Cold steel American lawman vs code 4

J

Joshua Wong

Joined
Feb 26, 2018
Messages
33
I’ve been carrying the cold steel recon 1 for a couple of years now and I just want something lighter in the pocket . I love the triad lock . Looking for an edc/tactical blade. Which one would be better code 4 or American lawman . The American lawman blade does look a little shorter than the code 4. Let me know your guys thoughts ! Thank you!
 
American Lawman all the way for me! I own both the AUS8 and CTS-XHP versions. Some complain that the scales and clips are tough on pockets, but that isn't an issue for me. Easy enough to sand down under the clip if it is for you.

I wanted to like the Code 4, but the 'slippery when wet or sweaty' aluminum scales left me cold. And if you use them without gloves in the cold.... then literally.
 
I have and really like the Code 4, but haven't tried an American Lawman due to the black blade. Another one to really consider is the Air Lite...it also has a 3.5" blade but is more compact.
 
rje58 said:
American Lawman all the way for me!

I wanted to like the Code 4, but the 'slippery when wet or sweaty' aluminum scales left me cold. And if you use them without gloves in the cold.... then literally.
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Agreed. I'll take G10 over the slick aluminum handles any day of the week.

Normally, I'd nominate my favorite CS, the Ultimate Hunter, but it weighs close to the Recon 1.
 
The question was which would be better for EDC or tactical use -- the Lawman or Code 4?

The answer IMO is the Code 4. The Lawman is too big/clunky for either purpose. However, while the Code 4 would be fine as an EDC, it would not not be ideal for tactical use either.

There are many better options than the Code 4 for both EDC & tactical use that I won't bother enumerating here because it's beyond the scope of the OP's original question.
 
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gazz98 said:
Agreed. I'll take G10 over the slick aluminum handles any day of the week.

Normally, I'd nominate my favorite CS, the Ultimate Hunter, but it weighs close to the Recon 1.
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We apparently have the same taste in knives. The Ultimate Hunter is my favorite CS knife, of the ones I've put hands on. It was in my EDC rotation at times in the past, likely will make it back there at times. I like variety, so I change my rotation up fairly regularly.
 
I'm CS fan (or cheater only)
Got a lot of them but not mentioned two :^O
I'm in love with 1-st Gen Vovagers
Some says Ultimate Hunter is very good
I would add Counter Point
 
I have both of them and they're both good knives, with good everything. The metal handle of the Code 4 can be a bit of a sticking issue in the cold for the right now time of the year.

I'd probably go with the AK-47, just for the better ergonomics. It's basically what you get if an American Lawman started hanging out with the wrong crowd in a dive bar, taking some sketchy jobs on the side.
 
The Grendels said:
I have both of them and they're both good knives, with good everything. The metal handle of the Code 4 can be a bit of a sticking issue in the cold for the right now time of the year.

I'd probably go with the AK-47, just for the better ergonomics. It's basically what you get if an American Lawman started hanging out with the wrong crowd in a dive bar, taking some sketchy jobs on the side.
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The OP is looking for a knife that is lighter than the Recon 1 - the AK47 isn't.
 
Difference is in the handles it looks like. I got Recon 1s G-10 handles and like them this time of year, due to handle material, but since the Code 4 is so slim and trim, I carry both usually all year round.

The Cod 4's glaring design flaw is that when you try using it bare handed at -40 below, your hand gets cold!

I love my Code 4s as they are slimer and trimmer to use, even worked on gutting a deer last year when hunting alone, as some one forgot the regular knife...but I'll forgive that idiot just to be nice.
 
Don't have a Code 4, but I do have both a Recon 1 and an American Lawman. I have looked hard at the Code 4, but don't care for the aluminum handles.
But I am a fan of the American Lawman, the grip design in particular. It's the only knife with a finger choil I have that I find truly comfortable to grip when not using the finger choil. The handle is large enough to give a full grip whether or not I choke up on the blade. And I do like the option to choke up on the blade, an option that the Code 4 does not provide.

I like the Recon 1. It may have the most ergonomic handle of any of my folding knives. But I find the blade a bit large for EDC tasks. I find the American Lawman to be better for those.
 
I’ve been carrying my code4 the last few days. I noticed at work today what I thought was some looseness in the pivot. I was using a reverse grip at the time and discovered a finger was slightly depressing the lockbar.
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The Lawman has been my EDC since I bought my first ever CS product. It is thin so it's easy to pocket. The blade is nice and wide, it locks tight, and it is very light. I recommend it enthusiastically.
 
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