Cold Steel 1911 Folding Knife Review

First Impressions of Cold Steel 1911 Folding Knife

The Cold Steel 1911 Folding Knife immediately grabs your attention with its bold design, clearly inspired by the iconic 1911 pistol grip. Marketed towards knife enthusiasts who appreciate a touch of tactical flair, this folding knife from Cold Steel promises a lightning-fast deployment and a secure grip. The Griv-Ex handle and stainless steel clip point blade are highlighted as key features.

I needed a reliable everyday carry (EDC) knife that could handle a variety of tasks, from opening packages to more demanding cutting chores. I wanted something that felt substantial in hand, offered a secure grip, and wouldn’t break the bank.

Out of the box, the knife feels surprisingly solid for its weight. The checkered Griv-Ex handle provides excellent grip, and the flipper action is indeed very quick. While the overall fit and finish are decent, there’s a certain “budget” feel to it, especially compared to knives with higher-end materials.

I considered the Ontario RAT Model 1 and the Kershaw Link before settling on the Cold Steel 1911 Folding Knife. The RAT Model 1 is a classic, but I wanted something with a bit more personality. The Kershaw Link is a solid knife, but the 1911’s unique design appealed to me.

I was initially excited by the concept and the low price point. But I had slight reservations about the 4034 Stainless Steel blade, a steel known for its ease of sharpening but not necessarily for edge retention. My first impression was cautiously optimistic.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Cold Steel 1911 Folding Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

My first real test for the Cold Steel 1911 Folding Knife was on a weekend camping trip. It was used for everything from preparing food (slicing vegetables and sausages) to cutting rope and kindling.

The knife performed adequately in dry conditions. However, when things got damp due to unexpected rain, the flipper action became slightly less smooth, requiring a more deliberate push to deploy the blade fully.

It took a few minutes to get accustomed to the grip. The aggressive checkering, while providing excellent purchase, could become slightly abrasive with prolonged use. No issues arose in terms of opening or closing the knife.

During the initial uses, the only problem encountered was that the secondary safety mechanism occasionally engaged unintentionally when drawing the knife from my pocket. This required a slight adjustment to my draw technique.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of everyday carry and use on various outdoor adventures, the Cold Steel 1911 Folding Knife has held up reasonably well. There are some minor scratches on the blade’s finish, but nothing major.

The Griv-Ex handle still looks and feels new, and the locking mechanism remains solid. I’ve noticed the edge retention of the 4034 Stainless Steel blade isn’t exceptional. It requires frequent touch-ups with a sharpening steel to maintain a decent cutting edge.

Cleaning is straightforward. A quick rinse with warm soapy water and a light oiling of the pivot point keeps everything functioning smoothly. This is key to keeping the action of the blade clean and reliable.

Compared to my previous EDC knife, a Benchmade Griptilian, the Cold Steel 1911 Folding Knife falls short in terms of overall quality and edge retention. However, given the significant price difference, the Cold Steel 1911 Folding Knife delivers acceptable performance for its cost.

Breaking Down the Features of Cold Steel 1911 Folding Knife

Specifications

• The Cold Steel 1911 Folding Knife features a 3-inch clip point blade made of 4034 Stainless Steel. The blade thickness is 3.3 mm, giving it a decent amount of strength for everyday tasks.
• The handle is made of Griv-Ex, mimicking the shape of a 1911 pistol grip, and the knife has an overall length of 7 inches with a closed length of 4 inches. This means it’s fairly compact for pocket carry.
• The weight is 3.1 oz, making it lightweight enough to carry comfortably. The knife also features a flipper opening method and a stainless steel blade finish.
• The handle is black and it utilizes a secure locking mechanism with a secondary safety. It is suitable for a variety of folding blade applications.

These specifications provide a lightweight, easily concealable knife with quick deployment. The materials, while not premium, are chosen to keep the cost down.

Performance & Functionality

The Cold Steel 1911 Folding Knife performs adequately for general EDC tasks. It excels at opening boxes, cutting rope, and other light-duty cutting chores.

Its primary strengths are its comfortable grip, quick flipper deployment, and secure lockup. The main weakness is the 4034 Stainless Steel blade’s mediocre edge retention, requiring frequent sharpening to keep it performing optimally.

It meets expectations for a budget-friendly EDC knife. But it falls short if you’re expecting the performance of a higher-end blade.

Design & Ergonomics

The Cold Steel 1911 Folding Knife scores high on design, successfully capturing the iconic 1911 pistol grip aesthetics. The Griv-Ex handle is well-checkered and provides a secure and comfortable grip for most hand sizes.

There’s a slight learning curve to disengaging the secondary safety smoothly, but overall, the knife is user-friendly. The flipper action is intuitive and quick.

Durability & Maintenance

The Cold Steel 1911 Folding Knife is expected to last a reasonable amount of time with proper care. The Griv-Ex handle is very durable and resistant to scratches and impacts.

Maintaining the knife is straightforward. Keeping the blade clean and lightly oiled, along with occasional sharpening, is all that’s needed to keep it in good working order.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Cold Steel 1911 Folding Knife comes with a standard ambidextrous stainless steel pocket clip. There aren’t many official accessories or customization options available directly from Cold Steel.

Due to its unique handle shape, aftermarket scales or grips are unlikely to be compatible. However, the pocket clip can be easily replaced with other standard clips if desired.

Pros and Cons of Cold Steel 1911 Folding Knife

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Who Should Buy Cold Steel 1911 Folding Knife?

The Cold Steel 1911 Folding Knife is perfect for budget-minded individuals who appreciate the 1911 aesthetic and need a reliable EDC knife for light-to-medium tasks. It is well-suited for casual campers, hobbyists, and anyone looking for an inexpensive and functional pocket knife.

Those seeking a premium EDC knife with exceptional edge retention, superior materials, or extensive customization options should skip this product. People who need a knife for heavy-duty tasks, where edge retention is critical, should also consider alternatives.

A sharpening steel or a pocket-sized sharpening stone is a must-have accessory to maintain the blade’s edge. Consider a high-quality gun oil to maintain the smoothness and reduce the friction when opening and closing the knife.

Conclusion on Cold Steel 1911 Folding Knife

The Cold Steel 1911 Folding Knife offers a unique blend of tactical aesthetics and practical functionality at an affordable price. While the 4034 Stainless Steel blade may require frequent sharpening, the knife’s secure grip, quick deployment, and reliable locking mechanism make it a solid choice for everyday carry.

For a price of $47.72, the value proposition is excellent. It provides a lot of bang for your buck.

I would recommend the Cold Steel 1911 Folding Knife to anyone looking for a budget-friendly, stylish, and functional EDC knife. If you like the 1911 pistol design, this knife is an excellent choice. Go ahead and add the Cold Steel 1911 Folding Knife to your collection and experience the unique design for yourself.