I dont have any yet but like i said earlier i really dig those green&black scales what with green bein my favorite color&all the supreme or elite(cant remember the name lol) would probably be the 1st 1 I get. After I buy the Immortal next month of course. Btw bro..THANKS A BILLION!! Changed my mind cuz of the mini spring. Ill go w the 1st gen if i csn find it.
Just want to say that I LOVE that you pointed out the springs! Such a small detail, so that was a great catch on your part and definitely worth mentioning. Thanks for that!
I don't think the spring makes a difference. I only have the late gen 4 max but I heard from the older models the lockbar was really stiff. As long as there is sufficient force to hold the lock bar closed should be good to go
I think the new one looks the best. The scales look great. The stone wash looks a little better and the thumbstuds look better. That said I'm partial to the itallian as I own it and love the grey. It also super comfortable. I got the scout a couple of weeks ago when amazon restocked. It's nice but I definitely prefer the itallian over it by a lot. Both aesthetically and the feel of the handle. If you don't want to spend a lot the scout will do everything the full version will. I think for about $110 on amazon right now.
Have the 4max scout. It's an amazing knife! Would like the new 4max but don't want to spend the extra $$$ for a materials upgrade with so many other knives on my list. I'm very happy with my scout. It's plenty good enough for what I need.
You don't have to apologize for the length of the video. Not as long as you are talking about Cold Steel 4Maxes. The subject is real interesting, and the knifes are awesome. Where else you could see all of them? Stay safe everybody, and stay blessed. Greetings from Germany!
I just bought the scout and the elite. I’ve been buying CS knives since 2008. IMO they are only, in the last five years, getting the recognition they deserve. Before the 4 max, my favorite CS folder was the Recon 1’s- I own several of all the sizes. Great vid btw.
You helped me decide to get a 4 MAX Scout and I am very happy with my purchase. Having paid less than $80 really helps. I wouldn't change the materials at all. If I did have creative control the only thing i would change is that the liners would be nested and weight relieved like the mini recon, which is another nice knife that I am very happy with.
I see your stickers, i went to spartan blades and smkw. Have you been to smkw ? Buds gun shop is literally right there too, and buc-ees. I think that neighborhood might be paradise.
Checked with all the knife distributors and all are showing 4Max as discontinued; finally found 1 at BladeHQ . It was the new Elite model; very expensive, but very nice ! Never have seen the other generations; so I cannot compare, but this version is spectacular. Also bought the Scout from Knifeworks for only $83, best price anywhere. BTW , the Elite was $424 Both knives are great, just a difference in materials. Worth it? Damned if I know. Have the AD10, BushRanger, and 2 SR1's are being delivered today; Tanto and Clip Point; can't wait to see these. AD10 may be the best, most practical of all. God Bless All.
I’m just about to pull a trigger on the elite one, but here in Europe they are kinda pricey, best deal I found is 414€, then I saw the price of 190$ on MidwayUSA and I just can’t make the final step and buy it. For the narrower spring…I thing the narrower spring might be due to simplify the assembly if one takes the knife apart, I thing if the spring is full width it’s much more difficult to assemble the knife.
I don't think the smaller spring will have even the slightest effect on the knife. That spring doesn't really get any stress during the use of the knife and only has tension when opening/closing.
Mine is a second gen American one, it was it's lockbar was a bit hard to disengage too when it was new, i totaly dis asembled after a few day's, polished the washers and took of the sharp edges of the top of the spring a bit and re asembled it making sure everything lines up properly and it was much better then. Have you got anny idea what Andrew Demko changed on yours to cure the lockbar thing?
On a bunch of that Second Gen the lockbar was actually sticking up past the rest of the back of the knife. I don't know what he did to fix them, but I sent several his way.
All the 4MAX knives seem solid without any real detractors (sans the price, just because I am budget blade buyer, more than anything else). All said, great review and I liked seeing how they all stack up!
