Cold Steel Code 4 Clip Point Carpenters CTS XHP Alloy 58TPCC

So for those who are wondering, this is the 2015 reissued version of the standard Cold Steel Code 4 Clip Point using the new Carpenter CTS-XHP steel (which is replacing the previous CS standard AUX8A in most all CS knives going forward). It's the same as the previous Code 4 in all other respects and has roughly the same price tag as the previous version (which has since lowered in price to around $50). With the overall stellar rep of CTS-XHP from it's previous, limited use in some Spyderco/Kershaw knives, I was willing to bite the bullet and pick this beauty up to try the steel out...as much as for the chance to try out the Code 4 platform.Couldn't have made a better decision there. Overall, it's surprisingly light for it's size, has a super slim cross-section in-pocket and still manages to have surprisingly great ergos in-hand. I feel like the thinness of the handle probably would cause some hot-spot issues during prolonged/hard use...but I'm not sure I envision using the knife in that POU...which is a little odd considering the fact that CS knife sales are usually leveraged based on the strength of the Triad lock. Meh. I figure strength is always good, even if it's not necessary in-role.The clip style blade, though stout in this iteration, is large enough for most of the jobs I would press it into for the heavy-duty EDC-Plus role. It has enough belly to be utilitarian and a high enough hollow grind to make for a relatively decent edge geometry overall. The factory grind seems a little steep and wasn't exactly symmetrical toward the tip, making for a slightly jacked-up point geometry. That said, I should be able to remedy the issue on my EPA 4 (once the initial edge wears down enough to warrant re-sharpening). I'm a little reticent to see how difficult XHP will be to sharpen - but if the reports from the blade forums are any indication, it should be fine. If the speed that it took a hair popping edge with only a light stopping (using black and white compound) is any indication, it should be a breeze.I will echo what some of the other reviewers of the Code 4 have said in that the clip is a bit too stubby and therefore stiff. I'm usually able to remove the clips on Cold Steel knives and bend them outwards slightly (from where the screws mount) to allow me to bypass any need to sand or fill in the handles. The Code 4 obviously doesn't have the pants-chewing problem of some of the other G10 handled CS knives - but being so short, the initial flair of the clip is still shallow, making it hard to get the entire clip over the edge of most shorts/pants/jeans with reinforced pockets. I tried to put that part of the clip in a vise to accentuate the flair and fix the issue...but with limited success. The whole clip is just too stout and built to lie too close to the scales for me to be able to bend it like that. That relatively minor (in my book) issue aside, the entire knife gets my vote overall. Time will tell on the performance of the steel. Rest assured that I'll be updating the review in the long-term if it doesn't perform true to expectations.P.S. Should also mention that the action started out being pretty stiff (as many Cold Steel's do) but it's softened up quite a bit in the 2 week break-in period since purchase and is now relatively easy to actuate one handed and glass smooth as it does.So that's my review; hope it helps.

The upgraded steel makes this a win for Cold Steel. The handle material itself, aluminum I believe, is slick and has zero grip. That said, the ergonomics of the handle, something I've always liked about CS (even the models that feel somewhat cheap), essentially nullify the need for grippy handle material. I'm 5'10, and wear a medium to large glove (Hatch/Damascus/etc.), and this handle sits in my hand solidly in forward grip, and almost perfectly in reverse grip. Cold Steel's Tri-Ad lock really needs no introduction - it's about as strong a lock as you'll find on a folder. In fact, I only own two liner-lock knives...not a fan. C'mon Pohl Force...stop that.The action of the knife was not super smooth out of the box, but ten to 20 flicks later, it was just fine. This is not uncommon, and would only detract from my rating if it was a $400 Sebenza (***cough*** overpriced ***cough***). The blade is extremely sharp, and I've heard nothing but good things about the CTS-XHP steel. This is my first blade with that particular steel, however, so time will tell. Blade centering was perfect, and there is ZERO play when deployed.I own knives by the usual stable (Benchmade, Emerson, Microtech, ZT, Spyderco, etc.) and this is a very nice addition to that collection, especially for off-duty carry (I won't use that lame acronym people who carry a knife EVERY DAY use). I typically carry a Spyderco Ulize in that role, because it is light and VERY slim (and is clearly purpose-built). This knife is also relatively light and VERY slim. Yeah, Cold Steel's pocket clip is almost a little too tight to get in and out of your pants (that's what she said) quickly, but that's easily remedied by the buyer.Aesthetically, it's very pleasing, and let's face it, if you own a bunch of knives, you probably bought quite a few of them because they look cool. Nobody really NEEDS more than a couple knives. The Code 4 is a good looker. I read somewhere that someone called it a "Sebenza Killer". That's just stupid. This knife (the Code 4) you can take out and use on a regular basis without worrying too much. Would you do that with your Reeve? The Sebenza is a very nice looking and functioning knife, but what can it do that this or any other knife can't? I guess the same thing a Ferrari sitting in your garage that you put 1,000 miles a year on does for you.So, why not five stars? The handle material. It makes the knife look better, and as I said the ergonomics of the handle make up for the lack of grip, but from a utilitarian standpoint, we want something with a bit more traction, especially with a gloved hand. Not a big deal for me, as I won't be carrying this at work, but there are better on-duty choices.Buy it.

This is an excellent knife and I think it will quickly become my edc. I had been carrying either my Crkt M16, or my paramilitary 2. The ergonomics on the Code 4 are superb to the point that it makes my other pocket knives feel clunky by comparison. The lock up on this knife is rock solid as well and the blade is perfectly centered when closed. The blade came shaving sharp and I cant see any fit and finish issues.The only gripes I have with this knife are that the pocket clip is so tight that it's hard to hook on your pocket and the blade release is a bit hard to release. However both these issues should work themselves out as I break in this knife. I'll update after awhile. Update: this knife was by far my favorite edc for a long time. It was reliable and kept an edge really well. Unfortunately it was eventually stolen. But to anyone considering purchasing this knife GO FOR IT it is excellent!

Every issue ive heard about this knife has not been an issue for me yes the locking mechanism is a little tight but still very easy to deploy. While some say it is to big to be a comfortable edc knife i don't notice it in my pocket very light for the size of knife. The only thing i noticed that i do not like about the knife is play in the blade while closed not opened which is not bad enough to to hit the scales. The grind is on a consistent angle came sharp but not hair popping sharp but shaving sharp about 2 min on a stone and it was hair popping sharp knife feels very sturdy and well built fit and finish is very good. I have various knives from paramilitary 2, benchmade 300-1, griptilian, osbourne 940, endura4, kershaw and so on my point is for this money this knife is hard to beat at this price point if you are hesitant on buying this knife dont be it is a quality built knife