Edge Holding Endurance Test! Cold Steel Recon I

For 2015 Cold Steel has switched from our classic Japanese AUS8A steel to American CTS XHP steel on many of our folders.
We have also upgraded our black blade coatings from Tuff-Ex to DLC (Diamond Like Coating).
Many of our fans have asked how this will affect performance, so, in true Cold Steel fashion we got rope, knives and a camera, and we put it to the test!
How many shearing "push" cuts will these knives make? Watch this video to find out!
For more information about Cold Steel knives, please visit:
www.coldsteel.com

[@jackr1975]

You guys are awesome! Cold Steel doesn't pussy around with their knives. They are hard users.

[@bladeXdaywalker]

Didn't thought that it'll make such a big difference 😨 Great job - awesome 👍🏻

[@Bobby.Kristensen]

Most intense rope cutting video I've ever seen. Yes, it was indeed my first.

[@thestig007]

CTS XHP is one of my favorite steels. You can tell it has a finer grain to it than some cheaper steel.

[@simonsmallhorne]

I already owned an Aus8 recon 1 and loved it's strength. However, I immediately ordered a CTS one the moment they became available as I knew it was gonna be awesome. I've had mine a while now and it's everything I want in a tactical folder, great steel, great coating, great lock and ergonomics etc. I always buy the tanto versions - just my preference. A lot of reliable dependability for the price! I also own a 7.5" Warcraft Tanto, now that's an awesome fixed blade.

[@TeaInTheTreesbp]

EDC my older Recon 1 w/ tanto blade... now I want this one lol. Wife carries a Code 4, both is AUS8. Best pocket knife I've ever owned, only issue my wife has had is the heavy spring on her Code 4 is hard for her to close one handed. But wtfeva, amazing knives for a great price. Only pocket knife brand I'll trust with my life, your locks just dont fail... period. -Nate

[@TheGreatAK6153]

I wish more knife companies would test their knives in this manner.

[@anthonycastorena9873]

Just wanted.to let y'all know i got my new recon one, and ultimate hunter and absolutely love them both in an indescribable way!! Thank you for upgrading. please please please keep the cold steel verses competition videos coming. We all can't get enough of them!!!

[@BrassBashers]

Love tests like this! Edge retention is a big factor for me when picking knives, one because I'm not all that great at sharpening, and two so you don't have to worry about stopping in the middle if an outdoor project and have to go run somewhere to find a sharpener. Keeps these tests coming!!

[@NKG416]

you right mate,i agree!

[@darrylreformina1438]

That's truly amazing that Carpenters CTS-XHP steel!!! Thank you guys for all of the hard that was put into this test. Stay safe and GOD bless everyone > 🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@sonnygunz9207]

I love my recon 1 xhp knives. The cts-xhp was a good choice for these knives because of the great edge retention it has.

[@renecastro5356]

Notice how they use the first inch or so of the blade to perform the cutting and then they use another section of the blade to shave their arm ;) . Still, that doesn't mean CTS-XHP is a bad steel though, by any means.

[@FastActionBlades]

that's awsome. Great test on what appears to be amazing steel. As impressive as this is, I gotta try the spoon cutting test.

[@itzmaddietherock4773]

love them or hate them, CS makes some bad ass knives for a good price period.

[@user-gn6jd7jm9w]

This is awesome! That is amazing!

[@JZStudiosonline]

Go figure right after I buy my second recon 1 you guys make it better. Damn you, now I'll have to buy it again. Glad you guys finally got rid of the Teflon, that never stayed on.

[@unimatrix82]

Im defiantly impressed with my medium espada in xhp, so far its stayed sharper then my s30v spyderco knife has.

[@hyssean12]

Medium espada rules. I love my polished version that has been discontinued for a few years. Will buy a ctsxhp version soon and swap blades.

[@aaronroberts560]

you guys have finally convinced me, I am going to have to get me a new code 4 with the new steel.

[@bbqboy70]

Good job guys!