@@jamesstephenson2346 The 4MAX Scout was a great option and allowed me to have a beast of a knife without the price of some of the other models (so I am happy). In truth the original comment was 2 years ago and the point I was making was outside of dropping a couple hundred to several hundred dollars for a knife I really appreciated the design. Not that the cost isn’t justified for other models (to each their own), but for my needs and price point other than the Scout I probably wouldn’t be in the market for a 4MAX.
I have an made in Italy 4max that was locked open. Somehow, with great difficulty, I got it to close. I am afraid to reopen it. Do I send it back to Cold Steel? I will pay to have it repaired. How do I do it?
They won't repair it. Don't send it to them. Have you tried taking it apart? Is it used? You could pay somebody to take it apart if you are not comfortable doing so. There are folks who might do it for money.
@@patrickgoncalves3878 If it needs a new part, you're out of luck with Cold Steel. You could go to the Cold Steel forum at Blade Forum or check out the various Cold Steel groups on Facebook. Put up how much you are willing to pay to get it fixed and see if anybody bites. There are a bunch of folks who are great at taking them apart.
Heard a guy got one and returned it because it was gritty. Then he got a better with old logo and ordered again and got another old logo! Man if only this knife was on my radar a year plus ago!
As much as I love all of the Cold Steel 4Max goodness on the table, I bought the 4Max Scout. I don't want to buy too many Cold Steel knives, but I figured that if I was to quit buying, then I want to own an Andrew Demko variant. This is the one to get due to it being the most budget friendly. I carry my 4Max Scout at home and away on Wednesdays as part of my folding knife rotation.
I never saw that black gen 3 4 max before, is that a custom one? I thought the only black ones were the scouts? I carry a scout right now but Im def getting the elite and itll be the last knife I buy because it should last me the rest of my life at 45.
So the Elite (stupid name) is basically just a Scout with g10 scales and S35VN blade. If I was gonna drop big coin and have only one it would be one of the OGs as I’d want the micro milling on the jimping, beefier spring, bigger pivot screw, etc. I’m also not a fan of the green/ black handle pattern but that’s just me. Thanks for the comparison 👊
Great video so far. I'm going have to finish after WTFriday Live. Some of the weight difference could have to do with different densities in steel. IKD, just a thought.
You say the new generation is a little rougher feeling than the first or second generation. My question is do you think that the new generation would be better grip when wet because of it being a little rougher? The spring they probably cut the size to cut cost of parts.
Did anyone notice that one of the big online vendors had the 4-Max Scout on sale for $77.95 for a while in December, right after we all learned about the sale of the company? That was a bargain!
@@Jimislash I thought about it the whole day and would like to say I was wrong. Although I absolutely don’t think it will ever break your right, ITS A 400$ 4MAX!!!!! It should definitely have a big spring on such a big knife! Much love and appreciation for you and the channel
A battle of the 4MAXs to see who reigns supreme. Who will take home the heavyweight belt? Oooo a cartoon cage match of 4MAXs would be a funny cool ColdSteel vid.
New 4-MAX Elite is just Scout with G10 scales instead of Griv-Ex, titanium spacer and liners (they are titanium... right?) and S35VN blade instead of AUS 10A on Scout. That’s it. Everything else is the same, including that ridiculous thin lock spring, smaller pivot pin and cheap packaging, coming there directly from Scout. Main question: does it worth $500?...
Rubbing all those 4max's together was crazy good.I was actually expecting lightning to strike everytime you rubbed them together. The original looks the best but the new one has me definately scratching at my wallet. Love all the videos you put out there.
NOOOOO, do NOT take one apart...lmao I'd have to feel the spring myself to feel a way about one or other. Also wouldn't surprise me if that spring is more than enough.
@@Jimislash More than likely a cost savings on a piece, spring, buying in bulk. No other reason than something simple, the spring happens to be the victim this model...lol
Which one do you have? Which one do you want?
I have the 4max scout.
I dont have any yet but like i said earlier i really dig those green&black scales what with green bein my favorite color&all the supreme or elite(cant remember the name lol) would probably be the 1st 1 I get. After I buy the Immortal next month of course. Btw bro..THANKS A BILLION!! Changed my mind cuz of the mini spring. Ill go w the 1st gen if i csn find it.
Have none want all maybe not the scout...
