I love mine. So simple and less silly than a lot of Cold Steels. The grind on the blade looks similar to one on the AD20. Very light and hardly noticeable in the pocket.
Story goes Demko wanted something lighter and easier to carry for canoe trips. He modified a Broken Skull and this was the inspiration for the AirLite. Love mine, sanded down the g10 under the pocket clip.👍
I have the Air Lite in the tanto version. It's the only Cold Steel I own and I bought it when I heard the company sold simply so I could add a Cold Steel to my collection before the new owners of the company effed up the product as new owners are won't to do.
It might be one of the best edc knives they ever made. Adjust the torsion bar and re-profile and sharpen to 17° and you have created a top notch edc & defensive knife. It takes a screaming edge (c.s. Heat treat is amazing) and it’s bigger than it looks for defense. I pair this with a Recon 1 with matching blade shape (I have both) and you’re prepared for pretty much anything you might need a knife for. I also carry a 4” fixed blade. I have no shortage of knives including a large Insingo 21 TRM’s and Spydercos but when I know I will be hard using a blade I always carry this combo. There is a reason the Air Lite got so many great reviews. A little pricey for AUS 10 but Remember who did the heat treat.
First saw this on Gideon's Tactical and loved the looks of it. I bought two drop point versions and they fast became my favorite EDC knives. Now to get the tanto version.
I bought one a couple months ago and carry it regularly. Comes out of the pocket for hard use stuff and it doesn't freak people out like larger Cold Steels can. Definitely worth the purchase.
That's why I just bought one. Even the sr1 I have is on the "too big" side when you pull it out. Plus the handle material feels like garbage, at least with the air lite you get g10. I had a voyager xl that I never carried because it was complete psycho size 😆
I had a ProLite Bowie config in 4116 stainless, I carried it for quite a while. Super lightweight and tough construction, inexpensive too. These are no nonsense carry tools that will take abuse and no doubt perform well without fuss.
I love big clips like that. They form half the knife that you're grabbing for extraction so I'd love to see bigger clips with some traction on them. Maybe some knurling or something. Any designers watching wink wink
I have the drop point. The good, perfect EDC size, more blade with less weight and tough lock up, sharpens up well. The not so good, the clip is massive but is not a hot spot, not a fan. The G10 needed the edges knocked down and with this on the spine was also edgey and was easily smoothed off, Ive had a number of knives that needed a tweak out of the box its not a deal breaker. In general, if I was looking for just 1 knife for my pocket I could stop with the air lite, but I’m way beyond the 1 knife thinking, but if I was, this would get put into the pack with maybe 20 other 1 knife choices!!!
Absolutely nothing wrong with having both of the Skinny Cold Steel's... I didn't set out to own them, but they both found their way into my collection and I enjoy them both quite a bit. I will say that it's quite surprising how similarly priced they are (excepting the odd sale price) even though the Code 4 comes in a better steel.
That seems to be a new edge. But the factory edge is very good on mine. A bit thick behind the edge but still slicy enough for me. This is an intermediate knife between soft and hard use, but more on the hard side.
The new Cold Steel seems to do the same as the old so far. This knife looks a bit small but might be interesting for people that love to wear very loose sweatpants
A steel is only as good as its heat treat, and Cold Steel does a fantastic job with their Aus10. Apparently Aus10 and VG-10 are similar to 440C and 154CM but they have smaller grained carbides so it takes a finer edge but won't have quite the same edge retention.
I love Cold Steel for EDC ... I like backlocks and I cannot lie ... especially Triad lock models. I currently EDC a 4Max Scout and love it. Voyager 4" Clip Point is another great EDC, and half the weight and half the cost of the 4Max Scout. I don't have the *Air* Lite but I have his broke-ass cousin, the *Pro* Lite thumb-stud model. I consider it one of the best EDCs of the 30-dollar price range. But I am biased because I want Triad lock for EDC. I almost bought a Ganzo with a striking pommel, until I saw the video showing how every Axis-lock or G-lock in the world can be made to fail with a pommel strike. Ouch!
Man I just don't know why but i love cold steel knives i would love to own one but trying to get one in Mexico y almost imposible, not because of legality but because de just don't sell them here
I have the tanto as well. It feels a lot like the benchmade Osborne. I bought the American lawman on amazon because I was afraid the quality would decrease. My favorite cold steel is the tuff lite.
