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Sidearms & Scatterguns Thoughts/opinions on Cold Steel Ti-Lite

K-tech

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jun 5, 2012
163
8
34
WI
I have been shopping around for a knife to carry for personal defense. I was checking out cold steel's 4" ti-lite and I was just wondering what others think about them. What are other good options are out there that are of decent value? All input is appreciated
Thanks
 
Re: Thoughts/opinions on Cold Steel Ti-Lite

I think there are better options out there. Do you have knife fighting experience?
 
Re: Thoughts/opinions on Cold Steel Ti-Lite

Benchmade 553 Griptilian Tanto would be a great knife in an affordable pocket knife. If you wanted to spend more then that the Benchmade 950 Rift is a good option.
 
Re: Thoughts/opinions on Cold Steel Ti-Lite

I had a ti-lite for quite some time, just really liked the way it looked. It is very easy to deploy the blade as you pull it out of your pocket. That's about the only input I could give as I know nothing about knife combat.
 
Re: Thoughts/opinions on Cold Steel Ti-Lite

Not sure if the clip has been "toughened" up at all but the i bought one when they first came out and the clip broke. I got a replacement from cold steel but it isnt quite as good.
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The blade is also a little thin but is more of a dagger than anything so if you want a "tough" blade you might want to consider something else.
 
Re: Thoughts/opinions on Cold Steel Ti-Lite

I'm no expert for Damn sure, that being said I carry a fixed blade cold steel kobun tanto. Price is affordable, very light weight, rubberized grip feel great,very sharp, and intimidating looking. It also has a nice kydex sheath that the knife clips into very securely.
 
Re: Thoughts/opinions on Cold Steel Ti-Lite

I guess the quick deployment of the ti lite is what caught my attention but Im all ears for other options. I dont consider myself very knowledgeable about fighting knives and I have no training in knife fighting but I figure we all have to start somewhere. I had been mostly wanting a good folder to throw in my pocket. What are some of the advantages of tanto style blade?
 
Re: Thoughts/opinions on Cold Steel Ti-Lite

that Benchmade 950 Rift looks like a pretty good blade. Im not opposed to spending couple hundred bucks for something thats going to be much nicer. I just cant quite justify spending $500 on a blade, though Im sure they are much nicer.
 
Re: Thoughts/opinions on Cold Steel Ti-Lite

Some Cold Steel products are great ... the Ti_light isn't one of them. get a ZT or Kershaw or a SOG. For that matter a Benchmade Rescue would be better at any price. Don't get me wrong I have a 1/2 doz or so of Cold steel products. Just not that.
 
Re: Thoughts/opinions on Cold Steel Ti-Lite

Just crossed the ti lite off the list. Checking out other blades now
 
Re: Thoughts/opinions on Cold Steel Ti-Lite

Looked at my buddy's Emerson Super roadhouse. It seemed pretty decent. Any thoughts on those?
 
Re: Thoughts/opinions on Cold Steel Ti-Lite

Emerson would be a good choice for sure. I like the Super CQC better then the Super Raodhouse. But I would carry either without a question.
 
Re: Thoughts/opinions on Cold Steel Ti-Lite

K-tech, the advantages of the tanto style blade is its piercing ability. Not really much of a cutting surface as say a nice clip point style blade.

I do not have a lot of money to invest in a high dollar knife so I choose knives that offer more bag for my buck. You may look at Cold Steel Voyager (clip point & tanto versions) series, Spyderco Endura, Spyderco Manix 2 XL, Cold Steel Recon (clip point & tanto) to name a few. These are all really easy on the wallet and stand up to EDC situations or to put in a bad guys jugular since you want utilize this as defensive knife.

I really like the security of a lock back knife as opposed to a liner lock and a plain edge instead of a serrated edge. The serrations will produce a nastier cut on skin but they do get caught in clothing easily while you are using them in a defensive role. Just my 2 cents.

My personal favorite defensive carry is the Cold Steel Voyager XL clip point with a plain edge. You have to see it in person to appreciate the size of it. And the stonewashed finish is a nice touch.
 
Re: Thoughts/opinions on Cold Steel Ti-Lite

I think Im going to go with an Emerson. They are a little more than what I initially wanted to spend but so is just about everything else worth buying in this world. Buy once, cry once as I say. Thanks for all the input
 
Re: Thoughts/opinions on Cold Steel Ti-Lite

K-tech,

I am by no means a knife expert or a knife fighting expert. I have had formal training in knife fighting but have never needed to put the training to use. I have also spent a lot of time hangingout talking knives and knife design with some of the best to ever make a blade.

With that out of the way I will say this. It is my opinion based both on my training and from my discussions with knife makers. The best fighting knife desings are those based off the tried and true Tanto, Kwaiken, Kozuka, Hamidashi, Aikuchi, Yoroi Toshi design.

They excel in slashing and stabbing. They are strong usually from thick stock. Well balanced and natural in hand. They can be had from a large number of well respected makers. For prices ranging from affordable to you better make a six figure salary.