Benchmade Contego vs Cold Steel Medium Espada

Andrew Demko from Cold Steel R&D puts the Benchmade Contego through our standard impact and weight hanging lock tests.
He also tests a Cold Steel Medium Espada that has already been subjected to these tough and abusive tests.
Watch this video to see what happens next!
For more info about Cold Steel, please visit:
http:www.coldsteel.com

[@miked6367]

We still all want to see the Benchmade Adamas test. Ever going to do it?

[@user-ps9xi6cx4r]

Incorrect test. The knife must first cut. Compare these knives which are better cuts. For everything else there's an axe, a machete, a crowbar...

[@user-ps9xi6cx4r]

Clearly, thanks for an explanation. Tests will be run specifically on these knives cut? Hold the cutting edge?

[@user-ps9xi6cx4r]

Thank you! Remove the test for the retention of edges with exactly these knives Benchmade Contego vs Cold Steel Medium Espada, benchmark. I understand that the locks you have is cool, but still NEEDS a KNIFE to CUT

[@notanundercovercop8851]

I was extremely impressed by the new CTS-XHP steel recon 1's ability to do over 1000 push cuts through a thick rope. It was still sharp enough to shave off arm hair. Who sharpens your knives for the cutting tests and using what tools? I'm very curious to know because they produce some impressive edges.

[@MiregalForges]

+Knife Nut He's Andrew Demko, moron. He designs and engineers these knives. He also invented the Tri-Ad lock. And he's totally fair in these tests.

[@cjkeller5287]

Knife Nut feel better now?

[@notanundercovercop8851]

The tri-ad lock is strong, yes. But, when you're comparing to the axis lock. You should probably consider the performance factor. The axis lock and be opened and closed with the simple flick of wrist. It opens and closes with the greatest of ease. Virtually zero effort. The tri-ad lock is nowhere near a slick or easy to use. You can't flick it open with your wrist and when you want to close it you've got to squeeze it very hard and even then you've still got to manually close it. It's a lot like comparing a pickup truck to a Ferrari. Sure, the pickup truck might be a little more heavy duty. But, the axis lock can blaze around corners at high speeds. You can't do that with your pickup truck.

[@instigater]

which is nice when your from a state that considers gravity knives illegal!

[@f22shift]

NotAnUndercoverCop this is true. Best comparison someone said was comparing seat belts. Tri ad is like have a 5 point race belt versus a normal 3 point in a normal car. 99.999999% you will never need a 5 point belt but every day you will click it in. Sometimes some locks are a better balance of strength and action. A person can look at any of these tests and think 100lb hanging strength is good enough because the feel or action of the lock is superior. By the way I have no axis locks and a bunch of cold steels.

[@trevordelarosa3599]

That is really a stupid analogy when comparing knives like these that are meant to be used hard and something you can depend your life on

[@flinchfu]

An Axis can slip and fail in extreme cases... and I did have a Ruckus that even failed spine-whacks once. Wish the SOG Arc-Lock (better than the Axis imo) could've gained more traction but it seems like SOG is too busy making cheap dumb shit.

[@notanundercovercop8851]

@Matthew Telyatinskiy I have a Talwar, a AK 47, a black talon, and snaggletooth openers on all of my recon 1's.

[@DanceForMe13]

Please keep this Espada for breeding purposes. It is obviously a winner.

[@MasterPhilip616]

Thank you, Cold Steel, for doing this test. I'm one of the people who asked you to test the 810 Contego. Benchmade actually did a Cold Steel style test video of the Contego on their youtube channel. It seemed like an awesome knife and I bought it. It's one of my edc's now and it's nice to see it do so well on an official Cold Steel test. I agree that Cold Steel makes the world's strongest production knives. I own quite a few. However, I'm a knife fiend, so I can't stick with just one brand, you know? Benchmade has always been my second favorite knife company and it's nice to see their knives (mostly) stand up to Cold Steel's. So, long story short, thank you again, Cold Steel, for showing us how strong these other knives are!

[@chenghanli2541]

Yeah, the lockback is the strongest lock. I agree with that. but the problem is you must use both hand when you fold knife. so I will not choose a lockback knife for edc.

[@treizTUBE]

+Thutmose Li Actually you don't need two hands. I close my recon 1 one handed as it was designed to be. Pointer finger in the first groove on the handle, thumb depresses the lock back, as the blade swings closed the part that contacts your finger is left unsharpened on purpose. Then you just rotate the handle in hand 90 degrees and close the blade with your thumb. It's no more difficult than deploying the blade one handed.

[@donaldwortham1661]

Unconfirmed User who cares the fights over

[@ElonaldTrusk]

😂

[@danmartin4552]

I think the Benchmade did very well, even not wining. It did better than I thought. And man being American made with that coated CPM-m4 blade, it is not too shabby for the retail price.

