Boycotting Cold Steel Knives

worst customer service on the planet

[@CalvinMorris-cf8jk]

it takes years and years to build your reputation and only 5 seconds to lose it.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@CalvinMorris-cf8jk facts

[@LXT43]

How do they loose reputation because some idiot threw their folding knife into a tree and the tip bend. Try harder DonnieB fanboy.

[@CalvinMorris-cf8jk]

@@LXT43 kiss my butt CUPCAKE and go play with your junk knives don't hurt yourself man.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@LXT43 they gained popularity from some round guy showing you they can stab through car hoods

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@LXT43 they lose reputation because of things like, sorry, its impossible to transfer you to a supervisor. Not standing behind a product says a lot about that product. They expect failures.500 knives get thrown, 1 bends and morons like you says it bent because it was thrown. I guess the rest were made of different stuff

[@deniskozlowski9370]

Even Chinese made Rough Rider has a no questions asked return policy. Cold Sterl needs to step up.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@deniskozlowski9370 imagine that

[@ronalddunne3413]

They need to change their name- or maybe WE should change it for them- from "Cold Steel" to- "cold stool".. 🤣

[@davidjacobs828]

​@@DonnieBAllDay My 15 year old ti lite is great ....

[@Herpetile]

Rough riders rock

[@marccarson7620]

Where is this RR policy, how do you activate it...I reached out to seller and they sent me to a WordPress contact form on the RR site...nothing heard back.

[@stonefox9124]

Company trend -Lets get rich by making a great product. Later -Lets get richer by cuttering corners but charge the same. Down fall 👎

[@W4RM4T]

Part of it was the selling of Cold Steel to GSM Outdoors. They also bought SOG Knives.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@stonefox9124 sadder, they made them worse and raised the prices

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@MetalMelee the buyout doesn't matter if the company backs the product

[@FerociousSniper]

That is almost every single company. I've only come across a handful who've gotten better as their reputation grew.

[@debbiestclair4182]

Unfortunately this is becoming atrue reality, pay more get less corporate greed syndrome

[@igoryurkin9038]

GSM is garbage,no Lynn-no quality control.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@igoryurkin9038 I had some poor quality then too, but worse now

[@lanius9]

Old ones was much better. Got only one shit quality back then and it was recon tanto, blade was super soft.

[@adamkane7513]

Cold Steel would not have been a successful company if they started out with their _current_ standard of quality & customer service. They have definitely got worse. They used to be one of the best.

[@radusnyder4341]

Same factory, specs and build but no QC from GSM. ​@@adamkane7513

[@mrblaque215]

It’s so sad. I had been a Cold Steel customer since 2004. In the past two years I’ve noticed a serious decline in their products and their customer support. The worse was when I had to wait an entire month to get a new extendable baton. They made me wait 2 weeks to report it lost even though the tracking said it was still waiting in their factory. And when I finally asked for my money back, they magically found it somewhere in shipping 🤦‍♂️

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@mrblaque215 imagine that

[@RHACOREBERS]

when i found out he sold the company i bought all my favorite CS knives cuz i knew the company would go to shit and for the most part it has :(

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@RHACOREBERS down the drain

[@Xfaction1111]

To any newer knife guys: if it looks like a gas station knife, it is. Price doesn’t matter. Knives are tools buy the tool you need in the price you want.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

I brought the XL Espada to Afghanistan. Used it and it was good. This was not

[@FerociousSniper]

​@@DonnieBAllDay I carried a proguard that I got at a going-out-of-business sale on my plate carrier. They used to make great stuff.

[@tonnywildweasel8138]

That is SO disapointing. They shoot themselves in the foot with that foolish attitude.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@tonnywildweasel8138 100%

[@apex_alchemy_knives]

If your wanting to verify those heat treat concerns ...send em to your boy. I'll test em for free. 😎

[@DonnieBAllDay]

I think I'm going to put it in my forge

[@apex_alchemy_knives]

@@DonnieBAllDay okay, but offer stands. I have a rockwell tester. You could put it in the forge afterwards lol.

[@donjuanmckenzie4897]

​​@DonnieBAllDay you should get it tested though because if Cold Steel has a manufacturing problem with heat treating it should be known

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@donjuanmckenzie4897 I already sent it to him

[@mikemoore1432]

@@apex_alchemy_knivesDo you sharpen knives too? I have a quite carry waypoint with vanex superclean and that’s the only knife I have that I can’t get sharp, Don’t know why, Just curious, I have asked a couple of different channels that I watch about sharpening and I never get a reply back from them

[@ragin2490]

To tell the truth, I have noticed the quality of Cold Steel going down every since they discontinued the "Carbon V5" steel.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@ragin2490 fact

[@RiderOftheNorth1968]

My only Cold Steel is a gen1 SRK. That is a decent knife. Since then: No thanks, i have enough garbage in the bin already!

[@Teufel_Resen]

I had the Kobun and Recon Tanto all through my time as a pre and post 9/11 Marine, both Carbon V. I’ve only had a small push dagger since and tossed it after the sheath kept failing. They’re junk and Tops has been my go to company since.

