SO Frustrating - I'll Never Buy Something Like This Again...

Unboxing a poorly manufactured Cold Steel Tai Pan.
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**DISCLAIMER** This channel's content is meant for educational purposes only, and encourages the proper/safe use, handling, and understanding of tools.

[@metal_complex]

My Amazon page! The gear I use here on the channel! - www.amazon.com/shop/metalcomplex Thanks so much for watching! You can support my channel on Patreon here - www.patreon.com/metalcomplex MC stickers! - www.redbubble.com/people/metal-complex/shop?asc=u

[@unclesam9591]

I laughed just like you at it... but it's just your ugly baby.. still your baby.. it's just special, show it the same love..

[@jn651]

Heck, I bought a Spyderco Stretch 2 from BladeHQ that had a worse grind, just absolutely atrocious. Sent it back, they refunded full price, then took ten dollars of the knife and put it back out for sale 'as-is, no returns'. Terrible practice

[@morningstarx5340]

That sucks man. Super rare for a spydie product to not have a slicey poke end.

[@jenningsjennings2051]

Dude Blade HQ is the shit. I think it's all in how you order, I just ordered a Adamas from Benchmade and I asked them to hand pick one with great action and good blade alignment and I got a great knife. I love the blade HQ folks they really treated me like a appreciated customer

[@crustyMilk]

yeah i got a m4 shaman that had a horrible grind from bladehq. Was able send back no issue and they sent me another that was checked before hand to be good. Luckily, was the only limited spydie ive ever bought that didnt sell out within hours. bladehq is great Ive gotten tons from them.

[@Zero_8347]

I made a dagger and the grind came out just like that. It's very difficult to do 4 grinds perfectly even by hand

[@Thexeroxed43]

Eh, atleast saying it was as is will be some form of indication that it's got an issue.

[@rickradix7464]

I always felt buying a knife on Amazon was dodgey. Nice that you put this on point.

[@idontno0]

I got 2 spyderco yojumbos on Amazon. All good. The price wasn't any cheaper, just free 2 day shipping was why I went to Amazon.

[@ryanprice8810]

@@idontno0 same here! I dont buy knives on Amazon typically, unless its a Civivi... but i DID buy a Yojumbo on there about 2 weeks ago (because most places were out of stock) and its immaculate. It came from an authorized retailer though... idk if it would have been the same outcome if it was an unauthorized one.... but im very pleased with the knife i got!

[@realbroggo]

100%. Yes some knives on Amazon are genuine but there are also the seconds, counterfeits etc.... and often I've found the seller information less than accurate. I'm not into playing roulette - if I want to gamble I'll go to a casino to lose my money. Use authorised dealers and get genuine. Want some discounts - get to know your local knife dealer and often they will do deals to keep your custom!! Have a great day.

[@lovescamaros1]

If you buy from authorized retailers on amazon it's a non-issue but if you play stupid and buy from joe schmoe that's on you if it's a counterfeit.

[@nhwnhw02]

I wouldn't recommend you buy a Spyderco Military off Amazon or Ebay. Some are probably real but lots are not. Bought Ray-Ban sunglasses twice off Amazon for about half price, the sunglasses were not real but were very, very good fakes. Every detail was spot-on except the lens were not polarized which sort of gave it away. was easy enough to get a refund but a waste of time. Gave up on the cheap sunglasses and went to Sunglasses Hut.

[@shaggy_e210]

I understand completely about being frustrated because something doesn't come perfect. Personally, I'd be cool paying discount prices for factory seconds as long as it can cut and hold its edge is all I care about.

[@LethalByChoice]

That's why when I saw that only the grind and bevel were uneven I was a bit frusterated. Dude hyped this knife up for 5 minutes like we were about to see a terribly made knife and its just a badly made bevel and grind... Idk why he made this video, he literally said he knew this would happen but bought it anyway.

[@brandontaylor2750]

I really like Cold Steel knives, but I have had to send a few back as well. The most recent one was an SR1 Lite. Everything with the knife was excellent except for the blade hitting the spring on the inside of the knife when closing it “blade wrap”. The others were a 4 max scout with really bad asymmetrical plunge grinds and a large Espada that had up/down & side/side blade play.

[@tunguskalumberjack9987]

I remember back in the early ‘90s when I graduated high school, I really wanted their Recon Tanto, as I thought it was a cool design and it was fairly new. It was too expensive for me, but they did offer factory seconds that were supposed to be the same quality, just cosmetically a little imperfect. They used to stamp a 2 on the bottom of the pommel area. I decided to give in and just buy the full quality one, and I never regretted it.

