Surprisingly did not see this video before buying my new Lawman. $230 AUD in s35vn. Did my home work for a durable knife to use. A comparable knife that came up is as you mentioned in the Shaman, but the value on offer with the price difference, the gold star goes to the CS AL! A side note, it arrived crazy sharp from the factory!
Now that I've got a large cold steel recon 1 in cts-xhp I'd say if I had to have only one folder I'd pick the recon 1. Capable for a variety of tasks from cutting to self defense. Great weight, grippy g10 and the triad lock. For a fixed blade I'd choose my Esee 6 with custom g10 scales.
Good video. Was interested in the American Lawman and I'm liking what I see the more I look at it. Another first responder-themed knife was the first folder from Cold Steel that made me take them seriously - the Code-4. Everything about that knife was impressive and it made me take notice that Cold Steel was serious about folders and could design and make really, really good ones that were practical yet tough-as-nails. Thing I love about Cold Steel is they seem to get what other knife companies (/cough/Zero Tolerance/cough/) don't get - thin-sized handle knives are awesome to carry in the pocket. And, realistically, you don't lose ANY durability or toughness or strength to a knife that isn't 3/4 of an inch (~20mm) in thickness swinging in your pocket and preventing you from pulling out anything else you happen to be carrying. It's gotten to a point where I won't even buy a knife that I plan to use if it's .6" (~15mm) in thickness at the widest point. It's just too annoying to have in the pocket. Yet Cold Steel is making knives like this and the Code-4 which are strong as hell, and thin and light. I'd put this up against any ZT that weighs 5+ ounces and is a mini-pocket brick with confidence. And this is coming from a KAI/Kershaw/ZT fan (at least some of their more practical works like the ZT 0770 and ZT 0450/0452). Also, I'm surprised you can legally carry these. Your profile says you're Australian? I heard Aussie knife laws were kinda draconian as far as carrying them went. Nice thing about South Carolina here is that the knife laws really only say "don't do illegal shit with knives," it has some of the best knife laws in the country. Anything legal at the federal level - I can carry. Just about the only thing I couldn't is a ballistic knife (who cares?). Butterfly/balisongs, automatics, gravity knives, ect. are all legal - no size restrictions.
matchesburn We have to have a legitimate reason to have ANY knife. Laws differ from state to state but sound broadly similar. My brother is a cop and he arrested a guy for playing with a flipper in a coffee shop. A lot of it comes down to common sense (keep it in your pocket!) But the onus is on you to provide a reason e.g. storeman on way to work and knife is needed. In Queensland, the legislation mentions penknives as being more acceptable and gives Swiss Army knives as an example. So those kinds may be more ok... Laws were relaxed in 2015 re import. Now we can bring in one handed opening knives. Still no assisted/Speeds age allowed. No two edged etc.
Im not a Cold Steel fan so much, but I'm on my third American Lawman since they were released. This third one is my first in XHP steel and this knife as a total package with this steel really has me re-thinking everything i thought about what you can get for your $! These are $75 in America with XHP. Just a true legend of a knife at this point I think. Rock on dude! Love the channel!
Old video I know, but I totally agree with you. I have those knives. But there’s no denying how dependable that lawman is and can be. In a “only choose one” scenario, that’s the route id go. I’d look past fidget factors and aesthetics, and ask myself what is gunna work well and not break on me, whilst still having some enjoyment in owning it... Lawman it is!!!
I love the pm2 and the lawman. I love cts xhp. And i love my m390 pm2. The reason i like the pm2 more is i have had the lawman close on my finder as it was closing. No lock failure. Just the spring tension when closing
Ever since the Cold Steel Finn Wolf I am a big fan of the Cold Steel folders, the triad lock is probably the strongest lock out there, the knives are (usually) well made, and the steel is good quality, havn`t had the chance to try the new steel yet, still stuck with their old AUS-8. Sadly the American Lawman is waaaayyy out of my price-range xD
Pete, thanks to your glowing reviews, you can't find this knife anywhere... I know you're on the flip-side of the flat earth but do you have any hints on when this could be available? Blade HQ has the s35vn for pre-order and Amazon has 1 available with no material specs listed whatsoever... Did they discontinue this knife? Thanks. MIKE in Pennsylvania
Had a Spyderco tenacious but cheap steel wouldn't stay sharp. Wanted a lawman and when Spyderco was stolen I took the plunge and honestly have no interest in any other folder. For me it is perfect in s35vn. Nothing else I've handled or seen can compare.