[@donjuanmckenzie4897]

​@Teufel_Resen lolololol Tops??? One of the worst companies around. Every Tops knife has failed spectacularly on JoeX's channel

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@donjuanmckenzie4897 Joe isn't a knife guy. He simply tries to break knives, then foolish followers believe the crap they see. Tops has the single best differential heat treat in the business. Their knives will last 100 lifetimes if used as knives. If someone smashed an infants head with a mallet, people like you would say, that guy only has stupid kids.

[@thomasmusso1147]

This happens when the 'Bean Counters' take over.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

facts

[@billh.1940]

Well then send me some beans.

[@meanwileinthedesert..2320]

Public announcement, gsm also owns SOG knives.. soon both sog and cold steel will be synonymous with Smith & Weston...

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@meanwileinthedesert..2320 Smith at least shoots straight

[@BruteForce.]

lol

[@ferlottes]

Exactly

[@just9911]

They bought out SOG but it seems they must be using a different Taiwanese OEM as their quality has gone up. I recently got a chance to mess with a Terminus XR (one of the newer ones after they changed the pocket clip), Vision XR, and their altair XR (their bugout competitor) - they were very impressive. Their assisted knives are all crap though, but that’s been the case for years.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@just9911 I got a good SOG recently. The good folder with micarts scales. I hate the feel of the GRN

[@Sora2529]

Their swords surprised me. I had the 1830 Napoleon sword and was gently testing its cutting capability on those bow and arrow targets the foam kind and the blade broke in half as soon as I did that! The sharp part of the sword that broke nearly hit me!

[@DonnieBAllDay]

Wow! THats nuts

[@danzigrulze5211]

Ever since they sold out to GSN, I just gave up on them. I already had everything I would ever want out of the company. Considering that Andrew Demko created almost all of the knives that I had from Cold Steel, he is my new go to for new knives. Really can't wait for him to start shipping out his new AD10 with the enhanced Triad Lock.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@danzigrulze5211 Demko is awesome

[@BruteForce.]

me too

[@hendrikvanleeuwen9110]

Proper heat treatment is the most expensive part of making a mass produced knife, and the easiest to cheat on since you cant see the difference when buying it.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@hendrikvanleeuwen9110 thats true

[@calvinjones1365]

Im just curious is that knife meant for throwing some of these high end knives only have certain applications they can be effectively used for im not saying ur wrong i was just wondering myself

[@DonnieBAllDay]

90% of the knives I throw aren't made for throwing. This is the one that bent

[@noapologizes2018]

Dude, if they are that bad, how did you come about buying three of their knives ? After the first knife failed, I would not take another chance on them.

[@eatonknass247]

Because cold steel used to have a stellar reputation on all fronts. Indestructible knives, great prices, great customer service. They spent decades earning the benefit of the doubt. They always pulled through and made it right, quickly.

[@noapologizes2018]

@@eatonknass247 O.K. I guess legacy does deserve a second chance. But only one Mulligan.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

I get paid to review knives. Not just some knives

[@jnzupka]

Damn They really went downhill

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@jnzupka yup

[@jnzupka]

@@DonnieBAllDay it sucks because I had some good experiences with their customer service a couple of years ago

[@Mortem_Tyrannis_24]

Folding knives are already broken! Fine for opening cute little Amazon packages. 😂😂😂

[@DonnieBAllDay]

Hahaha!

[@BodiDelgrosse]

Guess all the older knives are going to shoot even more up in price now.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

already seeing it

[@pistolpete4991]

glad you finally did a video on it! Hopefully someone there sees it.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@pistolpete4991 they dont care

[@TinmansCorner]

Oh man Donnie I am sorry to hear that you are having problems with the Cold Steel knife company. So far, the Cold Steel knives that my dad bought are holding up pretty good. One of my "I wish I had knives" was the Natchez bowie, but I am afraid of purchasing one of them now. If it breaks, they probably wouldn't replace it. Thanks for letting not only me but the rest of us knife guys know.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@TinmansCorner the Natchez has been a problem with them

[@TinmansCorner]

@@DonnieBAllDay It's really that bad, well I might as well not get one now. Imagine if there walking sticks are bad as well.

[@bigradz8246]

Thanks for the video brother, was going to purchase one, not anymore. Any opinions on the 4 Max Scout?

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@bigradz8246 i have an Italian made regular 4 Max thats awesome. The Scout I hear is good. Just get get an older one

[@monomarino5349]

So where to go now for outrageously large wall ornaments?

