Sad to say, that time is coming to an end. Cold Steel was sold to GSM, and they already announced the new steel that they're using (it's crap) and discontinuing a lot of products (in their first round of discontinued items, they got rid of all their spears).
I came to very similar conclusions when I reviewed this the other month. I've used it a lot more since then and my opinion hasn't changed. I love this knife.
I got this knife for Christmas (because I asked for it because I watched this video review) and I noticed that when the blade is closed, the notch for the stop bar looks exactly like a bottle opener. Sure enough it works! Anyone else notice this? Aaron I’m surprised you didn’t catch it.
This is my kind of knife. Not these friggen $300 titanium knives with bearings that will quit working if you get it dusty. I'd prefer CTS steel which it might have now in 2017
I've had a lot of knives from ZT, Buck Cold Steel, CRKT, Steel WIll and more, all costing from $40.00 op to over $300.00. Till this day, the Finn Wolf is the sharpest knife I've ever received. I couldn't stop getting cut for my first month. It got to the point where I was terrified anytime I had to deploy it. Thanx for thr video my Bladed Brother 👍 ⚔️ ✝️ 🇺🇲
I was so reluctant to purchase what looked like the perfect bushcraft knife because of the polarising feedback about rolled edges but I couldnt resist after this review and having just unboxed it I am utterly impressed. This knife is sharper than any Spyderco I have purchased and feels totally solid in hand. Thanks for the review Aaron totally sold on this blade now.
@C-Bomb my experience is CS does a good factory edge, about e average like Spydie. And yes I bought/buy dozens of each brand, budget to premium of each brand
Thanks for the great review. I have used a Finn Wolf for several months and initially had exactly the same problem with the lock being difficult to disengage or jamming completely. It took a lot of perseverance until the mechanism finally loosened up and even now the release is still very stiff. I like the knife though and don't regret the purchase.
On my Finn Wolf I got edge rolling the very first time I used it and I was just doing normal carving with it. I was trying to make feather sticks and tent stakes just to test it. The edge on my Opinels held up fine doing the same stuff. I've heard of people having both experiences, the edge holds up great or it rolls easily. Seems like maybe Cold Steel maybe made some changes or had a sketchy batch at some point. I should probably return it but the rolling was pretty minor so I think a micro bevel would solve the problem.
I picked one up after seeing your review, what a great folder. A true scandi grind folder that can be easily carried on hikes. Nice review and thanks for letting me know this was available.
This and the Manix 2 LW are definitely gonna be on my wishlist for knives, and in my pocket as soon as possible. Thanks for another great video, love your stuff!
I've used this for field dressing 3 deer and I was surprised how awesome it work but I put a real serious edge on it (I had to remove the thumb screws to do this). It fits my rather large hands very nicely and although it's more of a bushcraft knife this will be my lifetime field dressing blade. I carry an SRK in San Mai III for my bushcraft.
I got my Wolf about a month ago. Have loved it, but today really had something amazing happen. I was broadcasting seed over my horse pastures and in loading the tractor broadcaster, I had my knife out, opening several 50 lb bags of seed. I accidentally forgot to pick it up and laid it down on the side of the tractor and went about the task. About three circles around the field, I saw something on the ground and it was my Finn Wolf AND it had been run over by my tractor rear tire (a big tractor). The blade was still open and while there was dirt mashed into the opening and grip, the knife was unhurt and the blade was still just as tight as when new!! Now that is a test and it passed with flying colors!
Awesome! The glass screen protectors are the same, I know someone who was mowing a pasture and his phone fell out and was run over with the rear tire, utterly destroyed the phone but the screen protector didn't even crack!
I picked one of these up at an Army Surplus store the last time I was in the Denver area. It was in a blister pack and they opened it for me so I could fondle it before I decided to purchase one! So far it's been a decent knife and will go out with me on all my hiking & camping trips.
Forgot that I already made a comment, but update... I actually removed the thumb studs and used a dremel to expand the existing hole and now I have a perfectly fine one-hand opening blade that doesn't have thumbstuds to get in the way while sharpening!
Never had a problem single hand closing this. It slips down just to that level you displayed here. I snap it a little and that's where it always goes, finger far from where the blade is. I hold it at the mid point and flick or wiggle and that's enough for a single handed return. Hands down one of my favorite folders I've ever had that I could manipulate with a single hand.
Interesting. My EDC has been a Mini Recon, but my wife loves to use it, so I bought the red FinnWolf earlier today to be my new EDC. Nice review. Nice knife.
I just got back from my trip out West Aaron, Vail, Breckenridge, Telluride, Aspen, and Colorado Springs, Moab Utah, and of course the Grand Canyon National Park South Rim. Flew to Denver then drove 2650 miles all over your beautiful state. I have to say that I live in Northern West Virginia, one of the most beautiful states in this country, but If I move, I'm moving to Colorado. You have an awesome place to call home..... As always thank you for sharing your thoughts and opinions with us, I appreciate it sir.
