturally, it will have play when partially disengaged.
I'd be more concerned with the Italian 4 Max, and it's blade NOT having play when partially disengaged. This would indicate the
locking lug wasn't machined with the correct taper and it might have a tendency to loosen from wear and possibly bottom in the mortise.
hermit dave Ok. Good point. I really have no response to the tapered lug and mortise statement. That shows you the extent of my engineering and design knowledge. Lol
Ya it's like any lock when partially engaged of coarse there is vertical play lol. This guy isn't to bright sometimes.
I made a comment in your of your videos for a Bastinelli knife and was saying the knife was too heavy and don't agree with that anymore. I bought a Harnds Blazer which is a 8.2 ounces knife and it's not too heavy for EDC even for gym shorts and now I like beef knives. If I had the dough I would buy and actually EDC one of these.
How many hundred pounds is the lock bar spring ???
When I get a reacon 1 nearly the first things I do is customized ( take many pounds off the lock spring leave just enough to retain the blade when closed ) You shouldn't have to with a high end ass they say knife ! B
I like the grey.. may pick one up if they drop under $300
Good review. I could afford one but I don't know that I want one. If I did buy one it would be the Italian made version. Do you really like them well enough to own both?
Frank Salem they ARE that awesome!
I have both the Italian version is better in my opinion . Great knife can't go wrong with either version
You definitely have a problem with the American made one! That lock bar should not stick at all!
How the fuck did I miss this one....
THANK
YOUUUUUUUU!!!!!!!!
Where would I be able to buy a Italian version of the 4-MAX? Any information would be appreciated.
Nathan swingle www.amazon.com/Cold-Steel-4-Max-Pocket-Knife/dp/B071FRLXX2
Less expensive option: FOX FKMD Annunaki FX-505
Pic of the blade on the american version doesnt look like it matches the blade on the knife itself. Pic looks like a hollow grind with a higher grind line than the actual knife has, and no false edge on the back. Actual knife looks like it has a flat grind.
My Italian one is pretty much perfect the tan one looks like a polished stonewash
Stoped buying cold steel when then couldn't be bothered upgrading from aus8
Maniago non ti dice niente?
Colombo non ti dice niente ?
Scherzo !
This is why i prefer fixed blade knives.
I like the knife but for that price point it is out of touch for me
After seeing the Italian and American made 4 Max I can tell you right now my 4 Max Scout tells me I will take the Taiwanese production Over The American or Italian ones
The USA 4 Max has wider blade flats.
Podían poner una esplicacion en español, lo agradecería mucho por favor
Dang it. One would think the 2nd American version you received should have been trouble free but still you have issues. I've seen reviews on the 1st release of the American version that had very uneven blade grinds, poor centering, plus the lock issues. I am guessing the American made model is mostly purged & now all 4 Max will be coming from Italy. I liked the big n' beefy knives but this one has me waffling a bit.
Seems like the Italian one has slightly better fit and the US one has slightly better finish…
The USA version has less grind on the spine side (opposite to the sharpened edge). Is that only me seeing this elephant in the room?
Так я и не понял какая версия лучше
The American one seems to be a loose tolerance in this video
This is the first video I've watched of yours (subbed now). I like/need a big folder. I've got wide hands and take a medium to large glove (I'm an inbetweenie). My palms are wide but my fingers are not overly long; a 4x4 palm with a 3 & 3/4 inch middle finger. I have a Benchmade 15080 Crooked River that is a great fit for my hand.
This is hard to watch because you are comparing how the blade falls from the fully open stage. There are so many potential factors going into that black box and you can only speculate or 'think' what the difference might be. I'm not getting much from that. That, the difference in the texturing on the scales and blade .... when, or will you even get to something more nuts and bolts here. It's 27:30 and I'm skipping to the end now. Glad you told me about the good WIHA tools however! Good night and God bless.
Why? Why must we have different versions of things for different continent of humans? Americans can't appreciate a bit of more finesse and quality?! Lol jokes aside these are beasts and awesome video!
Own the xl talwar in XhP love the blade but that tri lock sucks watching you fight with it is the same shit I've been going through hearing that clicking sound makes my skin craw.don't care how strong it is no fun !! Got my adamas bk 275 for Christmas butter smooth love it. Sorry cold steel..
its not wright having that much messing about with a knife that costs that much
lucifer morningstar I'm sure that's why all future production is in Italy now.
CHEAP BOX FOR A RATHER EXPENSIVE KNIFE.....IF YOU BUY A CHINESE PRICE FOR HAVE THE MONEY, THEY SEND IT TO YOU IN A GILDED CHEST ( WELL, ALMOST)!
250 on amazon
The lock bar issue of 20# of pressure is common on Cold Steel knives. The Taiwanese knives are all this way. The re-engineered thinner lock bar proves they know a problem exists. I am an engineer, I wrote to Cold Steel and they never replied. I fixed this problem with 10 of my Cold Steel lock backs. But If some needs to know I will answer with the solution. But since Cold Steel wants to be butt heads I won't give away my expertise! If Cold Steel gives me the Italian version for free I will share the simple solution.
Cs needs better quality control . That's a 400 dollar knife. Should be at hinderer and crk level.
For that price it should be perfect !and there should be no locktite ! And whats with the tiny hardware !?
I agree with you. Once a knife hits $200 it should have an almost perfect fit and finish imo
CRK folders are locktite... Completely locktite and they're 500.
Mannnnn..talk about nitpicky nitpciky...you want it tight and no wiggle or loose and wiggle...geeesh
Italians are better at refinement & Americans made good stuff be are not as good at refining things. Just look at the old car industry with the two and don't ad the Japanese because they on a totally different level then the Americans with design and refining.
America is good at making quality junk, other countries have Heritage all America has is problems with each other and voting problems every 4 years or so.
They sure sound sticky too me
PkwyDrive13 the Italian isn't, it's very precise and positive
89/5000
Blablabla !!!, no cutting test, like many videos, hollow and empty, I zap !!
NOT GOOD.....👎🔪 FOR THAT PRICE, PLUS FUGLY BLADE FINISH.
Isso é Review não essas bostas que fazem aqui no Brasil !
I have 3 of the USA versions. Solid knife. Stop complaining about tiny crap... you cry babies moved this knife from our American hands to Italian hands.
Do you have both of the American versions 1st and 2nd gen.
The cold steel clones are made better than that one !