New comment on a very old video!! I’m here because I like Cold Steel folders. I also like the Spyderco PM2 (and a lot of their other folders). How’s your Lawman going out of the box? I’m pretty sure if you’ve only had a Spyderco Tenacious you are going to enjoy the Cold Steel and I think you’ll find you get a good long amount of life from your Cold Steel. S35VN is definitely better blade steel than 8Cr13MoV. Enjoy the knife😊
I have been on the fence. Do I buy a code 4, or an American lawman!?? I unfortunately can’t do both. (Today) you helped me make my decision. This was a great review!! Thank you!
I have three recon 1s the original with the ultra lock ( like the omega lock) the new (current) design in AUS8a and one in S35VN. The scales on the AUS8a is very rough. The S35VN version is much smoother like the original ultra lock model. All are good for what they are but I only carried the ultra lock model for any amount of time.
Очень этот нож люблю. Настолько, что заказал еще один без лайнеров, когда он появился, а теперь еще из CTS XHP хочу. Вижу его как аналог второй парамили, только с более неубиваемым замком и вогнутыми спусками. Сведение, правда, на кончике - лом, пришлось переспускать переднюю часть ножа, теперь везде 0,5 мм.
Great review. Was never much into folders because they usually feel flimsy to me for my uses until I got my mini recon 1 as a beater knife. Sort of opened a can of worms with folders as I'm usually more into fixed blades. The American Lawman is on my short list, though I would love to try out their oversized folders as they appeal to my inner child. The Talwar XL is just pretty.
Would you still choose the American Lawman as your only knife? Im thinking of getting one. Love the ergos, lock, blade and coating. Is yours black g10?
Great review, how do you feel the American lawman compares to the recon 1? I love the ergonomics of the recon but haven't tried the lawman. I'd definitely pick the PM2 if I could just choose one, but fortunately I don't have to.
The lawman compares very favorably. Its got a forward choil for controlled cuts. I always felt the recon had too long of a gao between index finger and start of the blade.
Hey there! Great reviews. Do you still prefer the American Lawman more than the Benchmade that you reviewed in July 2016 and compared it to the Mini Recon 1? Thanks in advance!
+enigmarocker The Benchmade 940 is my favorite knife, the Mini Grip is a lot smaller than either - the handle ended up being a little on the small side. The mini recon 1 is a little stumpier than this one and I don't love the 'blank spot' between handle and edge. I prefer the choil of the lawman. I have a more recent review on the lawman in my vids if you want even more detail!
Cedric & Ada Gear and Outdoors Cool, I'll locate that newer video and watch it right away. Thank you so much for the prompt reply and your thoughts! Cheers
Have the lawman in tan scales and dlc coating. Definitely a great hard use knife. My only complaint is the pocket clip is so damn tight. Really need to work to get it to open enough to clip onto jeans pocket.
@@TomJones-ts4tn Sold it a while back, not because of the clip. The finger groove didn't fit my hand. Too big for one finger and too small for two. My middle finger would end up resting right on the point of the groove. Prefer the recon 1 and the code 4.
+Dan Ney hmm i dunno. no mods here... do you have the AUS8 version or the XHP version? The DLC coating changed when it went to XHP, maybe thats the issue?
CedricAda Gear and Outdoors So you have the newer version of the knife? I was reading that Cold steel slimmed the blade stock a bit in the newer version, but judging by your video I still like the thickness. If I were to purchase one of these online right now, is this the one I'd get?
CedricAda Gear and Outdoors And how about the thickness of the handle? Do you like it? I also saw on blade forums that the handle is significantly thinner as well. It still fills the hand well huh? I imagine that the thinness lends itself to edc a little better. I'm just torn in between maybe waiting on an older used model, or go ahead and pulling the trigger on this guy. I have that skyline. How does it compare in thickness to that?