I've owned the pocket Bushman before and many pukko,I was skeptical about a folding pukko, but the traditional hand hook and stronger locking mechanism convinced me to buy one,as a traditional fixed blade knife cannot be carried everywhere. Great Video
I bought the fin wolf a couple of months ago. & I think it’s one of the best bang for the buck knives out there. I’m always on amazon seeing what’s the next best of the budget edc knifes. It’s my hobby & I don’t feel so bad if I lose it or whatever happens to it. Love the channel & knife! Good day!
I really enjoy your reviews, on the cold steel folders i found if you hold the knife at a 45 deg down angle and then release the lock it will allow you too close one handed without the possibility of getting nicked. Jeff
Just got my knife love it . Is a little hard to close it but not bad. Very sharp great price on eBay. Handle is great too. I was thinking it wouldn't be comfortable but is nice.
Say Heah Aaron, Yup, recently I decided to go Folder instead of Neck Knife recently. I love my C. S. Black Rhino in the bush, Suprisingly the Zero Quenched AUS8a. holds a decent edge retention. But I just got my C. S. Ultimate Hunter to use in the bush also and I also love my Vintage Medium Vaquero with a full Serrated Blade, it's Scary Sharp and makes outstanding Feathersticks. I also love my two Gerber Gator Folder's in the bush. My Drop Point in the 154 CM and my Clip Point particularly serrated in 420HC. great Bush Knives. Infact I'm using my 3V Skookum Bush Tool teamed with my Ka-Bar Johnson Adventure Parangatang with my C. S. Ultimate Hunter this weekend. The perm shelter is completed so I just brought my Wicked Tough Saw and my Gerber Multi Tool to take hot pots off the fire. I also brought my Kodiak Gearsling. I hope my Brown will WIN this weekend, Go Brown's, Eah.,,. p
Just picked one up today on my way home from work. This jackwagon broke the tip off my old knife when he barrowed it. This fin wolf looked better than my old gerber. Its going to be my new edc. Cold steel hit a home run with this folder.
Just ordered this one, and while watching this i was playing with my cold steel code 4 in hair popping xhp and closed it on my fingers 😭 I've been doing this so long that my skin is gettin thicker and doesn't bleed too bad😂😂 great review.
I was looking at those at Bass Pro Shop and I had a hard time closing the knife did you have that when you first bought it ? I tried 3 of them even the employee cannot close it .
+Gideon, you reviewed this knife and also the Tops Mil Spie 3.5 folder. which one would you recommend more for an all around EDC? Unfortunately I can only buy one. Thanks for your thoughts
The last folder I had I tried batoning with it and it broke, would be a bit hesitant to use it for this purpose, but as you demonstrated it’s nice to know it could handle it
I prefere the lock to be strong like that, only Cold Steel knife I had trouble closing for a a few days was the Spartan. But this one? Easy to disable the lock, didnt need to use force like you said with the counter
Considering buying a mora eldris,both arnt used to do things like batoning so i think i would go withthis .folds up to the same size and for slightly more weigh i get a longer blade. What do you think @gideonstactical have you handled the eldris by any chance?
5 years later I still like this knife it’s great in my fishing bag. I like fishing an walking in the woods. That said I carry this an a rahja2 to beat my way through. Those two knives are my camping companions unless I take the sr1 lite in place of the Finn wolf. But that finn wolf is probably the easiest to sharpen knife I own
i prefer the handle to stick out , it makes it faster to get out incase of an emergency deployment, it also means that when you do get it out your thumb is closer to the thumbstud. deep pocket carry usually means you have to get the folder out and then readjust the grip to get the thing opened. whether or not someone sees it is irrelevant to me getting it out and open quickly takes priority. if you dont want anyone to see it why even carry a clipped folder.
Great video, this is the first cold steel I've fully considered. I usually take my rat 1, my Mora, and a bigger fixed blade, I might get away with the Finn wolf replacing the rat 1 and my mora. Anyway keep up the great work.
Hi, I have an EnZO Birk 75 Folding 2-7/8" Carbon Fiber true scandi in D2. If you have had hands on one could you compare the Finn Wolf to it. I think I will order the Finn Wolf anyway but just wondering. You can't have too many knives :) Thanks
He is right this is a bush craft style knife but works great for all type of utility task. I own a few knifes and some of them are a lot more expensive but this is one of my favorites. It simply works great. One down side is mine chips easy if you hit something hard because the steel is hard however it stays sharp for a long time if you're not prying or accidentally hitting nails or hard objects at work. This would probably be my main edc knife for work and being outdoors if it came in 3v or a more quality steel
Thanks for a great review Aaron. Picked up one of these for my son's upcoming birthday... cheap enough, so I got one for me as well. Going into the camping bags for sure. Out of the box... extremely sharp... same thing with that triad lock.... had to work it out a bit. Thin and light. Well worth the money!
