Loving me some Lynn Thompson

[powernoodle]

Yes, I'm preaching to the choir. But Lynn Thompson, President of Cold Steel, Inc., is quite a character. Perhaps best known for making monsterous folding knives, swords, hatchets and other Man Toys, Thompson is a blend of martial artist, nationally-recognized defensive knife instructor, and barrel-chested neighbor with an engaging personality.

Lynn Thompson.

I have been a fan of Cold Steel for several years, and own probably 40 - 50 of their folders and fixed blades. I especially appreciate their giant folders - a genre which almost no other maker will produce. Packing a folder that unfurls to over a foot long is, well, quite a spectacular feeling. And there is the satisfaction of knowing that if called upon to field dress a mastodon, you won't come up short.

Today's carry: Cold Steel Recon 1 XL. It drops (mostly) in the pocket of my Dickie's work shirt.

Turn up the volume, and enter Lynn Thompson's world:

You aren't truly prepared unless you've mastered the basic survival skill of shovel-throwing:

The Cold Steel drawer.

When you have a little time - and let's face it, you do have a little time - take a look at Lynn's California ranch and his daily routine. If you aren't walking backward around traffic cones (see Part 2) and throwing spears with your non-dominant arm, you aren't living.

 

[Silvanus]

About 9 years ago I bought my first few Cold Steel knives. I eventually sold them off as I took my collection in a different direction but I always liked a lot of the designs. Fast forward to a couple months ago, and I happened to stumble upon a BladeHQ interview with Lynn talking about the newest models coming out for 2020. The passion with which he talked about his products and the genuine love for knives he showed sold me on Cold Steel again. Since then I've bought 8 new Cold Steel knives with the intention to buy more once the whole COVID thing calms down and I find out how stable or not my job is after the first round of cuts.

 

[whp]

Looking at Lynn s ranch tour was interesting. That s what making quality knives at a good price can do for a fellow. And I ve heard him mention another ranch in Texas. Good for him.

 

[GB940Rookie]

I met Lynn at the NRA show in Dallas. Nice guy, very passionate about the blades. You could tell that he loves what he does. Proud to have him in Texas.

 

[onionfan]

Lynn catches a lot of flack from people on the forum, but I've always thought (from the videos, etc. I've never met him) he seemed like a pretty cool guy. I'd say he'd be fun to talk to or work for. I can imagine him coming in and telling Andrew Demko his idea for a knife, Demko coming back in with a prototype...and the Lynn saying yeah, just like that but 75 percent bigger.

 

[Chris_Texas]

I wish he would write an autobiography.

 

[Man with no name]

Lynn Thompson : Cold Steel - Life On The Edge - YouTube

 

[Man with no name]

Magnum Tanto XII in San Mai - YouTube

 

[StrikeBack]

Lynn is an American Hero!

 

[BITEME]

Nice box of tools Noodle,for years I didn't think much of CS then I picked up a Voyager the Japan made ones,then the recon,then the Rhino and now I too have a drawer full...Thanks Lynn and all the folks at CS,keep up the great work.

 

[soc_monki]

I love Lynn, however I only own one cold steel, an ad10. It is a superb knife, and I really love everything about it except the pocket clip! I need to work on it, but I carry the thing anyway because it is just a great tool.

 

[goldie]

I dont understand all the negative crap ive seen on these forums over the years. As others had mentioned, he seems like a great guy, and at least he puts out products that fits every budget.

 

[baxtrom]

To me, Cold steel has always had a slight aura of bizarreness. I have watched their videos with feelings of fascination sprinkled with a topping of disgust. Chopping meat filled boots? I would like to see Morakniv do that kind of advertising

Having said that I think it is a smart publicity stunt, and of course there may be some additional value seeing what kind of punishment your future knife will be able to take.

I have the SRK and a mini leatherneck tanto.

 

[PeteyTwoPointOne]

I think the world is way more interesting with Lynn Thompson-- and other folks like him-- living here. I wish he was my next door neighbor!

 

[The Hawk]

To those that give Lynn Thompson grief I ask this. Have you done better with your life or contributed more to the knife world? I think not. I am a retired law enforcement officer. I carried Cold Steel products my entire career. Never had one fail to perform. I continue to purchase and use Cold Steel products.