[@redfaux74]

Considering new vs old? Yeah, this is extreme testing but I'd rather have tougher, better.... especially on a product that beat it x2! And save money? Your opinion tho....

[@jakegay5753]

@@redfaux74 beat it at what tho? I’d still rather have the benchmade over any cold steel. They just make a better product. Benchmade doesn’t design their knives specifically to hang hundreds of pounds off the handle lol. It’s a cutting tool, The axis lock is just as safe as the triad lock in any real world Situation and it’s sooo much easier to operate. If you need a knife and don’t want to worry about a lock failing a fixed blade is your best bet

[@redfaux74]

@@jakegay5753 - That's your opinion. I'd rather save the money and get Cold Steel any day. If you want weaker for double the price, this is America. I have over 40 blade type pieces from Cold Steel. Benchmade makes nothing I would trade for (2 to 1) one of my Cold Steel pieces. I've been given Benchmade knives as gifts. I give them away. This is my opinion.

[@philipdeppen8593]

@@redfaux74 not to mention cold steel does better heat treatment. He'll their aus10a even beats a good handful of manufactures s35vn in edge retention. Also people don't consider the fact you can't disengage the tri ad lock. The axis lock you can and liner locks and frame locks it's even a greater chance. People always argue that the strength of the tri ad lock is stronger than necessary but there's more to it than just the strength. Not only is it impossible to disengage it during use being where the spring release is at for fingers or thumb to hit but the tri ad lock self adjusts itself over time during wear. The axis lock does not. I have an axis lock that has blade rock from use opening and closing over time and I have a tri ad lock that's been used way more over the years and no lock rock at all

[@redfaux74]

@@philipdeppen8593 - I couldn't agree more. Benchmade costs WAY too much for much less quality. I've been a Cold Steel customer for over 25 years. The Yriad lock is unmatched. My Vaquero Grande 6" serrated folder has been with me 25 years. It is my EDC and it snaps out one handed effortlessly but crisply and with zero give. STILL! In March 2020 I bought the Rajah ll for my EDC left pocket. I can't see ANY knife comparing to it in any category. It is a pocket Kukri and I'm a huge fan of the Kukri being a student of Bando martial arts. Unbelievable! Happy Thanksgiving! 🎈🥳🎈

[@jonnycola5398]

You guys should test the Benchmade Adamas!!!

[@gring55555]

jonny cola I have asked for this numerous times. it seems they are saving the best the competition has to offer until last.

[@matthewlove9461]

Lol first they gotta find something in their line up to compete with the adamas.

[@a7x4lrev]

+matthew love lol true.

[@robinvandenbergh9184]

+jonny cola i think thats the only folder that stands a good chance

[@jonnycola5398]

+piet jansen yeah I really wish they would test it sometime.

[@BillySAw951]

Well with the benchmade you could send it in and they'll fix the lock and replace it and make it basically brand new again

[@Skinnymoose]

Send them your fingers too.

[@redfaux74]

Yeah right.... until you tell them what you were doing with it. Extreme testing is NOT covered in any warranty.

[@BillySAw951]

Red Faux they’ll still cover it believe me unless you don’t want them to cover it lol 😂 I’ve had a good ammount of benchmades repaired or serviced and Rn I have aton of coldsteel knives and I’m pretty sure I can’t get certain things from them like I had a 4 max I needed a new pocket clip I tried to contact them for new pocket clip screws and pocket clips for left hand carry for a hand ful of their knives and they have yet to send any

[@Emozisbit]

@@redfaux74 Cold Steel doesn’t cover extreme testing. They specifically warn against in boxes.

[@redfaux74]

@@Emozisbit - That's what my comment said. I used capital letters to express that.

[@FreddyFingleHeifer]

Can you test the Benchmade Adamas? It has a thicker lock bar, and thicker liners.

[@EdSaenzDrums]

Nice tests. Proves the Tri-ad lock is the strongest lock on a folder knife there is. I happen to agree that it is. Still though I use my knives to cut and for defense. I don’t think I’ll ever need to use my knife as a hammer to spine whack the blade or put 360lbs of pressure on the lock. My Axis lock Benchmades have never failed me and will do just fine. I still find myself carrying my Contego more than my Cold Steel Recon1 with CTS-XHP

[@philipdeppen8593]

But there's 2 other things to consider. One it's way more unlikely to disengage the tri ad lock during use because you have no thumbs or fingers in the way of the lock disengagement. 2 the tri ad lock self adjusts it's self during use and wear over time opening and closing. The axis lock does not and wasn't designed in a way to do so. I can attest to this because like in another comment I made here I have a Benchmade axis lock that developer rock lock over the years from wear over time. My cold steels which were used way more has none from wear over time. Yeah the tri ad lock wins for sure

[@brianj489]

I like how objective these tests are. I really thought I was gonna watch this and they were gonna be bashing the benchmade the whole time.