The locking system definitely needs a break in period. I did spray some R.E.M. Oil and that helps. Good review and hope to get some good use out of this blade
Bush Ranger Lite, Finn Wolf, Wes Crawford Model 1, Double Safe Hunter - the only Cold Steel knives which are not ridiculously overpriced. I would prefer the Bush Ranger Lite over the Finn Wolf but both are very good choice for work.
Looks like a winner on this one, however I need to disagree with you about scandi grinds and food prep. I find that the design makes it easy to do fine, detail cuts and peeling. My oldest Mora 511 was almost lost to me when my wife appropriated it for the kitchen she liked it so much for peeling vegetables and such.
Iv had mine for a week now (only used it a few times ) and I have the same lock issue glad it's not just me and that I was right to assume it just needed to be broken in And I love the knife so far
Does this knife baton well? I was out yesterday hiking with some friends and I had a small sog fixed blade on me and that battoned ok. But I'm looking for a good woods folder that batons well.
If you want to baton, a fixed blade is always a far better choice. Some of Cold Steel's folders are exceptionally strong due to the Triad Lock system they use, and I would have no problem using one of them to baton in an emergency if that's all I had. But if you want to baton under non-emergency use, a fixed blade is much safer. Gideon was batoning with this knife just to demonstrate the strength of this lock and to show that it could be used like this in an emergency.
have you tried the cold steel finn hawk yet, id like to see your review and opinion on this knife, i find mine to be a little more comfortable in long use than most of my mora knives.
I just bought one and I'm having the same issue. Edge rolling like crazy just doing a simple feather stick. WTH? I am surprised with what you put the blade through you did not have this problem...did they change the steel? I love this concept but the steel appears to be horrible.
+gideonstactical Dude, I've since had 2 of these and the edges just knicked and rolled like crazy. I'm pretty ticked right now. The guy at Cold Steel just told me (true story) that the finn wolf is not intended for woodworking and they will not replace it again. I guess I'm probably gonna be done with CS then.
I was one of the first to test the first shipments of this knife. Glad they got the heat treat worked out. All the early ones had edge rolling after cutting cardboard...
I know a lot of people prefer pocket clips. I'm not one of them but one guy I follow is a forester and using the pocket clip cost him a couple of $100+ knives because sooner or later it caught on a limb and by by knife. The third one he removed the clip and still has it after years of use. Do what you want after all you are the one that has to replace it when it vanishes. I also don't like the fact that it advertises what I have in my pocket. I will also note that I can carry a Luzon in my pocket with a freaking six inch blade without giving anyone the jitters because they don't have a clue it's there. It is legal for edc in Tennessee expect at schools and some government buildings.
Yeah, the Finn Wolf is backordered everywhere. It is selling from two to over five hundred dollars (advertised price) on Amazon. It lists for $59.95 on Coldsteel.com.
Really cool blade, I was looking at it in the coldsteel catalog. I wouldn't buy it though. I run a stainless folder and a high carbon fixed small and large. I might out my folder soon and change to just fixed blades.
True Scandi? It must be the lighting or the camera, because it looks like that edge has a secondary bevel. Either way, this knife looks like a little beast! I might have to pick one of these up. It would be my first Cold Steel knife.
What state do you make your videos in? You say that they are made in the Rocky Mountians, does that mean Colorado or Wyoming or what? Just wondering. Love the Videos!
I tried to EDC it I didnt enjoy the blade style for everyday tasks. It worked but was very clumsy. It is definitely a outdoors blade. It's now in my hiking/camping rotation
@@sticksnstonespatriot1728 cutting thick boxes up was a pain compared to some of my thinner knives also any hard fruit or vegetable would fling out of the side if you needed to cut on a surface. The blade was to thick but I did give it ago for awhile before I determined I didnt like it. I also don't own it any longer I gave it to my brother
I’m thinking a sweet mod would be to remove the stud and put a nice spider hole in there. It’d be partially occluded closed, but you could still get a good grip on it.
I think AUS8 is a much better choice for this blade than AUS10. AUS8 is tougher and more chip resistant than AUS10, which is exactly what you want in a hard use wilderness blade. Mora uses 12C27, which is actually inferior to AUS8 but performs excellent. This is not directed at you, but too many basement commandos on internet forums, who never spent a day in the wilderness, are always dissing steel like AUS8. I have tested knives for Buck, Benchmade, Puma, Mora and SOG and have found that for any knife that is affordable for the average person, AUS8, 12c27 Sandvik, 420HC, 1095, SK5, 1070, O-1, and 5160 are the best steels you can get. AUS10, 440C, 154CM, D2, S30V and S35V are just a little too hard for tough wilderness tasks unless their RC is reduced, which most knife companies don't do, although Benchmade did reduce the RC on their S30V Bushcrafter and it turned out great. Now, if we're talking about CPM 3V that is properly tempered, or Busse's INFI steel, then you really have true super-steel. BUT, using these steels makes a knife more expensive than the average person can afford. Getting back to the Finn Wolf, I think AUS8 is an outstanding choice for this knife. Cheers, Jason
Yeah, unfortunately, AUS8 is not the most corrosion resistant of stainless steels, so you have to keep them oiled especially around saltwater environments.
