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Cold Steel Folding Knives
Cold Steel built its reputation on one promise: the strongest, sharpest knives you can buy. Since 1980, that commitment has driven everything from blade geometry to lock engineering. Their folders deliver the same overbuilt construction that made their fixed blades legendary—thick blade stock, aggressive heat treatments, and locking mechanisms that won't quit under hard use.
Models Worth Knowing
Tactical Folders: The Recon 1 series remains a go-to for military, law enforcement, and first responders. Available in multiple blade lengths and shapes with S35VN steel, G-10 handles, and the Tri-Ad lock. The American Lawman offers a slimmer alternative with a deep hollow-ground drop point that slices effortlessly at under four ounces.
EDC Options: The Code 4 delivers Tri-Ad lock security in a slim aluminum-handled package weighing 4.15 ounces. The Air Lite drops weight further with linerless G-10 and AUS-10A blades around 2.5 ounces. The Engage series introduced the new Atlas Lock for smooth daily carry operation.
Demko Collaborations: The AD-10 brings Andrew Demko's custom folder design to production with S35VN steel and contoured G-10 scales. The AD-15 features his Scorpion Lock—a hybrid mechanism with an aluminum yoke and compression spring for ambidextrous one-handed operation. The 4-Max series represents the extreme end of folding knife construction.
Large Folders: The Espada series stretches up to 7.5 inches on the XL—one of the largest production folders available. The Voyager series offers Cold Steel construction at accessible prices with AUS-10A steel and Griv-Ex handles.
Steels and Materials
S35VN appears on premium models (Recon 1, American Lawman, Code 4, AD-10, AD-15). Excellent toughness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance, easy to sharpen.
AUS-10A serves mid-range folders (Voyager, Air Lite, 4-Max Scout). Takes a keen edge, sharpens easily, and has good corrosion resistance.
Handle materials include textured G-10 on premium models, Griv-Ex (injection-molded thermoplastic) on budget-friendly options, and slim aluminum on the Code 4.
Lock Mechanisms
Tri-Ad Lock: Andrew Demko's (Demko Knives) evolution of the lockback. A stop pin between the blade tang and lock bar redistributes stress into the handle frame rather than the lock itself. Self-adjusting over time—tested to hold 600-800 pounds.
Scorpion Lock: Found on the AD15. An aluminum yoke with a compression spring locks into the blade tang, providing secure lockup with fully ambidextrous operation.
Atlas Lock: GSM's post-acquisition design debuting on the Engage series. Double-pin mechanism for smooth, reliable daily carry use.
Warranty
Cold Steel products carry a Limited Lifetime Warranty through GSM Outdoors covering defects in workmanship and materials. Normal wear, misuse, and disassembly aren't covered. They also offer sharpening service—send your knife with $10 for return shipping to their Irving, Texas facility.