Yeah looks like a great knife Cedric thanks for sharing. Actually, I think we have similar tastes in knives. Good points you make in comparison, it looks superior to that code 4, although i must say I still like the PM2 more in just about every department although Im still reluctant in using mine hard because it was bloody $240 and looks wicked in camo/satin so I usually reach for my Tenacious. I've yet to find a better looking knife than the PM2 but I like the squarish look and practical appearance of the Lawman and Diggin that 50/50 choil. I was surprised you like the steel more than ZDP-189? I suppose its probably better when sharpening. Does it come without the DLC coating? I think would prefer without. Also hows the weight? It looks kinda heavy. Anyway enjoyed the video cheers
Hello mate! Re the weight, It feels about the same as the PM2. I dont think they do an uncoated Lawman - theres only the 'mini' variety which is basically an entirely different knife. XHP steel is a lot easier to sharpen, and holds an edge a bit longer than s30v. ZDP is just so hard to work with, I found myself hesitating to use it - even though it did stay sharp for ages!
I too thought this was my ultimate knife on paper but when I actually got it in hand and cut some hard wood with it, I felt it needed to be thicker because the thin spine of the handle dug uncomfortably into my hand. Also the triad lock is strong buy it is so uncomfortable to use that I don't like it. The lionsteel tm1 back lock is the easiest to disengage but was able to take batoning with no blade play much like the triad lock. I put a forward choil on my tm1 and that has taken the place of my lawman.
Jonathan York I agree to an extent, but it doesn't bother me too much. Also, whenever I use the AL as opposed to another knife, I'm going to be using it as a work knife or for really hard use, and I'll use gloves with it, so the thinness doesn't really bother me. The Recon 1 is much better for this. And both the Recon 1 and the AL are much more comfortable if you sand down the edges of the g10
@@gwailotus9154 I suppose it could, but I start with 80 Grit and then sand up to a very high Grit which should stop any irritation. That's what they do after shaping the g10 when making the knife in the factory
Just starting to collect knives, the lawman will be my second after my RAT 1 which I've been very happy with. The para 2 is definitely on the list as well. I enjoy firearms as well but for the price I can acquire many more knives than guns.
one knife? a fixed blade......I don't have a flipping ADDICTION! (kinda like the little brother of my 4-max) Maybe I need one? After watching this video, why would I subject my ears to that shibaza guy? fix that banging!! $80 bucks now on ebay!
Surprisingly did not see this video before buying my new Lawman. $230 AUD in s35vn. Did my home work for a durable knife to use. A comparable knife that came up is as you mentioned in the Shaman, but the value on offer with the price difference, the gold star goes to the CS AL! A side note, it arrived crazy sharp from the factory!
Now that I've got a large cold steel recon 1 in cts-xhp I'd say if I had to have only one folder I'd pick the recon 1. Capable for a variety of tasks from cutting to self defense. Great weight, grippy g10 and the triad lock. For a fixed blade I'd choose my Esee 6 with custom g10 scales.
Cold steel makes the "best value" knives on the market. When you consider the steel and lock strength it's hard to beat CS.
Very cool blade choice. I like that even when the blade is thick, a proper grind/ taper can give you a very usable tip!
Good video. Was interested in the American Lawman and I'm liking what I see the more I look at it. Another first responder-themed knife was the first folder from Cold Steel that made me take them seriously - the Code-4. Everything about that knife was impressive and it made me take notice that Cold Steel was serious about folders and could design and make really, really good ones that were practical yet tough-as-nails.
Thing I love about Cold Steel is they seem to get what other knife companies (/cough/Zero Tolerance/cough/) don't get - thin-sized handle knives are awesome to carry in the pocket. And, realistically, you don't lose ANY durability or toughness or strength to a knife that isn't 3/4 of an inch (~20mm) in thickness swinging in your pocket and preventing you from pulling out anything else you happen to be carrying. It's gotten to a point where I won't even buy a knife that I plan to use if it's .6" (~15mm) in thickness at the widest point. It's just too annoying to have in the pocket. Yet Cold Steel is making knives like this and the Code-4 which are strong as hell, and thin and light. I'd put this up against any ZT that weighs 5+ ounces and is a mini-pocket brick with confidence. And this is coming from a KAI/Kershaw/ZT fan (at least some of their more practical works like the ZT 0770 and ZT 0450/0452).