I bet Morakinv is the biggest competition for this knife. I get that it's a folder and Mora's aren't, but when you're in the bush that's less of an advantage. I still like it and kind of want one, but then whenever I imagine where I'd use it... I would probably grab my Mora instead.
Akseli Ruokonen Check out Lamnia. They have it in stock. Well...they have more less the best variety of knives and such around here ( Finland) www.lamnia.com
I like Cold Steel knives, either folder or fixed blade. Cold Steel makes a good product. Good quality control on all that they offer. This Finn Wolf is a handsome blade and, for the money, is exceptional. I do hope, however, that they'll eventually offer a version of this knife in the new carpenter steel they are now using with many of their former standbys such as the Voyager and Recon 1. I'm not a fan of Aus 8 steel. As always a good, thorough review.
I live my Finn Wolf! I like to think of it as the poor mans Griptilian which I also love. Cold Steel if you ever read this, thank you for this knife! Great job all around! On that note I love having this as a budget option but I like it so much I want a high end version now. Maybe we'll see one it the future? XHP with DLC? G10 scales or Carbon fiber (same as lucky) that would be awesome!
Cold Steel really stepped up this year! So many new designs and awesome steel upgrades. I'm hearing of some edge rolling issues with this scandi folder, appears it didn't give you any trouble so that's comforting. Glad your trying out some of the new CS line!
Where do you live? Such gorgeous areas in your videos...great folding bushcraft knife. Bought one. Super sharp factory edge too. Have cut myself twice closing it with just the weight of the blade swinging down back into the handle. By bad. :)
Wow five years ago. I’m just checking this knife out. Knives without liners always make me wonder how twisty they are. Metal liners add stiffness and rigidity. Structural integrity. Do you ever notice a lack of structural integrity at all?
I bought this a month ago and I love it... It's built like an absolute tank. I've used and abused it and the materials don't budge at all... I usually carry larger knives and thought that this knife would be weak, but I was wrong. You won't be disappointed.
This is the knife, I always look into other knife brands like CRKT, Benchmade,Kershaw...but always return to Cold Steel
Sad to say, that time is coming to an end.
Cold Steel was sold to GSM, and they already announced the new steel that they're using (it's crap) and discontinuing a lot of products (in their first round of discontinued items, they got rid of all their spears).
Bought one of these, THIS IS the sharpest knife I have ever owned. Sharp as a scalpal.
I came to very similar conclusions when I reviewed this the other month. I've used it a lot more since then and my opinion hasn't changed. I love this knife.
It is one great blade.
I really wish I hadnt watched this video... now im going to have to get one!
Ya buddy!
You probaly won't regret it. It's a good knife I own one
I got this knife for Christmas (because I asked for it because I watched this video review) and I noticed that when the blade is closed, the notch for the stop bar looks exactly like a bottle opener. Sure enough it works! Anyone else notice this? Aaron I’m surprised you didn’t catch it.
I see what you mean, I just purchased one today with some Christmas gift money. Solid decent folder ❤
This is my kind of knife. Not these friggen $300 titanium knives with bearings that will quit working if you get it dusty. I'd prefer CTS steel which it might have now in 2017
I've had a lot of knives from ZT, Buck Cold Steel, CRKT, Steel WIll and more, all costing from $40.00 op to over $300.00. Till this day, the Finn Wolf is the sharpest knife I've ever received. I couldn't stop getting cut for my first month. It got to the point where I was terrified anytime I had to deploy it.
Thanx for thr video my Bladed Brother 👍 ⚔️ ✝️ 🇺🇲
I was so reluctant to purchase what looked like the perfect bushcraft knife because of the polarising feedback about rolled edges but I couldnt resist after this review and having just unboxed it I am utterly impressed. This knife is sharper than any Spyderco I have purchased and feels totally solid in hand. Thanks for the review Aaron totally sold on this blade now.
+Northern Territory Bushcraft So glad to hear it. Still love mine and use it regularly.
@C-Bomb my experience is CS does a good factory edge, about e average like Spydie. And yes I bought/buy dozens of each brand, budget to premium of each brand
Thanks for the great review. I have used a Finn Wolf for several months and initially had exactly the same problem with the lock being difficult to disengage or jamming completely. It took a lot of perseverance until the mechanism finally loosened up and even now the release is still very stiff. I like the knife though and don't regret the purchase.
On my Finn Wolf I got edge rolling the very first time I used it and I was just doing normal carving with it. I was trying to make feather sticks and tent stakes just to test it. The edge on my Opinels held up fine doing the same stuff. I've heard of people having both experiences, the edge holds up great or it rolls easily. Seems like maybe Cold Steel maybe made some changes or had a sketchy batch at some point. I should probably return it but the rolling was pretty minor so I think a micro bevel would solve the problem.