I have none of them. I want them all! In the mean time, I'm chasing a scout.
Don't have a 4max but want a US 4max
Just want to say that I LOVE that you pointed out the springs! Such a small detail, so that was a great catch on your part and definitely worth mentioning. Thanks for that!
😃👍
I don't think the spring makes a difference. I only have the late gen 4 max but I heard from the older models the lockbar was really stiff. As long as there is sufficient force to hold the lock bar closed should be good to go
I think the new one looks the best. The scales look great. The stone wash looks a little better and the thumbstuds look better. That said I'm partial to the itallian as I own it and love the grey. It also super comfortable. I got the scout a couple of weeks ago when amazon restocked. It's nice but I definitely prefer the itallian over it by a lot. Both aesthetically and the feel of the handle.
If you don't want to spend a lot the scout will do everything the full version will. I think for about $110 on amazon right now.
Just imagine the destruction that pile of 4Max's could do. Love how tough looking (and how tough they actually are) the 4Max is.
that's a lot of dead hobos
My eyes! My eyes! The unbridled glory! This was amazing
Lol!
Have the 4max scout. It's an amazing knife! Would like the new 4max but don't want to spend the extra $$$ for a materials upgrade with so many other knives on my list. I'm very happy with my scout. It's plenty good enough for what I need.
im looking for a one and done knife. the ad10 and 4max elite are what im looking at.
One & done is the name of the game! High speed, low drag forever!!!!!!
Thanks for your frequent uploads.
Glad you like them!
Your collection my friend inspires us all. Rock on 🤘.
Awesome! Thank you!
I'm a bit late to the 4 Max party but its a pleasure to listen to a real enthusiast! Looking at springs in a whole new light!
Welcome to the party, pal!!! :)
Congrats to 7k subs!!!
Thank you so much 😀
MidwayUSA has the 4-Max elite on sale right now for 199! Incredible price.
Oh shoot!
"Cold Steel, . . . bring me all of them."
"What do you mean, ALL of t-"
*"ALLLLL OF THEEEMMMMMMM!!!!!1!"*
LOL!
The 4-max dance number is something I now hope will be an official tradition whenever 4+ people get together and all have 4max’s.
Lol!
That's alot of 4max goodness right there. Very cool to see them all compared. I hope to get a scout soon. Great video 👍
Thanks 👍
Interesting comparison. Good job sir! I've got a Scout on the way! Take care.
That's awesome! You'll love it!
I really need to try out a 4max!!! Awesome video as always 👊👊
You don't have to apologize for the length of the video. Not as long as you are talking about Cold Steel 4Maxes.
The subject is real interesting, and the knifes are awesome.
Where else you could see all of them?
Stay safe everybody, and stay blessed.
Greetings from Germany!
Very well said, sir and greetings in return!
Jimislash is the 4most 4max 4man!
LOL
The Elite is a Scout with 35vn and g10. Are you sure the frame is ti and not aluminum?
Not 100%. That would be messed up.
TI is almost never pure titanium, Its almost always alloyed with with either aluminum or steel. Thats how it is with bicycles anyway.
I just bought the scout and the elite. I’ve been buying CS knives since 2008. IMO they are only, in the last five years, getting the recognition they deserve. Before the 4 max, my favorite CS folder was the Recon 1’s- I own several of all the sizes. Great vid btw.
Thank you!
You helped me decide to get a 4 MAX Scout and I am very happy with my purchase. Having paid less than $80 really helps. I wouldn't change the materials at all. If I did have creative control the only thing i would change is that the liners would be nested and weight relieved like the mini recon, which is another nice knife that I am very happy with.
You don’t how happy this makes me! I have the 4 max scout and I feel like I really ain’t missing anything by not having a regular 4 max.
Not much. :)
I did not know that the 4-Max had multiple versions (other than the Scout) over time. Thanks for the education!
You are welcome! Thank you for watching!
Don't have any yet, will prob pick up the Scout
I think the smaller spring was done to make unlocking easier? Does back lock feel easier to push down on new one?
