Cold Steel Engage Folding Knife Review

First Impressions of Cold Steel Engage Folding Knife

The Cold Steel Engage Folding Knife promises a blend of everyday practicality and tactical robustness, a combination I’ve sought for years. Cold Steel is known for its innovative locking mechanisms and durable designs, and the Engage aims to deliver on both fronts. I was particularly drawn to the Atlas Lock, a feature I wanted to test for its strength and ambidextrous operation.

For years, I’ve carried various folding knives, each with its own set of compromises. Some were strong but bulky; others were lightweight but felt flimsy. My search has been for a folder that strikes a balance – dependable for daily tasks but capable enough for unexpected challenges in the outdoors.

The Cold Steel Engage Folding Knife arrived in a no-frills package, typical of Cold Steel products. Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the solid feel in hand. The GFN handle, despite being a polymer, felt substantial and grippy, and the stonewash finish on the 4116 stainless steel blade gave it a practical, non-reflective look.

Compared to my Benchmade Griptilian, which I consider a benchmark for EDC knives, the Engage felt slightly heavier, but potentially more robust. The Spyderco Paramilitary 2, another favorite, offered a different locking mechanism and blade shape, but the Atlas Lock on the Engage was a distinct point of interest. I hoped it would rival the Axis lock in terms of ease of use and strength.

My initial reaction was one of cautious optimism. The Cold Steel Engage Folding Knife seemed well-built, but the true test would be its performance in the field. Would the Atlas Lock live up to the hype, and could the 4116 steel hold an edge under demanding use?

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

First Use Experience

My initial testing ground for the Cold Steel Engage Folding Knife was a weekend camping trip in the Appalachian Mountains. The knife was immediately put to use for typical camp chores: preparing food, whittling kindling, and cutting rope. The ergonomic handle provided a comfortable and secure grip, even with damp hands.

During a light drizzle, the GFN handle proved its worth by maintaining excellent grip. I found the Atlas Lock surprisingly easy to operate with gloves on, a major advantage in colder conditions. After the first day, I noticed no issues with the lockup or blade play, which was a promising start.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Cold Steel Engage Folding Knife has proven to be a reliable tool. The 4116 stainless steel blade, while not a premium steel, has held its edge reasonably well, requiring only occasional touch-ups with a ceramic rod. There’s been no signs of rust or corrosion, despite exposure to moisture and dirt.

The GFN handle has held up well to daily wear and tear, with no cracks or significant scratches. The Atlas Lock continues to function smoothly and securely, inspiring confidence in its durability. I have also found that the blade pivots are easily adjusted, making for easy cleanup.

Compared to my previous experiences with other Cold Steel products, the Engage is on par with their reputation for sturdy construction and reliable performance. It may not be the flashiest knife, but it’s a dependable tool that gets the job done without complaint. Overall, it has not disappointed me.

Breaking Down the Features of Cold Steel Engage Folding Knife

Specifications

• The Cold Steel Engage Folding Knife features a 3-inch blade made from 4116 Stainless Steel. This steel is known for its ease of sharpening and decent corrosion resistance, making it a practical choice for everyday use.
• It has a closed length of 4.11 inches and weighs 0.22 lb, making it compact and lightweight enough for comfortable carry. The blade thickness is 3.8 mm, contributing to its robust feel.
• The blade shape is a Tanto, offering a strong tip for piercing and prying. The handle is made from GFN, a glass-filled nylon polymer, providing a durable and grippy surface.
• The blade has a Stonewash finish, which helps to hide scratches and wear. The knife utilizes Cold Steel’s patent-pending Atlas Lock, which is designed for strength and ambidextrous operation.
• The handle color is OD Green, a practical and subdued choice for tactical and outdoor use. The knife is a folding blade type, making it convenient for everyday carry and storage.

These specifications highlight the knife’s focus on practicality and durability. The Atlas Lock, in particular, is a key feature that sets it apart from other folding knives in its class.

Performance & Functionality

The Cold Steel Engage Folding Knife performs admirably in a variety of tasks. The Tanto blade provides excellent piercing capability and is well-suited for tasks like opening boxes, cutting rope, and preparing food. The Atlas Lock offers a solid and reliable lockup, inspiring confidence during demanding use.

The knife’s strength lies in its simplicity and robustness. The blade holds an edge well enough for everyday tasks, and the handle provides a comfortable and secure grip. The main area for improvement would be upgrading to a better steel to improve edge retention.

The Cold Steel Engage Folding Knife meets expectations for a mid-range EDC knife. It’s not a high-end showpiece, but it’s a dependable tool that performs its intended functions without issue.

Design & Ergonomics

The Cold Steel Engage Folding Knife is designed with practicality in mind. The GFN handle is textured for a secure grip, even when wet. The handle’s ergonomics are well-suited for a variety of hand sizes, and the knife feels comfortable during extended use.

The Atlas Lock is easily accessible and operable with either hand. While the design is not particularly flashy, it is functional and well-executed.

The Cold Steel Engage Folding Knife is easy to use, requiring minimal learning curve. The Atlas Lock is intuitive to operate, and the knife opens smoothly and locks securely.

Durability & Maintenance

The Cold Steel Engage Folding Knife is built to last. The GFN handle is resistant to impacts and abrasion, and the 4116 stainless steel blade is resistant to corrosion. The Atlas Lock is a robust design that should withstand years of use.

The knife is easy to maintain. The blade can be easily sharpened with a ceramic rod or sharpening stone, and the handle can be cleaned with soap and water. The pivot can be lubricated with a drop of oil to ensure smooth operation.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Cold Steel Engage Folding Knife does not come with many accessories. It includes only the knife itself.

While there are no specific Cold Steel accessories marketed for the Engage, the knife’s design allows for aftermarket customization. You can replace the pocket clip with a different style, and some users may choose to modify the handle scales for a more personalized look. The knife should be compatible with any standard aftermarket pocket clip, making customization easy.

Pros and Cons of Cold Steel Engage Folding Knife

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Who Should Buy Cold Steel Engage Folding Knife?

The Cold Steel Engage Folding Knife is perfect for everyday carry users, outdoorsmen, and anyone looking for a reliable and affordable folding knife. It is also a good choice for those who appreciate ambidextrous designs.

Those seeking a high-end knife with premium steel and extensive customization options should skip this product. Also, users who prefer a lighter-weight knife may find the Engage a bit heavy for their liking.

A must-have accessory for the Cold Steel Engage Folding Knife is a quality sharpening tool, such as a ceramic rod or sharpening stone. A small bottle of knife oil for lubricating the pivot is also recommended.

Conclusion on Cold Steel Engage Folding Knife

The Cold Steel Engage Folding Knife is a solid and dependable tool that offers good value for its price. Its strengths lie in its robust construction, reliable Atlas Lock, and practical design. While it may not be the most glamorous knife on the market, it is a capable and trustworthy companion for everyday tasks and outdoor adventures.

The price of $79.79 is justified by the knife’s quality and performance. The Atlas Lock alone is worth the price of admission, offering a level of security and ambidextrous operation that is rare in this price range.

I would personally recommend the Cold Steel Engage Folding Knife to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable EDC knife. It’s a tool that you can depend on to get the job done, day in and day out. Don’t hesitate – add the Cold Steel Engage Folding Knife to your everyday carry and experience its reliability for yourself!