Maybe it was the first gen of them. My orange one has no problems at all - iluvknives.com/cold-steel-finn-wolf-review/
Kevin Cleary and Gideonstactical are the best of the best knife channel on youtube for sure.
Thanks so much Max. Means a lot!
I picked one up after seeing your review, what a great folder. A true scandi grind folder that can be easily carried on hikes. Nice review and thanks for letting me know this was available.
after watching quite a few videos on this knife, yours is still the best review a d the primary reason i decided to buy this knife. thank you !
This and the Manix 2 LW are definitely gonna be on my wishlist for knives, and in my pocket as soon as possible. Thanks for another great video, love your stuff!
+Gary Fallon Wow, thank so much for the complement and support! Glad it helps.
I've used this for field dressing 3 deer and I was surprised how awesome it work but I put a real serious edge on it (I had to remove the thumb screws to do this). It fits my rather large hands very nicely and although it's more of a bushcraft knife this will be my lifetime field dressing blade. I carry an SRK in San Mai III for my bushcraft.
Awesome to hear that the Finn Wolf is holding up well for you, such a good knife.
Seems like the perfect choice for a outdoor folder.
Knives, Guns, & Gear I would agree.
gideonstactical u deserve way more subs. I've watched so many of your videos. Quality. Thanks for all your effort bro
Just got it & i'm loving it. Having the same locking problem as you but i'll work on it
Thanks for the recomdation.
Eric McNeil No problem!
Huh... couldve sworn I just had 40$ on my desk..
Haha awesome
I got my Wolf about a month ago. Have loved it, but today really had something amazing happen. I was broadcasting seed over my horse pastures and in loading the tractor broadcaster, I had my knife out, opening several 50 lb bags of seed. I accidentally forgot to pick it up and laid it down on the side of the tractor and went about the task. About three circles around the field, I saw something on the ground and it was my Finn Wolf AND it had been run over by my tractor rear tire (a big tractor). The blade was still open and while there was dirt mashed into the opening and grip, the knife was unhurt and the blade was still just as tight as when new!! Now that is a test and it passed with flying colors!
Awesome! The glass screen protectors are the same, I know someone who was mowing a pasture and his phone fell out and was run over with the rear tire, utterly destroyed the phone but the screen protector didn't even crack!
Echo Outdoors those screen protectors are worth they're weight in gold
If I'm going into the woods with a folder, this is going to be the one I take for sure!
Tim Schmidt It would be a great fit.
I picked one of these up at an Army Surplus store the last time I was in the Denver area. It was in a blister pack and they opened it for me so I could fondle it before I decided to purchase one! So far it's been a decent knife and will go out with me on all my hiking & camping trips.
I bowed out to buy the knife five mins into the video. Thanks for the great review.
Just got this today, agreed on the lock being a pain to disengage. I have a bandaid on now related to that XD
Forgot that I already made a comment, but update... I actually removed the thumb studs and used a dremel to expand the existing hole and now I have a perfectly fine one-hand opening blade that doesn't have thumbstuds to get in the way while sharpening!
Never had a problem single hand closing this. It slips down just to that level you displayed here. I snap it a little and that's where it always goes, finger far from where the blade is. I hold it at the mid point and flick or wiggle and that's enough for a single handed return. Hands down one of my favorite folders I've ever had that I could manipulate with a single hand.
Just bought one based on this video and your Best Pocket Knives of 2015. Can't wait to try it.
+Lou7575 It is sweet!
Another great review. I was thinking of the RAT1, but now Finn Wolf! Thank you.
The rat 1 is pretty good for its price too!!!
Interesting. My EDC has been a Mini Recon, but my wife loves to use it, so I bought the red FinnWolf earlier today to be my new EDC.
Nice review. Nice knife.
I just got back from my trip out West Aaron, Vail, Breckenridge, Telluride, Aspen, and Colorado Springs, Moab Utah, and of course the Grand Canyon National Park South Rim. Flew to Denver then drove 2650 miles all over your beautiful state. I have to say that I live in Northern West Virginia, one of the most beautiful states in this country, but If I move, I'm moving to Colorado. You have an awesome place to call home..... As always thank you for sharing your thoughts and opinions with us, I appreciate it sir.
Brad Barber Very cool and glad you enjoyed yourself.
I've owned the pocket Bushman before and many pukko,I was skeptical about a folding pukko, but the traditional hand hook and stronger locking mechanism convinced me to buy one,as a traditional fixed blade knife cannot be carried everywhere. Great Video
Thanks for the nice and intresting videos. Keep up the good work! Greetings from Belgium - Europe.
Just ordered on on eBay excited to get it. Your channel is real informative. I have been looking for a folder like this one.
Dustin Lofts Glad the channel helps.