I see your stickers, i went to spartan blades and smkw. Have you been to smkw ? Buds gun shop is literally right there too, and buc-ees. I think that neighborhood might be paradise.
I have the 4 Max Scout. I’m in the UK, does anyone know if there is a holder/sheath for the beast please?
There are a number of them on ebay.
@@Jimislash thanks buddy I’ll take a look.
Nice collection think it might be time for a brisket test
I think so, too.
i want the elite version when it becomes available and would love an american one , but highly unlikely to get one here in the uk
I have an Italian 4max and love it. Such a beast.
If there’s something my scout can’t do it’s probably not a job for a knife.
Well put.
Checked with all the knife distributors and all are showing 4Max as discontinued; finally found 1 at BladeHQ . It was the new Elite model; very expensive, but very nice ! Never have seen the other generations; so I cannot compare, but this version is spectacular. Also bought the Scout from Knifeworks for only $83, best price anywhere. BTW , the Elite was $424 Both knives are great, just a difference in materials. Worth it? Damned if I know. Have the AD10, BushRanger, and 2 SR1's are being delivered today; Tanto and Clip Point; can't wait to see these. AD10 may be the best, most practical of all. God Bless All.
AD10 is tough to beat. Great deal on that Scout.
For re-sharpening purposes what edge angle do you keep your 4Max at?
I'll have to get back to you. I don't remember. I want to say it was 17 on my KME. But I'm not sure.
I’m just about to pull a trigger on the elite one, but here in Europe they are kinda pricey, best deal I found is 414€, then I saw the price of 190$ on MidwayUSA and I just can’t make the final step and buy it.
For the narrower spring…I thing the narrower spring might be due to simplify the assembly if one takes the knife apart, I thing if the spring is full width it’s much more difficult to assemble the knife.
I would choose the elite but dang all beautiful knives
I don't think the smaller spring will have even the slightest effect on the knife. That spring doesn't really get any stress during the use of the knife and only has tension when opening/closing.
It holds the lock into position. But I agree with you. It's the principle. Give me my 4-Max spring. I paid for it. :)
Mine is a second gen American one, it was it's lockbar was a bit hard to disengage too when it was new, i totaly dis asembled after a few day's, polished the washers and took of the sharp edges of the top of the spring a bit and re asembled it making sure everything lines up properly and it was much better then.
Have you got anny idea what Andrew Demko changed on yours to cure the lockbar thing?
On a bunch of that Second Gen the lockbar was actually sticking up past the rest of the back of the knife. I don't know what he did to fix them, but I sent several his way.
@ Jimislash, thank god mine didn't do that.
@@klaassiersma4892 Yeah, it made me nuts. I thought mine was a clone. It was bad.
All the 4MAX knives seem solid without any real detractors (sans the price, just because I am budget blade buyer, more than anything else). All said, great review and I liked seeing how they all stack up!
They are all monsters.
@@jamesstephenson2346
The 4MAX Scout was a great option and allowed me to have a beast of a knife without the price of some of the other models (so I am happy). In truth the original comment was 2 years ago and the point I was making was outside of dropping a couple hundred to several hundred dollars for a knife I really appreciated the design. Not that the cost isn’t justified for other models (to each their own), but for my needs and price point other than the Scout I probably wouldn’t be in the market for a 4MAX.
I have an made in Italy 4max that was locked open. Somehow, with great difficulty, I got it to close. I am afraid to reopen it. Do I send it back to Cold Steel? I will pay to have it repaired. How do I do it?
They won't repair it. Don't send it to them. Have you tried taking it apart? Is it used? You could pay somebody to take it apart if you are not comfortable doing so. There are folks who might do it for money.
@@Jimislash yeah I bought it on Ebay. I haven't tried to take it apart. What if it needs a new part? Who do you think could fix it?
@@patrickgoncalves3878 If it needs a new part, you're out of luck with Cold Steel. You could go to the Cold Steel forum at Blade Forum or check out the various Cold Steel groups on Facebook. Put up how much you are willing to pay to get it fixed and see if anybody bites. There are a bunch of folks who are great at taking them apart.
