Cold Steel Medium Luzon 9in Folding Knife Review

Let’s Talk About Cold Steel Medium Luzon 9in Folding Knife

The Cold Steel Medium Luzon 9in Folding Knife is a budget-friendly offering from Cold Steel inspired by Filipino Martial Arts. Designed in collaboration with Mike Wallace, it mimics the aesthetics of a balisong but functions as a more socially acceptable flipper. It’s a fascinating piece that blends tactical functionality with a unique cultural influence.

I was seeking a reliable, yet affordable folding knife with a distinct design. I wanted something that could handle everyday tasks, but also offer a unique aesthetic appeal beyond the typical tactical folder. The Luzon caught my eye with its bamboo-inspired handle and overall aggressive profile.

Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was its surprising lightness, despite its 9-inch overall length. The glass-filled nylon handle felt sturdy, if a bit plasticky, and the blade arrived adequately sharp. It wasn’t razor-sharp, but definitely serviceable out of the box.

Compared to my Benchmade Griptilian or Spyderco Paramilitary 2, the Luzon felt less refined, but those knives are in a different price bracket. Other similar options I considered were the CRKT CEO and the Ontario Rat Model 1, but neither offered the unique visual style of the Luzon, or its balisong-inspired flipping action. Ultimately, I chose the Cold Steel Medium Luzon 9in Folding Knife for its unique blend of affordability, size, and unconventional design.

I was intrigued, not blown away, but definitely eager to put it through its paces. The initial impression was one of a potentially good value, if somewhat basic, folding knife.

Real-World Testing: Putting Cold Steel Medium Luzon 9in Folding Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I initially tested the Cold Steel Medium Luzon 9in Folding Knife during a weekend camping trip. I used it for typical camp chores like preparing food, cutting rope, and whittling small pieces of wood for kindling. The knife performed adequately, though the blade steel did require some minor sharpening after a fair amount of use.

The weather was dry and cool, so I didn’t get to test it in truly adverse conditions during the initial outing. The handle provided a decent grip even when my hands were slightly damp. I did find the flipping action to be a bit stiff at first, requiring some breaking in to become smoother.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of intermittent use, the Cold Steel Medium Luzon 9in Folding Knife is holding up reasonably well. The blade has retained its edge adequately with occasional touch-ups using a sharpening stone. I have noticed some minor scratches on the blade finish, but nothing that impacts its functionality.

The GFN handle still feels solid, with no signs of cracking or warping. Cleaning is a breeze – a quick wipe with a damp cloth usually does the trick. Compared to my higher-end knives with more premium steels, the Luzon requires more frequent sharpening, but it’s also far less expensive to replace if it were to become lost or damaged.

Breaking Down the Features of Cold Steel Medium Luzon 9in Folding Knife

Specifications

The Cold Steel Medium Luzon 9in Folding Knife boasts a blade length of 4 inches, crafted from 8Cr13MoV stainless steel. The knife has a closed length of 5 inches, making it relatively compact for storage. The overall length comes in at 9 inches, providing a substantial reach when opened.

The blade features a clip point shape, making it suitable for both piercing and slicing tasks. The handle is made from glass-filled nylon (GFN), offering a lightweight yet durable grip. The Cold Steel Medium Luzon 9in Folding Knife weighs in at a mere 3.7 oz (3.5 oz depending on finish), making it comfortable to carry. It also features a blade thickness of 2.75 mm for enhanced strength.

These specifications are important because they dictate the knife’s overall utility and carry comfort. The 8Cr13MoV steel is a decent budget steel, balancing hardness and corrosion resistance. The GFN handle keeps the weight down, while the clip point blade offers versatility in various cutting tasks.

Performance & Functionality

The Cold Steel Medium Luzon 9in Folding Knife performs adequately for general-purpose tasks. The blade is sharp enough for most everyday cutting chores, though it requires occasional sharpening to maintain its edge. The flipping action, while initially stiff, smooths out with use, allowing for relatively quick deployment.

One strength is its lightweight design, making it easy to carry without feeling burdened. A weakness is the 8Cr13MoV steel, which doesn’t hold an edge as well as more premium steels. Overall, it meets expectations for a budget-friendly folding knife.

Design & Ergonomics

The design is certainly eye-catching, drawing inspiration from Filipino balisongs and bamboo. The GFN handle provides a decent grip, although it can feel a bit slick when wet. The light weight contributes to comfortable carry, but the handle’s plastic feel might not appeal to everyone.

There is a minor learning curve associated with the secondary safety mechanism. After a few uses I grew accustomed to it. The pocket clip is ambidextrous.

Durability & Maintenance

The Cold Steel Medium Luzon 9in Folding Knife appears to be reasonably durable, given its price point. The GFN handle is resistant to impacts and the elements, but the blade steel is susceptible to scratches. Maintenance is simple – regular cleaning and occasional sharpening are all that’s needed.

With proper care, it should last for several years of moderate use. However, it’s not designed for heavy-duty tasks or abuse.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Cold Steel Medium Luzon 9in Folding Knife comes with an ambidextrous pocket/belt clip. There are no readily available aftermarket scales or other customization options specifically designed for the Luzon. However, some users may be able to modify existing accessories to fit, though this may void the warranty.

The lack of customization options is a downside for those who enjoy personalizing their knives. The ambidextrous clip allows for comfortable carry for both right- and left-handed users.

Pros and Cons of Cold Steel Medium Luzon 9in Folding Knife

Who Should Buy Cold Steel Medium Luzon 9in Folding Knife?

The Cold Steel Medium Luzon 9in Folding Knife is perfect for budget-conscious individuals seeking a stylish and functional EDC knife. It’s suitable for casual campers, hikers, and anyone needing a reliable cutting tool for everyday tasks. It’s also a good option for those interested in learning basic knife-flipping techniques without investing in an expensive balisong.

Those who prioritize premium materials, superior edge retention, and a refined feel should skip this product. People needing a heavy-duty knife for demanding tasks would be better served by a more robust option with a stronger blade steel. A sharpening stone is a must-have accessory to maintain the blade’s edge.

Conclusion on Cold Steel Medium Luzon 9in Folding Knife

The Cold Steel Medium Luzon 9in Folding Knife is a decent option in the budget-friendly knife market. Its unique design and lightweight construction make it an appealing choice for everyday carry. While the materials aren’t top-of-the-line, the price is more than justified for what you get.

I would recommend this knife to anyone looking for an affordable and stylish EDC option. It provides good value for the money and is a fun conversation starter. Consider adding the Cold Steel Medium Luzon 9in Folding Knife to your collection today!