[@arthurhuskins910]

Nice

[@DerekKBurks]

I have a recon tanto from back then. Still love that thing.

[@tunguskalumberjack9987]

@@DerekKBurks Right on, man- I ended up losing mine around 2001, and never got another. I still love the design, though. It was just like the SRK, but with a different blade. That’s one I always wanted but never picked up- maybe one of these days. 👍🏻

[@vensheaalara]

My wife bought me a 2nd recon tanto as one of my gifts years ago. It's the carbon V version and I love it. I've had it for....10 years I guess. Still sharpens up super easy.

[@Veldtian1]

They're only awesome if it's the 3V one. Try finding them now is like stumbling on the Fountain of Youth.

[@markhatfield5621]

Cold Steel sometimes offered 'factory seconds' of various grades at discounts. I would not put it past some sellers to sell the 'seconds' as regulars. BTW I bought a Natchez bowie and upon opening the box it the handle had already come apart.

[@prestonnormile9996]

Yep, I remember they used to have parking lot sales every year at their headquarters, and offered factory seconds and blemished knives

[@professored7169]

Please answer, how thick was the tang on the bowie? I'm curious if it's thick or a rat tail tang

[@markhatfield5621]

@@professored7169 It was that special one, made in pieces and connected with a steel cord.

[@professored7169]

@@markhatfield5621 ok that's what I seen but for that money I would want a full tang, thank you for responding 🙏

[@ysph]

that tai pan doesn't look bad. i guess i missed whatever is wrong with it.

[@kylegilmore3810]

Your pfp is your actual face when watching this video lmao

[@sarc88]

I have been buying Cold Steel since the 80s when they started producing Carbon-V steel with the Trailmaster Bowie. I've been a dedicated CS buyer since. I too lusted after the Tai Pan, and finally hid enough $$ from the wife to get one - off Amazon. That was years ago, and I did contact the retailer - he sent me a response same day that he was letting it go at cost b/c it had been in his shop for 3yrs. Mine looks fine, but now you're gonna make me pull it out and measure it! Great video, thanks for posting up.

[@everettclunie3525]

Got an 0562ti from Amazon on Monday for 240 bucks. It’s perfect as far as I can tell, grind looks great and the edge is the sharpest factory edge of any knife I’ve ever had. Maybe I’ve gotten lucky, but I’ve yet to be burnt by Amazon. I do always check the seller profile before I buy anything if it’s not sold by Amazon directly though

[@Matt_c333]

I also got one on Amazon last year, 224 and it was totally legit, I've always had great luck on Amazon with knives

[@oliver6able]

I completely HATE when this happens! Sooooo many knives and manufactures do this! I sold 2 Winkler knives because of this! And returned many more for the same reason! MC you’re right on this one!

[@roycolglazier1061]

Well said, Mr. Complex, and needed in today's marketplace! A pox on those who'd pass 2nd rate goods, no matter who they are. Having bought a discounted, Cold Steel from Amazon recently, you can bet I'm putting my readers back on and putting the knife thru a VERY careful inspection! Fortunately, mine's a beater destined for the man/bag, and whatever self derense needs, or mid-nite aito repairs might present! THANKS! AGAIN!

[@d.eddlemon8400]

That was eye-opening. Thanks for the warning MC.👊

[@JohnL1969]

Just bought an AD 15 from Amazon as they were price matching another store. Absolutely nothing wrong with it (maybe I got lucky) was to good of a deal to pass up. Way cheaper than what I would have to pay for one in Canada. Thanks for this video, will definately pay closer attention to Amazon purchases in the future.

[@CrossroadWater]

I've got my new $154 Amazon AD15 in my lap as I'm typing this and it's plue perfect.. cheers 🍻

[@PaulBeetge]

AD10 is so much better

[@riverrunner23]

Well, this video of yours just sent me to the basement to check out ALL of my CS San Mai knives, including the Tai Pan. Fortunately my initial inspections were still good. I did have to return a CS Nightfall Magnum Tanto in 3V earlier this year, as it was incorrectly advertised and actually a satin finished version. I wanted to keep it, but like you said, it's the principle of the thing. Great vid, thanks.

[@Echo4Bravo]

Old Marine here, need a dagger for self defense. $75 Sheffield SHE006 Fairbairn Sykes British Commando Dagger 6-7/8" from knifecenter. No it's not original, but it would get the job done in a deadly hasty manner.

[@TheKnifeJunkie]

I too got a jacked up Tai Pan from Amazon. Serious buzz kill. Got a hell of a deal too.😂 I returned it and got a really nice one from the return.