I’ve heard good things about Aus 10 but have yet to experience it! I may have to get this one even though I promised myself I wouldn’t give the new owner the business! 🤔
Probably wrong about the edge being done by the owner. Cold steel knives out of the box are scary sharp. I bought my brother a cold steel spartan for his birthday and it was shaving sharp and it sliced my finger when I tried the Andrew Demko pocket opening square. I bled a lot, deepest cut I've ever had from a "pocket knife". In my opinion, out of all the knife manufacturers there are, Cold Steel and Civivi make the most refined edges on pocket knives I've ever seen.
No, I'm correct about that. I confirmed it with the owner right after I did the video. I've handled dozens of Cold Steel knives on this channel. They do a fine job with their edges, but they're basically on par for the price. No more or less impressive from the factory than many other production brands.
@@metal_complex I only have a handful of mostly budget blades to compare it to, but it was definitely one of the sharpest of those from the factory.✌Maybe once Ive experienced more blades that'll change. He's napping, but I can have ole Bill weigh in if you like?😉
How does this compare to the Code 4 you reviewed last year? Handle thickness? Blade stock? Over all comfort in hand? Does it inspire confidence to use it? Thank you :)
CS prices seem to be on the rise. The new owners reintroduced the 4Max, Taiwanese manufacturing instead of American/Itailian, built on the 4Max Scout style frame (reduced pin and lock spring size, and few other changes) instead of the original. S35VN instead of 20CV yet its street price is $100 more than the original and $1 less the G10 AD20 😳 If that trend continues as they run out old stock I think they will price themselves out of the market niche they had.
Unrelated question... What's your recommendation for a great edc "self defense" carry (any price range) at this time? For someone who has experience in Kali and knife handling??? Thanks in advance for any guidance.
I save the talking for the review, which will come in a few weeks. This was an unboxing of a knife that, up until this point, I had never handled. That's how this channel operates. I'll put "unboxing" in the titles of videos if it's an unboxing, and "review" in the title if it's a review.
Don't worry. Losing your sense of inflection is just one of the side effects of Covid. Next is the inability to control the volume of your voice, but you'll be back to normal in no time.
I love mine. So simple and less silly than a lot of Cold Steels. The grind on the blade looks similar to one on the AD20. Very light and hardly noticeable in the pocket.
Story goes Demko wanted something lighter and easier to carry for canoe trips. He modified a Broken Skull and this was the inspiration for the AirLite. Love mine, sanded down the g10 under the pocket clip.👍
It's a hard use bugout. At 65 bucks, it's a steal. Very happy about that.
No kidding!!!! I literally recorded my review of this one last night. Fun to see your reaction to it.
I have the Air Lite in the tanto version. It's the only Cold Steel I own and I bought it when I heard the company sold simply so I could add a Cold Steel to my collection before the new owners of the company effed up the product as new owners are won't to do.
My choice for knife of the year 2020. That aus10 from them is good stuff!
It might be one of the best edc knives they ever made. Adjust the torsion bar and re-profile and sharpen to 17° and you have created a top notch edc & defensive knife. It takes a screaming edge (c.s. Heat treat is amazing) and it’s bigger than it looks for defense. I pair this with a Recon 1 with matching blade shape (I have both) and you’re prepared for pretty much anything you might need a knife for. I also carry a 4” fixed blade. I have no shortage of knives including a large Insingo 21 TRM’s and Spydercos but when I know I will be hard using a blade I always carry this combo. There is a reason the Air Lite got so many great reviews. A little pricey for AUS 10 but
Remember who did the heat treat.
The Tanto version is the Broken Skull Tanto I was waiting for - long long time ! One of my best Tanto folders.
First saw this on Gideon's Tactical and loved the looks of it. I bought two drop point versions and they fast became my favorite EDC knives. Now to get the tanto version.
I bought one a couple months ago and carry it regularly. Comes out of the pocket for hard use stuff and it doesn't freak people out like larger Cold Steels can. Definitely worth the purchase.
