Cold Steel, perhaps known best for its ridiculous marketing videos, produces some really high quality tools nonetheless, and one of the cool things about the company is that it is one of the only knifemakers today that doesn’t just restrict its catalog to knives. They also make spears, swords, axes, bucklers, even shovels and other tools.

Be that as it may, Cold Steel knives are known for quality. So let’s take a quick look at 7 models, each of which for one reason or another might be called the best Cold Steel knife.

Cold Steel 4-MAX Scout Lock

The Cold Steel 4-MAX Scout Lock is a good place to start and one of the best selling Cold Steel knives here at White Mountain Knives.

It sports a curved Griv-Ex handle that offers a good grip in all conditions, even when wet or in extreme cold, and sports a 4”, 4.8mm thick AUS-10 blade.

This steel is well known for its corrosion resistance, but it’s also fair wear resistant and can take a seriously sharp edge.

It may sport a pretty plain profile but its solid ergonomics and uncompromising utilitarianism make it an excellent Cold Steel knife.

Cold Steel AD-10

Right on the heels of the 4-MAX is the Cold Steel AD-10. All else being equal, these are pretty similar knives, even though the AD-10 is just a little bit smaller.

Overall, blade profile and ergonomics, as well as design, are very similar. Where the AD-10 is really set apart is that it has an S35VN blade.

This steel is very wear resistant, very corrosion resistant and will not just take a sharp edge, but hold it - much longer than AUS-10.

Some might consider it a little harder to resharpen but all things considered, that’s a fair trade-off.

Cold Steel AD-15

If you love the AD-10 and its steel but are looking for something with more novel lines and a unique lock, then go for the AD-15. It’s designed by Andrew Demko, the same guy who designed the AD-10 (hence the “AD” in both) and preserves a lot of the features you might like in it.

Like the AD-10, the Cold Steel AD-15 has a similarly sized drop point blade with a straight edge, made of CPM-S35VN steel.

This one however sports a G10 handle that is also good in the elements and which pretty much will never require maintenance.

Cold Steel SRK in SK-5

Fixed blade fanatics will appreciate this one. You can’t hope to find the best Cold Steel knife if the list doesn’t have at least one fixed blade, and from Cold Steel, the SRK in SK-5 steel is one of the best of the best.

The SRK is a simple knife but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t offer up a lot of value. It sports a 5” drop point blade of SK-5 steel that is corrosion resistant and which will take a ridiculous edge, while being easier to sharpen than S35VN.

It also has a Kray-Ex handle which, like micarta, G10 and other synthetics, will not need any special care or maintenance. It is also textured so as to afford a solid grip under nearly any conditions.

Finishing the knife off is a Secure-Ex sheath which offers an excellent friction fit and which can be rigged for carry in a whole bunch of different ways, including lashed to a pack or for scout carry.

Cold Steel Rajah 2

 

The Rajah 2 is a Cold Steel knife that is very clearly inspired by the Kukri, a large, heavy, weight forward blade with an inward curve that excels at chopping and slashing. The unique thing about this knife, though, is that it is a folder whereas most kukri patterns are fixed blades.

With a 6” blade and an 8” handle, and paired with a lockback, this thing may be a folder but it can still put in some serious work, and for the price, there’s no wonder it’s a top-seller.

Cold Steel Recon Tanto

The Cold Steel Recon Tanto is another great Cold Steel knife that offers pretty much everything the SRK in SK-5 offers, down to the steel, the handle material and pattern, and the sheath.

The main difference is that instead of a drop point, the Recon Tanto sports a tanto profile blade, obviously. If you’re a fan of tanto blades, then this is a better option for you.

Cold Steel Master Hunter

Lastly, we want to call out the Master Hunter, which just might be the best Cold Steel knife on this list, especially if you prefer fixed blades. There is just so much to love about this knife.

It has a plain drop point blade and is similar in dimension to the SRK, but it sports a CPM-3V blade instead of an SK-5 blade. In terms of edge retention, it’ll probably fare a little better, and it’s probably similar in corrosion resistance. It likely wins on toughness, too.

It sports a Kraton handle that’s similar to the Kray-Ex of the SRK and also a Secure-Ex sheath that offers pretty much all the same selling points. The main differentiator is in the steel and the blade profile, although that’s similar.

It’s a solid option for sportsmen, not just for the practicality, but for the attractive price.

Not Seeing the Best Cold Steel Knife for You Here? Keep Looking!

Not sure if you’d consider one of the models covered here the best Cold Steel knife? Then take a closer look through our catalog, because in addition to these we carry many others. Check out our full Cold Steel collection and if you’re looking for something you don’t see listed, get in touch with us directly.