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@monomarino5349 haha! Good question

[@michaelyoung5298]

Midgard messer

[@robbysullivan1154]

I'm definitely hearing you on the customer service. I ordered one of the limited edition titanium Ad10's from the Cold Steel website over two and a half weeks ago. It was in stock when I ordered it, and they took the payment from my bank account. Well, a week went by, and there was no update on shipping. So I called customer service and was told that they would have to get answers from higher management, and placed on hold. When she returned she said that no one was available and someone would contact me later that evening. Never happened. So I called again a couple days later. I was told that they were out of stock and would get more middle of July and someone would contact me to see if I wanted to wait or get a refund. Again no reply. I finally called back again today to confirm the date and was now told it would now be July 30. And from now on if I want to place an order to call them to confirm its in stock before I purchase it. I'm not going to say that I won't purchase another Cold Steel. But I guarantee it won't be from their site.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

Thats exactly them

[@byronkennedy7912]

I do like the knives that I have from Cold Steel ... but I have heard multiple complaints about their CS. Thanks for the share of your experiences, DBAD. There is NO EXCUSE for poor/no heat treatment of the steel.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@byronkennedy7912 exactly

[@normlizer]

Thanks for the heads up. I will spend my money on other knife companys. Whats your thoughts on OKC knives?

[@Professionalobserver1]

If OKC knives give him free stuff. He will probably say they are great! 😂💯

[@DonnieBAllDay]

OKC made quality blades. FIt and finish is never great, but thy can be hammered on

[@onesky8647]

This really sucks. I've been holding off buying new CS knives for a while now since LT sold off the company. Not because I'm so smart, but because their pricing of their new big blades went through the roof. The Mayhem being one of them, not to mention the Jimi Slash Competition Chopper. I don't know who they are trying to appeal to, but it's definitely not their base.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@onesky8647 exactly!

[@ronalddunne3413]

Their prices on the knives I like sure did go thru the roof! That's when I backed off of them... And prices are one thing IF THE QUALITY AND SERVICE had remained good- but alas they haven't. I can't help but think that this review by DBAD is gonna hurt them cash flow-wise!

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@ronalddunne3413 lessons learned

[@omarcorrea1996]

I was never interested in the Mayhem design, but it is still disappointing to hear that GSM is making things worse. They also own SOG knives.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@omarcorrea1996 ruining one company at a time

[@larryroberts3598]

I tried to order a "securex" replacement sheath for an older carbon v srk and got ignored. Nice service huh? Been hearing a lot of bad reviews of late. One guy broke a brand new Republic fixed blade and they refused to honor the warranty

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@larryroberts3598 they're terrible

[@bullridermusic2054]

Damn so you're saying the Bolo Machete I have is garbage from them? I thought it was gonna be good, but I should have known the price was so low.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@bullridermusic2054 never know. It might be great. Not fun when its a 50/50 chance

[@3vil3lvis]

A better way to straighten a bent knife is to put it in a bench vise with two screwdrivers on one side and one screwdriver on the other. In this way you can bend the knife anywhere along the blade by repositioning the screwdrivers.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@3vil3lvis still would need a new heat treat. I was just hoping theyd honor their product... nope

[@3vil3lvis]

@@DonnieBAllDay Fun Fact: This straightening trick was from a video in which the blade warped during heat treatment.

[@icallgreens]

We all knew this was going to happen after the company sold. Lynn should have saved face by abandoning the company all together instead of sticking around to help the new owners sell products with his presence.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

facts

[@BladeObssession]

That's a shame that their customer service sucks now. All I can say is that I'm glad that I can't and don't throw knives worth a shit

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@BladeObssession hahaha! Theres that

[@BladeObssession]

@@DonnieBAllDay I am glad that most all of my CS knives were purchased before Lynn left

[@BladeObssession]

I just bought the 4 Max Scout and it's pretty solid. I don't think it would be that easy to bend the tip on it​@@DonnieBAllDay

[@SubUrbanOutdoors-no2kp]

Yo , sorry to hear that! Congrats on the 100k milestone! Keep up the great content!

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@SubUrbanOutdoors-no2kp thanks!

[@vinceb4380]

Never abuse your Tools! 😂

[@DonnieBAllDay]

If they can start making them as good as Harbor Freight....

[@jimbusmaximus4624]

I've been done with them since they switched out the 01 tool steel for 4034 budget steel and put a premium sticker on it.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@jimbusmaximus4624 facts

[@chrishall9208]

Wow what an experience to have when you can relate this information to How many people that respect your reviews and information. I’m glad you brought this to light as I don’t think I want to purchase from them now. Thanks

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@chrishall9208 im done with them

[@TheWtfnonamez]

Cold Steel are the Ikea of knives. There .... I said it. Sometimes you get something great at a really low price, sometimes you pay mid or high range prices and get a turd.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

facts

[@coleenmccrory9018]

That's a shame! That blade shape on that folder is cool damn shame!

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@coleenmccrory9018 fo sho

[@David_DY]

Word gets out quick!!! They will definitely lose business over their CS BS!! Hate that happened to ya..Know you really liked the design!!! Positive side is you saved alot of people money!!! 👊🏻

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@David_DY 100%

[@TaqiyyaorMudarat]

What steel is that on that mayhem?

[@DonnieBAllDay]

AUS8A I believe

[@PaulAkers-fj2in]

Not justifying Benchmade prices, but wondering if the extra costs come from departments that are needed in such large companies

[@DonnieBAllDay]

just greed

[@barrybaldwin5535]

It probably doesn't apply, but my favorite line from "Van Halen" is, "The only thing that stays the same, is CHANGE"! I'm 74 & I'm ashamed to admit how many models of the original "Cold Steel" cutlery & other "Special Projects" items I own & have never had a problem with any of them. Lucky me!!! Wait, I've got another one, "It's an ever changing World in which we're living"!!!

