Cold Steel 3.5 inch Full Metal Atlas Folding Knife Instruction Manual

Introduction

Thank you for choosing the Cold Steel 3.5 inch Full Metal Atlas folding knife. This precision-engineered tool is designed for reliability and performance in various outdoor and tactical applications. This manual provides essential information for safe handling, operation, and maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your knife.

Safety Information

WARNING: Knives are inherently dangerous tools. Improper use can result in serious injury or death. Always exercise extreme caution when handling any knife.

• Keep out of reach of children: Store the knife securely where children cannot access it.
• Always cut away from your body: Maintain control of the blade and your cutting direction.
• Ensure a firm grip: A secure grip prevents accidental slips.
• Do not use as a pry bar or screwdriver: This can damage the blade and compromise its integrity.
• Keep the blade clean and sharp: A dull blade requires more force and is more prone to slipping.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Ensure no one is in the path of your cutting motion.
• Understand local laws: Be aware of and comply with all local, state, and federal laws regarding knife ownership and carry.

Product Overview

The Cold Steel Full Metal Atlas is a robust folding knife featuring a 3.5-inch S35VN steel drop-point blade and a stonewashed titanium handle. It incorporates the patented Atlas® lock mechanism for secure blade deployment. A reversible pocket clip allows for versatile carry options.

Figure 1: The Cold Steel Full Metal Atlas folding knife in its open position, showcasing the blade and handle design.

Key Components:

• Blade: 3.5-inch S35VN steel, drop-point style, known for edge retention and corrosion resistance.
• Handle: Stonewashed titanium, providing a secure grip and lightweight durability.
• Atlas® Lock: A patented locking mechanism designed for unparalleled security when the blade is deployed.
• Pocket Clip: Reversible for convenient tip-up or tip-down carry, suitable for left or right-hand users.

Figure 2: The Cold Steel Full Metal Atlas folding knife in its closed position, showing the pocket clip and handle texture.

Setup

The Cold Steel Full Metal Atlas knife comes ready for use. The primary setup involves understanding its deployment and carry options.

Pocket Clip Adjustment:

The knife features a reversible pocket clip. To change the carry position (e.g., from right-hand to left-hand carry), use a small Torx screwdriver to remove the screws securing the clip. Realign the clip to the desired position on the opposite side of the handle and re-secure the screws firmly. Ensure all screws are tightened to prevent loss or loosening during use.

Operating Instructions

Opening the Blade:

1. Hold the handle firmly with one hand.
2. Locate the thumb stud on the blade.
3. Apply outward pressure to the thumb stud with your thumb, rotating the blade away from the handle until it fully extends and the Atlas® lock engages with an audible click.
4. Visually confirm the blade is fully locked before use.

Figure 3: Proper grip and blade deployment using the thumb stud.

Closing the Blade (Atlas® Lock):

1. Ensure your fingers are clear of the blade's path.
2. Locate the Atlas® lock mechanism on the spine of the handle.
3. Firmly pull the Atlas® lock mechanism backward towards the butt of the handle. This disengages the blade lock.
4. While holding the lock open, carefully fold the blade back into the handle until it is fully closed.
5. Release the Atlas® lock mechanism.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures your Cold Steel Full Metal Atlas knife remains in optimal condition and performs reliably.

• Cleaning: After each use, especially if exposed to dirt, moisture, or corrosive materials, clean the blade and handle. Use warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Dry thoroughly immediately after cleaning. For the pivot area, use compressed air to remove debris.
• Lubrication: Apply a small amount of high-quality knife lubricant to the pivot area periodically, or if the blade action feels stiff. Open and close the blade several times to distribute the lubricant. Wipe off any excess.
• Sharpening: The S35VN steel blade will hold an edge well but will eventually require sharpening. Use a sharpening system appropriate for high-performance steels, maintaining the original blade angle. If you are not experienced in knife sharpening, seek professional services to avoid damaging the blade.
• Storage: Store your knife in a dry environment to prevent corrosion. Keep it sheathed or folded to protect the blade and prevent accidental injury.

Troubleshooting

• Stiff Blade Action: If the blade is difficult to open or close, it may require cleaning and lubrication. Follow the maintenance steps for cleaning the pivot area and applying lubricant. If the issue persists, check if the pivot screw is overtightened; a slight loosening may be necessary, but ensure it remains secure enough to prevent blade play.
• Blade Play: If the blade wiggles when locked open, the pivot screw may be loose. Carefully tighten the pivot screw with a Torx wrench until blade play is eliminated, but not so tight that it hinders smooth opening.
• Dull Blade: A dull blade can be sharpened using appropriate sharpening tools or by a professional. Refer to the sharpening section under maintenance.
• Corrosion/Rust Spots: If rust spots appear, they can often be removed with a fine abrasive polish designed for stainless steel. Ensure the knife is thoroughly dried after use and stored in a dry environment to prevent future corrosion.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

Cold Steel stands behind the quality of its products. For specific warranty information, please refer to the official Cold Steel website or contact their customer service directly. If you encounter any issues not covered in this manual or require further assistance, please reach out to Cold Steel customer support.

Cold Steel Official Website: www.coldsteel.com