Just received Cold Steels new American Lawman model knife this week in the mail and I have to say it's one stout and well made little knife. It has a rough textured G10 handle (almost a basket weave pattern) that feels really good to grip. It came out of the box hair popping sharp and the lock up on it is rock solid to say the least. I know alot of people don't like Cold Steel knives but I have to say, for a good everyday user, this ones a winner!

Specifications:
Blade: 3 1/2"
Overall: 8 1/8"
Thick: 3.5mm
Weight: 5.4 oz.
Steel: Japanese AUS 8A Stainless

i have an srk fixed and would not leave camp without it. will do any task. i like cold steel. that's a cool one there mitch!

After looking at your Cold Steel. I pulled out my Buck 180.

Do you have a Buck 180 ?

I was just wondering how much they are the same?

I would like to know your OPINON about both knives.

I mainly use mine for opening my mail boxes with knives in them.

Ken, sorry, I don't have a Buck 180 and I don't know about them but you can open any knife box you get in the mail with a Cold Steel.

are the 3 holes at the back for a reversable pocket clip? Does it have holes for carrying with the tip down also?

To answer your question, the knife is set for tip up carry but no tip down. They also include a second clip and screws for left hand carry because the clips have an inward curve to them.

That's why I haven't bought a Cold Steel yet, though I've been tempted for a long time now.
It's confusing because no one seems to mention Cold Steel in the same breath with Benchmade, Spyderco, Emerson, and yet C.S comes in for some HIGH praise from its fans , especially from the point of view of the strength of the knife.
Anyway, if fellas like Mitch and Jonet like Cold Steel, that's good enough for me, especially as Mitch is the one of those who put me on to Benchmade.
There's just one little question holding me back from getting my first Cold Steel (Recon. folder), and that is, should I at least get another Benchmade before I get a Cold Steel Recon.?

Since Benchmade makes a far superior knife, quality wise then Cold Steel, they genrally cost two and three time more! If you want a good dependable "Beater Knife" at an affordable price. Buy a Cold Steel, there made to use and not to collect.

p.s. I buy all my Cold Steel knives here!; http://www.aapkblades.com/index.php

I only have 1 COLD STEEL knife. It is a Trailmaster bowie. Great knife (carbon V). I'm sure it is capable of doing alot more in more skilled hands than mine.

Useem, The Cold Steel fixed blades that have Carbon V Steel Blades, were made by Camillus and they were Damn Fine Knives, for the money. Cold Steel stopped selling knives with Carbon V, when Camillus closed it's doors.

COOL, thanks MItch, it is missing the sheathe though.

I am a fan of the Cold Steel knives. Here's one of mine. It's a Trail Guide and it's got the Carbon V steel blade. I just started carrying it but I've had it for ??? a long time. I like it as it's super sharp. Has a pocket clip that's chromed and Zytel handles. Well made too. The blade is not rusted or dirty, that's the way the scanner took the picture.

I have been a big fan of cold steel knives for years. In fact, i have quite a few of them.
I wish i had a camera for the computer and i would post a picture of all i've got. I've never
had any problems with the quility or the toughness of them. There has been a few in the past
that i found sub-par but they were soon discontinued. A far as user(working) knife, you
would be hard pressed to find one better.

All Benchmade's are far superior? I have a new Benchmade made in China and it doesn't compare to my 1980's Cold Steel tanto. I really don't think you can compare company against company, but rather you should compare knife to knife no mater who the maker is.

JMO

But I do agree with you that Cold Steel knives are definitely a users type knife.

"I have a new Benchmade made in China"
apples to oranges? a lot of brands are watering down their hard earned reps by putting their names on chinese junk. jmo