Mark
georgia, US

May 21, 2026

Pros: Blade Sharpness, Ease of Opening, Handle Feel, Lock Ease of Use, Lock Type, Overall Quality

Cons: None

Love It!!!!

The lock on the 4max scout is the smoothest Tri-Ad lock I have encountered. I own the Recon 1 spear point and Mini recon tanto. Neither locks compare to the 4max scout. The only drawback to the 4max scout is the weight when used as EDC. But all in all, it is my favorite Cold Steel product to date.

Geebee
HI

Feb 24, 2023

Pros: None

Cons: Weight

Durable, comfortable...heavy

It's heavy, but surprisingly feels comfortable in hand and in the pocket. The factory edge is very sharp, and the aus-10a steel holds an edge well and hasnt shown any signs of rust with 2 months of light use. The 4-Max Scout is a great go bag knife, or back up folder to a fixed blade. It is not my go to EDC, but I am glad I own it as a dependable option. I own the S35VN 4-Max, and I must say I am impressed that Cold Steel made a more budget friendly version without sacrificing quality.

Paul
Alabama

Oct 10, 2021

Pros: Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: Weight

Truly a beast

This is the largest “pocket” knife I’ve ever seen, much less owned. It’s another great example of Cold Steel’s commitment to high quality materials, design and construction. The blade is a massive slab of steel that shaves hair out of the box. I never thought I’d find a 4 inch blade folder too big for me to carry, but this is pushing the limit. I’ve usually carried either liner lock or axis lock knives, but I have to admit the CS triad lock is awesome. It is NOT going to fail. If I could have one thing different I’d like to have a broader (not thicker) handle. The handle just seems a little too small to have control of the huge blade, but that’s just my opinion. I’ll certainly replace it if I lose it, but I don’t ever have to worry about breaking it, no matter how I treat it.

Jeff
Peoria , Az

Apr 30, 2022

Pros: Blade Material, Handle Material, Overall Quality

Cons: Pocket Clip

4-Max Scout

Knife is built like a tank. My decision to buy was from a YouTuber named Joe-X. He tested this knife & he could not break it! Pocket clip too tight…made adjustments. Blade sharpness…wasn’t sharp. Sharpened using a Spyderco knife sharpener system. Used CLP lubricant to fix drag opening.

Poppgunn
Ohio

Oct 30, 2024

Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Ease of Opening, Handle Feel, Handle Material, Lock Ease of Use, Lock Type, Overall Quality, Pocket Clip, Weight

Cons: None

Awesome monster knife

What can you say about the folder Joe X couldn't break. In comparing it to the Recon 1 drop point, blade is same length, but twice as heavy at over 10 Oz. Lets say you won't forget you're carrying it. Came razor sharp out of the package. The Recon 1 has G10 handles and no liners. The 4 Max has Griv-ex handles that seem just as substantial and have an aggressive texture, with stainless liners. While my Recon 1 needed some lube and a little break in to really work well, the 4-MAX scout was slick right out of the package. The only thing you could possibly consider a drawback is the pocket clip is very tight, but that seems to be an initial teething problem with all Cold Steel folders. At least it's hard to lose. This is one you'll want to get. You won't be disappointed.

Tom
Florida

Jun 08, 2020

Pros: Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Pocket Clip, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

AUS-10A Goodness

If you can't afford the American 20CV, definitely buy this one, Love it! They say it's too big for EDC, don't buy that. I hope I like the American as well as I like this one!

4Max Scout
Czech republic

Jan 18, 2022

Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Pocket Clip, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: Sheath

4max scout

4max scout is my first cold steel and not my last! Someone would be afraid of his weight, but you can get used to it. The thickness of the knife is large, but you can shave it right out of the box. If someone wants to buy for hard work, you'd better reach for a fixed knife. Not that he can't cut it, but you'll feel sorry for "destroying" it. It is a file of a great EDC in nature that is not intimidating. The blade is perfectly shaped for grinding. It's a bomb.

Ccfree
, 3100 feet

Nov 05, 2025

Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Handle Material, Lock Ease of Use, Lock Type, Overall Quality

Cons: Ease of Opening, Handle Feel, Pocket Clip

I double dog dare you to break one

I wailed on a 4" fir limb trying to break it this knife. Fifty or so hits and I was through. The handle is great for swinging.Drove a 8 penny nail into a 2x4 with the back of the blade. I can not see any real damage to the knife . Used it to slice oranges a few hours later. Made a try stick a couple days later. Knife was still sharp. Battened a three inch fir limb that's about the largest limb I could split. Tried some finer detail work making a few beads, puukko type wood sheath for it. Fine carving is not its job. Handle is a bit skinny for extended time pushing on it.