[@redfaux74]

Agreed... This is the greatest reason I love Cold Steel. Just dry facts during testing. Win or lose. And Cold Steel don't lose. And we save money for a better name IMO.

[@Ts_Evildroid]

I really like these tests you do on knives, with every one of them you do. The Triad lock is awesomely strong for sure. It would be nice to see you test it to failure though on the weight hang test even after the competitor fails, or at least go until your out of weights or room on the hanging mechanism.

[@glytch5]

one thing with the axis lock is, it has to have ZERO up and down play out of the box, or the axis bar is not set properly, after the fail is the axis bar has any up and down, the knife is much more likely to fail. I have bought a few BM knives that had up and down play out of the box, they went straight to BM to get fixed. Their NEVER supposed to have even a tick of up and down, just FYI

[@patrickjacob1303]

I was rooting for the contego. I carry that knife on duty. I wonder if that axis lock will get budged out of the way during those spine hits. The spot were that lock bar sits on the contego when the blade is deployed is rounded. Under pressure I could see it pushing that lock bar out of the way. Anyways, nice job cold steel.

[@EdSaenzDrums]

Patrick Jacob I have the Contego and many other Benchmades as well as Cold Steels I don’t think I’m ever gonna find myself needing to spine whack my Contego or let alone put 360 lbs of pressure on the lock. I use my knives to cut and for defense not as hammers or to lift myself up. These tests are only to prove how strong the Tri-ad lock is compared to other lock types. And I agree the Tri-ad is the strongest lock on folding knives there is. But lock strength is not all that makes a knife great. The Axis lock is well known and proven to be a very strong and reliable lock. I always find myself carrying my Contego more than my Recon1 with CTX-XHP because the Axis lock is just faster for deploying the blade and closing it.

[@Moribund_art]

I would like to see an Aus8a Recon 1 go through some various tests like this , I want to see how durable it is with no liners. My main concern is the metal parts like the pivot wearing the G10 and creating blade play.

[@concernedpatriot.2221]

MrAvengedsorrow I second that motion. the recon 1 with a combo edge is my EDC knife.

[@amishassassin25]

MrAvengedsorrow They did a recon 1 video.....and i think the G10 espada has no liners either....

[@hyssean12]

@@amishassassin25 it does have partial liners.

[@danielheller9624]

How often does anybody apply 300 pound of force onto their knife?

[@MementoMori1001]

most of their knives were designed for combat so the lock strength is really important. their edge retention is decent for its price

[@danielheller9624]

BatmanVsSombies So... youre saying stabbing someone causes 300 pounds of pressure onto the knife?

[@MementoMori1001]

+Daniel Heller not necessarily stabbing but you would want a folding blade to be as tough as a fixed blade because your life might depend on it. if you saw the wolverine movie where wolverine was fighting on a train then you will know what I mean

[@danielheller9624]

BatmanVsSombies If you need the strength of a fixed blade, then dont carry a folder

[@MementoMori1001]

+Daniel Heller but a folding blade is easier to conceal than a fixed blade and some place doesn't allow you to carry a fixedblade. you also need the element of surprise in a fight

[@44SCB]

Is that a Spyderco clipped to his pocket?

[@jackt2202]

I dont think so

[@PooMonkeyMan]

It’s probably one of his own customs.

[@bryantherocker]

Spyderco Endura VG10 4 FRN vs Cold Steel Code 4

[@clap5]

You guys are breaking my heart! 2nd time you destroyed the AXIS lock. I'm still just as shocked. I'd buy a cold steel folder now if only they made one I liked.

[@dragonfire3102]

Yup an if the put made in USA on it not Taiwan

[@hyssean12]

@@dragonfire3102 no. They actually need to be made in USA not just say it dumbass.

[@redfaux74]

Of all the folders they have you can't find one you like? 😳 I've been a Cold Steel lifer for 25 years plus and it's hard for me to find one I don't like! I have over 30 blades, total of about 80 of their products (axes, shovels, whips, Kukris, nightshade series, etc) and not one time have I not been crazy impressed with their products. And I'm not getting paid to say that. I just bought a Rajah ll a few weeks ago and KNEW that I was going to love it. But I had no idea just how much! It in now in my EDC for life. Incredible monster!

[@HolmesoverHouse]

Lol, if I use the back side of my knife to cut something this would be useful. Functionality, and quality steel is infinitely more important. Try turning the knives over and test lock stud, strength. If you're cutting something the blade would break backward.

[@justinv4036]

Man I love these test! I've watched this whole series 2-3 times now. It's almost criminal that none of the other manufactures have show (or even done) tests like these, especially the way many of them are marketed. I've been injured (pretty badly) when a folding knife lock failed on me that I had less than 30lbs of force on (not a lot of force to fail with, but way to much to have closing on your finger. Could you test the Buck Marksman? It seems to me like a pretty innovative and strong locking system, but as these tests have shown: looks mean very little when it comes to function.

