Cold Steel 4 Max Folding Knife

There are very few folding-knives, that can stand toe-to-toe with Cold Steel's 4 Max. This one-being the production-version, created by designer Andrew Demko. Whose vaunted 'tri-ad' lock system adds yet, another dimension of strength to otherwise 'ordinary folders'. Cold Steel is a company who are known for making 'stupidly-big' folding-knives. One only needs to recall the legendary: Espada. It's irrelevant to me, whether you agree with Lynn Thompson's marketing-strategy, or not. These knives live-up to the hype. I purchased my folder from Amazon, and was stunned by the over-built quality, apparent on this Italian-made version. The blade was perfectly centered, and the lock functioned flawlessly. CPM-20CV is the stainless alloy used on this model, and for those unfamiliar with the trend in newer steels, it's Crucible's answer to Bohler's M390. The M390, CPM-20CV, and CTS-204P are essentially, all the same steels with varying amounts of chromium added. All excellent alloys, by-the-way. The liners on the 4 Max are titanium, being used thoughtfully; to cut-down on some of the weight. It's gray G10-scales were milled-to-perfection with no signs of hot-spots, or flaws. A pocket-clip is mounted on the knife with 'Chicago-type' screws, and can be changed to fit your orientation. Make no mistake, this item is a serious working-tool. Whether your 'jumping-in' on a high-risk assignment, or exploring sub-arctic tundra, this-one won't let you down. Complaints about the pocket-clip, it's size, and the blade-stamping are also; complete non-issues to me. If you like the AD-10 model, chances-are you'll be enthralled with the 4 Max. Everything else has been addressed in the previous reviews. So, I'll let my pictures do the talking. I've wanted this knife for over a year, and finally made-the-leap. It's the real-deal!

The Cold Steel 4 max is my favorite knife. I have collected knives that cover a broad spectrum of size, function, and price points. What makes this knife stand out is its perfect combination of dimensions, anesthetics, fit/finish, locking mechanism, and high end steel.The 4 max is a massive folder, but it's mid sized for a Cold Steel. Sure, there are smaller knives that would be easier to carry for every day use. However, there is just something about a big folder like this that makes it fun to have.My 4 max is the more recent version that was made in Italy. The early 4 max knives were produced in the U.S. before production was moved to Italy. I was lucky and got a good U.S. knife as well. The consensus seems to be that the Italian factory puts out a much more consistent high quality product. Overall I like the Italy produced knife better because of the gray scales and a much easier to disengage the lock.Speaking of the triad lock, this thing locks up with a solid snap. It's renowned for its strength but retains the ease of use of a traditional back lock. The 4max is said to be Cold Steel's strongest knife and just holding it gives me that impression.The blade is made of high end CPM 20CV steel. Known for above average edge retention, and high corrosion resistance, 20CV is an upgrade over S35vn. The blade also has a very nice stone washed finish that won't show scratches as easily as a satin finish.I can't say much else that hasn't already been covered elsewhere. Overall this knife is very much worth having. Whether as a highly dependable work knife, or a collectors piece, the quality and attention to detail is up there with the best.

Lots of folks will complain that no knife is worth what the Cold Steel 4-Max costs. And if they never need a tool to do a lot of hard use cutting, they may be right. But if you use a knife every day and demand a lot from your blade, a quality knife is what you need, and quality pays for itself in the long run. This is a high quality knife that will serve you well for many, many years--perhaps the rest of your life and the generation to follow.

The 4 Max looks and feels much different in hand than you would imagine by looking at pictures. The handle is VERY comfortable and the G10 grips are smooth but not slippery. Using the blade I see why they made it so tall. The blade stock is thick but it fades such a long way to the edge that it's thin behind the edge and very usable for everyday tasks.As for carrying comfort, It is a big heavy knife but it has the same weight as my Galaxy Note 9 that goes with me everywhere. It can do everything a regular size knife can do and much more. If you see the value of keeping a knife that is more capable than most you won't notice the weight.I gave 3 stars because the 4 max I got from this seller was scratched on the inside part of the lock bar, there was a grip screw that was not all the way screwed in, and the blade had two small nicks in the edge.I would suggest inspecting your knife from this seller before its too used to return.

A knife overbuilt like hell, heavy, over ten ounces, and huge and at the same time highly versatile. It is well designed and unlike many other cold steel knives, well executed. Titanium liners backspacer and clip. Action is very smooth. I polished the bronze washers and added teflon washers. G10 provides enough grip without being abrasive. Made in Italy for mine and it does truly make a difference. Great knife.. if you want one folder from Cold Steel this is the one, the very one. The undisputed flagship.