[@MrASM78]

Yes. I’ve bought a lot of knives from Amazon, which have been fine, but I always suspected that stuff like this probably happened there. Now I only buy from blade hq and sometimes blade center.

[@NOOBKIAtv]

almost every cold steel i bought on amazon has clearly been a returned item with some sort of small defect

[@bacon81]

Thanks for the heads up 👍🏽

[@whammofammo7346]

Looks like a second- which would make sense if you got a fantastic price, wish they would let you know upfront.

[@alexyu6928]

I have just received my Tai Pan in CPM 3V yesterday and it was perfect. After watching your video I checked my piece carefully and I was glad that everything was perfect. The grind was even on both sides, the four edges were hair shaving sharp without the need for me to touch them up. I bought mine on Amazon. On these big fixed blade Cold Steel knives the factory packed the greased blade in a cardboard sleeve then in a bubble wrap bag, the sheath is in another sealed plastic bag. In the past month I ordered four Cold Steel knives on Amazon, Magnum tanto XII in CPM 3V, Magnum tanto II in San Mai, Magnum tanto II in CPM 3V, and Tai Pan in CPM 3V. Three of them were packed as I described except the Magnum tanto II in San Mai, there was no grease on the blade when I pulled it out from the cardboard sleeve and the edges wouldn't cut phone book paper while all other did. So I suspect it was a returned item and needless to say I returned to Amazon for refund. Be smart when buying knife on Amazon.

[@oliver6able]

I will also add that I HATE even more when fixed blades are sold with warps in the blades and aren’t straight. I’ve had a Spartan Blades horkos and 2 Emerson PUK with horrible warps. And just about every ESEE is never straight!

[@unholyabyss]

The irony is I was just on Facebook in Knife Sales Trading And Feedback talking about how it seems like Amazon has a track record of selling botched blades even from reputable brands. It feels like they get factory seconds or all of the knives that somehow miss all quality control checks. I don't recall a SINGLE knife I've ordered on Amazon that didn't have a fault on it aside from a Cold Steel mini Voyager and Recon 1, everything else was just botched from lock rock to all sorts of other major issues.

[@jameswilson8907]

I bought a real steel lynx at bladehq and realized the centerline in the jumping wasn't centered to the blade. Considered swapping it out but as they were the only retailer left that even had it in stock I figured all that was left were factory seconds and I'd rather have a simple defect like that than bad action or a funky grind. They were out of stock less than a week later and never came back.

[@timwhite5562]

I bought a Becker BK14 from Amazon and it was the most disappointing knife purchase I can remember ever making, and I'm 45. I think it had a bad heat treat because the steel was like room temperature butter. One of the few things that I'm fastidious about it's having a razor sharp edge ("razor" depending on the steel of course), so I was sharpening and honing this constantly. Originally the knife fit really snuggly in the sheath so I took the thumb latch off, after 7-8 weeks I had to put it back on to keep the blade secured now. At first I thought that I must have left some burr that didn't get knocked off, seeing as how quickly it would lose its bite. One day I was using it outdoors and needed to set it aside, so I just stuck it into a pine log. I didn't bury it in there, just deep enough to hold it. When I pulled it back out I thought I broke the the edge at the tip, then I saw it didn't break but just rounded off by the log. It seems to have more in common with lead than carbon steel.

[@missingremote4388]

U have a 70 year old rock maple cutting board. some reason I thought it was okay to stab my tanto M4 spyderco folder into it. Just to hold it steady/upright for a blade pivot lube job. Knife didn't stick. Didn't hurt the factory tip either

[@spyhunter6411]

I had four mis ground code 4s in a row. This adds up. I also got an ad10 and 15 that were sick though. All authored dealers

[@RovingRoninEDC]

Not only have I heard about exactly what your saying, I had it happen the one and only time I used Amazon to buy a knife.

[@nobodysreview6137]

Cold Steels are not always the best made but they sure are fun and some of them are amazing.

[@Psycho-Ssnake]

I hear the Italian longsword is actually not bad. Not great but not horrible for a cold steel sword

[@jamesfair9751]

Totally off subject but can the detent be tightened up on the Microtech socom bravo? Mine just seems to be a bit light.

[@TheRadiogeek]

Thanks for the heads up on some knifes on Amazon.

[@snesleywipessqueegeeservices]

If it's not going on your wall and you're not fighting /mbc-ing it ...what *were* your intentions Complex? An under the pillow knife for last ditch self defense? Part of a larger Cosplay get up? For tucking into a boot when out Outlaw hog riding? A pig sticker as part of a bowhunting get up? Tell us MC! :)

[@LethalByChoice]

That's why I wasn't understanding why he was so upset. It's just a poorly made grind and bevel, other than that it seems to be made just fine. Why is he complaining like his knife is fucked up? If he's not putting it on his wall, using it for a cosplay, or any purposes where it would need to look flawless, then why did he buy it? Did he buy it just to complain about something he knew wouldn't look the way he wanted?