[@notanundercovercop8851]

Jeeze! I hope you didn't cut any tendons when that knife failed on you. See people, this is why this stuff is important. Nobody needs a pocket knife that's just gonna slice your finger tips off the second it actually gets used and abused.

[@justinv4036]

No, I was very lucky: but that's probably because of how I was holding the knife. As it was, it closed on the end of my thumb (cutting it in half about 5/8" in from the tip, right through the nail, stopping on bone). PAINFUL, but recovered100%. Had that been the side of my index finger, I most likely would have permanent tendon and nerve damage.

[@cvlpa]

I got only one Cold Steel Knife, the very impressive-looking Ti-lite 6". It came factory dull with left-right, south-north blade play. Could you please test that knife against Anything? Like a big sized drinking straw? I'm afraid it will fail. *****

[@solidsnake2112]

Mikael Albertsson You bought a reproduction, I'm sorry, I've seen those.

[@cvlpa]

I didn't order it from you because you want $45.60 for shipping it internationally to me. I got it from a site i think is reputable. How can I tell if it's a fake, except by that it was dull and have blade play? (now i've got it super sharp) Do you sell 2nd grades, returned knives or rejects to foreign dealers? Sending it across the ocean to you would cost more than i want to spend, sorry. I like the knife though, lovely "Clunk!" when opening and razor sharp now. Considering its intended use, blade play isn't really an issue. All I wanted to say is that it would not fare well in your test. (Because it's not a Tri-Ad Lock, obviously. Maybe I should try one of those... If I can find a dealer in Sweden that don't sell fakes... That last sentence was humour - Swedish dealers don't sell fakes.)

[@solidsnake2112]

Mikael Albertsson You probably should have paid for the international shipping... Cold Steel does not make or sell defective knives; there might be a small defect in a knife but other than that they don't come as messed up as your knife did. Ti-lite has been known to have cheap, poorly designed rip offs that are sold as Cold Steel knives to unsuspecting people like you. I'd say you should probably send the knife into Cold Steel but if you weren't willing to pay to get a legit one I'd doubt you have the money to send that one in. Either send your knife into Cold Steel and get a replacement that is actually good; or enjoy your fake knife and realize it's not a Cold Steel knife.

[@cvlpa]

SolidSnake2948 Oh, I think I could save up for shipping to the US and A ;) , but believe me now and hear me later; sending my knife to Cold Steel will do no good if it's fake. Cold Steel does not replace copies with originals just for the h3ll of it. If it's a genuine CS (which I think) they could fix the lockup (I think most of my problem comes from that) but as i said, this is a knife with a special set of uses and blade play is no biggie. It will never see abuse from me.

[@solidsnake2112]

Mikael Albertsson You need to do some research, as the fakes of this knife are nearly perfect and if you don't have a genuine copy to compare it to you would have no clue. (other then when the thing breaks and slices all your fingers off of course)

[@ians.2941]

this is fake because the axis lock is known to hold 600-700 pounds. check the Benchmade vids on it. I'll trust Benchmade long before I trust cold steel.

[@ttaiknives]

you have to test the adamas from benchmade!!!

[@AKlover]

Does Cold Steel have something against assisted opening???

[@Xzibit9]

AKlover as they are coming out with the Swift which is A/O I dont think so

[@duroisgawd]

Your lock may be the best, but your designs still bore me. Add some different colorations, or something. The new 4max is a step in the right direction.

[@edwardnovick9904]

+csknives Im looking to buy an average knife for EDC and im somewhat new to knives I was gonna get a Benchmade Griptilian but what is of comparable size and is made in USA or Japan ?

[@Glenn056]

+Edward Novick Cold Steel Code 4 would be superb. sure its made in Taiwan but so what? Cold Steel has tight quality control in Taiwan and the knife has the awesome CTS-XHP steel

[@liamireland7381]

duroSIG556R Hell yea! The color of your blade is something a real man cares about. How about those rainbow color blades!

[@TheWalrus0608]

Strength is undeniable and fixed blades are the clear winner there. Why not have a pocket knife that combines aesthetics, ergonomics, and an adequate lock for EDC tasks?

[@budoka92]

do benchmade adamas vs something cold steel video!!!

[@natsyrtm4223]

yes that thing is a beast of a knife

[@budoka92]

yeah i saw some russian hard test video on it... and wasn't dissapointed crazy knife

[@flinchfu]

budoka92 It'll probably have the same weakest link. The knife is bigger but the Axis-Lock and stop are probably not going to be much beefier... If they're going to make a larger folder then they need to enlarge the lock, pivot and stop to the appropriate proportions...

[@flinchfu]

budoka92 I've had and have a lot of Benchmades. I own a Contego and love it... There may be a Cold Steel in my future... nothing wrong with over-built knives. The fastest deploying and strongest design will always be a full-tang fixed blade anyway.

[@hyssean12]

@@flinchfu the adamas has a larger stop pin and axis bar than any other axis lock knife.