Also, I'm surprised you can legally carry these. Your profile says you're Australian? I heard Aussie knife laws were kinda draconian as far as carrying them went. Nice thing about South Carolina here is that the knife laws really only say "don't do illegal shit with knives," it has some of the best knife laws in the country. Anything legal at the federal level - I can carry. Just about the only thing I couldn't is a ballistic knife (who cares?). Butterfly/balisongs, automatics, gravity knives, ect. are all legal - no size restrictions.
matchesburn We have to have a legitimate reason to have ANY knife. Laws differ from state to state but sound broadly similar. My brother is a cop and he arrested a guy for playing with a flipper in a coffee shop. A lot of it comes down to common sense (keep it in your pocket!) But the onus is on you to provide a reason e.g. storeman on way to work and knife is needed. In Queensland, the legislation mentions penknives as being more acceptable and gives Swiss Army knives as an example. So those kinds may be more ok... Laws were relaxed in 2015 re import. Now we can bring in one handed opening knives. Still no assisted/Speeds age allowed. No two edged etc.
matchesburn 4is the one im on the hunt for. Its a perfect Badass knife🔪🔪🇺🇸
Im not a Cold Steel fan so much, but I'm on my third American Lawman since they were released. This third one is my first in XHP steel and this knife as a total package with this steel really has me re-thinking everything i thought about what you can get for your $! These are $75 in America with XHP. Just a true legend of a knife at this point I think. Rock on dude! Love the channel!
Hi, received today my American Lawman Aus-8 for 90$. CTS-XHP here is 175$ if you find it cheap. The knife is really good though :)
Old video I know, but I totally agree with you. I have those knives. But there’s no denying how dependable that lawman is and can be. In a “only choose one” scenario, that’s the route id go. I’d look past fidget factors and aesthetics, and ask myself what is gunna work well and not break on me, whilst still having some enjoyment in owning it... Lawman it is!!!
I love the pm2 and the lawman. I love cts xhp. And i love my m390 pm2. The reason i like the pm2 more is i have had the lawman close on my finder as it was closing. No lock failure. Just the spring tension when closing
Do you still feel the same about the Lawman?
Ever since the Cold Steel Finn Wolf I am a big fan of the Cold Steel folders, the triad lock is probably the strongest lock out there, the knives are (usually) well made, and the steel is good quality, havn`t had the chance to try the new steel yet, still stuck with their old AUS-8. Sadly the American Lawman is waaaayyy out of my price-range xD
+German Survivalist (Dante Briefs) The American Lawman is pretty cheap on amazon right now. And it is the strongest lock :)
American lawman or code 4 for edc/tactical ?
Pete, thanks to your glowing reviews, you can't find this knife anywhere... I know you're on the flip-side of the flat earth but do you have any hints on when this could be available? Blade HQ has the s35vn for pre-order and Amazon has 1 available with no material specs listed whatsoever... Did they discontinue this knife? Thanks. MIKE in Pennsylvania
Had a Spyderco tenacious but cheap steel wouldn't stay sharp. Wanted a lawman and when Spyderco was stolen I took the plunge and honestly have no interest in any other folder. For me it is perfect in s35vn. Nothing else I've handled or seen can compare.
New comment on a very old video!!
I’m here because I like Cold Steel folders. I also like the Spyderco PM2 (and a lot of their other folders).
How’s your Lawman going out of the box? I’m pretty sure if you’ve only had a Spyderco Tenacious you are going to enjoy the Cold Steel and I think you’ll find you get a good long amount of life from your Cold Steel. S35VN is definitely better blade steel than 8Cr13MoV. Enjoy the knife😊
I have been on the fence. Do I buy a code 4, or an American lawman!?? I unfortunately can’t do both. (Today) you helped me make my decision. This was a great review!! Thank you!
