Cold Steel Range Boss: Just Won't Die

Published on September 24, 2022
Duration: 12:10

This review of the Cold Steel Range Boss highlights its similarity to the discontinued Jim Austin Broken Skull, but with a more budget-friendly 4034 steel. While the Triad lock and lightweight design are praised, the 4034 steel's poor edge retention after testing is a significant drawback. The reviewer suggests it's a good value knife for general use, but not ideal for heavy-duty tasks requiring sustained sharpness.

Quick Summary

The Cold Steel Range Boss is a value-oriented folding knife, similar to the discontinued Broken Skull, featuring a robust Triad lock and a lightweight design. It uses 4034 stainless steel, which is easy to sharpen but has poor edge retention after moderate use, making it best suited for general EDC tasks rather than heavy-duty applications.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Deja Vu
  2. 00:28Patreon Support
  3. 00:44Range Boss vs. Broken Skull
  4. 01:14Steel Comparison: CTS XHP vs. 4034
  5. 01:424034 Steel Analysis
  6. 02:14Manufacturing Origin
  7. 02:31Ideal Steel Choices
  8. 02:43Edge Retention Test
  9. 02:52Post-Cardboard Edge Condition
  10. 03:10Comparison to D2 Steel
  11. 03:26Sharpening Ease & Steel Properties
  12. 03:41Knife Formulation & Triad Lock
  13. 03:78Application & Traction
  14. 03:91Handle Texturing & Finger Choil
  15. 04:02Versatile Use Cases
  16. 04:27Triad Lock Strength & Design
  17. 04:50Lightweight Design & No Steel Liners
  18. 04:70Quick Deployment & Carry
  19. 04:85Clip Design & Labeling
  20. 05:09Ambidextrous Thumb Stud
  21. 05:34Centering, Lockup & Deployment
  22. 05:57Removable Thumb Stud Benefit
  23. 06:05Blade Shape & Color Options
  24. 06:18Fanny Pack Knife Alternative
  25. 06:31Handle Scales & Comfort
  26. 06:42Clip Retention & Purchase Decision
  27. 07:06Final Thoughts & Recommendations
  28. 07:25Outro & Channel Support

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Cold Steel Range Boss similar to?

The Cold Steel Range Boss is very similar to the discontinued Jim Austin Cold Steel collaboration called the Broken Skull. It shares a similar thin profile and lightweight design, making it an easy-to-carry folding knife.

What type of steel is used in the Cold Steel Range Boss?

The Cold Steel Range Boss uses 4034 stainless steel, a German ThyssenKrupp steel. While it offers good corrosion resistance and is easy to sharpen, it is known for its softness and poor edge retention after use.

How does the Triad lock on the Cold Steel Range Boss perform?

The Triad lock on the Cold Steel Range Boss is highly praised as a super strong, self-adjusting locking mechanism designed by Andrew Demko. It provides excellent stability and is robust enough for light batoning tasks.

Is the Cold Steel Range Boss a good value for its price?

At around $44, the Cold Steel Range Boss is considered a good value knife. Despite the limitations of its 4034 steel, its attractive design, lightweight build, and the strong Triad lock make it a recommended purchase for general use.

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