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@barrybaldwin5535 makes me give it a cry.... live and let die

[@LonestarTaoboy]

If you want Cold Steel, "You've got to bleed for it baby". Ain't talking bout love. 33 different models and still going strong.

[@ChuRock-kb5mf]

So freaking true thank you my brother they used to be a good knife but production now is garbage I will never waste a cent on any cold steel products a company that can't stand behind it's own product isn't worth our hard earned cash ,

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@ChuRock-kb5mf exactly

[@BareArms8]

This just killed me. I just bought one off Amazon although on sale for 125.00. That's still a lot of money. Better avoid them from now on

[@Tier1GearEDCReviews]

I thought the Mayhem felt like one of those large friction folders on Forged In Fire… Just a g10 and steel sandwich. I can totally see why it’s $139 on Amazon

[@davidcalimag8992]

This is a crying shame. I have been a fanboy since the 80's. You were generous to even give them a 2nd chance. Can't say I would buy from them again after hearing this.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

downhill fast

[@cafeqc3793]

oh my god, dude... what happened to you - you've lost so much weight

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@cafeqc3793 and Im sure as hell not looking for it

[@Stans_Collectors_Universe]

I seen on another reviewer the tip of a Mayhem break right off. Don't know if Cold Steel replaced it or not. I really want a Mayhem, but now I just don't know. Thanks for sharing, have a great Independence Day and God bless.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@Stans_Collectors_Universe might not be worth the issues

[@stonefox9124]

Man. I wanted this knife bad but for some reason my gut told me no...

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@stonefox9124 smart gut

[@harolddavis4138]

The warranty clearly states: Don't be a "Donnie B". Donnie B will not be honored, we've seen his videos. 😂 Seriously, this is sad news as I have a large Cold Steel Collection. I just purchased another "Black Bear Classic" from them. That's an expensive knife. I won't be spending my money with Cold Steel any longer, after seeing this. There are plenty of really great knife brands that are no risk. Heck, even Rough Rider honors their knives.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@harolddavis4138 oh snap! I didnt read the fine print! Haha

[@hillbillyfromtheswamp6223]

I gave up on Cold steel when they sold to GSM. Will never buy another

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@hillbillyfromtheswamp6223 Im with you

[@punisher288]

But wich knife company would still be the best atm then if it goes about quality controle and service? ​@@DonnieBAllDay

[@Kris_Stiletto]

I had a similar issue when I purchased a Set of XL Talwars when GSM, Cold Steel, first brought them back. They would go into, what I call, Fixed Blade Mode. It was almost impossible to unlock the Blade when opened. GSM, Cold Steel wouldn't let me send them in for repair or replacement. This was a Factory Defect. They should of handled it. I ended up figuring out how to fix them, after giving up on GSM, Cold Steel's Customer Service. The problem was the Stop Pin. It was too small. It was 5.97mm thick and needed to be 6.22mm thick. I swapped the Stop Pin from one of my Original AUS-8A Talwar's; it had the 6.22mm thick Stop Pin in it... So, they didn't make them exactly like the Original XL Talwar. The way GSM, Cold Steel's, New Customer Service treated me, well, it turned me off. The Original Cold Steel Customer Service in Ventura, CA always took care of any problems I had. Their Customer Service used to be Top-Notch. GSM, needs to back their Products. My experience turned me off and I started trying other products from other Companies. Sorry to hear about what happened to you, Bro. :-( Myself, I still like to use and carry my Cold Steel Blades. But, I don't have a lot of luv for their Customer Service. I hope my Mayhems are okay. I modded one and use it. When I recieved my first one, I noticed that it didn't have a reinforced Blade Tip and that the tip looked fragile to me. So, I don't stress the Blade Tip. Also, the one I modded wasn't a easy one to polish. So, I know it was heat treated... The Steel is hard. And, m8ne is holding it's edge and is razor sharp. Like you, I think the design of this one is a lot of fun. I have three Mayhems, the Limited and two AUS-10A Models. I absolutely luv mine. It's like a Pirate's Pocket Knife... :-) I bought my AUS-10A Mayhems from MidwayUSA.com; they were only $135 a piece. The Mayhem is a very Heavy Folder with a weak, unreinforced Blade Tip, that's why I think yours bent. Actually, I am sort of surprised it didn't snap the tip of the Blade off... A Blade Tip, like what's on the Mayhem, can not handle lateral stress. It would be stronger vertically. That's why I always pay attention to how the Blade is ground. Not all Knives are made to withstand throwing. Especially, heavy Knives without reinforced Blade Tips. But, regardless, GSM, Cold Steel needs to back their products, especially, against Factory Defects. :-( Peace, Stiletto :-)

[@DonnieBAllDay]

I threw that cheap ass Kudu. No bending. Just sad

[@Kris_Stiletto]

