What Did GSM Do To Cold Steel?

[@nebulamask81]

I remember when they got bought and people rushed out to get the old CS stuff fearing the worst. Glad to see they were needlessly worried.

[@void1984]

Code 4 is no longer $80

[@nebulamask81]

@@void1984 I paid 60 for mine back in 2019. The prices went up from there before GSM took over CS. If you're looking for a good deal on a good CS though, you might want to keep an eye on midwayusa, they have some great sales. I got my AD-10 there for 100 and I've seen it at that price there several times. Edit: just checked, they have code 4's for 67.71 atm, AD 10s for 105, the 4-max is 200 there atm as well (g10/s35vn versions for the latter two).

[@MountaineerMarksman]

Have you dudes seen how much old logo sells for on ebay vs. new logo?? Premiums on the old logo

[@nebulamask81]

@@MountaineerMarksman Doesn't generally work the same way with knives. There are rare exceptions, but in general no one is going to care about some mass produced civivi in a now inferior steel in 20 years or whatever.

[@charlier8233]

Yah, I was in the “Yup, they’re done” club too when Cold Steel got bought out. 99 times out of 100 companies turn to garbage after being sold but I’ve been pleasantly surprised and have been really impressed with what they have been doing. Hopefully they continue on same path.

[@WeAllJuggleKnives]

Definitely want the Signature Kobun, looks like Kobun handle with CS Outdoorsman blade.

[@Gterr1971]

Did you ever got one ? I love mine ! They are on sale at cs right now ! Can't be many left. Only 3000 made.

[@WeAllJuggleKnives]

@@Gterr1971 - Yup, got one now!

[@ElCapAddict]

GSM has definitely been doing some design innovation since acquiring Cold Steel. I’m pleasantly surprised, and I enjoy the new energy from Stick and T. I don’t have that many CS knives, but they’ve all been perfect regarding the grinds and other QC issues. Thanks for the video, Jimi.

[@mohammedcohen]

...good to see Lynn still with them...I'm happy with them since the buy out...

[@danieltporter959]

The Republic with a Hidden Message under the Scales. Love it!

[@TopDog8762]

I am probably in the minority here but I am going to say it anyway. I love Cold Steel and currently have 13 of them, this year alone I have given away 3 Engages. Which brings me to the point, I love the Engage. To date I think the engage is the best Knife Cold Steel has come out with. We all have our favorite models, but the Engage just does it for me. No real complaints about new management from me.

[@utrak]

It seems that the secret sauce of the successful takeover is that Stickman is as absolutely unapologetically bonkers as Lynn Thompson himself. Which is awesome. I hope they never change. Without that insane 80's action hero mall ninja energy, there can be no Cold Steel.

[@bushcraftingmuslim]

They've been great. A few issues with bushman's breaking being a problem that hopefully gets rectified. I just really, really hope they make a pikal style knife. Especially one with a thumb disc wave opener. With their commitment under Lynn to martial blades, this would continue that legacy superbly.

[@jared8530]

I've bought many Cold Steel knives throughout the years and I can honestly say the Quality has remained the same if not even better now....when you can buy a knife like the 4MAX Scout for 68 dollars tell me it's not worth way more then that.

[@ericholladay5280]

People complaining about grinds were probably looking at a Benchmade and just got confused

[@RCPropaganda]

i just got a srk and the tip broke right away. I am trying to see if they approve a warranty.

[@allthingsfighting4518]

I don’t mind doing my own sharpening, I know I’m gonna do it sometime down the line either way, but my 3v arrived not quite razor sharp, and after processing one cardboard box (zero exaggeration) I’m getting glinting on the blade.

[@Give_Me_Rent]

@@allthingsfighting4518 Same here

[@spookhol]

I agree! They even emprove the old models , loved that they did a serated Spartan! 😍

[@RobBernhard]

I think they've done really well since the purchase. I'm really glad to see that you've able to show off all the cool stuff they've been offering.

