Cold Steel Knives is a well-respected knife and tool manufacturer known for producing rugged and durable blades. Founded in 1980 by Lynn C. Thompson, the company has earned a reputation for its commitment to making strong, reliable, and sharp knives, often designed for tactical, outdoor, and survival use.

Cold Steel Knives Brand Summary

  • Parent Company Name: GSM Outdoors

  • Head Office:  Irving, Texas, United States (USA)

  • Product Focus: knives, swords, tomahawks, machetes, cutlery & EDC

  • Target Markets: Survival, Tactical, EDC.

  • Manufacturing Facilities: Mostly USA, China, Itlay, Japan

  • Average Price Range: $15 to $700+

Company Overview: Cold Steel Knives

One of the standout features of Cold Steel Knives is their “Tri-Ad Lock” mechanism, a highly secure and strong locking system that provides exceptional strength and safety in folding knives as we have mentioned in our blade reviews.

The company is also known for its wide range of products, including machetes, swords, axes, and spears, catering to diverse users such as military personnel, law enforcement, martial artists, and outdoor enthusiasts.

In 2020, Cold Steel was acquired by GSM Outdoors, a company specializing in outdoor gear, but the brand has retained its distinct identity and continues to produce high-performance knives and tools.

Cold Steel Knives Reviews

Cold Steel is especially recognized for its innovative testing methods, including extreme durability demonstrations that showcase the toughness and cutting power of their knives.

Cold Steel Knives blade materials

Cold Steel uses a variety of high-quality blade materials, such as:

– VG-1 San Mai III: A high-end, laminated steel known for its strength, edge retention, and corrosion resistance.

– CPM S35VN: A premium stainless steel with superior toughness and wear resistance.

– AUS-8A Stainless Steel: A mid-range steel that offers a balance of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening.

– SK-5 Carbon Steel: Known for its toughness and ability to hold a fine edge, but it requires more maintenance to prevent rusting.

Company Size and Workforce

Cold Steel knives’ workforce has varied over time, but post-acquisition by GSM Outdoors, it likely operates with a streamlined staff. Estimates suggest that Cold Steel may have between 100 to 200 employees, depending on production demands and distribution networks.

Annual Turnover and Sales

While the company’s annual turnover in sales is not publicly disclosed, Cold Steel is considered a major player in the tactical and outdoor knife market, with revenues likely in the tens of millions of dollars, driven by its global customer base and reputation for toughness.