4-5 inch Tanto black fixed blade -- ideas?

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BLM4L

Joined
Jan 19, 2006
Messages
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I'm looking for a low - mid priced black, fixed blade, tanto knife with a "kydex sheath". Still don't know if I am using the right term, but I don't care for Nylon sheaths. I have a CRKT First Strike that I like for the sheath, but just kind of have an itch for something else. Looked at the KaBar Impact, which I liked, but didn't like the sheath.

Any suggestions?
 
How about a short Ka-Bar? They're right around the five inch mark and excellent quality. Retail is $70 or so for the knife with glass reinforced nylon sheath, but can be found for a lot less if you look around.

The Buck short Nighthawk is also a great knife, but not available in a tanto point.

Good luck
 
Just out of curiosity why a Tanto over a Drop point or bowie? I'm trying to figure out the advantages of a tanto blade. Anyways Ka_bar make great budgeted knives and Bucks a company that stands behind everything they make.
 
BLM4L said:
I'm looking for a low - mid priced black, fixed blade, tanto knife with a "kydex sheath". Still don't know if I am using the right term, but I don't care for Nylon sheaths. I have a CRKT First Strike that I like for the sheath, but just kind of have an itch for something else. Looked at the KaBar Impact, which I liked, but didn't like the sheath.

Any suggestions?
Click to expand...

Does it have to be black? I carry a CS Kobun every day and I like it, very cheap and stays sharp mostly. You could spray paint it black.
 
65535 said:
Just out of curiosity why a Tanto over a Drop point or bowie? I'm trying to figure out the advantages of a tanto blade. Anyways Ka_bar make great budgeted knives and Bucks a company that stands behind everything they make.
Click to expand...
Two reasons, neither of which are actually practical.

One, I just like the looks. ;)

Second, I studied the principles of Bushido, (just the code of ethics), took 3 semesters of Japanese, and taught English in Japan for a summer. So, I just like the "Japanese" look to it.
 
digitalrebelttu said:
Does it have to be black? I carry a CS Kobun every day and I like it, very cheap and stays sharp mostly. You could spray paint it black.
Click to expand...


I could consider stainless for a knife that looks Japanese to me. Is the Kobun a lot less $ than the Tai Pan and San Mai prices?
 
digitalrebelttu said:
Does it have to be black? I carry a CS Kobun every day and I like it, very cheap and stays sharp mostly. You could spray paint it black.
Click to expand...
Just looked on eBay. Man, that is a lot less money than I had expected.
Does it have a fairly decent feel? Pretty sturdy? Can you give me an idea of the blade length and handle material? Thanks.
 
BLM4L said:
Just looked on eBay. Man, that is a lot less money than I had expected.
Does it have a fairly decent feel? Pretty sturdy? Can you give me an idea of the blade length and handle material? Thanks.
Click to expand...

As per the CS website

"Specifications:
Weight: 4.4 oz.
Blade Thickness: 1/8"
Blade Length: 5 1/2"
Handle: 4 3/8" long. Kraton
Steel: 4116 Krupp Stainless
Overall Length: 9 7/8"
Sheath: Concealex Sheath"

http://www.coldsteel.com/kobun.html

I like it, it is quite thin in the handle so it conceals well. The way the sheath is set up, if you carry it inside your waistband, it is properly placed to use the reverse edge methods taught by Southnarc, which is why I got it and carry it. It is a new steel and I'll let others who know more than I comment on that- generally it is not the best steel in the world. Mine came sharp but not razor sharp- 3 minutes on the sharpmaker fixed that. I had problems with the edge retention, but I sharpen it regularly and I only use it for self defense, not for anything else.

I believe I had paid between $20-25 for mine. I think it is worth it, particularly for using Southnarc's techniques without dropping $200 for the purpose designed knives of his. It can also be used as any other knife, so that is good too. It is not a high end custom but it is very good for the price.
 
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