[@agger732]

Can y'all test an emerson commander, patriot, or horseman?

[@SailfishSoundSystem]

agger732 Snap!

[@marklawrence855]

Yes be great to see a Emerson on test !

[@Christian-Rankin]

So, I am still confused; does this happen to every knife you sell?

[@MyDaoust]

Lol nope

[@peterisrael2012]

+Christian Rankin no its just Quality Control so they will pick a couple knives out of a batch of a few dozen and test them to assure the Quality of the product .

[@Christian-Rankin]

PeterPiperGamer YT Is it explicitly stated in a video or am I just an idiot?

[@redfaux74]

@@Christian-Rankin - No... your knife that you buy from Cold Steel is not used or abused. They make 1,000 and they test 5. If those 5 don't pass, they don't sell any of them.

[@goo5976]

admas was rated at 800lbs if I'm not mistaken. The Espada is also perfect for these tests due to its geometry

[@AndrewsArachnids]

this is hilarious, no matter what you guys "show" on these weird ass tests, as a former owner of cold steel top of the line knives, and a current owner of benchmade your knives are a joke compared to them. its a night and day quality difference.

[@pussy6042]

andrew l. Bitchmade knives are for soft hipsters

[@irishsavage8715]

I got money on the BM AFO2, Cold Shit doesn't make a knife that can hang with it.

[@Greg_M308]

Impressive test. Thanks.

[@JGstunts22]

So do you think the axis lock is safe enough to use for stabbing ? Without it cutting your fingers off

[@thechugdude]

Is this the most impressive showing for the competator?

[@gromann]

Iirc, there was a knife that used all the weights they had and they got to a point where both it and the cs looked warped.

[@MoreAmerican]

Omg, lose one already! Or else people will think this is rigged lol Great video as always guys!! Keep em coming.

[@bryantherocker]

Pls Test the Spyderco VG10 Endura FRN pls.

[@shatteredcortex1]

Brian Smith Against the Code 4. Have both those knives and love em both to death haha!

[@TacticalXRays]

Brian Smith hahahahaha

[@Glenn056]

would be meaningless the endura would lose really badly in comparison

[@Glenn056]

***** Well its like using CS to show another competitor's limits. It wouldnt really market their knives if it was an obviously "weak" in comparison endura

[@Glenn056]

***** But to them would just be wasting of money to try to compare to a obviously inferior knife in terms of locking performance. Also it would be much much more interesting if the triad was pitted against something more formidable. Like the Extrema Ratio RAO II. Now thats a monster with an extra manually inserted pin to stop it from closing. Now thats something majority of CS fans would even pay to see, against the CS 4 Max

[@strifezen5706]

Do you think you would be willing to do a test comparison with the Benchmade 903 Mini Stryker and perhaps Mini AK-47? I want to see if the Stryker would fail or pass the standard.

[@colbyscrivner9676]

Look what mr demko is doing today! Making great knives and doing his own thing. Cool to see him in a video that was awhile ago.

[@andreyzharinov280]

Thank you for your videos. Please test Recon 1 and Benchmade Turret or Emerson Comander.

[@angelcortez8158]

Cold Steel we know that you have the strongest knives but could you make your knives more pleasing to look at?

[@BlueinanotherLanguage]

+Angel Cortez Bruh, the Code 4, Ti-Lite, Espada, Recon 1, SRK, and pretty much any of their Japanese fixed blades are gorgeous knives. That's completely subjective and based on your opinion, however shitty it may be.

[@angelcortez8158]

True, but let me explain myself. You mentioned the SRK. That's a very attractive fixed blade. My problem is that I looked thru the whole catalog and I could not find a simple style looking FOLDER like that. Ti-lites are cool looking but I'm not trying to scare people at my work. Then you got these knives like the Espada, I'm not a damn Persian assassin. Cold steel knives are flashy and intimidating. I'm looking for simple, strong and EDC with normal looking handle. I guess I was looking for a super strong EDC that's not flashy.

[@BlueinanotherLanguage]

Angel Cortez Easy: Mini Recon 1, 3-inch blade, looks good, feels good in hand, Tri-ad lock. Amazon $70. Micro Recon 1, 2-inch blade, looks harmless, feels good in hand, Tri-ad lock. Amazon $22-24. Luff Lite, 2.5-inch, nifty look, looks ergonomic, Tri-ad lock. Amazon $16-27. Medium Voyager, 3-inch blade, looks badass, looks like it feels good in hand, Tri-ad lock. Amazon $25-45. Finn Wolf, 3.5-inch blade, looks cool, looks like it feels good in hand, Tri-ad lock. Amazon $37-40. And if you're willing to look elsewhere, Kershaw makes some great budget work folders too, like the Link, Knockout, and Skyline. All less than $70. The first two are assisted.

[@angelcortez8158]

Thank for the info!