[@jawadibrahim2367]

amazing good job cold steel

[@VicariousReality7]

Never have i seen a company make such a dramatic increase in quality concerning materials

[@Springfield_7.62x63mm]

"Our crew were too exhausted to continue" lol

[@Oozy9Millimeetah]

I got my first pm steel knife in 2015 it was cold steel code 4 in CTS-XHP i took that with me on a trip and showed it to my friends i did all kinds of goofy stuff like whack branches off trees and it cut like lazer i also carved wood for hours and did all kinds of cutting just to test it and showed it to my friends how sharp it was after that and it was basically as sharp as it was when i started it was truely one of those omg what kind of voodoo is this, their faces where like 😮.... now after having knives in basically every steel there is and knowing how to get them razor sharp the cts-xhp is still very impressive stuff it takes and wonderful polished edge.

[@Jake6753O9]

Glad they went with this new steel. Although the prices are a dramatic increase, the quality and durability are as well. Worth every penny.

[@Jake6753O9]

I really like the looks of the Recon 1 in OD green.

[@VCBird6]

DLC on Cold Steel knives?! FINALLY!!! 8'D

[@allenlark]

a bold decision to change steel. Awesome edge retention but I'll be buying the old version for ease of sharpening and crack/chip resistant.

[@bibigreen6533]

Still shaving sharp with the unused portion! Amazing!

[@bobwampler3387]

Impressive to say the least

[@constitutionallyconscious165]

I truly enjoyed this test. But I would still like to see a bend test comparing the two. All the way to snapping points. And maybe you guys can formulate some kind of extreme corrosion test after stripping the DLC. Thanks for the comparison.

[@re5pect808]

great!!! cold steel = best knives in The world

[@RazorDsknives]

only one complaint next time you do an edge retention test.cold steel has done a manila test with the old vg 1 xl voyager and did 1000 or more cuts then shaved with the tip which didnt get used. i would tape the edge off after 2 inches and only use and shave with that portion olis thats less wear on your crew. very very happy to see you finally updated to super steels. xhp has twice the carbon, molybdenum and vanadium as well as 2 percent more chrome than aus8.

[@Knifeguy0]

I just saw video on colossus. I want one now and just orderd recon 1

[@constitutionallyconscious165]

I would still like to see a bend test comparing the two. All the way to snapping points. And maybe you guys can formulate some kind of extreme corrosion test after stripping the DLC.

[@veidorje1681]

takes more than rope no matter how many times your go trhough it to screw up an edge i have one of those tanto version and i just love it

[@brooklynemtp589]

Great, this video is going to end up costing me more money then I thought! Not only is the Swift II on my list, but now I'll need to retire my old AK and AK mini models

[@constitutionallyconscious165]

I truly enjoyed this test. But I would still like to see a bend test comparing the two. All the way to snapping points. And maybe you guys can formulate some kind of extreme corrosion test after stripping the DLC.

[@Wrongperson99]

when can we see this steel on the recon 1 on amazon?

[@motivationandtravelchannel4575]

I don't know how they did it nor do I care but they have created the best knives in the world.

[@ronnieboardman1673]

Nice , I'm a believer I just bought a AK47 and two recon 1's with the new steel great knives I'm very happy with them.

[@RockHeiland]

you're not a believer, you're a weapon freak

[@ronnieboardman1673]

Not at all , a knife is a tool used for cutting , yes it can be used as a weapon I use it as a tool for cutting.

[@RockHeiland]

Ronnie Boardman [...] I just bought a AK47 [...] thats the part i am referring to

[@andrewsisneros7995]

Jackass, they make a model called the AK47.

[@Karma8Kami]

I had been wondering about the difference, had to get the new ak-47 when I saw you guys had it in a new steel but gave the old one away before thinking about testing it :p Btw, have you done those copper "cutting" abuse tests and the likes that you did for the originals? Would love to see a comparison on edge damage when you take it that step to far and how it rolls/chips.

[@KnivesGalicia]

Increibleeeee

[@HeavyLiesFromAbove]

Any info on more product testing videos for newer products? Release date perhaps?

[@ivanovfarit]

Hello Andrew. Any liner or frame lock in one day will wear out. Could you tel me about tri-ad lock did you see any tri-ad lock which worn out? Thank you

[@libriasir9406]

Even thou I am huge fan of Cold steel knives, and own some of theme, I can hardly belive that ot was possilbe to do more than 6K cuts. And even less I can belive that it was possible to cut at least something with that knife afterwards. But I like that CS is moving from AUS 8 to something better and i will be waiting when they will upgrade their fixed knives ( specialy recon tanto ). Have a nice day, keep doing a good job.