@@DonnieBAllDay I totally believe you Bro! The Kudu doesn't weigh anything so it would most likely not stress out the Blade Tip... I know Japanese AUS-10A Stainless Steel is more brittle than Japanese AUS-8A Stainless Steel. That's the reason why it holds a better edge than Japanese AUS-10A Stainless Steel. Myself, if I would've designed the Mayhem, I would've given it a reinforced Blade Tip like Cold Steel used to always do... And, I would've used CPM-3V for one of it's Blade Steel options. Japanese AUS-10A can be brittle like Japanese VG-10 Stainless Steel. That's why I find it kind of surprising that your Tip bent and you were able to almost bend it back without snapping the Blade Tip... Perhaps, yours wasn't correctly tempered... When Joe X did a destruction Video on th e Mayhem, his Japanese AUS-10A Mayhem snapped the Tip and Blade Edge and finally the Blade. It looked like it was too highly tempered to the point of brittleness... The part I liked in his Video was how well the Atlas-Lock held up. That's what made me want the Mayhem! I still absolutely luv my Mayhem. I just won't be abusive with the Blade Tip. It is one very fun Blade to own! :-) The Mayhem, in my opinion, is a very Intimidating and Sinister and Sexy looking Folder; I absolutely luv it! But, it's not a Woodcrafter or Camp Folder or Survival Folder or Utility Folder, no, to me; it's a Folding Fighter! :-) For that, the Mayhem is a Beast, even with an "Unreinforced" Blade Tip. GSM, Cold Steel, should redesign the Blade Tip and make it strong enough to handle the weight of the Mayhem, if thrown or stabbed into something hard... Personally, I hope Cold Steel makes more, lighter, Atlas-Lock, Mega Folders. Right on, Bro! Keep up the great Videos you make. I always enjoy watching your Videos. I, too, was very upset with GSM Customer Service. I made several Videos on my funky experience with GSM Customer Service. I still buy and use Cold Steel Knives. But, I do so cautiously. And, I never expect GSM to be a "Good" Customer Service. To me, the quality is about the same. And, some of the New GSM, Cold Steel Knives have been better functioning than the Old Models, that's been my experience. But, it's so sad what GSM did to the Cold Steel Customer Service... I feel your pain Brother! :-) Peace, Stiletto :-)

[@campsitez2355]

i watched the joex video on that knife. let me know what you're selling it for.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

I think I'm just going to dismantle it and give it a proper heat treat in my own forge

[@chrisdyck6524]

I also believe that Cold Steel prints a description on the packaging that for certain knives, leverage or impact loads are not included in the warranty agreement.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

to void a warranty, all you need to do is chop wood. Makes you feel good about all those camp knives

[@chrisdyck6524]

@DonnieBAllDay that doesn't work with outdoor knives, they have to be able to withstand chopping stress. I agree with you there.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@chrisdyck6524 there way of not having to legally stand behind their products

[@jtr109]

Throwing it likely voids the warranty.

[@Professionalobserver1]

Well done sir. You can read between the lines. Most people just parrot nonsense! #Cheerleaders

[@LXT43]

yes it does. Cold Steel never told him it's ok to throw this folder into the tree but he does it, damages the tip of the blade and goes on you tube to badmouth the company. More on.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

its not about them not standing by their product as much as it was about them saying its impossible to be transferred to a supervisor and at that point, that had no knowledge of how it bent, just that it bent. Defend that...

[@jtr109]

Maybe they saw the video of you throwing it? They definitely have now. The point is that YOU knew that you caused the damage by throwing it and that it was outside of what it covered by the warranty. No folder is designed for throwing. If you throw a $300 folder at a tree and bend it, that’s kinda on you. Also, you’re damn lucky that the point only bent and didn’t snap off. AND you were able to bend it back. Heat treat might be better than you think if the knife survived your abuse.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@jtr109 the vid went up after they made the claim that its impossible to be transferred and after they claimed credit card records aren't proof of purchase. Really sad that, that kind of business is being defended more than the American buyer

[@tomritter493]

That's what hapoend to my srk no heat treat never held an edge kabar is pretty bad too

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@tomritter493 I agree

[@garageman_]

I have an O1 trailmaster that ive used as my main knife for years and the hand guard got loose on it, so i reached out to the company and asked if there was any way to repair it and i got absolutely nothing back. Also i bought the 1917 bowie is a replacement and it came duller than a butter knife. RIP coldsteel

[@DonnieBAllDay]

they really went to $hit

[@WhAtEvErYoUsAyIaM]

Last cold steel I bought was the dropped forged survivalist and it’s bad ass I’ve been chopping tree branches down left and right in my yard and I bought the knife cuz of your review so thanks but when did CS sell there company?

[@DonnieBAllDay]

Thats a great knife. The sale was last year maybe?