That's why I just bought one. Even the sr1 I have is on the "too big" side when you pull it out. Plus the handle material feels like garbage, at least with the air lite you get g10. I had a voyager xl that I never carried because it was complete psycho size 😆
I just got an AD-15 Lite today. The Air Lite might be my next Cold Steel😂 I think AUS-10 is a great steel, especially with how Cold Steel treats it.
Awesome, the ad15 lite is my next purchase. I think it's a little overpriced, but im still getting it.
@@megacab It is a bit overpriced, honestly. I think it should have come in around 110
I had a ProLite Bowie config in 4116 stainless, I carried it for quite a while.
Super lightweight and tough construction, inexpensive too.
These are no nonsense carry tools that will take abuse and no doubt perform well without fuss.
Have had the tanto version for a bit now. Really like it for what it is. :)
I love big clips like that. They form half the knife that you're grabbing for extraction so I'd love to see bigger clips with some traction on them. Maybe some knurling or something. Any designers watching wink wink
I have the drop point. The good, perfect EDC size, more blade with less weight and tough lock up, sharpens up well. The not so good, the clip is massive but is not a hot spot, not a fan. The G10 needed the edges knocked down and with this on the spine was also edgey and was easily smoothed off, Ive had a number of knives that needed a tweak out of the box its not a deal breaker. In general, if I was looking for just 1 knife for my pocket I could stop with the air lite, but I’m way beyond the 1 knife thinking, but if I was, this would get put into the pack with maybe 20 other 1 knife choices!!!
Cool, but I think I’ll stick with my code 4
Absolutely nothing wrong with having both of the Skinny Cold Steel's... I didn't set out to own them, but they both found their way into my collection and I enjoy them both quite a bit. I will say that it's quite surprising how similarly priced they are (excepting the odd sale price) even though the Code 4 comes in a better steel.
If only Cold Steel would've put a smaller & less shiny clip on these.
Pick up a Cold Steel Broken Skull while you can. Sharp, light, thin and hilarious. Highly recommended.
I carry my recon1 in my back pocket everyday. After about a week, it got to feeling natural like the rest of my EDC.
I carry my AD10 in my back pocket it seams to rest easier there .
That seems to be a new edge. But the factory edge is very good on mine. A bit thick behind the edge but still slicy enough for me. This is an intermediate knife between soft and hard use, but more on the hard side.
The new Cold Steel seems to do the same as the old so far. This knife looks a bit small but might be interesting for people that love to wear very loose sweatpants
A steel is only as good as its heat treat, and Cold Steel does a fantastic job with their Aus10. Apparently Aus10 and VG-10 are similar to 440C and 154CM but they have smaller grained carbides so it takes a finer edge but won't have quite the same edge retention.
The Tanto Air Lite was my first Cold Steel folder -- so far, so great!
Air lite sounds cheap and flimsy, but it is attached to cold steel so it going to be stout at the very least.....
AUS10 should be very similar to 19c27, which is amazingly tough for high carbon stainless steel that isn't powder metallurgy/ESR.
I love Cold Steel for EDC ... I like backlocks and I cannot lie ... especially Triad lock models.
I currently EDC a 4Max Scout and love it. Voyager 4" Clip Point is another great EDC, and half the weight and half the cost of the 4Max Scout.
I don't have the *Air* Lite but I have his broke-ass cousin, the *Pro* Lite thumb-stud model. I consider it one of the best EDCs of the 30-dollar price range. But I am biased because I want Triad lock for EDC. I almost bought a Ganzo with a striking pommel, until I saw the video showing how every Axis-lock or G-lock in the world can be made to fail with a pommel strike. Ouch!
I EDC an air lite daily as my hard use knife beside my para 2, Kizer vanguard kane or ZT 0530TS
Man I just don't know why but i love cold steel knives i would love to own one but trying to get one in Mexico y almost imposible, not because of legality but because de just don't sell them here
Have the tanto version. Wicked sharp edge out of the box. On a budget? The pro-lite is a great inexpensive little user.
I have the tanto as well. It feels a lot like the benchmade Osborne. I bought the American lawman on amazon because I was afraid the quality would decrease. My favorite cold steel is the tuff lite.
I’ve heard good things about Aus 10 but have yet to experience it! I may have to get this one even though I promised myself I wouldn’t give the new owner the business! 🤔
@@Fiber64 That’s true, I hadn’t thought of that!