[@metal_complex]

Ya you guys are right. If I buy a brand new car and the hood is dented, so what? No big deal right? It'll still drive! Principal. The thing needs to have the grind right or it isn't worth the money. Not a cheap knife. Weird thing to have to explain.

[@Bingo1Dog]

I'm always weary of when a price looks too good to be true. Sometimes you make out but most of the time you don't. A few years ago I bought a greenlee tool kit off amazon since it was like a third the price of retail. Turns out like what I though someone just fucked up the pricing (within an hour of me ordering them the price was changed to what I would have expected). When I got them I compared them to my old ones and figured they were good. If they were fakes $90 was still a good price since they've survived nearly 3 years of daily use and still going without issue (other than me blowing them up)

[@squidballs2324]

United Cutlery has a lot of Cold Steel copies. They have the Tai Pan in D2 and VG-10 around $100 on BDUK.

[@stoutdog56]

I've had it on my wish list for a couple decades. I'm not sure if I will buy one now Lynn Thompson sold the company. I did buy a Black Bear back then.

[@Errcyco]

I learned a lot here man, thank you.

[@ge0arc244]

I look at it this way. 1. If it work's as advertised but has a flaw that is cosmetic but doesn't effect it in anyway, I'll expect a %25 discount. 2. If the flaw can be fix and I have to do it I'll deduct the price of fixing the flaw plus a %10 annoyance fee plus the %25 discount. 3. If it cannot be fix without costing more than it is worth but still looks good for displaying I'll pay %10 - %25 of what it is worth. I stopped caring about impressing other's or keeping up with the neighbors. I care about quality, value, usefulness so I will be flexible sometimes but never bend to the point it hurts or breaks me.

[@jimmykilgore9360]

Every time I have had a similar issue, it might have been a trusted retailer, but the item was located at the warehouse. Lot of knockoffs and other issues happen when that is the case. It gets sent back, warehouse returns person glances at it and if it looks close enough to what is on the box, they put it back in stock. So between the folks that will get the real deal and replace it with a counterfeit and send it back or just a bad build, it is as you stated just buy from the dealer direct.

[@balancedfordaylight1]

I would use that especially if it was a good discount , however the seller should have said it was a factory second or a blemished item

[@liljuggala]

I literally just bought a cold steel on Amazon that was listed on the "deal of the day", two days ago. I wish I would have seen this first. It hasn't shown up yet. And now I am stressed out.

[@LethalByChoice]

If the price isn't too cheap, I wouldn't worry much about it. This guy hyped up this knife for 5 minutes straight like it was going to be a terribly made knife and the only difference I saw was a poorly made grind and bevel.

[@hellohun7331]

There was a time , about 5 years ago , I could buy the most beautifully made name brand knives from china direct for very little money. I collected a few.😊

[@pennsyltuckyreb9800]

This happens ALL THE TIME on Amazon. Even if you have a legit seller (any brand), I'm convinced at this point they just send all their factory screw up 2nds for Amazon sales WHILE STILL CHARGING FULL PRICE in many cases. Then if a knife gets sent back they just repackage (sometimes don't even bother doing that right), and send it right back out again to another poor soul in hopes they keep it. Very frustrating. The big gamble you take making online purchases of anything you can't visually see and handle beforehand. Sucks for those of us nowhere near any decent stores that sell name brand blades. I've got burned way too many times to just suck it up and purchase from reputable knife sites instead of Amazon.

[@TheAwesomenessist]

What do you think about the microtech/ Borka SBD?

[@Headcase650]

Usually things like this are marked as blems or 2nds. But they should definitely tell you up front it's not perfect.

[@Generous_Knowledge]

I ordered the 3v Magnum Tanto XII from Knifeworks to the UK and it’s basically just a crowbar. The money I saved by ordering from US ($340 shipped vs £385/$494 from CSUK) is great but I’ve been feeling like it’s a factory 2nd - even my 9 year old recon is significantly sharper.

[@realbroggo]

1) I use a couple of well established dealers and yes I pay retail but I get quality, service & support and often some nice loyalty discounts or early access to new knives. Most importantly I know I'm getting genuine. 2) A knife at this this price point should not have left the factory. Personally I've been concerned at Cold Steel's quality control and use of cheaper materials over the past 1-2 years and have avoided buying them. Luckily there are many other brands out there to take my money. Sharp blades all.