[@WhAtEvErYoUsAyIaM]

@@DonnieBAllDay that’s crazy they were my favorite knife company can’t believe they sold CS out like that

[@TheSogGrunt]

GSM bought SOG last year or so and same bad customer service.Not fond of SOG knives they have come out with.Needless to say I’ve only bought one SOG and that was from ACE hardware when I was in there.Im done with SOG because of GSM🔪👍

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@TheSogGrunt I only bought 1 as well

[@Herpetile]

They bought Camillus too :/

[@Jimmy-gd5ho]

My last 2 CS were dull as fuck. I mean it took me 5 mins to sharpen but.. Fart! Also broke 2 of my Sure flight sports knives in half. If only TOPS made some of the ColdSteel models we'd be in business

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@Jimmy-gd5ho exactly!

[@airiksknifereviews9548]

Love my Tops blades, I've never had issues with their heat treat. I always reprofile them, though, cause they are a bit too thick for woodwork. That's how I know the steel is good , I freaking love my Tanimboca Puukko , keeps a wicked edge .

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@airiksknifereviews9548 best dif heat treat in the business

[@RoyalWulffDry]

Man o man I feared this was gonna happen. Back in the day when Lynn would star in all the magazine ad's, like the classic "Bring your 1911 for backup", I bought one of the early master tantos, broke it, called CS and got a new one, for free, in the mail a week later. Them days are long gone.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@RoyalWulffDry looooonnnng gone

[@arturravenbite1693]

Need more people making big tactical folders with some kind of "not" tri-ad lock

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@arturravenbite1693 we do need better options

[@DukeTolgo]

Unrealistic bro.The Mayhem is not a throwing blade.It’s a people slasher. I’m not gonna boycott just yet but I will say NEVER spend more than $200 on any cold steel regardless of metal type.I have a couple high end fixed blades that have bad grinds and uneven tips.$300 + blades should be flawless in build quality. Never overpay by buying direct from cold steel.Get them much cheaper from Midway.

[@Herpetile]

Midway is an awful company too

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@DukeTolgo the Harbor Freight 10 dollar knife isn't a thrower either. No damage. Neither are any of the other folders Ive thrown with zero damage. Its not about what its not, its about what it is. Why should a slasher get a free pass on a bad heat treat?

[@mikeappleget482]

I bought 3 Cold Steel knives from Amazon last year and they were all 🔥with awesome heat treats. I got the Code 4, Recon 1, & 4-Max Scout.

[@DukeTolgo]

@@DonnieBAllDay Is it a bad heat treat or throwing it into a tree is the problem.I love you Donnie but sometimes we gotta take the blame for our mistakes.If that blade got bent slashing or stabbing some meat I’d be right on board with you.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@DukeTolgo Brother man, when have you seen me bend another the same way? Cheap, expensive, flat, saber or hollow. The rest survived. So did I simply get lucky on 500 other knives or is this just bad? Lynn made sales by taking knives just like this and stabbing them through car hoods to show how strong they are. A short toss into a soft tree is the limit?

[@siegfriedwashburn3484]

CRKT is better. Agree with you for sure!

[@igoryurkin9038]

CRKT don’t make knives this size.

[@kenpoorman5945]

My edc is the crkt M16 fixed blade. Great knife for protection. A pocket folder does the normal tasks.

[@siegfriedwashburn3484]

@@kenpoorman5945 M16 its a legend! 😀 Jealous, but in positive view point 👍😉

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@siegfriedwashburn3484 I have a CRKT chopper tha is amazing

[@Ve-suvius]

CRKT Hissatsu fixed blade. Killer in no disguise.

[@cris-tiada]

Thanks Donnie ! I didn’t even know that grown men actually bought Cold Steel knives. I bought my first CS when I was 15 and my second and last one when I was 17.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@cris-tiada the 4max isnt a childs knife

[@scottf.3808]

That is a bummer and they do have some gems but what good is a gem if it is not backed up....Nice share....Good stuff.....

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@scottf.3808 exactly!

[@JasonIsaac-wh9km]

Seems you’d stop giving them money after two bent knives. Who cares what a knife looks like if you keep having issues, just saying

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@JasonIsaac-wh9km I review knives. Done with theirs though

[@mikewalsh5872]

That sucks, Donnie. Sorry….When I saw the Mayhem, I fell in love. I foolishly told my nephew about it and he bought me the Limited Edition Mayhem for Christmas a couple years ago. My blade if fine. Everything about it is perfect. But….that certainly doesn’t invalidate what happened to you. I’ve heard these stories, quite literally, for decades. I never disbelieved them but always took the advice about caution with them as good advice. It’s a big company and when moneys on the line, shady shit happens. And when Cold Steel got bought out, the first thing I thought was, “Oh….this is gonna be bad.” And it seems I, and many others, were right. In many cases, it’s because we’re spoiled, I think. I mean, all of us has the knife that we got from a small independent blade smith and it’s perfect. A brilliant design, quality materials and an artist who cares….he sees something flawed and rather than letting it skate by, he fixes it. Corporate America doesn’t quite deal with things like that these days. Anyway….again, sorry you had a shitty experience with them. I’ll probably back off on them as well even while I love my Mayhem…..