I bought the fin wolf a couple of months ago. & I think it’s one of the best bang for the buck knives out there. I’m always on amazon seeing what’s the next best of the budget edc knifes. It’s my hobby & I don’t feel so bad if I lose it or whatever happens to it.
Love the channel & knife!
Good day!
This guy knows blades.
I just ordered this knife---I can't believe it's only 35 bucks! Great video!! Thanks!!
I really enjoy your reviews, on the cold steel folders i found if you hold the knife at a 45 deg down angle and then release the lock it will allow you too close one handed without the possibility of getting nicked. Jeff
Just got my knife love it . Is a little hard to close it but not bad. Very sharp great price on eBay. Handle is great too. I was thinking it wouldn't be comfortable but is nice.
dustin800xrsdoo Glad you agree. I love it.
Say Heah Aaron, Yup, recently I decided to go Folder instead of Neck Knife recently. I love my C. S. Black Rhino in the bush, Suprisingly the Zero Quenched AUS8a. holds a decent edge retention. But I just got my C. S. Ultimate Hunter to use in the bush also and I also love my Vintage Medium Vaquero with a full Serrated Blade, it's Scary Sharp and makes outstanding Feathersticks. I also love my two Gerber Gator Folder's in the bush. My Drop Point in the 154 CM and my Clip Point particularly serrated in 420HC. great Bush Knives. Infact I'm using my 3V Skookum Bush Tool teamed with my Ka-Bar Johnson Adventure Parangatang with my C. S. Ultimate Hunter this weekend. The perm shelter is completed so I just brought my Wicked Tough Saw and my Gerber Multi Tool to take hot pots off the fire. I also brought my Kodiak Gearsling. I hope my Brown will WIN this weekend, Go Brown's, Eah.,,. p
Looks like a great knife. Thanks for sharing.
Michael Laird No problem.
Just picked one up today on my way home from work. This jackwagon broke the tip off my old knife when he barrowed it. This fin wolf looked better than my old gerber. Its going to be my new edc. Cold steel hit a home run with this folder.
Just ordered this one, and while watching this i was playing with my cold steel code 4 in hair popping xhp and closed it on my fingers 😭 I've been doing this so long that my skin is gettin thicker and doesn't bleed too bad😂😂 great review.
I was looking at those at Bass Pro Shop and I had a hard time closing the knife did you have that when you first bought it ? I tried 3 of them even the employee cannot close it .
+Gideon,
you reviewed this knife and also the Tops Mil Spie 3.5 folder. which one would you recommend more for an all around EDC?
Unfortunately I can only buy one. Thanks for your thoughts
The TOPS for EDC
+gideonstactical Thanks
The last folder I had I tried batoning with it and it broke, would be a bit hesitant to use it for this purpose, but as you demonstrated it’s nice to know it could handle it
great review man you touchedup on every important aspect of the knife well done
I prefere the lock to be strong like that, only Cold Steel knife I had trouble closing for a a few days was the Spartan. But this one? Easy to disable the lock, didnt need to use force like you said with the counter
Considering buying a mora eldris,both arnt used to do things like batoning so i think i would go withthis .folds up to the same size and for slightly more weigh i get a longer blade. What do you think @gideonstactical have you handled the eldris by any chance?
5 years later I still like this knife it’s great in my fishing bag. I like fishing an walking in the woods. That said I carry this an a rahja2 to beat my way through. Those two knives are my camping companions unless I take the sr1 lite in place of the Finn wolf. But that finn wolf is probably the easiest to sharpen knife I own
i prefer the handle to stick out , it makes it faster to get out incase of an emergency deployment, it also means that when you do get it out your thumb is closer to the thumbstud. deep pocket carry usually means you have to get the folder out and then readjust the grip to get the thing opened. whether or not someone sees it is irrelevant to me getting it out and open quickly takes priority. if you dont want anyone to see it why even carry a clipped folder.
Great video, this is the first cold steel I've fully considered. I usually take my rat 1, my Mora, and a bigger fixed blade, I might get away with the Finn wolf replacing the rat 1 and my mora. Anyway keep up the great work.
Omg. I'm overdosing on knife videos. DoI want this, the large cs Voyager or the sog trident Elite? I just want a larger one than my Buck Ranger....
Hi, I have an EnZO Birk 75 Folding 2-7/8" Carbon Fiber true scandi in D2. If you have had hands on one could you compare the Finn Wolf to it. I think I will order the Finn Wolf anyway but just wondering. You can't have too many knives :) Thanks
Not a bad knife.
One of my other than work knives.
Only bust on this knife is the thumb stud,
I took it out and I'm working on enlarging the hole.
He is right this is a bush craft style knife but works great for all type of utility task. I own a few knifes and some of them are a lot more expensive but this is one of my favorites. It simply works great. One down side is mine chips easy if you hit something hard because the steel is hard however it stays sharp for a long time if you're not prying or accidentally hitting nails or hard objects at work. This would probably be my main edc knife for work and being outdoors if it came in 3v or a more quality steel
Thanks for a great review Aaron. Picked up one of these for my son's upcoming birthday... cheap enough, so I got one for me as well. Going into the camping bags for sure. Out of the box... extremely sharp... same thing with that triad lock.... had to work it out a bit. Thin and light. Well worth the money!