[@BlueinanotherLanguage]

Angel Cortez Yeah no problem man, good luck.

[@multimargejta123]

I sold the Contego because handle was very uncomfortable

[@kaizoebara]

Another suggestion would be DarkOPS - they demand quite high prices and they also claim, that they are built to last.

[@mdubb4855]

Never in a million years was I expecting an Axis lock to fail your spine whack test. That throws into doubt all the 2022 legal clones of the Axis too. I hate to say it, but the online knife stores promoting "fidget friendly" knives are doing locking mechanism strength a real disservice and encouraging users to put their fingers at risk. I'll "slow roll" a Tri Ad every time vs snapping a liner lock with flipper tab open etc.

[@DyleJoo]

Wow. 360lbs. impressive lock test.

[@fomocore]

Benchmade puts access locks on their autos I'm not sure why the manual openers don't have them which would double the shear strength of the axis pin lock because it wouldn't be able to move, similar to spine lock just sayin my friends recon has an axis with a spine lock. Awesome good info

[@mahermic0001]

Sorry but I will take a Benchmade ANY day of the week. Osborne is amazing when it comes to his designs and ergo's + USA made, Cold Steels are pretty plain and boring.

[@trevordelarosa3599]

MaherMic I like Benchmade too but if I had a shtf scenario happen I’d take that cold steel

[@gring55555]

Benchmade Adamas

[@falloutm134]

I would like if you were willing to test one of your ti lite liner lock seem pretty stout to me.

[@PostnutClarity13]

you guys need to bring back the original cold steel recon 1 first gen...that was a great looking knife

[@VCBird6]

Welp...time to start testing Cold Steel knives vs fixed blades or something, cuz nothing else is strong enough to beat them so far :P

[@runner4life1984]

Benchmade did a lock strength test on the 810 and it went to 1100 in/lbs torque before it failed.

[@legrandfromage9682]

The unit for torque is in lbs not in/lbs

[@rainmechanic]

Get one of those beautiful new Finn Wolf Scandi Folders into the mix... It replaced my 2 year old Tuff Lite as my work EDC as of yesterday..

[@Jeepjones85]

Both faired well cold steel took it again though ! I've been wondering how that access lock would hold up

[@hyssean12]

It's axis not access.

[@griff7749]

@@hyssean12 lol

[@fullfire0]

Spine whacks are so dumb. If the knife fails it's most likely from the vibrations going through the lock. The weight hang test is way more realistic. Especially on an axis lock it's very susceptible to vibrations

[@marklawrence855]

Have you ever tested a Emerson knife??

[@false-set]

Is there a video of this testing on the ty-lite? Ive got the 4" & 6" :)

[@kirticuskirticus5777]

This is so easy to figure out!!

[@bryantherocker]

Pls do a Spyderco Endura 4 FRN VG10 vs Mini Recon 1

[@obliviontactical7974]

Here's some knives I'd like to see tested. Finn Wolf Folder, Sog Vulcan, Mini Griptilian. I love these test videos! keep them coming please!

[@bryantherocker]

Pls Test the Spyderco Endura VG10 4 FRN vs Mini Recon 1

[@sferrell1987]

Hell of a clean shop. The Benchmade is such an intriguing design, but I can’t help but feel like it’s lock strength is exaggerated. Cold Steel may have the strongest design on the market. I find their use of 20v instead of M4 or 4V a little odd in the 4 Max. I think the lock is overkill in comparison to the blade steel. The opposite is true of the Contego. Super strong blade with a less strong lock.

[@patrickgoncalves3878]

Now do Gerber 06 Manual combat folder.

[@albi131]

WTF are you now asking for an Adamas test? -_- It has an axis lock just like the Bedlam and Contego. I'm still waiting for the Extrema Ratio RAO

[@SLAMINIRC]

albi131 The axis bar for the Adamas is thicker than the regular axis bars.

[@KrissStiletto13]

"I like Benchmade's with the Axis-Lock; they're a little pricey, but are great and strong folders... But, they aren't a match for the Andrew Demko Tri-Ad Lock..." The Number 1 Contender for the Belt, the Benchmade Axis-Lock Contego, failed the 5th Spine Whack. It went on to hold 315lbs. and failed at 360lbs.; a very respectful amount of weight... The Champ the Andrew Demko Cold Steel Tri-Ad Lock, Medium Espada, passed all test, for the "Second" time... But, did show a little damage after holding 360lbs., but was still functional... The Andrew Demko Tri-Ad Lock is still the Undisputed Pound for Pound Champion of the World!!!

[@fishman80]

There isnt a folding knife lock design stronger than any lockback. The triad is a lockback on steroids. What would be interesting is a lockback vs triad. Triad should win but would be curious what a decent plain jane lockback could handle

[@mikesiley4897]

+Jimmy Kimber Traditional lockbacks aren't that strong. I've tested various ones from Buck and Spyderco and some fail spine wacks rather easily. The triad lock isn't just on steroids it's a different design. The biggest problem with traditional lockbacks are 2 fold. 1) energy going back into the spring can cause it to bounce out since the energy goes into the lock directly. 2) the impacts directly damage the locking interface so the size and material of the lock matter greatly. Generally with each strike the lock integrity deteriorates.

