Cold Steel Air Lite Thoughts?

[BMCGear]

For those of you who have this one what are your thoughts on it? How thin behind the edge is it? Is it very slicey?

 

[strideruser]

Not got one but also interested to know

 

[insta9ves]

I got both versions, almost the perfect size for me. The only complain is the scale is too thin, so while it's comfortable to carry, it's not comfortable to use. TBH if they would make it 1.5X the thickness it still won't really impact the EDC-ability of this knife.

I don't care about thickness behind the edge(TBE), so i don't know. TBE is another overrated fad popularized by Youtubers so they have enough things to say and complain to make their video review 20min long to capture enough ads revenue.

Anyway, it's slicy enough for all my uses. And i beat on the knives a lot.

 

[jlauffer]

Have the drop point, and used it to cut up a bit of cardboard the other day...worked pretty well. Like insta9ves said, it's a great size for being a 3 1/2" blade...smaller than the Code 4 and GoldenEye. I don't mind the thinness (so far), but don't really like that squared off finger groove. If it was a bit more rounded, it would not only be more comfortable, but also provide better thumb access to the stud.

 

[whp]

I also have the drop point blade.
I like the size of the knife, including the thin handles. I have not used it for hard work, but it was fine for cutting up some cardboard.
The lock back is relatively easy to disengage. Interestingly, about 25% of the time when the knife is opened, the blade can be wiggled slightly back and forth once, before the lockup seats tightly. Out of the 15-20 other Cold Steel folders I own, this is the only one that doesnt always lock up tightly upon opening. I ve been cycling it quite a bit hoping the blade would seat in time. It may be getting a bit better. The function of the knife isn t compromised, but I ve always liked the triad lock for its secure lockup and strength. This minor wiggle bugs me a little.

 

[BMCGear]

I got both versions, almost the perfect size for me. The only complain is the scale is too thin, so while it's comfortable to carry, it's not comfortable to use. TBH if they would make it 1.5X the thickness it still won't really impact the EDC-ability of this knife.

I don't care about thickness behind the edge(TBE), so i don't know. TBE is another overrated fad popularized by Youtubers so they have enough things to say and complain to make their video review 20min long to capture enough ads revenue.

Anyway, it's slicy enough for all my uses. And i beat on the knives a lot.

I appreciate your feedback. I will disagree about thinness behind the edge being something that is created by youtubers. Modern folders have gotten thicker. A knife is a wedge and as it is used and sharpened will continue to have a wider bevel. A hollow grind for example will take many more sharpenings to get to that point.

Now with that being said I'm not a fan of youtuber knife reviews these days for the most part. Especially the ones that get knives in for review for free.

 

[BMCGear]

Put in an order this morning for one of these. The straight forward design looks good.

 

[whp]

Put in an order this morning for one of these. The straight forward design looks good.

I bet you ll like it.

 

[colubrid]

I ordered one but the blade was rubbing. Back in the box it went. so I really have no opinion of it except it was dragging when opening but that might have been because it was new. It did not seem like the price point matched the values of my other Cold steels for their price point.

 

[colubrid]

I got both versions, almost the perfect size for me. The only complain is the scale is too thin, so while it's comfortable to carry, it's not comfortable to use. TBH if they would make it 1.5X the thickness it still won't really impact the EDC-ability of this knife.

I don't care about thickness behind the edge(TBE), so i don't know. TBE is another overrated fad popularized by Youtubers so they have enough things to say and complain to make their video review 20min long to capture enough ads revenue.

Anyway, it's slicy enough for all my uses. And i beat on the knives a lot.

It seems like every picture I see of these the tanto appears longer than the drop point . Since you have both can you tell me if this is an optical illusion? I know the specs say they are the same blade length. But it sure seems the tanto has more blade to handle ratio...which I prefer.

 

[jlauffer]

It did not seem like the price point matched the values of my other Cold steels for their price point.

Was just thinking about this the other day. I really like the Air Lite, but given that the Code 4 can be had for about the same price, has better steel, and is overall "nicer", I think the Air Lite should be a bit cheaper.

 

[BMCGear]

Was just thinking about this the other day. I really like the Air Lite, but given that the Code 4 can be had for about the same price, has better steel, and is overall "nicer", I think the Air Lite should be a bit cheaper.

I got mine brand new for a good bit less than a Code 4.

 

[jlauffer]

I got mine brand new for a good bit less than a Code 4.

I bought 2 of each this year, all for around $65-70. Granted, they were all bought on the secondary market, but still. And a quick look at BladeHQ has the Air Lite for $85 and the Code 4 for $80. Was actually going to get another Air Lite direct from CS since they're having a sale ($65), but with tax and shipping it ends up being around $80, so didn't pull the trigger.

 

[The Whip]

For those who like the size and weight of the Air Lite but find the handle too thin, you might look again at the Working Man.

I realize that it's not quite as robust. But it's a very similar knife, dimensionally. I find mine exceptionally easy to carry and use.

I don't have an Air Lite, so I can't do a side-by-side.


-Steve

 

[insta9ves]

For those who like the size and weight of the Air Lite but find the handle too thin, you might look again at the Working Man.

I realize that it's not quite as robust. But it's a very similar knife, dimensionally. I find mine exceptionally easy to carry and use.

I don't have an Air Lite, so I can't do a side-by-side.


-Steve

I’ve always been harping on CS to make an upscale prolite with g10 and aus10 or s35vn steel. IMO it’s one of their best designs, ruined by cheap execution.

 

[BMCGear]

I’ve always been harping on CS to make an upscale prolite with g10 and aus10 or s35vn steel. IMO it’s one of their best designs, ruined by cheap execution.

I agree. It's a great budget blade that could really benefit from an upscale model.

 

[The Whip]

I’ve always been harping on CS to make an upscale prolite with g10 and aus10 or s35vn steel. IMO it’s one of their best designs, ruined by cheap execution.

I agree. It's a great budget blade that could really benefit from an upscale model.

Now I'm very confused. What is the Air Lite if it isn't a Pro Lite/Working Man made with higher-end materials? They are almost identical knives in everything but materials.

And "ruined by cheap execution?" Do you mean ruined by cheap execution like Spyderco makes its Delica, Buck makes its Bantam, Gerber makes its LST, Case makes its Caliber, etc.? There aren't too many companies that don't catalog an inexpensive, plastic-handled folder.


-Steve

 

[insta9ves]

Now I'm very confused. What is the Air Lite if it isn't a Pro Lite/Working Man made with higher-end materials? They are almost identical knives in everything but materials.

And "ruined by cheap execution?" Do you mean ruined by cheap execution like Spyderco makes its Delica, Buck makes its Bantam, Gerber makes its LST, Case makes its Caliber, etc.? There aren't too many companies that don't catalog an inexpensive, plastic-handled folder.


-Steve

Do you even own an Air lite? Sounds like you don’t. So I’m not sure what you are using to compare and come up with the conclusion that they are identical to the prolite?
I own 4 prolite and 2 airlite, but im sure it’s just my poor eyesight.
You can disagree that it’s “ruined by cheap execution”. Well i can agree to disagree. If you love your prolite as it is and there’s no room for improvement, good for you.

 

[whp]

Was just thinking about this the other day. I really like the Air Lite, but given that the Code 4 can be had for about the same price, has better steel, and is overall "nicer", I think the Air Lite should be a bit cheaper.

I ve thought this since I first learned about them.

 

[insta9ves]

Sometimes you can find airlite for $64. I remember knifeworxx was selling for this price.
But then you can find code 4 for even cheaper, the lowest I’ve ever seen was $49.