Coldsteel Quality Problem SF Leatherneck

V

valley boy

Joined
Mar 13, 2024
Messages
5
After some research I decided to buy two Coldsteel SF Leathernecks, standard and tanto blade.
Both knives have never been used but while looking at both knives I noticed the tang seems to be moving inside the handle. Also if I hold the knives with blade vertical and shake the knives you can not only feel but also hear the tang slopping about in the handle, which is very disappointing. Has anyone else had this issue?
Thanks Valley Boy.
 
Yes, I purchased both knives from Coldsteel distributors and have emailed them but no reply. I have also emailed Coldsteel direct yesterday. It's just really strange that both knives purchased from two different Coldsteel distributors have exactly the same fault. Certainly not impressed with this range of SF from Coldsteel now, even though all the reviews and YouTube stuff sang the praises of these knives. ☹️
 
May not be helpful but I personally stopped buying from CS after they were bought out, even though the leatherneck is made in Taiwan I just feel like the quality in their finished product isn't the same.
 
Thanks for the feedback, I will see if CS or the distributors come back to me. If not, maybe I'll remove the handles and either refit both using epoxy resin, or make up some micarta scales and fit those. However, after this experience I'm with you, and won't be buying CS again.
 
Last edited:
That isn’t supposed to happen, I agree with the others. If you can still return/refund it, I highly recommend doing that first before attempting to fix it yourself. Haven’t encountered this issue with any CS yet.

Now I’m not a bladesmith, but if the tang is already loose from day one, that doesn’t inspire confidence anymore.
 
Monofletch said:
Sometimes I regret buying online. I can’t hold it in my hand and see/feel the quality or lack of quality.
Click to expand...
Not just quality, but weight and balance too. Really grateful to the brick and mortar shops that let me handle knives lol. Saved me a couple of impulse purchases.
 
I grabbed a bunch of these back when cold steel was liquidating them at super cheap prices. right before gsm came in. I've never seen a loose one. if I read it right you bought direct from cold steel? I'd send it back and buy next one through a good dealer. if you get another bad one, it's much easier to work through a dealer than gsm. they are the worst on warranty I've seen in this industry.
 
Shame to hear. I was looking at these to do a custom handle, still will but got to get a super deal.
 
Thanks folks, I have contacted both CS dealers who I bought the knives from and I'm waiting for their reply so will see how it goes. It's a real shame as they look good knives, but once I discovered this fault the show was over for me. Never had this issue with my 3 KaBar's.
 
CS is still pretty meh for me these days. I think they excel with cheaper specialty items like hawks, and I think their mid-tier folders a pretty solid for what you pay.

I bought an LT Leatherneck Bowie that is a rattly mess. The only reason I just kinda let it slide is because the place that sold it to me (even after me pointing it out), had it priced at the Leatherneck price, so I got it for about 1/2.

Still a bit disappointed.
 
valley boy said:
Thanks folks, I have contacted both CS dealers who I bought the knives from and I'm waiting for their reply so will see how it goes. It's a real shame as they look good knives, but once I discovered this fault the show was over for me. Never had this issue with my 3 KaBar's.
Click to expand...
Sorry you had that experience. The SF is a great knife if you get one with good QC, but I’d be turned off from any knife too with QC issues.

I assume you mean the WW2 Fighting KaBar? That’s a great knife and the knife that the SF is homaging anyway lol. IMO, you don’t need the SF if you have the KaBar.
 
ShaiHulud said:
May not be helpful but I personally stopped buying from CS after they were bought out, even though the leatherneck is made in Taiwan I just feel like the quality in their finished product isn't the same.
Click to expand...

You stopped buying after they were bought out, so what's the basis for the opinion that the quality isn't the same? It doesn't sound like you'd have a lot of point for comparison.

I've never been a big CS fan, but recently have bought a few. All GSM made, and all are made just as well as the few CS knives I had pre-GSM.
 
I'm no fan of GSM , but the Taiwan made , Tri-ad lock folders , fixed blades , and even the South African made machetes , I've purchased post takeover , have all been fine . :cool::thumbsup:

So far ! I've only bought models that were designed by old school Cold Steel , mostly .

I do not like most GSM redesigns , new designs , some of their steel choices ... or prices ! :mad::thumbsdown:
 
DocJD said:
I do not like most GSM redesigns , new designs , some of their steel choices ... or prices ! :mad::thumbsdown:
Click to expand...
Mostly agreed, but with the exception that the 3v SRK and SRK-C have quickly gained top spots in the collection and their prices are quite reasonable.
 
Yes, I agree as I have both SRC and also the Tanto version both in SRK, excellent knives. But these D2 Leathernecks I purchased are very poor quality although looking good, it's put me off any CS knives which have KaBar style handles. Makes me wonder what the large Bowie version is like with all that blade mass up front, probably wobbles like a jelly!😊😊
 
Last edited:
valley boy said:
Never had this issue with my 3 KaBar's.
Click to expand...

And you will get better response and service from them if you ever do.

I learned a long time ago, to choose the manufacturer first. One I can trust to put out a good product and back it up. Then choose from their product lines.

Randall Buck and KA-BAR/ Becker have been my go to brands for fixed blades.

We are fortunate to have a lot of choices in this hobby. You have a choice where your money goes. I prefer to support the companies I trust, and want them to stay around.
 
valley boy said:
After some research I decided to buy two Coldsteel SF Leathernecks, standard and tanto blade.
Both knives have never been used but while looking at both knives I noticed the tang seems to be moving inside the handle. Also if I hold the knives with blade vertical and shake the knives you can not only feel but also hear the tang slopping about in the handle, which is very disappointing. Has anyone else had this issue?
Thanks Valley Boy.
Click to expand...
Yes.

It only took few hits.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top