The Cold Steel Swift III brings assisted opening to Cold Steel's tactical lineup. A wrist flick deploys the 4-inch drop point blade instantly — no fumbling, no two-handed operation required. Dual thumb studs provide ambidextrous deployment, and the assisted mechanism delivers snappy, consistent action every time.
The Cold Steel Swift III runs CPM M4, a high-speed tool steel that prioritizes edge retention and toughness over the stainless convenience found in steels like S35VN or S30V. M4 belongs to a class of semi-stainless tool steels that have gained a serious following among hard-use knife enthusiasts who demand maximum cutting performance. The tradeoff is maintenance — M4 requires more attention to prevent surface oxidation than a fully stainless alloy — but the reward is a blade that holds its edge through sustained cutting tasks that would dull lesser steels. The black TiNi PVD coating on the Cold Steel Swift III adds a layer of corrosion protection to the M4 blade, reducing maintenance demands while eliminating glare. At 3.4mm stock thickness, the blade balances strength with slicing ability — thick enough to handle hard use, thin enough behind the edge to cut efficiently.
Cold Steel equipped the Swift III with their proprietary lock system rather than the Tri-Ad found on most of their folder lineup. The Cold Steel Swift III's lock provides secure blade lockup with a clean, one-handed release that keeps your fingers clear of the blade path during closing. An ambidextrous slide safety prevents accidental deployment in the pocket and locks the blade in the open position during use — a feature that tactical users and first responders value for added security during high-stress tasks.
The Cold Steel Swift III features textured G-10 handle scales over full steel liners, creating a rigid, rattle-free chassis that feels solid in hand. G-10 provides reliable grip in wet or dry conditions without adding unnecessary weight. Ergonomic finger contours and jimping along the spine give the Cold Steel Swift III a secure, locked-in grip during aggressive cutting tasks. The reversible tip-up pocket clip accommodates left or right-hand carry, and a lanyard hole at the base of the handle adds an additional carry option. At 5.5 ounces with a 9-3/8-inch overall length and 5.375-inch closed length, the Cold Steel Swift III is a full-sized tactical folder built for users who want speed and cutting performance over low-profile carry.
Overall Length: 9.375" (238mm)
Blade Length: 4" (102mm)
Blade Steel: CPM M4
Blade Finish: Black TiNi PVD
Handle Material: G-10
Lock Type: Atlas Lock
Weight: 5.5oz
Opening: Assisted with dual thumb studs
Pocket Clip: Reversible, tip-up
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