@@Jimislash thank you
@@patrickgoncalves3878 Email me your info and what you want to pay. I'll put it up in the Jimislash Facebook group, as well.
I like the Italian one but they all are awesome.
Beautiful knives sir. Love em all
Have the 4 Max Scout An very happy with it!I wonder if it makes a difference where they are each made?
The quality is there. That spring thing makes me wonder about stuff.
Heard a guy got one and returned it because it was gritty. Then he got a better with old logo and ordered again and got another old logo! Man if only this knife was on my radar a year plus ago!
As much as I love all of the Cold Steel 4Max goodness on the table, I bought the 4Max Scout. I don't want to buy too many Cold Steel knives, but I figured that if I was to quit buying, then I want to own an Andrew Demko variant. This is the one to get due to it being the most budget friendly. I carry my 4Max Scout at home and away on Wednesdays as part of my folding knife rotation.
Like them all, but would probably get the scout for budget reasons so I could have one. Thanks for showing us the differences.
Good choice!
If anyone knows where I can get some titanium scales for the 4max gen 1, LMK.
I love the cold steel 4max. There beautiful.
I never saw that black gen 3 4 max before, is that a custom one? I thought the only black ones were the scouts?
I carry a scout right now but Im def getting the elite and itll be the last knife I buy because it should last me the rest of my life at 45.
Yeah, I dyed a couple of them.
@@Jimislash thanks for the answer jimi. It had me lookin all over the place
awesome collection of 4 maxes dang. what a chunk knife. they all look great
Just bought an elite because I found them in stock at knifecenter. I have benchmade 945 hands so I can't wait to weild this.
Oh nice! That's a step up in size.
Update: I bought another one. It's my favorite knife, stays on me more often than my 945's or my hogue ritter.
Have Scout. Want 20CV with the Elite green and black scales in micarta
Thank you for comparing first GEN to the elite awesome video. I’m gonna go in the corner now and cry hugging my scout
Lol...that Scout represents good shopping. Great knife.
Must get me one. I like the newer one, just not the new price
Thank you.
I would have been unbelievably disappointed if I had dropped the coin for an Elite.
That is a BIG purchase for my budget.
Great comparison. Thank you
Thanks for watching!
Oh look very strong knife!
I have a 1st Gen, a grey Italian, & a Scout. Happy ;)
Wow! Not a lot of 1st Gens.
Yeah. They are cool and basically the largest knife I can carry here. Maybee I need to get a Scout. It is on the list I think.
The Scout is great.
I just checked with your guy... sold out. I'll wait till this is in the $200 range anyways. It gives me something to look foward to.
It's 200 on midwayusa
@@GunGuy258 thanks, I did end up getting one.
Next video: Jimislash juggles his 4Maxes! His first knife juggling video ever! Also, his last knife juggling video ever!
LOL! Epic video idea! :) Maybe on my way out.
New one looks good, still, fortunately!
Were is the elite " not on the box" made.
Taiwan.
So the Elite (stupid name) is basically just a Scout with g10 scales and S35VN blade. If I was gonna drop big coin and have only one it would be one of the OGs as I’d want the micro milling on the jimping, beefier spring, bigger pivot screw, etc. I’m also not a fan of the green/ black handle pattern but that’s just me. Thanks for the comparison 👊
It seems like that. Great knife, but I agree. The old ones are my first choice.
Have the Scout, one of my favorite knives. Just haven't EDC'd. Not a weight issue, more of a "I really like my ZT0560" issue.
560 is a great knife.
They all look amazing 👍
Great video so far. I'm going have to finish after WTFriday Live. Some of the weight difference could have to do with different densities in steel. IKD, just a thought.
Sounds good. Good to see you on the lives.
I’m still gonna go for budget scout. Still so much knife for the price with same geometry
Yep. Hard to pass up.
I’ve used them all, but only have two.
(My Ranking): If I Could Only Have 1…
#1. Scout
#2. Italy
#3. USA
#4. Tai S35
#5. 3rd Gen
I do like the new one but it just seems they cut some corners as to be expected I guess to save a buck
You say the new generation is a little rougher feeling than the first or second generation. My question is do you think that the new generation would be better grip when wet because of it being a little rougher? The spring they probably cut the size to cut cost of parts.
