Cold Steel 4MAX… $425???

Leo Greer

Leo Greer

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Does anyone have a clue why this knife is so ridiculously expensive? The S35VN version is literally priced at XM-18 levels.

I’m not complaining about the price, because I’ll never buy one, but just wondering if anyone knew why this is so danged expensive. 🤔
 
no idear. occasionally a dealer not a forum supporting one though so can't say their name........ sells them for much less, but still very pricey all things considered.
 
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Yeah like $200-240 is a "sometimes" price you'll see.

Since a bit before the GSM sale, CS started releasing models with higher MSRPs, and the 4Max Elite is an example of that.

Another example is the drop point Voyager that came out after that change and more recently than the tanto and clip point models. Knife Center has the Voyager XL drop point for $106.99 and clip point for $69.95. These both Aus10a, identical except the blade shape and when they came out. Drop https://www.knifecenter.com/item/CS...s-10a-stonewashed-plain-blade-griv-ex-handles clip https://www.knifecenter.com/item/CS...s-10a-stonewashed-plain-blade-griv-ex-handles

Edit: Some quick math, the new drop point Voyager XL is about a 52.9% bump in price compared to the clip point version. Using that as the number, if that change in pricing never happened, the 4Max Elite would be about $277.21 instead of $424.
 
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Leo Greer said:
Does anyone have a clue why this knife is so ridiculously expensive? The S35VN version is literally priced at XM-18 levels.

I’m not complaining about the price, because I’ll never buy one, but just wondering if anyone knew why this is so danged expensive. 🤔
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Maybe to make their "Scout" version look like a bargain at $75 to 80 ? :confused:

Same thing for their large chopper fixed in 3V . Custom level prices . :mad: Often with a much cheaper , less quality version available .

Cold Steel used to be great for value , but now you gotta shop hard to find a deal .
 
DocJD said:
Maybe to make their "Scout" version look like a bargain at $75 to 80 ? :confused:

Same thing for their large chopper fixed in 3V . Custom level prices . :mad: Often with a much cheaper , less quality version available .

Cold Steel used to be great for value , but now you gotta shop hard to find a deal .
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I mean, for $425 on a production knife that’s probably not made in the USA (definitely not sure), I want to see things like intricate milled titanium or fatcarbon CF options. Things like in house titanium hardware is almost a given.

Except it doesn’t seem like we have any of these things.

I can at least respect the S35VN choice over 20CV, as it does offer a few items that differ, but I feel like the majority of people view 20CV as a superior steel, and for that price the steel should be superior.
 
kreole said:
Yeah like $200-240 is a "sometimes" price you'll see.

Since a bit before the GSM sale, CS started releasing models with higher MSRPs, and the 4Max Elite is an example of that.

Another example is the drop point Voyager that came out after that change and more recently than the tanto and clip point models. Knife Center has the Voyager XL drop point for $106.99 and clip point for $69.95. These both Aus10a, identical except the blade shape and when they came out. Drop https://www.knifecenter.com/item/CS...s-10a-stonewashed-plain-blade-griv-ex-handles clip https://www.knifecenter.com/item/CS...s-10a-stonewashed-plain-blade-griv-ex-handles

Edit: Some quick math, the new drop point Voyager XL is about a 52.9% bump in price compared to the clip point version. Using that as the number, if that change in pricing never happened, the 4Max Elite would be about $277.21 instead of $424.
Click to expand...

I noticed both of those also.
Cold Steel used to make a good knife at a good price, taking advantage of foreign manufacturing sites.
With the new prices, they make a good knife at a high price, apparently pocketing the manufacturing cost savings, instead of passing them along to the customer.

I'm having to think hard about further CS purchases.
 
I don't understand the pricing either. But, I don't understand the pricing on a lot of things.

As others have said, the Max seems like a good bargain for the $.

I still love my Recon 1 and Ultimate Hunter knives. Even tho the prices keep going up, I would argue the spear point Recon 1 for $124 and UH for $110 are still good *value* imo.
 
There's still great deals available , but gotta be patient and shop around . ;):thumbsup:

GSM may just have to learn that many of their CS customers are value shoppers and will not pay ridiculous prices . :mad::thumbsdown:
 
Because it’s massive. It’s seriously one of the most overbuilt folders ever made. The liners are thick, the blade is thick, it’s heavy.

The 4max could eat XM-18s for breakfast.

I owned one once.… clipped it to my pocket and I can honestly say I hope I never fall in a pool or pond with one in my pocket.

If you like cold steel, and you can find an Italian version for a good deal, go for it. I bought one for like $275 back in the day on secondary. No way I’d spend $425 but it’s definitely a unique piece of cutlery.

Edited to add: Get a scout version. You won’t use the 4max enough to justify G10 and s35vn/20cv, and you can still admire it when you take it out to fondle before saying “nah, too big” as you put it away again.
 
I believe everything on the 4 Max is Ti, liners clip, ect. with G-10. I'm not sure if the new one's are made in Italy or Taiwan. The American and Taiwan 4 max's I have are all very well built, and stout as can be. The downside is the overall weight, although you can get used to most things.
 
I have two of the Italian made 4Maxes. I got them just after they came out. Less than $300 each. Tax shipping and all. I still love them and carry them often.

With the new owners, I'm not buying anything for a while. If things go the route I'm expecting, I may never buy another Cold Steel. It's sad. They were my top favorite maker/company.
 
knarfeng said:
I noticed both of those also.
Cold Steel used to make a good knife at a good price, taking advantage of foreign manufacturing sites.
With the new prices, they make a good knife at a high price, apparently pocketing the manufacturing cost savings, instead of passing them along to the customer.

I'm having to think hard about further CS purchases.
Click to expand...
They’re user tools, first and foremost. If the user’s goal is to find a rugged, dependable cutting tool in the $50 to about $150 range, CS excels in that. Above $200, I’d argue just heading into Spyderco or ZT territory.

The 4Max is a tough, attractive knife certainly, but $425 is already fast approaching Sebenza country.
 
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