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@mikewalsh5872 I wanted to be able to love mine

[@mikewalsh5872]

@@DonnieBAllDay Yeah…..life in the big knife production game, I guess. I’m thinking my next purchase will be that beauty you designed. That magnificent Trench Knife! Saw that thing and my balls tingled…..lol

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@mikewalsh5872 that things a killer

[@qparxiii]

Thank You! Joe X just broke their leatherneck like it was nothing. It shattered at the tip test.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

people are waking up

[@christhompson4788]

What’s the baked steel on that mayhem

[@DonnieBAllDay]

aus 8

[@augustus63]

Agree

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@augustus63 smart. Haba

[@117rebel]

When I first got a Natchez Bowie many years before CS was bought by GSM it came with the tip folded back on itself 180 degrees. Sent it back and they sent me a new one. Years later I bought a 1917 Bowie and it came dull. But all my other CS knives have been good.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@117rebel a lot of soft tips

[@DickGozinya-zl2bd]

Thanks for the warning. I too, was lusting for the Mayhem & probably would have gotten one someday. Think I'll stick with Spartan Blades & Topps Knives as they have never let me down.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

smart

[@Hudson4426]

I’ve emailed them twice about getting a new clip for a knife and no one emailed me back

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@Hudson4426 thats them 100%

[@pnwfunstuff2218]

Damn it's sad! I was a huge cold steel guy but quality has gone down on many models. At first I thought gsm was doing right by us but as time passes I see increased pricing and decreased quality

[@DonnieBAllDay]

facts

[@Captain-Electro]

That's a shame 😢 I'm working on my second lone star hunter. I flipped the blade out on my first one, and it cracked and fell off right behind the thumb stud. I had to pay for shipping to get it replaced. The only other knife I've had do that is a spyderco endura. I slashed a water bottle with it and hit the cap. It was that zdp189 steel when they first came out with it. The new one they replaced it with was vg10.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

thats nuts

[@frankbrowning328]

That's a real shame about Cold Steel. With all of the experiences you've had recently there's no doubt that big problems exist there now. There was a time when they had excellent customer service and fantastic quality, but it seems that time has passed. I bought a Cold steel 4'' Voyager around 1995 - 1998. I carried it a couple of years and snagged the plastic pocket clip (before they were steel) on a pallet at work while inspecting product and broke it. I called Cold Steel the following day to see if they could send me a new handle and they said send the knife back to us. I said just bill me and whatever the cost I'll pay for it. I had skinned game, filleted fish, and done camp duties with it and it became my go to knife. 2 weeks later a brand-new Voyager arrived with the then new, steel pocket clip and a note stating no charge and the steel pocket clip should be far more durable. I wish that type of service was still available from them.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

we all wish they still had those morals

[@shaynegablespkr]

I've never heard of anyone having a ColdSteel warranteed. Their customer service has always been garbage.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

terrible

[@Circa1664]

So far I've only had one bad experience with Cold Steel. It was an SRK in SK5 with an edge that fell to pieces after one light/medium duty use. I put a new edge on it instead of sending it back and it has actually been good to go since.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

dealing with them sucks

[@isaacs_knives_and_knowledge]

Thats a real bummer because I just got a bunch of Cold Steel Knives

[@DonnieBAllDay]

sucks

[@madtownangler]

My first Cold Steel knife was from before the internet was public about 1992 or so. I somehow lost that knife or probably stolen. This was from back when they probably only had fifteen or so things in their paper brochure that got sent in the mail. Now I had a kudu? Never used it too thin of a blade and a Pendleton Lite Hunter that I use as a kitchen knife that doesn't keep an edge that is probably ten years old.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

I threw the cheap ass Kudu. No bending

[@patrickwatson3619]

My Frontier Bowie came dull and had actual rust patches on it that had eaten away the black coating and a crack in the handle material. Been waiting for a replacement since 2021. Gave up emailing and calling. Stuck with a rusty blunt knife that cost $200 Australian. Very sad

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@patrickwatson3619 thats terrible

[@patrickwatson3619]

Saving up my money for a proper decent bowie now like one of yoir designs! Keep up the awesome mate 😎​@@DonnieBAllDay

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@patrickwatson3619 I appreciate that

[@jamesshackelford6721]

Had a friend buy a cold steel knife for a camping trip he was going on . I don’t remember what he said he bought but on the first day there he was going to shave some small pieces of wood for kindling and his blade Broke right at the handle

[@DonnieBAllDay]

wow!!

[@shoresharp8349]

I wonder if they gave you a prototype salesmen sample????

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@shoresharp8349 nope. Went to the cabinet, new in box

[@Man_Ray78]

Sad to see how some companies refuse to update their service or quality, and fall so easily off because costumers talk today on the internet.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@Man_Ray78 fact

[@prybarknives]

Physics are a real bitch. Big heavy things produce more inertia and therefore suffer greater damage, than lighter things. As to the customer service, I can't defend not offering a refund or replacement on a knife that bends, no matter how, since they specifically tout their toughness. Good luck!

