Cold Steel

Where unmatched strength meets pioneering innovation. Founded in 1980 by Lynn Thompson, Cold Steel has carved a formidable reputation in the knife industry, renowned for “making the strongest and the sharpest knives in the world.”

From the classic American Tanto to the high-performing tactical blades, Cold Steel has a knife for every niche and need.

Cold Steel: Brand with a History

Cold Steel Knives, is a saga of continuous innovation and uncompromising strength. Lynn Thompson founded Cold Steel in 1980 with a vision, Cold Steel swiftly rose to prominence, revolutionizing the knife industry with groundbreaking designs and a fearless approach to knife-making.

From day one, Cold Steel was more than just a brand; it was a statement of purpose. Thompson’s passion for martial arts and historical weaponry has fueled the company’s mission: to create the strongest, sharpest knives in the world.

This quest led to the popularization of the American Tanto blade in the 1980s, a design that redefined knife strength and piercing power, setting a new benchmark for tactical and combat blades.

Cold Steel Knives

Cold Steel knives offer a blend of art and utility. From the Leatherneck-Semper Fi, a salute to the US Marines’ toughness, to the sleek yet agile Air Lite series, Cold Steel’s range is as varied as it is impressive.

The Recon series, a favourite among tactical users, features some of the industry-leading durable and versatile knives that are perfect for both wilderness adventures and demanding professional use.

Cold Steel’s standout models, for instance, The CLAYMORE AUTO, with its swift automatic deployment, is a dream of any tactical enthusiast giving you speed with reliability.

The Spartan on the other hand is a tribute to ancient warriors, this model merges historical design with modern craftsmanship, making it a unique addition to any collection. And for those who demand uncompromising strength, the SR1 Lite Tanto Point is a true powerhouse of piercing capability.

Cold Steel for Every Purpose

Cold Steel’s diverse range of products celebrates the versatility of knives and the people who use them. There is a knife for every hand and every use.

For adventurers and campers, their outdoor knives, like the Bushman series that come in foldable as well as fixed blades, are ready for any challenge nature throws your way.

For law enforcement and the military, their tactical knives, like the Recon series Recon Tanto (SK-5), Recon 1 Plain Edge, or Spear Edge, offer reliability and efficiency, designed to perform under the most demanding conditions.

But they are not all about the extremes. Their everyday carry knives blend seamlessly into your daily routine, providing reliability for those everyday tasks. And for the collectors, our unique and ornate designs are not just functional; they’re a statement of craftsmanship and style.

Unique Cold Steel Knives

Cold Steel folding knives, tantos, and throwing tools all clearly exhibit the company’s technical sophistication. While having unique aspects, each product line is united under Cold Steel’s reputation for toughness and reliability.

Tanto Knives

The Tanto series immediately catches your eye with its angular design reminiscent of the blades wielded by skilled samurai warriors. As you lift one from its sheath, you sense its power – the reinforced point and flat grind give it the strength to pierce even the toughest materials.

When you make a few practice stabs, the knife holds, due to the expert heat treatment and high-carbon steel. This is a blade ready for tactical use.

Throwing Knives and Axes

Cold Steel’s throwing knives and axes are designed with balance, ease of throwing, and aerodynamics in mind. Their sleek shape promises excellent throws. When you assume a throwing stance with one of the Cold Steel’s Throwing Axes in your hand, it sails smoothly from your fingers.

These axes are designed to spin gracefully and stick firmly onto the wooden target with a satisfying thunk. The sturdy one-piece construction holds up to all manners of outdoor use without room for breaking.

Folding Knives

Their folding knives showcase Cold Steel’s versatility through compact everyday carry (EDC) options up to more robust designs for hunting and outdoor uses. Many models feature the Tri-Ad lock system, which provides exceptional stability and safety for the folding mechanism.

Combined with durable steels such as VG-10 San Mai and user-friendly handles, these knives are built to provide both comfort and strength.

