Cold SteelRanch Boss II 4" SK-5 Razor-Sharp Blade 5.25" Faux Sawed Bone Handle Versatile Outdoors Folding Knife w/Liner Lock

This is a great knife for EDC. It is well made and appears heavy duty. The blade is very sharp and nicely thick. The knife feels great in the hand and the lockup is absolute. That brings me to the only issue. That lock is tight. Disengaging it isn't easy, and there is a slight danger of closing it on your thumb. It should loosen up with use. The belt case is excellent. Nice leather and it rides perfect on the belt. This is a larger knife, which is fantastic. Everyone needs a real knife, and this sure appears to be it.

Great knife! It’s sharp and well made. The blade lock securely locks the blade in place.It comes with a well made leather belt sheath with a snap for the top flap.Only thing I don’t like is that it is made in China. They used to make all of their knives in Taiwan. And some like the Recon Scout, Trail Master were made in the USA

Great knife! Fit and finish is perfect! Extremely sharp!

This is a good budget blade. More old school rancher/hunting knife. It's about the size of a Buck 110, and like the Buck, there is no pocket clip. It features a liner lock and mine opens, closes, locks, and disengages smoothly. Please note that this is an old scool nail nick knife and there is no thumg stud or flipper. The lockup is good without any noticeable blade play. Like most other Cold Steel knives, it came sharp. The Ranch Boss 2 feels good in hand as it is ergonomic and the contours provide a good grip.Not thrilled that Cold Steel made this in China but the quality is good. I still think their Taiwan and Japan models have better quality control. This is where the issues with the one I received can be seen. First the blade is a little off center when closed. It does not impede the function ij any way nor is it rubbing the side but it is noticable. This truly does not bother me on a budget knife like this that I git for $31. The second issue is that the edge grind is slightly uneven. It is straight but the ground the edge a bit more on one side. Again this is nitpicking and does not impede the function but it is noticable.Overall this is a really good, old school knife for the money and I like the looks and style of it. I also love that they went with a carbon steel blade like the old folders my dad and uncles used when I was young. I hope that Cold Steel's carbon steel sharpens well and hold an edge like those old carbon blades. Just remember that the carbon steel needs to be maintained to prevent rust with a light coat of oil after use and keeping it dry. Over time and use it should form a nice patina to help keep it protected and add a bit more character to the knife.

Currently an unhinged value, I'm tempted to buy another "just in case" its that good (no way no how is this deal going to last going forward %50 of a Buck 110). Two things, I have not carried this heavy a folder in years the other being I doubt most of my day to day is not better with a lighter slicker solution with multi use. I lean to Swiss army style utility these days and for slicing a Opinel for the knife duties facing tough grisel when at the table.Some years back my Buck was stollen, while I had long since left it in a drawer from EDC in the 70's I did not like the gap in my on hand tools. Honestly this fits my hand far better than the Buck, quality is top notch and even includes a top notch belt sheath? It's stepping back into a time window when a dollar had a purchase value maybe 40 + years ago. Aesthetically I favour the Buck, brass and wood. This however is so well finished I would impartially pay more in raw utility and hand feel.Comparison photos are an Opinel No. 9 & vintage German Army Knife. This is a substantial folder, not delicate nor in any way a crap version of an old standard trying the typical budget look alike.

In the middle 70s when I was old enough to start buying knives the first knife I bought was a Schrade LB7. I got the LB7 because all my friends got Buck 110s and I'm just like that. Band wagon advertising works very well on me if the idea is to drive me away from what is being advertised. The second knife I bought was an Old Timer 1250. If I remember correctly my OT was a lock-back. The new OT is not.Cold Steel knives are an easy sell for me and when I saw the Ranch Boss with a liner lock I ordered it. As many other reviewers have said, it is notchy and stiff to open and close right out of the box. Mine was pretty bad at first but I kept working at it with oil and simply opening and closing it many, many times. Now it's smooth but not loose and not dangerous. It is a two handed knife to open and close but it's a delight to have this stile of knife back in my rotation.Highly recommended.

I write a lot of knife reviews here.I’m dead honest ,and just hope to advise other buyers.The concept of this knife is excellent,the execution of it is mediocre.The idea,was to add a liner lock,to a jackknife.My curiosity got the best of me..I got one.This is a serious working knife,strong,good steal,and extremely well balanced.That makes it a bit heavy,but manageable.It also comes with an engravable plate,both sides.Plus a real leather belt sheath.Here’s the two problems..both of which I solved.The knife is not easy to close.This is caused by a dirty slip joint,and an overly tight liner lock.I didn’t mess with the liner lock.What I did was clean out the action with dry WD-40.I let it sit..then used Blue Lube on it.It was also necessary to use a paper buffer,on my dremel on the top which was dragging.It now is smoother and easier to open..The second issue is no jimping..made the knife a bit awkward.That I fixed,by modifying a kwik stud and installing it.To me..al this was worth it...to you maybe not.Total labor time..15 minutes..quick stud $8.Thanks for reading.I