[@stevecochran9078]

I bought a couple Cold Steel knives from a trusted retailer recently that were on clearance. One, a Counter TAC II boot dagger, the other a Leatherneck Tanto. The Counter TAC was a little disappointing due to cheap blade steel, but it'll still serve my purposes well enough once I get it on an adjustable angle sharpener. The Leatherneck Tanto? Hooly Schitt...that thing is a beast with a capital 'B'. It's nothing short of a slashy, stabby baby katana with a D2 steel blade and a very grippy, well-fitting handle and solid steel hammer-faced pommel for window or skull cracking. This thing was made for serious business.

[@thomasbeckett1245]

I was very happy using mine in leather crafts, sharp and easy to hold! The little Tanto knife 🍴 is amazing. Also is great when eating a steak 🥩!

[@dakotafigueroa66]

I bought my “new cold steel rajah 2” from Amazon and it was definitely used. It was covered in dirty wd40 inside and out and there was wear on the pocket clip.

[@Patrick2345454]

I've got some blades with imperfect grinds... I see it as evidence that a human hand did the work. But I totally get you.

[@davidnelson4340]

I wanted one for 12-13 years before I got one. Still love it!

[@AJ-gk7bn]

Yeah I just recently got a fake Sig Romeo 5 off Amazon… it was actually fairly convincing too. But it was still my last straw for Amazon though.

[@marcdumont9799]

Could it be the same case with Fox Italy brand? My usual seller has one with CF scale at the same price that others offer the ones with Micarta or G10...

[@Juiceboxdan72]

I've always kind of wanted this knife - my state doesn't like double-edged blades though :/

[@lorddemonoss3945]

I'm happy with my brass knuckle bowie.

[@charlesh6519]

Iv had simular happen in person with swamp rat knives. Went to a gun show that had busse booth set up got a exclusive knife that was made for the show after getting it home and looking over the knife really well noticed the very prominent bend in the blade this was a 7in blade and when put on a flat surface there was a solid 3.5mm gap at the center of the blade and the flat surface!

[@brewman6218]

I got a really discounted Spyderco Native Chief, and it came with what looked like discolouration on the blade. I scrubbed it and couldn't get it off, but then tried rubbing alcohol and it came right off. The knife was otherwise perfect. It was discounted like 50 dollars.

[@Semyon_Semyonych]

The box opens at 3:37 . The knife shows at 4:23 . Before that, it's just some hysterical voice screeching about how the things are universally bad... Then, the voice gets accompanied with a hysterical laugh and, yes, you got it right -- the things just got even worse...

[@metal_complex]

Reading this made me laugh. You tried so hard 🤣

[@Semyon_Semyonych]

@@metal_complex I hope it was a normal healthy laugh...

[@metal_complex]

@@Semyon_Semyonych manic actually. Same as I do in my vids when I'm looking at something ridiculous or fascinating in a stupid way.

[@KristopherCost]

What a bummer! Sorry to see that! I picked up mine from Chicago Knife Works and it's.. not like this one.

[@TopperJordan]

Mate, you made me laugh so hard lol! You're right, if it seems to good to be true it usually is. Other stuff I've bought from Amazon has been ok apart from a model car (I collect cars as well as knives) which had a big ugly tear on the box - I don't know how the person packing it could have missed that but oh well - returned!

[@krisrhebergen]

My tai pan was as perfect as I could imagine. Also bought on one of these price drops. Then I proceeded to make it not perfect by dropping it on concrete 🙄

[@BigDaddySwingingMeat]

A grind wheel (or mail in knife repair shop if you can't fix it yourself) can fix scuff marks very easily.

[@anderseckstrand7033]

I haven’t read any of the comments below so if I’m just another guy repeating what many others have already said, I do apologize. And I absolutely love your channel and your reviews. First off, you tried buying discount from Amazon, which is always a gamble in my experience as a knife collector. You know better than I how to shop for knives and even you got stuck with a knife that is definitely less than what Cold Steel advertises. Also keep in mind that Cold Steel likes to crank these knives out and even I have noticed a slight lack in their quality control over the years. Which is too bad because they often have good designs but not always the greatest execution when it comes to their manufacturing. That said, I have two Tai Pans in 3V and I got lucky because the grind on both came perfectly symmetrical.....I got luck 😅🤷‍♂️ I bought both from DLT Trading, a secondary distributor I know you are familiar with. I’d recommend checking their for Cold Steel products in the future. It’s still cheaper than ordering directly from the Cold Steel website. Also, as a fixed blade enthusiast, Cold Steel has always had cheaper sheaths for their products. But it’s better than what Busse has done for years, which is to not offer any sheath at all!!! 😡However Busse has recently offered leather sheaths for a lot of their newer models. But yeah, if you like the Tai Pan (a good geometry for a fixed dagger actually, because the grind is wider than a traditional fairbairn-sykes ice pick lol) I recommend looking into fitting it for an aftermarket sheath of a material of your choosing. Peace and love bro! And I totally recommend avoiding Amazon in the future if you can. Unless you’re absolutely sure the seller isn’t BSing you in someway. 👍