[@DonnieBAllDay]

the XL Espada is bigger, heavier and creates more inertia to the much longer tip. Thrown a lot. No bending. The heat treat was professionally measured. 60 in the body of the blade, then drops to 58 at the tip. Looks like they cooked the steel grinding in those bevels. As I guessed

[@nathanwillis8823]

Thank you for sharing this about CS. I've been looking at a few of their knives recently, but after seeing this, I'm out. For that kind of money and crapoy customer service. Hell no.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

its sad

[@B-leafer]

I would say.. Carefully hammer out the tip straight. I had to do that with both my Bark River Edwin Forest bowies due to the tips coming through the box during shipping and getting bent. The tip on those is so pointy it can so easily happen. But, you have to go slow, and go easy when hammering out the tip lest you break it or weaken the steel. You could even fire harden the tip carefully as well with a torch.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@B-leafer i might give it a full HT in my forge

[@wellregulated8725]

My xl voyager bent chopping a .5” birch branch. Also, a handle partially broke off of my magnun kukri machete while chopping… they wanted me to send it in, but shipping would cost nearly what I paid for it. I just wrapped the broken part with duct tape…

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@wellregulated8725 chopping wood they say now is abusing the knife and an excuse not to replace it

[@wellregulated8725]

@@DonnieBAllDay I bent the folder back…. But the handle breaking apart in my hand…. I wasn’t too happy about. Their hawks are great for throwing…. Atleast their machete aren’t crazy expensive…. A $400 knife should not be bending though….. are you close to anybody that has one of the machines that tests the rockwell ?

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@wellregulated8725 I'm sending it out for testing

[@wellregulated8725]

@@DonnieBAllDay interested to see what the HRC is. 👊🏼

[@theroomofhiddenpredispositions]

I've had hit or miss quality control buying their knives too, only one I really like is the Cold Steel Slock Master knife.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@theroomofhiddenpredispositions its a sad reality

[@Tuffer12]

Sharpness test.. see how long you can cut rope until it won’t. I’d like to see if it’s got a different harness at the tip versus closer to the handle. Thanks for the info. Ps. I have a pre gsm srk that I beat the living shit out of like baton, throwing hitting rocks at camp because I’m worn out and trying to make fire in the dark and needing to baton woods and the only thing that’s happened is the handle is come appart from the tang slightly. I have a voyager xl that I have hacked brush with with no issues. Also pre gsm. I hope this isn’t cold steel going down hill because I like their stuff.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

Just stay away from needing customer service

[@Tuffer12]

@@DonnieBAllDay Im in Canada…all customer service is a hassle mostly because of our border security and also the astronomical shipping costs. I think I’ll be looking elsewhere regardless.. Lynn is why I bought cold steel anyway

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@Tuffer12 he let it go down before he left. Now its worse

[@AnalogTVch.0]

I have a Shanghai Shadow from Cold Steel. The blade rusted within six months and it had never been outside until that point. It won’t even stick in anything either. Lol

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@AnalogTVch.0 wow! No bueno

[@Philippians--vz1mi]

I've never bought a cold steel knife, this just cements the opinion I've always had. Take care mate.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@Philippians--vz1mi smart

[@Philippians--vz1mi]

@@DonnieBAllDay lol I don't know about smart mate, fortunate possible, made far too many mistakes in life to kid myself into thinking I'm smart lol, but thanks all the same mate 👍 Take care.

[@Zach_D]

I've bought at least 6 or so different weapons from Cold Steel, they've all been awesome so this is heartbreaking to hear.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@Zach_D i have some CS pieces that are amazing. I wouldnt care if some of the many sucked if theyd just stand behind their product

[@Zach_D]

@@DonnieBAllDay I agree completely.

[@flitdek]

I stopped buying Cold steel when my brand new Cold steel neck knife was lost because it would not stay in its sheath. I just refuse to waste my time and money on a poor brand. Cold steel over priced Junk knives.

[@DonnieBAllDay]

the older ones only

[@defensivetacticssystems8167]

I bought one of their San Mai master tanto and I was throughly disgusted with the retention of the secure x sheath. Since I live outside of the conus, it is more of a hassle to see about the replacement of the sheath. So I did what is taught in the military, adapt and overcome. I cut down an old ranger band and secured it in the throat of the sheath. The newer CS tanto is a far cry inferior than the pre 90s San Mai tanto that from the old CS company that was owned and operated by Lynn Thompson

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@defensivetacticssystems8167 that sucks

[@Nightkrowler]

Fortunately the only Cold Steel Product I own Is the .625 Big Bore Pro, a chunk of aluminium. Barely anything to mess up there. And I bought it long ago, so there's that

[@DonnieBAllDay]

fact! Haha

[@jorgefernandez6407]

Thanks for the heads up Don. Hearing this is "extremely" dissapointing! I've seen the tip of that knike literally snap in wood with the slightest of wiggles and I too had to put a proper edge on my 1917 (3 yrs ago & not a deal breaker though). Now I'm gonna have to be very sceptical of any Cold Steel knife that I might want, and that's a damn shame!!!

[@DonnieBAllDay]

@@jorgefernandez6407 yessir. Im done with them