I have three recon 1s the original with the ultra lock ( like the omega lock) the new (current) design in AUS8a and one in S35VN. The scales on the AUS8a is very rough. The S35VN version is much smoother like the original ultra lock model. All are good for what they are but I only carried the ultra lock model for any amount of time.
Очень этот нож люблю. Настолько, что заказал еще один без лайнеров, когда он появился, а теперь еще из CTS XHP хочу.
Вижу его как аналог второй парамили, только с более неубиваемым замком и вогнутыми спусками.
Сведение, правда, на кончике - лом, пришлось переспускать переднюю часть ножа, теперь везде 0,5 мм.
Why did you sell it, if you liked it so? I'll prob have to pick one up. Or a khan
Out of curiosity what model case is that? And where did you score it? Cheers mate
3 years later and this Case is still unsolved.
D L indeed! It’s gone in the cold case files
wow that's awesome! I really like this folder too. Might pick up oe in the future. mainly into fixed blades at the moment.
Code 4 or lawman? If you had to pick that is
benjamin felland consider the Ultimate Hunter. Similar the Lawman, rounder handle. Better looking to. No finger choil though. Code 4 third imo.
PM2 all day everyday day, but the lawman is a very nice knife for the price.
Great review. Was never much into folders because they usually feel flimsy to me for my uses until I got my mini recon 1 as a beater knife. Sort of opened a can of worms with folders as I'm usually more into fixed blades. The American Lawman is on my short list, though I would love to try out their oversized folders as they appeal to my inner child. The Talwar XL is just pretty.
Would you still choose the American Lawman as your only knife? Im thinking of getting one. Love the ergos, lock, blade and coating. Is yours black g10?
it is a very safe bet, lately ive been loving the spyderco shaman a lot too but this ones much cheaper and a great performer
Great review, how do you feel the American lawman compares to the recon 1? I love the ergonomics of the recon but haven't tried the lawman. I'd definitely pick the PM2 if I could just choose one, but fortunately I don't have to.
The lawman compares very favorably. Its got a forward choil for controlled cuts. I always felt the recon had too long of a gao between index finger and start of the blade.
Hey there! Great reviews. Do you still prefer the American Lawman more than the Benchmade that you reviewed in July 2016 and compared it to the Mini Recon 1? Thanks in advance!
+enigmarocker The Benchmade 940 is my favorite knife, the Mini Grip is a lot smaller than either - the handle ended up being a little on the small side. The mini recon 1 is a little stumpier than this one and I don't love the 'blank spot' between handle and edge. I prefer the choil of the lawman. I have a more recent review on the lawman in my vids if you want even more detail!
Cedric & Ada Gear and Outdoors Cool, I'll locate that newer video and watch it right away. Thank you so much for the prompt reply and your thoughts! Cheers
I agree but what can we do about that super tight crappy clip ?
What is your opinion of the older American Lawman in AUS8-A steel?
Have the lawman in tan scales and dlc coating. Definitely a great hard use knife. My only complaint is the pocket clip is so damn tight. Really need to work to get it to open enough to clip onto jeans pocket.
Just bend it!
@@TomJones-ts4tn Sold it a while back, not because of the clip. The finger groove didn't fit my hand. Too big for one finger and too small for two. My middle finger would end up resting right on the point of the groove. Prefer the recon 1 and the code 4.
Is the pocket clip and lock bar treated with the DLC also or is it just paint?
Just paint, sadly, and it chips off easily
Great vid. Great comparisons!!
My Lawman doesnt make any sparks from a ferro rod at all! Did you modifie your knife so it makes sparks? Thank you!
+Dan Ney hmm i dunno. no mods here... do you have the AUS8 version or the XHP version? The DLC coating changed when it went to XHP, maybe thats the issue?
CedricAda Gear and Outdoors So you have the newer version of the knife? I was reading that Cold steel slimmed the blade stock a bit in the newer version, but judging by your video I still like the thickness.