[@davidallen5976]

I agree with most of what you’re saying. I’m happy with cold steel overall. I’m heavy into sharpening and I can say 8/10 of their knives have uneven edge grinds. Some differing from each other by as much as 9 degrees. I don’t care because the knife is still sharp and I like sharpening them. Part of getting a lot of knife for the money means that they have to skimp somewhere. If the edge isn’t perfect that’s okay. But they definitely are off often.

[@luisarellanorn3309]

Appreciate the assurance and extended honesty!

[@mrennny]

The only knife I had a problem with was the Drop Forged Bowie having a warped blade, but I finally got a good one. I also picked up the Trailmaster in 3V and its fit and finish are perfect, so I didn’t have the bad grind problem some had. The Voyager XL line is my favorite and I pretty much have all the variants, which I normally go for the serrations if there’s a choice.

[@gregvanderlip7726]

JIMI!!! Hi 👋 congrats on anniversary coming up

[@thehairywoodsman5644]

at first I was worried the GSM would try to mainstream CS...but I am happily surprised !they are creating new exciting blades and I like it !!! now can I please get a special edition Marauder in CPM 3V and G-10

[@ChairmanKimchi]

Customer service is what tanked. Cant even get replacement screws or clips anymore.

[@BushBear]

Hi Jimi, i also was sceptic in the beginning, especially because it was not possible to get a 4Max-spring to solve a problem. But glad to see that things are going fine. LG

[@jackhenry290]

Not a fan of the new designs. Glad they still use old ones

[@Steve0-]

I have the AD10 and the Engage, love them both. The only nit pick I would have is the spine of the Engage is very sharp.

[@bryanhollyfield3948]

I'm not a Cold steel person but I got the Wal-Mart two pack machete last Christmas and really liked them. They look like good quality knives. Thanks for the videos.

[@Jimislash]

Thank you for watching.

[@jsotelo5150]

I've got no real complaints with GSM. I own a few pre GSM and post GSM knives of the same model and have noticed very slight differences in feel. For example the GSM AD-15 feels like some of the edges on the yoke are sharper and less rounded than the pre buyout. Now that could be something small like the tooling was a little dull on the GSM model but it's something I've noticed but only when doing a direct comparison between the two. It's very slight. At first I thought the pre GSM had smoother action but after it was broken in they are both the same.

[@Throatwobbler_Mangrove]

I quit collecting new knives after the sale, mostly because of other priorities, personal issues, inflation etc. Been looking at some of their new original designs and for the most part I'm not really seeing Cold Steel's dna in them.

[@Jimislash]

How so? They're making the same sort of knives they have been making. Useful, strong knives. New stuff. Old Stuff. New stuff that feels like old stuff.

[@Oozy9Millimeetah]

Im not in the US and haven't had a opportunity to buy knives in a long time, well i just checked out some CS knives and i couldn't believe it they were lower priced than they were say few to 4 years ago... as where Spyderco prices have increased a lot...

[@TheseusTheDestroyer]

I sold my black ad-15 to buy a green one, been using it for a few months and it’s been awesome, I’ve not had to sharpen that S35VN yet either 😎👍🏼

[@joelybob2]

It’s been awesome seeing the slight change! They are really trying to keep the same quality!

[@thechugdude]

I think they're doing just fine. Some people just enjoy complaining. The only thing I can think of that they could improve is if they had a bigger variety of steel types, handle scales, and coating options. I'd love a Atlas lock Recon in Magnacut with a DLC coating and blue handles 😂

[@uslanja]

Blue handles? Nooooooo 😊

[@tonyboombotz]

hate blister packs. loll . but I was worried like most, and I only have a few cold steel knives but love their toughness and size, but I can say I haven't been disappointed.' at all in what they have been doing. actually like it

[@rnkmode1876]

I've purchased a few blades since GSM took over CS. So far, so good. My question is, Where the heck is that (new) (Japanese Tanto) Kobun, I seen advertise?? Suddenly after I saw a snippet on it, it seemed to drop off the map... where can I purchase it??

[@Jimislash]

I'm not sure. I'll see if I can find out.