Alan Williams Amen my friend!
The locking system definitely needs a break in period. I did spray some R.E.M. Oil and that helps. Good review and hope to get some good use out of this blade
Excellent review, I didn't even know about this Cold Steel offering.
Oh ha!
Fantastic review, I appreciate it, I have one on order and can't wait to have it!
Bush Ranger Lite, Finn Wolf, Wes Crawford Model 1, Double Safe Hunter - the only Cold Steel knives which are not ridiculously overpriced. I would prefer the Bush Ranger Lite over the Finn Wolf but both are very good choice for work.
Looks like a winner on this one, however I need to disagree with you about scandi grinds and food prep. I find that the design makes it easy to do fine, detail cuts and peeling. My oldest Mora 511 was almost lost to me when my wife appropriated it for the kitchen she liked it so much for peeling vegetables and such.
Iv had mine for a week now (only used it a few times ) and I have the same lock issue glad it's not just me and that I was right to assume it just needed to be broken in
And I love the knife so far
Does this knife baton well? I was out yesterday hiking with some friends and I had a small sog fixed blade on me and that battoned ok. But I'm looking for a good woods folder that batons well.
If you want to baton, a fixed blade is always a far better choice. Some of Cold Steel's folders are exceptionally strong due to the Triad Lock system they use, and I would have no problem using one of them to baton in an emergency if that's all I had. But if you want to baton under non-emergency use, a fixed blade is much safer. Gideon was batoning with this knife just to demonstrate the strength of this lock and to show that it could be used like this in an emergency.
have you tried the cold steel finn hawk yet, id like to see your review and opinion on this knife, i find mine to be a little more comfortable in long use than most of my mora knives.
I love how its basically a folding mora
Great video...thanks! I just ordered a FinnWolf. Love that Scandi grind.
Great review on this knife Gideon. Thanks.
-Jason
still a good knife, but true scandi with 2ndary grind visible on the close up?
I just bought one and I'm having the same issue. Edge rolling like crazy just doing a simple feather stick. WTH? I am surprised with what you put the blade through you did not have this problem...did they change the steel? I love this concept but the steel appears to be horrible.
It's my new edc and I love it.
Scandi grind vs convex grind 4 bushcraft knife. what do you prefer for bushcraft knife?
Whats your camera setup like? I see its a wide angle. 24mm? wider? GoPro? Looks great!
+rockon333 Gopro for this review. Thank you!
+gideonstactical Dude, I've since had 2 of these and the edges just knicked and rolled like crazy. I'm pretty ticked right now. The guy at Cold Steel just told me (true story) that the finn wolf is not intended for woodworking and they will not replace it again. I guess I'm probably gonna be done with CS then.
I was one of the first to test the first shipments of this knife. Glad they got the heat treat worked out. All the early ones had edge rolling after cutting cardboard...
I know a lot of people prefer pocket clips. I'm not one of them but one guy I follow is a forester and using the pocket clip cost him a couple of $100+ knives because sooner or later it caught on a limb and by by knife. The third one he removed the clip and still has it after years of use. Do what you want after all you are the one that has to replace it when it vanishes. I also don't like the fact that it advertises what I have in my pocket. I will also note that I can carry a Luzon in my pocket with a freaking six inch blade without giving anyone the jitters because they don't have a clue it's there. It is legal for edc in Tennessee expect at schools and some government buildings.
Yeah, the Finn Wolf is backordered everywhere. It is selling from two to over five hundred dollars (advertised price) on Amazon. It lists for $59.95 on Coldsteel.com.
Glad the Scandi grinds are becoming more readily available.
almost got this for my self the other day but got some micarta scales for my bk16 instead. keep up the great work man i love what you do.
Thank you my friend.
Really cool blade, I was looking at it in the coldsteel catalog. I wouldn't buy it though. I run a stainless folder and a high carbon fixed small and large. I might out my folder soon and change to just fixed blades.
Great review thank you. I have this on my shopping list but it’s much more expensive in the UK.
True Scandi? It must be the lighting or the camera, because it looks like that edge has a secondary bevel. Either way, this knife looks like a little beast! I might have to pick one of these up. It would be my first Cold Steel knife.
It is a true scandi
gideonstactical Good to know. Thanks Aaron.
Annual trip - awesome.
shcmoly Thanks my friend.
Would you get this or the new Real Steel Bushcraft folder?
What state do you make your videos in? You say that they are made in the Rocky Mountians, does that mean Colorado or Wyoming or what? Just wondering. Love the Videos!
This WEREWOLF is getting ☝️💯‼️
Love that knife!
