>>982609>>983102I can speak for the quality of Cold Steel because I own/have owned about 15 or so products from them over the past 10 years.
Yes their marketing is very cringy, but I don't see that as a reason to avoid them.
Actually most of their products are not made in China just the really cheap stuff. Their good stuff is made in South Africa (machetes), Japan, Taiwan (mostly), Italy (new), and their a few Top end things made in America now.
My general consensus;
-Folding knives; Very good for the most part. The more expensive, the more value it is compared to the market, now that they are using CTS-XHP, BD1, 20cv, and s35vn.
-Machetes and swordchetes; Very good for the money, but need some work out of box. If you are good at re-profiling and sharpening, they are very reliable tools.
-Fixed blades, same as the folders. Now that they are using O-1 and CPM-3v, some of their higher end stuff is very hard to beat for the money.
Polypropylene stuff; it's what it seems at face value, just really strong, somewhat flexible. Generally near center balanced, bad if you are into sparing.
Things to avoid:
-Swords, they tend to have a lot of issues, either by design or quality.
- Anything with 4116 steel.