[@bubba92473]

Still looking forward to a big cold steel knives. That engage has been looking great. Thanks Mr Slash 👍

[@kcarsonphoto]

Hell of a lot better when Schrade was bought the 2nd time.

[@matthewrussell485]

I very much agree with this, they have kept the spirit of Cold steel alive and the recent purchases I’ve made from Cold Steel have all been top notch

[@M_bomb]

I'm also glad they are keeping up the large knifes. I'm happy ur happy brotha thanks 4 the vid🙂

[@117rebel]

I’m like you. I’m hoped for the best and expected the worst. I’m happy with what they’ve been doing! I’m looking forward to the future with Cold Steel!

[@cassanoa]

i agree - could not be happier with my revived inch Talwar - the quality and finish could not be better - grade A1 product

[@cylentone]

People generally don't like change... I am happy with the latest knives and see no differences in the quality of knives themselves.

[@Jimislash]

Change is tough. In this case, Cold Steel fans are not like other knife company's fans. Who cares if Benchmade sold to another company?

[@kermitthorson9719]

im new to coming back to their social media. didnt realize stick was a gsm addition.

[@JC-jk3kl]

We really appreciate GSM not diluting and trashing the ColdSteel brand.

[@Gterr1971]

Ill admit it. Im a coldsteel fan boy. Been loving my signature kobun ! Ive been buying coldsteel products for 20 years or more. I miss lynn at the helm but still trust their products.

[@deadronin47]

I love the fixed blade of cold steel Love the urban pal and super edge , mini tac tanto are three knife you’ll always find on me I’m getting back into carrying the 4inch voyager tanto serrated Love the voyager folders just step away from them for a time

[@patrickgoncalves3878]

I bought a Talwar s35vn, and I just got the 5max. I want the Mayhem, but I want the s36vn. I think Cold Steel should offer CPM 154 instead of AUS 10.

[@MountaineerMarksman]

So Jimi, do you still have an insider view? Platinum Holdings just acquired GSM. How do you see that impacting Cold Steel going forward?

[@Jimislash]

Nobody will notice a difference.

[@BBE22OOOWH]

What an extremely unbiased opinion you have. 😬

[@Jimislash]

😊

[@pnwfunstuff2218]

I appreciate you jimislash! I did a very similar video last week giving thanks to cold steel for doing us fans right!!

[@christopherkirchoff9007]

Have been a cold steel fan since the 90's. Glad Lynn's forte on cold steel brand is nice. Agree with you sirs and have a great evening with all around you brother..!

[@Jimislash]

Thank you! You too. :)

[@taylorfishman823]

I agree man, for the most part they have done a great job. Still putting out cool knives, and all their products are still the kinds of tools you can rely on. My favorite part is you can often buy their stuff on huge sales at places like Midway. In the last couple years my Cold Steel collection has grown nearly exponentially! lol But as you said, the GSM customer service is total garbage. I had an issue I was trying to resolve, and it took months. When I got someone on the phone, I could tell she really wanted to help. But it seemed like she was in the weeds big time, and she wasn't getting the resources that she needed to really help me solve my problem. Sad to see that. I was extremely angry with the whole situation, but I also felt really sorry for that poor woman.

[@marcnewellaceret]

When is the Kobun coming out?

[@Jimislash]

December

[@crazyone5409]

Hey Jimislash, I retract my last statement of ''Do yourselves a favor and buy Benchmade or Spyderco' because I had to return a Benchmade knife a friend bought for me a couple of days ago and the Axis Lock was killing my fingers and so I called Benchmade and I was told that the knife could not be returned due to that particular model being discontinued. So I have been fighting with them for the past 2 days and I have gotten nowhere. So for those of you thinking of buying Benchmade, DO NOT DO IT!!!!!!

[@The_Righteous_Son85]

I got the new Lynn Thomson ti lite carried with love.

[@Dissentient01]

Long live Cold Steel!

[@jasondominguez2806]

Not shure if the " razor tek " is older cold steel or GSM. But either way I like the series. I wish GSM would bring back the cold steel inferno pepper spray. Wicked stuff!

