Cold Steel – Finn Wolf – Folder

The Cold Steel Finn Wolf OD Green is a budget-friendly folding knife designed for outdoor use, particularly bushcraft and utility tasks. Inspired by traditional Scandinavian Puukko knives, it combines classic design elements with modern materials and Cold Steel’s proprietary locking mechanism. Below is a detailed review covering its strengths, weaknesses, and how it compares to similar knives.

🗡️ Overview

Blade Length: 3.5 inches (8.9 cm)
Blade Steel: AUS-8A
Blade Style: Drop point with Scandi grind
Handle: OD Green Griv-Ex (reinforced polymer)
Lock: Tri-Ad Lock
Weight: 3.4 oz (96 g)
Country of Origin: Taiwan

✅ Strengths

1. Scandi Grind for Woodwork

The Scandi grind is arguably the standout feature of the Finn Wolf. It’s rarely seen on folders and excels at:

Whittling
Feathersticking
Making clean, controlled cuts in wood

This makes it a solid choice for campers, bushcrafters, or anyone who wants a knife capable of fine woodcraft tasks.

2. Tri-Ad Lock: Strong and Secure

Cold Steel’s Tri-Ad lock is often regarded as one of the strongest folding locks available. On the Finn Wolf:

It adds serious rigidity and peace of mind
It’s virtually immune to accidental disengagement
Performs well under torque and batoning pressure (within reason for a folder)

3. Lightweight and Ergonomic

The OD Green Griv-Ex handle is light but durable
Ergonomics are surprisingly good: slightly contoured handle with good palm swell
Textured for solid grip, even in wet conditions

4. Price Point

One of the most affordable knives offering a Scandi grind and bombproof lock system
Frequently found around the R800–R900 range
Offers excellent value for what it delivers

❌ Weaknesses

1. Blade Steel Limitations (AUS-8A)

While easy to sharpen and decently tough, AUS-8A isn’t a high-performance steel by today’s standards
It loses its edge relatively quickly, especially with heavy wood processing
Susceptible to rust if not properly maintained

2. Stiff Lock and One-Handed Use

The Tri-Ad lock, while strong, can be very stiff—especially when new
One-handed closing is difficult and potentially unsafe for some users
Not ideal if you prioritize fidget-friendliness or fast deployment

3. No Pocket Clip Customization

Comes with a dual-position pocket clip (right-hand or left-hand tip-up)
Reversible for left Hand Carry.
Pocket clip is functional but not deep-carry—knife rides a bit high

4. Aesthetics and Materials Feel Budget

Griv-Ex is rugged but plasticky
OD Green color is utilitarian but not especially refined
Fit and finish is functional but not premium

🔍 Comparisons

🔪 Compared to the Morakniv Companion

The Mora is a fixed blade with similar Scandi grind and better edge retention (12C27 steel)
Finn Wolf folds, making it more compact and pocketable
Mora is better for heavier bushcrafting tasks due to its full tang and fixed blade construction

🔪 Compared to the Opinel No. 8

Opinel is lighter, thinner, and sharper out of the box, but not nearly as tough
Finn Wolf is more rugged, with a superior lock and modern materials
Opinel’s locking ring is slower and less secure than the Tri-Ad lock

🔪 Compared to the Ontario Rat II

Rat II has a better slicer blade (flat grind, D2 or AUS-8)
Finn Wolf has superior woodcraft ability thanks to its Scandi grind
Rat II is more EDC-oriented; Finn Wolf is more bushcraft-oriented

🧭 Verdict: Who Is It For?

The Cold Steel Finn Wolf OD Green is an excellent option for:

Bushcrafters who want a folding knife with fixed-blade-like utility
Outdoorsmen looking for an affordable secondary knife
Users who value cutting performance in wood and tough lock strength over steel retention

Not ideal for:

Those who need long-lasting edge retention in abrasive environments
People who prefer sleek, fast-deploying EDC folders
Left-handed users or those wanting ambidextrous clips

⭐ Final Rating (Out of 5)

Category	Score
Blade Design	4.5
Steel Performance	3.0
Ergonomics	4.0
Lock Strength	5.0
Portability/EDC Use	3.5
Value for Money	4.5
Overall	4.1