[@TechZACH16]

I usually offer sellers two options in this situation. They can refund me an agreed upon percentage of the purchase price for me to accept the lower quality (I’ve gotten some really cool slightly imperfect stuff for stupid cheap) or I can return it as defective and we can part ways.

[@JustAnotherDayToday]

MC, you can put this one in the Green Zombie gas station bin.

[@nhwnhw02]

Hey they often say "Your mileage may vary". In May of 2021 bought a CS TaiPan from Knifecenter. It was satin CPM-3V and just over $300. Always wanted one so finally sucked it up. It is CPM-3V which isn't cheap. Well, was back on Knifecenter in July of this year and they had a DLC CPM-3V version for $199. Been buying from them over 20 years. Bought it. Just as perfect as the other one. Although getting the grease they use off the blade I did note it had a minute amout of black in the grease. Don't think it came off the blade just was a little different. Watched your video, went and got both out. They are both perfect. Some of the best grinds I have seen on CS in awhile. A little stropping and they will snap cut slivers of phonebook paper without tearing. Go figure. Wish a CPM-3V Gurkha Kukri wasn't basically $600.

[@clandestinetactical]

After seeing this and having already sold all my older cold steel knives 🔪 I’ll never buy a Cold Steel again 👎

[@seanmiz6539]

CRKT sent me a minimalist katana with a bent tip from their Amazon store, and they were on sale. Luckily it was a non-factor, as Amazon delivered to the wrong building and replaced the order (found it later that day) and replaced it with a perfect one, but yeah it feels like a stock dumping ground

[@CertifiedSunset]

I personally haven't YET been burned by Amazon. Got a Spyderco Tenacious and Ontario Rat II at MSRP on Amazon, arrived as the real deal and with no issues. This was back in like 2016 though. I haven't ordered through them since because I prefer dedicated knife sites like BladeHQ for my purchases.

[@DefendJesusCrown73]

I just baught a cold steel voyager off Amazon. Cuts great. Nothing wrong with it

[@z50com]

Amazon has them for $159 right now, it says shipped and sold by Amazon. Are they 2nds?

[@frankmorris4790]

A well known maker once talked about "Perceived worth'. The illustrative act of picking up an item (knife?) and either going AHHH! or EEEWWWW! Cold Steel?

[@andrewmypocalypse]

I got the famous $95 SRK San Mai from Amazon and I love it. Can’t find anything wrong with it and I’ve handled the real deal previously. It was a bit dull (still sharp, I’m an edge snob), but that was an easy fix in exchange for $50 cheaper than elsewhere.

[@johnanon658]

What steel?

[@watsonlitchfield2306]

A few years ago I bought a PM2 with CPM S110V from Amazon and the edge grind was just horrible. I sent it back and they sent me a new one that looked just fine. I also bought a CRKT Hisshou a few years ago from a big name, very popular online knife shop and the blade grind is atrocious. That model has a zero degree grind and the one I recieved is wavy with dips and flat spots along the whole blade. Two days after it came in the mail we got hit by a hurricane and had a huge branch from an old oak tree fall on the house. We were without power for over a week and had so much going on that I didn't even think about it until after the 30 day return was passed and I still have it. CRKT has a lifetime warranty on craftsmanship and materials but I haven't tried to contact them about it yet. I'm afraid of more disappointment and I've been having heart problems lately but it's something I need to do.

[@mikeogden5256]

By extending the thickest area on opposite sides it increases the thickness width in the center and strengthens the center .. it’s designed that way for strength

[@emoryogglethorp8180]

That only really works for certain types of fullering, the Taipan was always meant to be perfectly symmetrical.

[@metal_complex]

No. This grind is absolutely not supposed to be this way. It's a good up. I get what you're saying, but they didn't do this crap on purpose.

[@LethalByChoice]

@@metal_complex So what? It's not going to affect the performance. You can't expect a company to make knives the exact same way every time. As long as it doesn't affect it's functionality you really shouldn't care unless it's going to be a display item.