[@tomweingart2337]

Josh if you recall I said to give them a wait and see attitude. Thankfully the ball is still rolling! After all there's just too many HOBOS and such little time ‼️🤣 9:14

[@chrisdiaz7615]

Just got an espada xl grind is a little off but still sharp so oh well Lol

[@jakefarronmerlin7963]

the quality has been good from my experience. not needed customer service.

[@rintintinman9223]

5 Max, is next on my radar,,, followed by the Mayhem, they'll look good, next to my Espada, Rajah 2, 4 Max, AD 10, Recon, Ti-lite, Tiger Claw, etc etc.

[@Jimislash]

Nice!

[@phillipmargrave]

I was worried initially but I really love Cold Steel so I was hoping for the best and I think they’ve done a mostly good job. On some things like the Mayhem and the Karve they knocked it outta the friking park for sure. Other things like the price point of the Verdict series I was disappointed with, but I still like the knives themselves. My thing with the Verdict is g10 handle scales, great; AUS10 Steel great! But why are they charging as much and more than the Voyager series? I can get a XL tanto/vaquero/kris with a 5.5” blade for less than a 3.5” clip point. Maybe there’s a hidden cost in there somewhere but if there is the company has not explained it to the customers. Even the 4116ss verdict with plastic handle scales is as much as a large voyager. Maybe they spent too much money on research and development or acquisition rights to the Atlas lock and have to make it up somewhere but IMO that’s someone the company should make clear to the consumers and it would be so simple to say, “This series is at a higher price point because of the added value of the R&D that makes this feature possible.” Bam, that easy but they wouldn’t say anything like that and Lynn would have just said “I put a lot into these designs and I have to turn a profit to keep making them,” in fact that’s almost verbatim what he said about the discontinuation of the talwar series. Other than that I’m still happy and loyal to Cold Steel. They’re still making the big knives, good quality and haven’t shied away from the self defense aspect like I had incorrectly assumed a new large company would. So for that we thank you GSM/ColdSteel.

[@goondocks4]

I’m with you mr slash! Was concerned in the beginning but after seeing what’s came out and my interactions with beemer I’m pleasantly at ease 👍👍. Cold steel 4 life!

[@dwayneletterman3987]

GSM is doing a great job , In my Opinion ! And , Keith Beam is just an awesome guy ! Keep it up Keith !

[@MrHrKaidoOjamaaVKJV]

Joe X claims that the Post Lynn Thompson GSM Cold Steel quality has gone down. I read some reports where some claim the Cold Steel Machetes are not heat treated or properly grounded anymore? I hope that these negative reports are not true!

[@Jimislash]

I don't pay attention to Joe X. So, I don't know where he is coming from. The Cold Steel quality has not gone down. But the Cold Steel Machetes had quality issues way before GSM took over. And they still do.

[@draganromcevic6337]

True. There is a difference in machete type blades before and after CS went into GSM. And it is bad. I do not care what knife reviewers claim because they work for money. I am sick and tired of unboxing videos by guys who never even use those knives.

[@Jimislash]

@@draganromcevic6337 I use them all the time. I don't shoot them or try to break them, but I use them.

[@MrHrKaidoOjamaaVKJV]

@@Jimislash I like my Cold Steel hybrid Machete Swords, they are excellent, well designed and made.

[@Jimislash]

@@MrHrKaidoOjamaaVKJV Cold Steel makes some great stuff. Some people hear one opinion on one thing and go sideways with that opinion. I have zero reason to lie to you all. I want you to spend your hard earned money on things that will make you happy. AND I don't want to ever be behind a purchase where somebody spends their money on something that I recommended that is not good. If I say that it's worthwhile, it's because I have spent my own money on it, and I trust that the next person will have a similar experience.

[@HollywoodTacticool]

yes! love the pink lanyard!

[@johnscarborough4746]

Yep there's been plenty of innovation, crazy big goofy designs, and awesome releases like the 5 Max. CS is doing just fine..