[@libriasir9406]

I am glad to know that. I will try out your pocket bushman with new CTS BD1 as soon as it will be available in my country.

[@RazorDsknives]

+Libria sir BD1 is american made micro melted steel but the elemental composition, well it is similar to aus8. it will not perform much different in edge holding. it has a tiny bit more carbon and a couple percent more chrome. a quarter percent more moly . looks like a stainless 1095crovan from ka bar

[@libriasir9406]

thx for info, I will know what to expect

[@thegreatmrfu]

so which fixed blade knives will be offered in this steel and finish ? are they available now to purchase ? if not when will they ship out ?

[@kalithorn]

Hello folks, So how does the new steel and coating hold up to the Cold Steel flex test and penetration test of a car hood?

[@manlystuffs4197]

Please do a video of the newer S35VN Recon 1 on rope?

[@dreadfulldimitri]

I have a question. I own Espada xl (yeah,the shiny one),Spartan and I bought 2 Talwars xl as a gift. I was using one of those at work. They were all made of aus8 steel and what I like about that steel is that I can sharpen it fast with my Spyderco Tri-angle sharpener. The speed of sharpening is very important to me because I work with the knives,which means that I dont have time to sharpen it long. Now I would like to get a Talwar xl for me,but my seller (it is a Cold Steel distributor for my country,I buy there because I am sure that I will get the original,while some sellers on ebay had suspicious pics and Im not willing to pay original price for highly possible fake) tells me that he cant acquire me the blade from Cold Steel in aus8 steel. Ok,the knife surely has all of the Cold Steels qualities,but I would like to know how much longer would it take to get sharp? For example,I used Talwar in slicing and filleing (or filleting) fish,and chicken breasts,and slicing pork,beef and turkey meat. The knife was still sharp before sharpening,just not sharp enough for me to work comfortly with it on another 40-50 kilograms of meat. It took me 10,maybe 15 minutes to make it crazy sharp again on that Spyderco sharpener. How long would it take for this steel? Thanx for answers and keep up the good work,Cold Steel ;) Happy Easter to everyone!

[@supersendojarren]

when will you make a testing video of the tactical katana machete?

[@youfooligain6276]

Is it possible that you could do a ballistic gel figures only episode?

[@IbtissamTrabelsi]

edge holding is the important thing for knife

[@charlesbatkin8722]

Damn it, just bought a recon last year, and probably won't replace it till it breaks, and I don't think that is going to happen.

[@Aden-ij6qe]

+Charles Batkin On the good side itll be easier to sharpen

[@joegoogle68]

Can you guys please make the Tanto Lite in cts BD1 or cts XHP? and 4mm blade thickness (from 3mm)?The pocket bushman got the update to cts bd1 from 4116, now it is the Tanto Lites turn!

[@drivingmuffin]

Nice test, but it seemed like you tested the sharpness a little longer out from where most of the cutting were done on the edge. But the fact that you could still cut rope was impressive, though :-)

[@Ts_Evildroid]

Rope Carnage! Nice test. You could make a sleeping bag out of all that fluff!

[@gunnuts82]

Very cool. But my old recon1 resharpens with very minimal effort. How hard is it to sharpen the new steel?

[@Skinnymoose]

gunnuts82 It takes longer than Aus 8 but its not bad at all. 10 minutes from won't shave hair to straight razor scary sharp.

[@bradleymichels8818]

thanks I just wanted to try it out becouse the blade is sharper longer got code 4 other is a recon 1 wish they made one in 1095

[@twistedenjoyment]

will you guys make a video of your new full tang AK 47 field knife ??

[@Vladpryde]

Were the rope shavings donated to the Rescue Mission too? ;)

[@stonefallknives5518]

An edge retention test on a manilla rope is like doing half push ups. Then shaving with an unused portion of the blade is a bit of sleight of hand.

[@dazi1441]

Tats so cool

[@emwu1988]

Did they change the grind to flat ground?

[@Markkrochuk1979]

I am a loyal Cold Steel nut, is there a trade up program to switch from my AUS8 AK-47, Mini AK-47, and Talwar XL?