[@metal_complex]

@@LethalByChoice Daren, knock this off dude. I paid for it. Not you. The thing is displayed as having a centered grind and after talking with Cold Steel themselves, they also said the grind is supposed to be centered. Discounted or not, I wanted the thing to have the right grind. It's as if you think I used YOUR money to buy something YOU invented. What's with this defensive stance? Chill out dude. It's going back. Worry about yourself. It's done.

[@brokeboytactical]

Dang bro you beat me to it I'm glad you bought it before I did. I saw that exact ad for $100 Taipan San Mai but something told me it was either fake or f***** up and I guess I was right that sucks bro. Cold still should make it right though so at the end of the day you're still getting a good deal

[@jack_m100]

I was getting this. I thought I was ending up with restocks. That I was buying late and they only had restocks left. This was concentrating the flaws. But makes more sense the manufacturer is contributing to the problem by offloading flawed merchandise. I know I'm getting restocks though. Got a Swiss army knife over lubed and someone tried to give the bevel a mirror finish. They succeeded but also rolled the edge. So they returned it not realizing what they did. It could maybe cut butter. 10s with a small stone and it was a ton better. It'll be easier for more to fix it than truth it. Plus the cost and purpose, it's not with the effort but far from being the first return, if I did.

[@bbb2881]

I stopped buying knives on Amazon for this reason after getting a "Hogue" Ex-01 with the thumb studs jacked up returning it and receiving one with the blade so off center it was against one sides scales and the adjustment tore screws already stripped

[@cvanduyn81]

Just got a 0562ti off amazon for $245. Came perfect!

[@bowieb359]

Just picked up the cold steel chaos bowie and its Amazing!

[@Vladpryde]

I got duped on a Cold Steel Master Tanto on Amazon too. A San Mai version. I got it "new" for $159, and now I see why. Today they are selling on Amazon for $119, but that might be because of the new ownership. It has several bad flaws, including a scratch on the blade, scuff marks on the guard, being a bit dull, and other blade imperfections. It's been bugging me ever since I bought it in 2020. I'll probably get the higher-grade CPM steel version from Knife Center or Blade HQ when I can afford it. Hopefully those come out better.

[@damascusthefox]

Yeah, I usually use Amazon as a last resort when it comes to knife shopping. You can get good deals but I don't really like to risk it and I like to support my favorite knife retailers. ^w^

[@mzeusk13]

You could send it to a friend to regrind it for less than 100$, you get a perfect, not burnt edge/blade. You could still get *a deal* go for it! 🙂

[@richardcontinijr9661]

When I come across something like this situation I message the seller if I can. I straight up ask what's wrong with it. I get all kinds of answers. About 80% answer truthfully. That other 20% sucks.

[@davidnelson4340]

That is a beautiful design!

[@simonstokes369]

This happened to me with a san mai SRK. The grind was all over the place, so much so it actually looked like a recurve.

[@richardmcginnis5344]

the thing reminds me of one of the old valor double edge f&s dagger replica knives from the 70s the center line of the thing on one side it leans to the right and on the other side it also leans to the right, almost like a cardboard box with the bottom unfolded and then partially folded

[@GearedTowardGear1]

I’ve bought probably 60 knives on Amazon and had maybe 2 QC issues. I’ve had far worse QC experiences from Blade HQ.

[@mikey3800]

can confirm....picked up a heavily discounted cold steel product from amazon, lucky for me, no bad grinds but bowling ball dull... probably needs to be sharpened properly cuz the factory grind never reached apex

[@oculwarrior1706]

They used to make these back in middle-earth. Good for gutting fish and stuff. The problem with a double-edged blade is that YOU WILL eventually end up with uneven sides through use and sharpening.

[@coldersteel575]

I recently bought the cold steel mini tac tanto as a replacement for my crkt minimalist that I lost at work, its a decent knife but I'll be damned if I can get the aus8 (I think), to take a razor edge. My Cold steel tanto machete however is wicked sharp.

[@sofakingphat8087]

Just yesterday I received a order from Amazon, it was some various electronics. After I open the box I noticed it didn’t have a power cord or any of that adapter plugs. When I called to inquire about the power cord and various other adapters they told me that I would have to purchase the various cords and then they would reimburse me. I said, the cords were not included? The sales representative told me that yes they should be included. Eventually they told me to just mail the package back and they would send me a replacement. this would not be the first time I received partial orders or just a empty box.

[@ajharrisfootball]

Thanks Metal, great video as usual. However isn’t Amazon the perfect place to “take those kinds of chances?” I say that because one may just get lucky…….you may not like you have shown, but it’s always easy to return. I can return virtually anything, and it’s free to return. Also the shipping is usually fast. So your only out just a bit of time if you decide to take a chance. I think we understand about “too good to be true”………however if someone is going to take a chance……..that’s probably the best place to try it.

