How good is the American Lawman?

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Vis07

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Hey guys I have some Cold Steel knives including the Code 4(which is an amazing knife.) Im very interested in this one as a good EDC do everything(not in the woods.) How good is it? If you have one let me know. Specifically the S35vn version since I guess you cant get the XHP one anymore.
 
it's a good knife. I have a couple of them, not the s35vn version though. better before the map pricing. cold steels s35vn is done well enough from my use in other knives from them with it.

besides higher pricing other major downside to me is the rough scale texture and tight and stiff pocket clip that makes easy in and out use harder than it should be and it shreds pants pockets. that can be solved with sanding and clip modification, but shouldn't come that way from the factory.
 
I have owned one in s35vn flat ground and still own a hollow ground XHP version. Good folder and good EDC size imo. I second what the above poster stated about rough g10 and tight clip. Easy fixes though and the package is very pocket friendly size wise. My g10 has smoothed out over time and i rebent the clip to lighten the tension. The triad lock is rather stiff to release on my example. Linerless construction but the g10 is plenty rigid enough, no flex. I own a couple code 4 along with several other CS models. Great value knives built for hard work.
 
IMG_6600.jpg IMG_6601.jpg IMG_6603.jpg A few pics compared to a PM2. The american lawman is thinner in the handle and about the same size overall.

Edit: not sure why the handle looks longer in the thinness pic. The lawman is definitely a little shorter in handle length.
 

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If you like the Code 4 then I suspect you will also like the Lawman. I got a Code 4 a couple years ago and really enjoyed carrying it (I still do sometimes). However I grew tired of: (i) its slim handles biting into my hands when cutting tough materials for extended periods of time; and (ii) its size (it is slim but long and I found it took too much space in my pockets).

The Lawman alleviated both of those issues for me. It is the perfect size for a substantial but not oversized pocketknife. In addition, the handle feels a little thicker in my hands which gives me a much more comfortable grip in use. Admittedly, it's probably not more than a few millimeters thicker than the Code 4 handle but it makes a difference to me. Finally, the blade on mine is subtly hollow ground which makes for a stout blade that excels in slicing.

It is probably not the "perfect" pocketknife, but despite its flaws mentioned above (rough handle and strong clip) it checks a lot of boxes on my must-have list. I cannot speak to the S35VN model as mine is in XHP, however I doubt my opinion of the Lawman would change if it was made in the current steel. I suggest you pick one up on the exchange and see for yourself.
 
The Lawman is an incredible value. I carry mine more than my AD10, AD15, Recon 1, or any other Cold Steel. It isn't the most beautiful knife, but it's super practical. S35VN is great stuff, and the knife's design lends is super comfortable for me at least. I consider it a must-have.
 
I have two in AUS 8, one in CTS XHP, and lost another in XHP.

I prefer the thicker G10 on the older version. I also don’t like how easy it is to shake open the knife. The clip may need some tweaking to get it how you want. I had to bend it to get it to work with RIGGS work pants.

That aside, it’s a great working knife and I’m glad to have and use one. The solid lockup and full belly blade are great.
 
Edgeoflife said:
The triad lock is rather stiff to release on my example.
Click to expand...

I bought a Lawman JR. for my gd-son. He could not operate the stiff lock. My 6'4" son had a hard time...I gave up on it.
My gdson, age 12 at the time, threw it in a drawer...
 
Sonnydaze said:
I bought a Lawman JR. for my gd-son. He could not operate the stiff lock. My 6'4" son had a hard time...I gave up on it.
My gdson, age 12 at the time, threw it in a drawer...
Click to expand...
The triad lock breaks in nicely, dont give up on it. I own a dozen cold steel models and once broken in they are better than knives twice the price.
 
Great knife. The Tri-Ad lock takes a bit of working to break in, but it will smooth out with use (a dab of BreakFree CLP helps). Mine is in CTS-XHP, great steel, solid design. I like the DLC coating, too.
 
I would take a contrarian view here. Unless you have tactical application that require knife to be thick behind the edge, I would advise you to stay away from lawman. I have seen one in xhp that is 0.6mm (0.024") thick behind the edge which is thicker than even a typical Spyderco (0.020") and with full flat grind, things will get worse as you sharpen.

Lawman's fame emanates from its hollow grind on the Aus-8 and XHP models among other things (sturdy lock, slim carry profile). Since S35VN models are all full flat grind, I personally don't see the point in getting one. I could be wrong though.
 
It's a decent knife with some caveats. It's a bombproof knife with a reliable lock, decent ergos, a good clip, a very slender build, and good steel for a decent price. I love the G10 texturing, which is just right for me.

It's also way too thick behind the edge, and sadly is no longer hollow ground or made in CTS-XHP. If you can live with it not being a fantastic cutter, then you'll probably like it.
 
It's a good knife but I sold my Lawman. I found the CS Ultimate Hunter to be more comfortable in my big hand. The handle is fatter and more neutral. Knives with deep finger grooves are hit and miss with me.

The Lawman was good, the Ultimate Hunter is better for me. YMMV.

CS, despite its cheesy marketing, does a make a good knife for the money.
 
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gazz98 said:
It's a good knife but I sold my Lawman. I found the CS Ultimate Hunter to be more comfortable in my big hand. The handle is fatter and more neutral. Knives with deep finger grooves are hit and miss with me.
Click to expand...

You can easily change the handle profile because it's only G10 with no liners.
I modified my Lawman like this to remove the pointy thing behind the finger choil. For my hand it's much better :

knD9EwL.jpg


Of course you can't change the fact that the G10 handle is flat and slim so perhaps the Ultimate Hunter is a better choice for you.
 
patrickguignot said:
You can easily change the handle profile because it's only G10 with no liners.
I modified my Lawman like this to remove the pointy thing behind the finger choil. For my hand it's much better :

knD9EwL.jpg


Of course you can't change the fact that the G10 handle is flat and slim so perhaps the Ultimate Hunter is a better choice for you.
Click to expand...
Beautiful modification, man. IMHO, that’s how the factory knife should be in the first place.
 
The grind strength (hollow grind) did not match the tri-ad lock strength. I slightly abused the knife and ended up with a slightly warped blade close to the edge, but lock up is still perfect with no blade play.
 
I’m glad they switched to flat grind. Much better now. Unless you slice apple for a living, you won’t tell the difference between their hollow and flat grind.
 
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