Supposedly it's performance is similar to 154cm.
You can get em for 50 bucks now. A good size knife that isn't crazy big so you don't look like a psycho when you pull it out to open something
I'm having trouble choosing between a paragon phoenix and microtech ultra tech. Opinions?
I hope cold steel holds up to THE CONSISTENCY OF (COLD STEEL)OF PAST.
Good looking knife. I’ve been considering a lock back.
Cold Steel's aus10a is legit. Carry my voyager everyday. Finally just ordered a recon 1 in s35vn.
The skyrim reference got a chuckle lol
Probably wrong about the edge being done by the owner. Cold steel knives out of the box are scary sharp. I bought my brother a cold steel spartan for his birthday and it was shaving sharp and it sliced my finger when I tried the Andrew Demko pocket opening square. I bled a lot, deepest cut I've ever had from a "pocket knife". In my opinion, out of all the knife manufacturers there are, Cold Steel and Civivi make the most refined edges on pocket knives I've ever seen.
Yes! One of the sharpest out of the box I've ever gotten. Bit me too!
No, I'm correct about that. I confirmed it with the owner right after I did the video. I've handled dozens of Cold Steel knives on this channel. They do a fine job with their edges, but they're basically on par for the price. No more or less impressive from the factory than many other production brands.
@@metal_complex I only have a handful of mostly budget blades to compare it to, but it was definitely one of the sharpest of those from the factory.✌Maybe once Ive experienced more blades that'll change. He's napping, but I can have ole Bill weigh in if you like?😉
What are you talking about? Cold Steel making an "actually good EDC"? FOR A CHANGE?! How is an Italian Longsword NOT a superb carry!? 🤣
How does this compare to the Code 4 you reviewed last year? Handle thickness? Blade stock? Over all comfort in hand? Does it inspire confidence to use it? Thank you :)
*Thats where the beans are*
This would be the perfect EDC knife if they changed the handle and blade, added liners and called it the AD10
Hey! I was wondering if you could check out the Hogue Deka in that crazy warncliffe blade? plz
CS prices seem to be on the rise. The new owners reintroduced the 4Max, Taiwanese manufacturing instead of American/Itailian, built on the 4Max Scout style frame (reduced pin and lock spring size, and few other changes) instead of the original. S35VN instead of 20CV yet its street price is $100 more than the original and $1 less the G10 AD20 😳 If that trend continues as they run out old stock I think they will price themselves out of the market niche they had.
Unrelated question...
What's your recommendation for a great edc "self defense" carry (any price range) at this time? For someone who has experience in Kali and knife handling???
Thanks in advance for any guidance.
Kershaw Leek-esque pocket clip? Hmm
like this one thanks for review but work in office, have feeling if I edc this one they have a heart attack
The price on a pre transition 4 max has gone to the moon.
This knife is only good for one thing.
Opening your package when your Recon 1 arrives ⚔️
I EDC a XL Tanto voyager everyday.
How do I get the cold steel knife and the price
By enlarging your rocket
It's in the link $85 Blade HQ
BladeHQ, knifecenter, and smokey mountain knife works are all great online retailers.
89 dollars for an AUS10 knife?
Didnt talk much about the knife. Looks cool tho!
I save the talking for the review, which will come in a few weeks. This was an unboxing of a knife that, up until this point, I had never handled. That's how this channel operates. I'll put "unboxing" in the titles of videos if it's an unboxing, and "review" in the title if it's a review.
Lockback not triad
No, it's a triad lock. You can find this info on their official website.
Skyrim reference gets you a like sir
Skyrim reference gets you a like as well as a comment today 👍
Don't worry. Losing your sense of inflection is just one of the side effects of Covid. Next is the inability to control the volume of your voice, but you'll be back to normal in no time.
They should have made a clip point variant, and the pocket clip is pretty ugly.
Lite means less calories, not weight. Duh! 😉
Skyrim pun. Nice
Another great day is in the books brother😉👍
Cold Steel is already making goofy commercials trying to keep up with Lynn, stupid
Lol level up one handed 😂
Interesting how every unboxing video starts out with a statement that you have no idea what you have in the package. Really? Come on Man.
Gsm is wack...