Cold SteelCode 4 3.5" S35VN Razor-Sharp Blade 5" 6061 Aluminum Handle Everyday Carry Tactical Folding Knife w/Tri-Ad Locking Mechanism

I own 45 knives ranging from $35 to $800. I have only minimal experience with Cold Steel but they have a reputation for large over built knives. When I saw the Code 4 for 69 bones I couldn't pass on it. On first opening the box I was impressed with the look and feel. It's very solid but light weight. The handle is very thin and the ergonomics are excellent. The gunmetal scales look great and the screws are a combination of brushed and polished. The blade is S35 which has fallen out of favor the last few years but it's still a great choice. The grinds are even, the blade is hair shaving sharp, and the blade is stout. The Triad lock is legendary for its strength and the blade locks up more solidly than any knife I own. Holding it close to the tip and trying to find any wiggle in the blade doesn't move it side to side or up and down. I have seen a lot of complaints about the back lock being hard to unlock but mine is pretty smooth. After so much time using the Spyderco opening method the thumb studs feel a little weird but I'm sure with a little flipping I'll get better. Its kind of a mid size knife but it carries really well because the scales are really thin. The only thing I can see as a possible problem is lack of traction on the scales. They're pretty smooth and it may be an issue with wet or cold hands. I own most of the internet experts top choice knives and have to say this knife is better than knives costing 2 or 3 times the Code 4. If you want ~ a 3.5 inch blade on a heavy duty knife get this. The Code 4 is awesome, even at $90 I'd say buy it because you can not get a better knife for the money.

The number one thing I love about this knife is how well it rides. It's got a thin profile, so is non-intrusive in the pocket, and the metal scales allow you to pocket the knife quickly and cleanly. Say goodbye to the days of shredding your pocket with course, gritty or spikey grips; I've had this knife for 3 years and you can't even tell I carry a knife at all times by looking at my pockets. While you might think smooth metal scales would make for a slippery grip, the finger grips molded into the handle keep the knife very snug and I am comfortable using this for almost any task, including self-defense if needed.Beyond that, the tri-ad lock is great and secure, especially for a lefty - there is no chance I'll use a liner lock for any type of stabbing or self-defense, as you're just asking to pop the lock and cut your finger off. I am 100% certain the tri-ad will never accidentally close; it's virtually impossible. Speaking of being a lefty, it's nice to have a company sell an ambidextrous knife, because it's a pain to find something you like only to realize it's not going to carry or hold comfortably.The blade is a good steel, holds a good edge and is easily sharpened when you get to that point. I cleaned a 350lb hog recently with nothing but this knife and just a couple runs through the sharpener. It did great! Also, with the smooth scales, I didn't end up with a bunch of pig gunk to brush out of grip crevices. Just had to do a quick wash, sharpen it up and we were back to new.I originally had a clip point version but forgot I had it on me and TSA now owns that one. I immediately bought another when I returned home and went spear point. Both have their benefits and drawbacks but will probably opt for the clip point if I end up with another one...the sharper point allows for detailed tasks like removing splinters, picking, scraping, controlled/precise puncturing, etc.To summarize, this is a great knife I will continue to carry until something else really impresses me, but it's going to have to include a few features this knife has got me spoiled me with. Highly recommended and for the money, it's hard to beat. Benchmade people will probably disagree with that, and fair enough, they make a great EDC. But don't overlook Cold Steel and the Code 4!

Great knife, slim, light, extremely strong, very easy to carry, open and close easy

You decide if you want to chance it. I mean chance getting a poor quality one or a good one. Oil came on alumium handle, no worries wipe right off. Anyways this knife fresh out of the box had oxidation on the knife, OK no worries it came right off with my finger nail and right on the bottom of the plunge grind. Anyways the inside of the lock had inconsistent "steel gaps" I guess you could say. The steel should be solid but it has inconsistencies. The aluminum was good only a tiny inperfection out of the whole handle so I'll take that. Also scratch on other side of pivot screw. The quality control has gotten really bad I don't know if when Amazon has a sale Cold steel gives them defective knives or what's going on. I really like this knife and despite all this I don't know it I should chance another one with different issues. At least the grind is even and came sharp. The grind is even nice on the tanto tip to edge. So I might just keep this because despite the cosmetic issues I'll keep it but it shouldn't be that way. When you pay for a knife regardless if it is on sale it should be 100% ready for your customer regardless if the company makes less money. It gets an 4/5 stars because cold steel is very good and trusted but the 1 star is the quality control, I recently got a recon 1 and that blade is hitting the inside of the handle.