[@notanundercovercop8851]

Triad does win, they tested Spyderco's "powerlock" which is just a traditional lockback and it failed all the tests.

[@TheFiendRacer]

Give me the Benchmade contego any day of the week. People are so damn brain washed about the strongest lock in the world that they are willing to ignore the fact that they are getting a shitty steel, average g10 materials, cheap black coating on blades, etc...

[@Apexarmoryffl]

Why can Andrew only make 10 or so of his custom AD-10 a year? Why can't he make more custom knives? I really want one but it's become almost a unicorn of a knife. I'd really like a response from Cold Steel.

[@davidsandlin9686]

follow him in ig. i have seen him put some of them up for sale. i believe they start around 600 $ for an a15 not sure about an a10

[@Munich22100]

Scan you please make some full tang versions instead.

[@lesabotageur]

Again... :) I'd like to watch the ultimate challenge between the Recon 1 cts and the Benchmade Adamas. It would be very interesting... ;)

[@brandoncane7131]

Lol a SOG Flashback vs. A $60 Cold Steel knife. I wonder who would win? I mean both would be 60 dollars so might as well find out.

[@BrandonSL500]

Good test, great locks. I agree with lock reset comment by Demko.

[@notsofatpeiceofsht8535]

nice test. just if cold steel was as easy to open and close as benchmade.

[@mikesiley4897]

+Dustin Bell I don't mind that so much. It's the super aggressive G10 and overly strong pocket clip that makes it a chore to get it in and out of pocket.

[@notanundercovercop8851]

Yeah, seriously. WTF is with cold steel's pocket clips? I always take them off right away. They're so strong they're literally impossible to budge them a millimeter to stick them in your pocket and even if you could they'd shred your shit the second you tried to grab it. Probably my sole complaint about cold steel's knives.

[@user-kd9ef2oc6l]

Benchmade adamas ?next ... please

[@natsyrtm4223]

you should put some wood blocks on the back wheel of the fork lift so it does not roll back n forth.. no idea if it effects anything just think u should for the sake of consistency no forward and backward random movement while raising and lowering the weight..

[@legrandfromage9682]

Two excellent knives for sure

[@dragonfire3102]

I will buy one of these cold steel knives if you put made in USA on it not made in Taiwan

[@hyssean12]

Lol so same knife just a different laser etching lol. I would want one to actually be made in america not just say it.

[@dragonfire3102]

@@hyssean12 that's what I ment make them in the usa

[@daslaundrynazi]

Honestly, who sits down and hits the spine of their folder with that much force in the real world? If i need a hammer, i'll grab a hammer.

[@redfaux74]

I am not surprised at all. I've never seen Benchmade test their products like Cold Steel. I have over 30 knives from Cold Steel and I buy nothing else. I just bought a Rajah ll weeks ago and if felt like Christmas opening that box. I knew I would love it but no idea how much. What an incredible awesome monster. It is my new favorite and will be in my new EDC package. No one beats Cold Steel.

[@sierra659]

Love these

[@sour7786]

U guys make some nice knives. Your warranty sucks tho. I still probably have 4 of your knives. I'm not a big fan of benchmade. but it's a fact they do a better heat treat on there steels. ie. higher hardness. Your guys xhp is so so soft. You guys could definitely bump it up 2 points and I'd like it much better. Ovbs you guys are going for toughness over edge holding but not me

[@SailfishSoundSystem]

Good test. The Contego put up a good fight.

[@frankwoods135]

both knives cut great wtf lol every cold steel knive comes razor sharp and benchmade same

[@littlewoody5539]

Cold steel might have greatEST lock out but all the other knives have better steel then cs and that’s what knife guys look at . Not a lock . Yes I have 3 cs knives .

[@0rgazman]

I want to see TOPS Magnum CQT vs Cold steel. Ah Andrew, what u think ? or are u a GucciBoy

[@kothaelser3282]

Now runnin' outa money, are ya? Don't wanna dang another Medium Espada up, cause you feel with ya knives? Lol

[@AdamasOldblade]

No hate from this comment... I do love Cold Steel, but you are not holding a candle to QA compared to Benchmade and that's why we pay for what we pay for in that brand. I say this as both a Cold Steel and Benchmade fan. Plus I think it's a bit unfair to only test lock strength. No educated person in the knife community is doubting the pure strength of the Tri-Ad lock, but these videos are sometimes disingenuous to every other thing that goes into the building of a knife. I honestly was super happy to see Cold Steel switch to CTS-XHP steel as a move to improve the steels, but just when that happened suddenly these videos pop out? We get that you're showing off a product in order to make money, but these videos are literally only focusing on lock strength and that's it.