It's not that much grippier to make a difference, unless you are talking about the Scout.
I'm waiting for the 5 max. It will be everything a 4 max is, but one better.
That would be an epic production blade.
LOL
Great video. Thanks
Glad you liked it!
Did anyone notice that one of the big online vendors had the 4-Max Scout on sale for $77.95 for a while in December, right after we all learned about the sale of the company? That was a bargain!
They're $82 some place right now.
I recoiled when CS sold... I didn't even think of panic buying any! D' oH!
I’m not sure if the back spring being smaller is a big deal. I’ve never heard of anybody breaking one before.
Neither have I. It's just the principle. :) Too nitpicky?
@@Jimislash I thought about it the whole day and would like to say I was wrong. Although I absolutely don’t think it will ever break your right, ITS A 400$ 4MAX!!!!! It should definitely have a big spring on such a big knife!
Much love and appreciation for you and the channel
@@johnruff7417 Appreciate you being part of it and for what you do for everybody.
Just got the Scout. I'd love to get another, someday. But my bank account would have to recover quite a bit.
The Scout is great.
Just made me even more Jelly 🤔
I can't decide! Carve into some meat products for us to choose!😂
I have the Italian 4Max. The elite looks sick though.
A battle of the 4MAXs to see who reigns supreme. Who will take home the heavyweight belt? Oooo a cartoon cage match of 4MAXs would be a funny cool ColdSteel vid.
Lol!
Don't have any 4-Maxes, but the elite seems pretty tempting!
It's nice.
Me too! I love huge S35VN. Would love 4 Max elite in forest green G-10 or Engage with forest green.
Your subscribers went up quickly.
It's been weird. :)
...like one of my grad school courses..."Contrast & compare"...
New 4-MAX Elite is just Scout with G10 scales instead of Griv-Ex, titanium spacer and liners (they are titanium... right?) and S35VN blade instead of AUS 10A on Scout. That’s it. Everything else is the same, including that ridiculous thin lock spring, smaller pivot pin and cheap packaging, coming there directly from Scout.
Main question: does it worth $500?...
Not to very many people.
I'd go$500 for Mayhem in G-10 and S35VN all day long
I think they should stop a generation 4...max.... Don't have any, I like the Elite/new one, even with the skimped spring issue.
Absolute chunkers gorgeous knives 👏
Almost 1 for every day of the week. Nice collection
He has way more than that.
So close!😀
The spring is not cool, they call it the Elite.. 🤔
Still haven't heard from CS customer service since October..
It's the Elite Scout.
If it says Elite it should have the best of everything!
I agree.
Own the scout. I believe the scout is the best variant due to the steel choice.
Not a bad choice.
Rubbing all those 4max's together was crazy good.I was actually expecting lightning to strike everytime you rubbed them together. The original looks the best but the new one has me definately scratching at my wallet. Love all the videos you put out there.
Lol! That new one is nice to look at, and it's still a beast.
It looks like the scout is a valid option so I'll be after it.
Great option!
Ohh😎 so many👍
I have the Scout. Great for the money.
Definitely.
I had to go and get my Italian 4max out while watching this. I love them all. But I'll stick with my Italian 4max.. 😁
Lol! That's cool to know. :)
@@Jimislash 😊😁
I really want to feel the first gen in hand.
Have the Scout. Want them all.
I have none but want the one that starts with 4 and ends in X and has a fat blade😂
Lol!
Sooo much glory. They really started going cheap with the packaging compared to the older generations
I rather they spend the money on the knife than packaging. Those Chinese knives love wasting money on fancy packaging though.
to the max
X4
NOOOOO, do NOT take one apart...lmao
I'd have to feel the spring myself to feel a way about one or other. Also wouldn't surprise me if that spring is more than enough.
I am sure it's enough. I beat the fire out of that Scout. I just wonder what the reasoning behind it it is.
@@Jimislash More than likely a cost savings on a piece, spring, buying in bulk. No other reason than something simple, the spring happens to be the victim this model...lol