If I were to purchase one of these online right now, is this the one I'd get?
gavocrazy yeah, just check it says CTS XHP steel. The old AUS8 ones should be gone by now from the new markey
I have the AUS 8 version and I took the coating off! Maybe the spine is to rounded to bite into the ferro rod! Cheers!
CedricAda Gear and Outdoors And how about the thickness of the handle? Do you like it? I also saw on blade forums that the handle is significantly thinner as well. It still fills the hand well huh? I imagine that the thinness lends itself to edc a little better. I'm just torn in between maybe waiting on an older used model, or go ahead and pulling the trigger on this guy. I have that skyline. How does it compare in thickness to that?
One folding knife to Rule Them All - LOTR
Yeah looks like a great knife Cedric thanks for sharing. Actually, I think we have similar tastes in knives. Good points you make in comparison, it looks superior to that code 4, although i must say I still like the PM2 more in just about every department although Im still reluctant in using mine hard because it was bloody $240 and looks wicked in camo/satin so I usually reach for my Tenacious. I've yet to find a better looking knife than the PM2 but I like the squarish look and practical appearance of the Lawman and Diggin that 50/50 choil. I was surprised you like the steel more than ZDP-189? I suppose its probably better when sharpening. Does it come without the DLC coating? I think would prefer without. Also hows the weight? It looks kinda heavy. Anyway enjoyed the video cheers
Hello mate! Re the weight, It feels about the same as the PM2. I dont think they do an uncoated Lawman - theres only the 'mini' variety which is basically an entirely different knife. XHP steel is a lot easier to sharpen, and holds an edge a bit longer than s30v. ZDP is just so hard to work with, I found myself hesitating to use it - even though it did stay sharp for ages!
Congrats on 500 subs :)
I agree on all that.
Do you know what type of washers this has?
EDC elephant copper
I too thought this was my ultimate knife on paper but when I actually got it in hand and cut some hard wood with it, I felt it needed to be thicker because the thin spine of the handle dug uncomfortably into my hand. Also the triad lock is strong buy it is so uncomfortable to use that I don't like it. The lionsteel tm1 back lock is the easiest to disengage but was able to take batoning with no blade play much like the triad lock. I put a forward choil on my tm1 and that has taken the place of my lawman.
Jonathan York I agree to an extent, but it doesn't bother me too much. Also, whenever I use the AL as opposed to another knife, I'm going to be using it as a work knife or for really hard use, and I'll use gloves with it, so the thinness doesn't really bother me. The Recon 1 is much better for this. And both the Recon 1 and the AL are much more comfortable if you sand down the edges of the g10
@@TheMrWillje - doesn't sanding down the edges expose the fiberglass material in handle that people say irritates the skin?
@@gwailotus9154 I suppose it could, but I start with 80 Grit and then sand up to a very high Grit which should stop any irritation. That's what they do after shaping the g10 when making the knife in the factory
Sounded like you dropped a knife at 2:48. 😂 hope nothing was damaged.
Just starting to collect knives, the lawman will be my second after my RAT 1 which I've been very happy with. The para 2 is definitely on the list as well. I enjoy firearms as well but for the price I can acquire many more knives than guns.
I don’t give a damn what people wanna see I will take out my XL Voyager just to open something MURICA!
one knife? a fixed blade......I don't have a flipping ADDICTION! (kinda like the little brother of my 4-max) Maybe I need one? After watching this video, why would I subject my ears to that shibaza guy? fix that banging!! $80 bucks now on ebay!
Excellent video ... .. !!!! 1 .... +
I like the recon 1. longer blade and flips out easier
AK-47 is the best one.
PM2 would be the only knife I need
Great knife, but over priced in my opinion. The power of marketing and branding is very powerful.
How the hell do they call this the "American Lawman" when the knife is manufactured in Taiwan? C,mon Cold Steel...
Truth, it could definitively use a better or at least more accurate name!
like really...
Taiwanese lawman. Sounds good to me.
We have American Lawman that are made in Taiwan 😜
Manix 2 my choice.
Paul Baumer ugh too much $$🔪🔪😪
Great knife, but over priced.