[@BlueinanotherLanguage]

+MidnightSundowns That's the point of them, steel is one thing, but lock strength is very crucial. I'll live with the Benchmade having better edge retention or more toughness on the blade, I'll just sharpen mine when I need to and maintain it as I normally do. Cold Steel not only makes knives for hard use but for tactical purposes as well. You want a solid lock on a tactical blade, blade steel doesn't matter much in that department.

[@VireDragon]

They already have many videos on how the blades perform in other ways, cutting, tactical, even throwing none-throwing knives. Why not a video on lock strength too?

[@Kayakwinds]

Lots of different points of views have been expressed. Personally, I find my cold Steel, Recon 1 to be a fine knife that meets all of my needs, and those needs don't really stress it much. However, I recognize that an extreme emergency might require extreme lock strength. And these tests give me a lot of piece of mind. From all that I have seen, the Tri Ad lock is phenomenally strong. And I don'i think that any folding knife can have a lock that is too strong. I certainly don't want to be in an emergency room have my fingers reattached because my folding knife turned into a guillotine. In sum, the importance of lock strength is huge in my mind.

[@ralfbender1728]

Cold Steel Made in Taiwan. If the sell the knives at the same price as the US Made that would only tell you once. That they have a much bigger margin. And in the TV Shop the products always looks good. They use other knives or they sharpen them and what you get is something other much more crap

[@faizadawjee6350]

Cold Steel 4 life. Like if u agree

[@VicariousReality7]

2:40 yup

[@ElonaldTrusk]

Omega springs suck... They fail often, Triad lock springs dont. CS heat treat absolutely SMOKES bm's. Fidget knives are great and i own a few, but i would never trust one like i trust a cs triad lock knife. I edc a decked out deka wharnie in magnacut with OG aluminum scales and a ti lynch clip... As fruitfidgety as it gets!.. But i also carry a recon1 or a voyager. Also, the blacktalon2 while harvesting.... It makes trellis my bitch.

[@ramonanzures9780]

Ide still take my Benchmade if I want a strong knife to do heavy work I'll grab a fixed blade

[@foiwer]

Benchmade Contego can't 360 blaze it

[@billyanderson321]

Wow a cold steel that didn’t break. I wish the ones I bought from the company were as well made. All my cold steel knives have been garbage

[@Dylan-pp5fg]

Fake news, your an angry benchmade fanboy.

[@billyanderson321]

@@Dylan-pp5fg wow a mall ninja clinging to his impulse buy because the “knaf looked kewl”…it’s ok, let it out son

[@EdikFlyer]

У Андрея пистолет за ремнём?)))))

[@leecasseday4424]

Cold steel should use some better blade steels... maybe D2 or S30V

[@leecasseday4424]

+csknives Awesome, I'll check it out.

[@notanundercovercop8851]

I love my AUS8 cold steel knives. It's had excellent corrosion resistance for me and it takes a nice edge easily while simultaneously retaining for for a reasonable amount of time.

[@CD71659]

Since they both had problems I say they both fail

[@keysersoze1537]

It’s funny no knife beats cold steel that’s tested by cold steel🙆🏻‍♂️🤣🤣🤣

[@GxKaM1KaZ3xZ]

There's no way a triad lock beat the axis lock my cold steel knives with triad lock have faild me multiple times but never have my benchmades with the axis locks failed me I would love to see this same tests be done by someone in the KZbin knife community like cutlery lover or anyone else and see if you get the same results cause I call bullshit on the fact that no knife has beaten a cold steel we all know cold steel knives are good but not the best

[@concernedpatriot.2221]

kamikaze cortez benchmade is not conducting any tests, why not ??? if I worked for the marketing dept. at benchmade I would be doing my own test if I thought that cold steel tests were bias but they are not and that's why benchmade doesn't do the same tests or any other tests.

[@amishassassin25]

kamikaze cortez How exactly did your tri ad locks fail? Ive put my Recon 1 through the ringer with no problems......carried it for 3 years and still going strong....hell everyone i hand it to to look at cant close the damn thing

[@solidsnake2112]

amishassassin25 Exactly haha, if I handed my Code4 to anyone they would have trouble closing that thing; it takes an exceptionally strong grip especially when the knife is new. I'd have a hard time seeing any of my Cold Steel knives failing under any condition.. I call bullshit on this guy breaking a Tri-ad lock under normal use; maybe the blade, maybe the handle but not the lock.

[@albi131]

kamikaze cortez Calling massive BS on that. Not that I'm a Cold Steel fanboy or something (I actually own one CS knife and it's not a folder)but I've NEVER EVER seen anybody on the internet who has proved that he broke the Tri-ad.

[@gring55555]

kamikaze cortez When cutlerylover broke his recon notice it wasn't the lock that broke it was the blade back when it used to be aus8a