Cold Steel Vs. SOG Knives

Both Cold Steel and SOG Knives have earned reputations for quality among knife enthusiasts. Cold Steel offers an exceptionally wide range of products, from swords to specialized tactical and survival knives, as well as everyday carry options. Their knives are often praised for using high-end steel alloys and thoughtful designs optimized for real-world functionality.

SOG focuses more specifically on rugged tactical and outdoor knives built for demanding situations. They have built a loyal following based on their mission-driven ethos and commitment to reliability. While SOG uses more standard blade materials than Cold Steel’s premium alloys, their knives deliver dependable performance under duress time after time.

While Cold Steel’s diverse catalogue and premium construction earn accolades from knife experts, SOG’s focused mission-centric approach also has its advantages. There are good reasons why both companies enjoy strong customer satisfaction and loyalty. The “best” option comes down to the specific needs and preferences of the individual user.

The Cold Steel Experience

Cold Steel knives have earned consistent praise from experts all around the world for the value their knives add to their lives. Users highlight enduring classics like fixed blades and Tri-Ad lock folders for their dependability out in the field.

Their sturdy slip joint design and incredibly sharp edges draw particular attention, while cutting-edge models such as Hide Out showcase Cold Steel’s flair for imagination & commitment to innovation.

Minor misouts such as handles hardly seem to dampen most users’ appreciation for their products.  With strong, time-tested locks, smart alloy choices like AUS8A, and great build quality far surpassing their mid-level prices, Cold Steel earns understandably high praise.

For dependability across a spectrum of applications, from EDC to survival, Cold Steel remains a compelling choice that budgets both big and small can turn to with confidence.

Why Choose Cold Steel from STL Tacticals?

STL Tacticals offers one of the largest collections of genuine Cold Steel knives. With dozens of folding knives, fixed blades, kitchen knives, and specialty designs, we have the widest selection anywhere. And with our 30-day return policy, you can be confident in picking out the best Cold Steel knife for yourself.

Cold Steel’s Lifetime Warranty

Cold Steel Knives offers a comprehensive product warranty, ensuring customer confidence and satisfaction. Cold Steel Knives guarantees that every product is free of defects in material and workmanship for the life of the owner. This means that the original purchaser can expect the product to perform as intended throughout its lifespan.

Repair or Replacement of Product

If a Cold Steel Knives product is found to be defective, the company will repair it or replace it with a new item at its discretion.

Limitations on Warranty

• The warranty does not cover normal wear or misuse of the products.
• Cold Steel Knives products are not intended to be used as hammers, chisels, pry bars, or screwdrivers. If damage occurs due to misuse, the repair department can analyze and repair the damage for a reasonable fee.
• In cases where a product cannot be repaired due to limited availability of parts, Cold Steel Knives will provide a fresh manufactured item that closely matches the item sent in for repair.

Cold Steel Knives’ warranty policy reflects a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, ensuring its products are reliable and durable for everyday use and specialized applications.

FAQs

Are Cold Steel Knives made in the US?

Cold Steel knives are made globally in countries including the USA, Japan, Taiwan, India, Italy, China, and South Africa. This diverse network allows the company to make full use of specialty manufacturing techniques from around the world.

Who owns Cold Steel Knives?

Cold Steel Knives is owned by Good Sportsman Marketing, LLC (GSM), an outdoor sports company that purchased the brand from Lynn Thompson in 2020.

Do Cold Steel Knives come sharpened?

Yes, all of the Cold Steel knives ship professionally sharpened and ready for immediate use out of the box.

What steel is used in cold steel knives?

Cold Steel blades are crafted from Japanese AUS 8A steel, an alloy we’ve selected for its durability, corrosion resistance, and exceptional ability to hold a keen edge even after repeated use over many years.

Do cold steel knives rust?

With proper care and maintenance, our knives achieve extremely long working life spans without rust or corrosion. Just like any steel, they can show signs of rusting if not cleaned and stored properly.