[@mrsliver45]

87/10. Maximum Respect in Every Aspect. Great insight and perspective. Quality products that remain affordable, durable and widely available. Oops, I almost forgot sexy asf too with the new Mayhem. Life is better with Cold Steel.

[@edgedtalons]

Seems like their production capabilities are still extremely slow, I remember Lynn said that this was one of the issues that GSM was going to fix. When a knife is debuted, it still takes a year or two for it to finally be available, which is unfortunate.

[@Jimislash]

That's not true. It was true with the Mayhem, but they had to make sure it was safe. They debuted the 5 Max earlier this year. It's out. They debuted The Republic earlier this year. It's out. They debuted the Karve earlier this year. It's out. So, what are you talking about?

[@edgedtalons]

@Jimislash the only one's that interested me was the Mayhem and the Five Max. Other ones that you mentioned weren't on my radar, didn't care for them. I just found out that the five Max was released and I am glad to have been wrong about that, and to be honest I hope they continue to prove me wrong about that. I've been a customer of Cold Steel quite a long time and I got used to a model being unveiled for a particular year and it not being available for purchase till the following year.

[@Jimislash]

@@edgedtalons They've been doing really well on showing stuff at Shot Show and getting it out pretty quickly. Like I said, the Mayhem had some issues because of the weight of the blade. So, they wanted to get it to a safe detent level.

[@edgedtalons]

@Jimislash Are you going to do a more close up review of the Mayhem & 5 Max? I'd love to see that. By the way are there any updates on the new Swift folder with the M4 steel?

[@Jimislash]

@@edgedtalons I thought I did. Maybe I didn't post it yet. Let me look. I haven't heard anything on the Swift, but I'll ask. :)

[@DelightfulHelmet-mc8su]

My knives are old school cold steel and i never had a problem.

[@ke6197]

I agree with you 100% Mr Slash

[@colbyvenable8193]

That tanto AD10 looks phenomenal!

[@CrispyCritter04]

Thanks brother

[@stevegareau123]

I'm neutral on the whole subject but I haven't bought a cold steel since they got bought but I do agree with you it seems to be the same quality from what I see in other vids you never hear about one breaking great vid my friend yes I still watch lol 👍🏻👍🏻

[@mohammedcohen]

...like to see more assisted opening knives...

[@tonnywildweasel8138]

€.449,95 is the price of the CS Republic here in Europe. Sorry, but not in 450 years will I pay that.

[@duggrim3946]

As a long time follower of your channel I must say I agree with you a 100% and trust your perspective and judgment. 2 ways I think cold steel can further improve on the reputation at least in regards to my opinion is to send me a free 5 max or perhaps get me a date with the hot Blade Babe/ Valkyrie that I see in the cold steel videos LOL 😂😂Seriously though I have an original 4 max and an AD10 lite And I'm completely happy with both

[@aldunn6640]

Nicely said!

[@URPLENINJA]

Still love all my Cold Steel. Ready to buy more.

[@GunGuy258]

I need that Republic in my life.

[@dionpage7948]

StickMan is killer. T is georgious. &GSM made a USA made fixed blade that I want more than any other ColdSteel I've ever seen. Top notch. Killer. Outstanding. More new stuff&bring backs of icons??? Please tell me ColdSteel is gonna finally make an Immortal XL in EspadaXL size&bring back the Recon1XL. XL.

[@jcb6713]

...no other company offers the variety of product that CS does. I don't mind dressing up and sharpening a 30$ machete blade; too be expected. Other than that, no problems...👍

[@austinpina456]

Now hopefully they can give us a 5 Max scout !! :) 🙏

[@nikosplaysdrums5678]

I have only one issue to speak of….WE NEED THE RECON 1 XL BACK!!!! All of my stuff has been great though.

[@Jimislash]

I'm trying. :)

[@brr8888]

I love that Republic.

[@lwilson95990]

Cold steel is doing a great job, best hard use folding knives !