[@bradleymichels8818]

I got the 1 with Aug steel and like it a lot think I need the new version will but soon

[@notanundercovercop8851]

AUS8 is still and excellent steel. You need to keep in mind you're going to be able to sharpen that AUS8 blade easily all by yourself with any set of decent stones. That new CTS-XHP blades are going to hold an edge longer BUT you're going to need to have a killer set of diamond rods. You're also going to have to spend a long time working the bade on those rods to get a good edge. If you're not an experienced knife sharpener with some very expensive diamond sharpeners. You're pretty much never going to be able to get that edge back to where it was all by yourself.

[@asleepyinsomnia]

why don't you guys ever do edge retention comparison tests against other knives? its always lock strength tests. I want a better KNIFE not a better crowbar. You guys do use xhp now, so you can actually have a chance now (compared to aus8, good choice upgrading steel finally, but still not buying your product, yet)

[@kokadoolem0022]

Well that sucks I just got the ti lite 6 aus8 steel and I was hoping it would be very good quality :(

[@DeepRockRico]

wanted to order a heavy duty sword cain awhile back but they dont seem to sel them in holland

[@guusdejong2523]

Zijn illegaal in nederland :/

[@Kris_Stiletto]

Wow! That is "Super" Steel! Awesome Video! Let's see what CTS-BD1 can do, now... Well done, Cold Steel! Peace, Stiletto :)

[@punisherarmory1382]

Im never with out my cold steel voyager, Cold steel is the only knife company that out does themselves. I dont see any other knife companies doing tests like these. Yep im a CS fan boy =P

[@mattweber1842]

Will you be using this steel in your fixed blade knives?

[@ArcticGator]

Who won the contest? the email link i got shows just the video on your site but not who won.

[@Geowolffe]

Andrew, give these guys a raise and some coffee breaks.

[@hyssean12]

Andrew is a designer that's all he doesn't own the company lol

[@BOOSTEDLASER]

Would like to see one of the new 3v on this same cut test. Also actually take the XHP to dull. Wonder how CS 3v compares to Bradford knives double HT double cryo 3v. ( like Guardian5) How about that test CS? You guys always do a NICE CS knife vs some crap model. Impress us, Bradford Guardian5 3v VS Warcraft or AK47 3v. I broke my last 2 CS knifes. Sent 20+ messages to cust serv and never got an answer back. gave up. Im told the new 3v master hunter and mini pendleton are decent now. Granted my 2 had the older steels. Us marines need to count on out gear, cant have it chip ( BAD) or break under normal use. Semper Fi Gunny ** I must say I LOVE the CS sheath designs. I wish every MFG used a secondary loop/strap. Just fantastic. I love CS design on master hunter and mini pendleton..but after chipping 2 badly and breaking them..im just worried about getting new stuff. I got stuffed on my last 2. guarntee is useless if nobody ever answers the Emails or phones. **props for using all these new "super steels" now CS !

[@jonathangarzon2798]

Does this come in tanto?

[@bladeXdaywalker]

Is there a huge difference between the BD-1- and XHP-Steel?

[@bladeXdaywalker]

+csknives thanks for your quick response!

[@glytch5]

what is strange is... for me your cts xhp immediately rolls up when doing my cutting chores, even micro chips while your AUS8A holds up better, not to mention re sharpening of the aus8a and touch ups are much easier... I actually really dislike your cts xhp, it is clearly the steel of choice for rope though. Literally one cut with my bran new code 4 in cts into cardboard and it micro chipped, even after a re sharpening. Edge retention is so objective!

[@philliplee6423]

Sure, CTS-XHP and the triad lock are great but twice I've emailed you guys and haven't heard back. Maybe customer service needs an upgrade...

[@termooh6654]

Well crap. I got the old one and now I've got this burning passion to get the new one, and they're not cheap knives.

[@DanceForMe13]

Boy am I glad I don't work at Cold Steel! Hahaha! Cool to watch though! Keep it up!

[@davidsalvador6031]

Awesome! But please, guys, answer my emails about when will the Special Edition Hold Out I will be released (the coyote and olive one), I want to try this new steel but I want to do it on my favorite blade, the Hold Out one!!! I am really, really looking forward to see this special edition pop up somewhere, but it doesn't. A little info would be appreciated. Thanks One of your loyal customers from Spain

[@davidsalvador6031]

Yeah, but there is a special edition Hold Out I right? Maybe Knifecenter will have them? Please i need to know since they're the only Cold Steel dealer who can ship them to Europe. And I've asked them for months if they're gonna have this Hold Outs. They don't want to tell me, or so it seems.