I tried to EDC it I didnt enjoy the blade style for everyday tasks. It worked but was very clumsy. It is definitely a outdoors blade. It's now in my hiking/camping rotation
What "everyday tasks" is it not good at?
@@sticksnstonespatriot1728 cutting thick boxes up was a pain compared to some of my thinner knives also any hard fruit or vegetable would fling out of the side if you needed to cut on a surface. The blade was to thick but I did give it ago for awhile before I determined I didnt like it. I also don't own it any longer I gave it to my brother
I’m thinking a sweet mod would be to remove the stud and put a nice spider hole in there. It’d be partially occluded closed, but you could still get a good grip on it.
Do You think they'll upgrade this to Aus10 now since they seem to be moving to that now
I think AUS8 is a much better choice for this blade than AUS10. AUS8 is tougher and more chip resistant than AUS10, which is exactly what you want in a hard use wilderness blade. Mora uses 12C27, which is actually inferior to AUS8 but performs excellent. This is not directed at you, but too many basement commandos on internet forums, who never spent a day in the wilderness, are always dissing steel like AUS8. I have tested knives for Buck, Benchmade, Puma, Mora and SOG and have found that for any knife that is affordable for the average person, AUS8, 12c27 Sandvik, 420HC, 1095, SK5, 1070, O-1, and 5160 are the best steels you can get. AUS10, 440C, 154CM, D2, S30V and S35V are just a little too hard for tough wilderness tasks unless their RC is reduced, which most knife companies don't do, although Benchmade did reduce the RC on their S30V Bushcrafter and it turned out great. Now, if we're talking about CPM 3V that is properly tempered, or Busse's INFI steel, then you really have true super-steel. BUT, using these steels makes a knife more expensive than the average person can afford. Getting back to the Finn Wolf, I think AUS8 is an outstanding choice for this knife. Cheers, Jason
Ive got one and it had taken a beating. But using it on the boat in alaska really showed its lack of corrosion resistance
Yeah, unfortunately, AUS8 is not the most corrosion resistant of stainless steels, so you have to keep them oiled especially around saltwater environments.
hey man what are you eating at 7:42 for some reason it looks kind of good!
Reviewed this one as well a few months back - great knife!
Getting the blade to unlock and retract is a real bear on this knife. All Cold Steel knives like this? Else is five stars.
Mine just had to be broken in. Many of the triad locking blades are this way. They take a week to get smooth and loosen up a bit.
which knife is better kershaw link or cold steel Finn wolf.
Aron witch one would u recommend? witch one quality is better?
Bogdan K Both similar quality, the Link is an edc knife the Finn Wolf is a woods knife.
thank you
I bet Morakinv is the biggest competition for this knife. I get that it's a folder and Mora's aren't, but when you're in the bush that's less of an advantage. I still like it and kind of want one, but then whenever I imagine where I'd use it... I would probably grab my Mora instead.
haven't seen this on market yet and i live in finland
Akseli Ruokonen Check out Lamnia. They have it in stock. Well...they have more less the best variety of knives and such around here ( Finland) www.lamnia.com
I like Cold Steel knives, either folder or fixed blade. Cold Steel makes a good product. Good quality control on all that they offer. This Finn Wolf is a handsome blade and, for the money, is exceptional. I do hope, however, that they'll eventually offer a version of this knife in the new carpenter steel they are now using with many of their former standbys such as the Voyager and Recon 1. I'm not a fan of Aus 8 steel. As always a good, thorough review.
I live my Finn Wolf! I like to think of it as the poor mans Griptilian which I also love. Cold Steel if you ever read this, thank you for this knife! Great job all around! On that note I love having this as a budget option but I like it so much I want a high end version now. Maybe we'll see one it the future? XHP with DLC? G10 scales or Carbon fiber (same as lucky) that would be awesome!
After everything I've heard about this little blade, I'll defiantly try to add it to the collection for an outdoor blade, great video bro :)
Cold Steel really stepped up this year! So many new designs and awesome steel upgrades. I'm hearing of some edge rolling issues with this scandi folder, appears it didn't give you any trouble so that's comforting. Glad your trying out some of the new CS line!
Yes the have really stepped it up.
Where do you live? Such gorgeous areas in your videos...great folding bushcraft knife. Bought one. Super sharp factory edge too. Have cut myself twice closing it with just the weight of the blade swinging down back into the handle. By bad. :)
Wow five years ago. I’m just checking this knife out. Knives without liners always make me wonder how twisty they are. Metal liners add stiffness and rigidity. Structural integrity. Do you ever notice a lack of structural integrity at all?
I bought this a month ago and I love it...
It's built like an absolute tank. I've used and abused it and the materials don't budge at all...
I usually carry larger knives and thought that this knife would be weak, but I was wrong. You won't be disappointed.
good to her it is a True scandi. think I get one. Do you have a camera man?
Yes, my wife, brother, a friend or dad.
+gideonstactical thx. i am doing tabletop reviews and i try to expand my range.