[@bobjohnson1633]

Amazon is slightly better than ali baba.

[@Angelwrites]

OR the sellers can be genuine from the start.

[@AceMBP]

I custom ordered that... I wanted it slightly off center for a muscle imbalance... When it arrived I was bored already and returned it.. Sorry...

[@anatineduo4289]

best comment

[@firstclasscitizen1978]

When Cold Steel was based in Ventura, California, they held a parking lot sale once each year. I attended the parking lot sales six times over the years. They openly sold factory first and factory seconds during the sale. I have purchased some factory seconds and they have worked perfectly for me. But, the Cold Steel employees were always open about the factory seconds and would point out the errors if you asked. Since the ownership of Cold Steel has changed and they moved their warehouse to Texas, I have wondered what they do with their factory seconds. Maybe my question has been answered. Note: I miss the parking lot sale and the BBQ lunch they provided when you purchased a certain dollar value or above. I am sad that they joined the never ending flow of companies leaving California.

[@marcinos303]

If the knife was cheaper and noted that it has defects, that's not a problem. I myself recently bought a Cold Steel Tactical Katana Machete for 1/3 of the store price, only because there was no factory-led cutting edge. I did it myself, it took a while, but I have a weed cutter, sharpened the way I like it. A much greater cause for worry and frustration is a knife that is poorly heat-treated, and someone wants to use it like a tool - a tool that cannot even be properly sharpened, dulls instantly or breaks.

[@-tzadakim-7805]

I find that benchmades are actually more expensive on Amazon than they are on sites like BladeHQ or Knife Center. Anyone know why?

[@bowieb359]

Looks like a good blade to me! Cold steel makes good knives!

[@mikeogden5256]

I want that same one…😊

[@pootmahgoots8482]

Its like people buy rejected units from QC and resell them at significantly lower prices. That's your red flag. The price. If it's exponentially lower than what it costs from a dealer or the company itself, it's more than likely a unit that failed inspection, or a fake. Heck if you're not planning to use it and got it for way less than you would regularly, I'd keep it. Its a cool, odd piece that could one day be worth a lot.

[@Abby_Normal_1969]

I got my Briton, Sassy Pants, up to 100 Smithing pretty quickly and she made, with all the perks, 1000s of legendary iron daggers. Once her Enchanting was 100, it was game over. I wonder if she could have worked for Cold Steel.

[@Timmayytoo]

That type of grind is tough to do - just getting the grinds symmetrical from front to back on a plain ole drop point is often difficult for some makers. I can't afford to do this, but I would bet that if you buy 10 of those from the same "legit" dealer, you will find some of them are wonky like that - it's got nothing to do with it being cheap on Amazon.

[@nobodysreview6137]

For Cold Steel this is normal. Emerson oddly has some great blade grinds and Hinderers are always perfect but those are pretty expensive. I have a Magnum Tanto 12 that they did a pretty good job on but it's off slightly from side to side but not as bad as this knife you have but thats also a Dagger.

[@emoryogglethorp8180]

True it is a difficult grind to do properly but to be fair the only time I've ever had any grind issues on a Cold Steel was when I ordered it from Amazon, every time I bought a Cold Steel in person it was perfect. I may not be able to afford the Taipan but when I bought the Shanghai Shadow (which is basically the exact same grind but a bit wider) it was one of the most beautiful grinds I have ever seen, but when I had to get a new one online because the old one got stolen it came with the most uneven grind I have ever seen. Needless to say I was very disappointed.

[@jdubxi11]

While true, I don't personally think that is excusable. If a company can't produce what is expected then it shouldn't be sold. Difficulty has nothing to do with legitimate business. Price yes, but not following through with the actual sale of a sub par product.

[@arthurhuskins910]

I think could be a bit to do with amazon I work with metal in the industrie (i could never be so upset /in my eyes even weird because it is machineground and flipped/a thought of mine i must say woensdag i see it) Must ad **** ** if you have a complaint perhaps try it yourself haha / or look even deeper at the cutmarks or so left to right (by the way i like the look knife) Never bought a cold steel and didn't enjoy it/ still have it Really want to buy the air lite tanto and the one with the exchangeble blades the name escape me(or woensdag possible in Holland one of the ad 20 versions

[@manchagojohnsonmanchago6367]

No.. Its very easy to do. Its done on a cnc machine.. The only reason the grinds will be off is if the blade was bent and out of what after surface gribding.. Or one stobe was not dressed properly