[@davidsalvador6031]

Could CS Customer service email me when there is any more info on these? I asked them many times but they still haven't replied. Thanks.

[@jackrock1313]

Extreme rope cutting cold steel style

[@harveybeekerthegreysquirre8262]

bad ass

[@scriplev]

Я впечатлён! Жаль, что ножи в этой стали более не производятся!

[@kokadoolem0022]

How well does the aus8 do?

[@kokadoolem0022]

Nvm I just saw that the test it in the vid

[@Hallasan5]

I'm a Cold Steel fan and I liked the video, but the editing seems like there was a potential to cheat during the testing. Specifically, when you cut to each scene. Compared to straight speeding up, like the video of you guys cut through miles of cardboard with the Master Hunter, I think this video looks more polished, but less believable. Just thought that the video editing was worth noting

[@febed01]

Nice :)

[@702CitizenArmory]

Can I trade in my AUS8 Cold Steels to upgrade ? :) Just got the new Swift I with the CTS XTP and couldn't be happier !!

[@fredgarvin4482]

702CitizenArmory for real. i dont know why they ever made em with that aus8 crap. my recon 1 cant hold edge to save its life

[@user-vj5qz1gn9m]

Линн молодец !!!

[@cuvkiller]

Damn, I wish I knew about this knife before I bought my recon 1. I would have spent the $40 more for a way better version than before. And I'm sad that my Large espada isn't even sharp anymore, I barely used the damn thing, I never put it under rough tests or anything and the thing isn't super sharp anymore. I expected it to last a while for being a $140 knife (amazon of course) How can I get my knives back to how they came, my sharpener is the spyderco sharpmaker and it's been pretty good to me.

[@cuvkiller]

***** Oh, that's great, thanks for the info! :D

[@nemanume]

Where are the cold steel products made ? ..

[@eddieking2976]

That looks like one hell of a workout. For the guys I mean :-)

[@user-fg8fe8ip8f]

where i can buy this Polo shirt with CSK logo?

[@donovansuh3747]

wait, so even the old steel managed to cut thick manilla rope 1408 times? Or is it 148 and you wrote it wrong? Holy shit.

[@vincentvdh9]

So basically: the edge lasts longer than the stamina of the handler? Epic!

[@notanundercovercop8851]

They had several dudes taking turns, didn't they? The stamina of several men. They gang banged that knife and it was only asking for more when it was all over.

[@beastmode_23gaming32]

are you selling in philippines

[@EarthAlien51]

Hey you can buy them on ebay for a good price! Ive seen a seller called outfittercountry he sends them for free!

[@lifestorysmoto3729]

Kids in Africa could have eaten that rope

[@lifestorysmoto3729]

Lmao

[@romeomotorider]

LifeStory's Moto yeeaa funy kids need to be feed and are jk fffuny will u eat that?

[@allardbuurman8974]

looks like yout worst day at work so far for you guys, cutting that much rop, well done

[@muhammeddemir4310]

I hope you will make a Turkish yataghan sword.

[@Darklore-Dispatch]

No, nobody care about turkish sword.

[@muhammeddemir4310]

I didn't ask you your opinion .ignorant.

[@basbas63]

Eh man, a code for with this steel is 150 euros in my country. Never mind, I will keep my AUS8A Code 4 :P Performs nice enough, easy to sharpen.

[@nigelnaicker7948]

what is the cheapest knife that has this new steel?

[@enthymeme4856]

***** Wrong. The large voyagers in CTS XHP is around 50 dollars with the new steel, and the code 4 is around 70. On Amazon of course.

[@Karma8Kami]

Jay Vee You can't expect a company to list a second retailer when asked for prices though, that's just bad business, but google tend to be a consumers friend for the most part ^^

[@enthymeme4856]

***** My bad. The cheapest cts xhp is the Hold Out 3.

[@andregross7420]

+Jay Vee (MrTectonicFusion) So you like knives as well as e30's!

[@enthymeme4856]

Andre Gross lol?

[@trevordelarosa3599]

and this is why when i need a knife that'll be there for me through it all i buy cold steel