[@49giants3]

The republic looks so cool

[@Critical-Defense]

They went to blister packs? I bought a SRK and Recon Tanto both in San Mai like a month ago and they came in boxes. I just put in an order for a Republic 3V and a SRK-C 3V, I’m going to be peeved af if those knives come to me in blister packs. Just being honest, a blister pack is enough for me to move on to a different brand. I just bought my first Cold Steel a month ago and instantly became a new fan of theirs, however i am not attached to the brand enough for them to start downgrading and there’s nothing more tacky, cheap, wasteful, and disappointing than something I bought and want to be proud of coming inside of a blister pack, especially a knife. There are at least 50 other knife makers currently selling products that I perceive as just as equal to Cold Steel out there for basically the same prices, that don’t put my new knife in a blister pack.

[@Jimislash]

The higher end stuff won't be in blister packs. And there are not 50 knife makers selling products that equal to Cold Steel for the same prices.

[@mohammedcohen]

...I wanna see that Khyber sword...

[@hypervigilance1465]

cold steel is my favorite knife company.

[@raptorman6589]

I'm not buying anymore coldsteel because they cheapened the steel in most models and ask double the price.yeah they still have the high end steel in most models but they want an extra 200 for the upgrade

[@Jimislash]

That's not true.

[@mathewrculbertson]

Good video.

[@Jimislash]

Hey! Thank you!

[@mathewrculbertson]

@@JimislashI’m really lookin forward to the 5max.

[@torgomax]

I would like to see a New line of Rondel Daggers 🗡🗡

[@Jimislash]

Some stainless ones.

[@torgomax]

@@Jimislash 👍👍🗡

[@FactFinderGeneral]

Y'all acting like one American knife they don't even make inhouse changes that they moved a ton of production from Taiwan to China. Ontop of how they fired most Cold Steel staff just before a holiday during the pandemic.

[@Jimislash]

Which ton of production did they change to China? And they run a business. Get on the previous owner for selling it before Christmas.

[@crazyone5409]

Do yourselves a favor and buy Benchmade or Spyderco

[@Jimislash]

Nah, I've had too many Benchmades and Spydercos. No fun there.

[@crazyone5409]

At least with Benchmade and Spyderco, you get a lifetime warranty and with Benchmade, Lifesharp. Plus, these Cold Steel Knives are insanely uncomfortable to EDC.

[@Jimislash]

@@crazyone5409 Cold Steel has a lifetime warranty and free sharpening, as well. :) I can't do anything about the comfort issue.

[@crazyone5409]

I thought they did away with the lifetime warranty when GSM bought them? Also, is it even legal to carry say the Espada XL?

[@Jimislash]

@@crazyone5409 It's legal in Texas. There are a bunch of states where it is legal.

[@Adam-zq7qg]

Hahaha shill ❤

[@draganromcevic6337]

You are really hell-bent on convincing us that Cold Steel is better than ever. And there are many examples - quality went down, and prices went up, up, up! I will never again buy Cold Steel. And that was my favorite company before GSM. I mostly have only CS, Mora and Hultafors knives, tools and other stuff.

[@Jimislash]

I'm not hell-bent on anything. I'm telling the truth. Prices for knives have gone up at every company. It's not a Cold Steel only issue. If you don't buy Cold Steel, that's your choice. If you do, good for you. Quality has not gone down. I have repeatedly demonstrated that. There are issues here and there, but there will always be those issues. There were before GSM. I have bought more Cold Steel than anybody. I wouldn't buy garbage to convince you to buy garbage. I'd review what they sent me and let it go. I have more Cold Steel than anybody. They're great knives.

[@bcrocks3935]

I see a problem on that table!! I don’t own enough of them yet! 🤣

[@luckybassturd7260]

IMO/ They have been doing great & they actually listened to what we wanted. I definitely wanted them to keep making more USA & Italian made blades! So I’m glad to see the republic! I’m Still hoping they make a Triple action for some fidget fun! Fidgeting today is bigger than ever, no more twiddling thumbs for future generation! 🤣 ✌️🤟🤙

[@chrisdyck6524]

My absolute favorite is the Voyager Vaquero XL serrated. But I never sharpen it. Is only for self-defense.And I live in Germany. Unfortunately I'm not politically correct Lynn 😅😉🫡