Cold Steel Kudu Baton Test

[B.F.U]

I decided to do a little field test with my Cold Steel Kudu.

The Kudu came with a good sharp edge, although I touched it up some at the tip. It came with no side to side play and slight up and down wiggle. It opens easily, and closes easily once you get the hang of the ring lock.

First off, some specs:
Closed Length: 5.75"
Blade Length: 4.25"
Blade Thickness: .0787"
Blade Material: German 4116 Stainless
Handle Material: Zy-Ex
MSRP: $9.99
Actual Price: $6 shipped

[video=youtube;dLrPIQj99Cw]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLrPIQj99Cw[/video]

First off, the Kudu clearly performed admirably. It successfully brought down a solid sized tree with an ultra thin blade from a steel that no one considers "super". There was more up and down play, but no noticeable side to side play (aside from the flex of the plastic handle). The blade was certainly not as sharp, but remained sharp enough to shave wood. Of course, the Kudu isn't the fanciest knife on the market. There are many knives that have better materials, more advanced design, etc. However, for under $10 MSRP it's difficult to argue against the utility of the Cold Steel Kudu.

 

[insta9ves]

thanks for sharing! i have a kudu too and was surprised at how the krupp 4116 held up.
sometimes a simple stainless steel is all you need. millions of people use SAKs, Mora and others supposedly "crap" stainless steel everyday with no issues, so i never know what the big fuss the "super" steel was about.

 

[Ryouchijtx]

Nice testing on the Kudu, saw your post in traditionals and followed on over. Use my SAK daily alongside my cts-xhp blades and it performs fine and admirable. Good working knives as the origins are.

 

[Four-and-twentypence]

Where did the OP purchase the Kudu for six bucks shipped?

 

[B.F.U]

Where did the OP purchase the Kudu for six bucks shipped?

It's not a BladeForums sponsored dealer. Most I can say is that it's the "big river" site and I have their "premium" service that gives free 2 day shipping.

They're usually $6-$10 on knife dealer websites. I'm looking at one for $6.95 and another for $8.95 right now.

 

[Freman Bloodglaive]

The big brother, the Eland, appears to have been discontinued, so if you want one or two grab them now.

 

[Four-and-twentypence]

Guess the Eland did not sell well. Too bad.

 

[B.F.U]

Guess the Eland did not sell well. Too bad.

I almost got the Eland, but it wasn't offered on the site I mentioned. Heck of a big knife.

 

[Four-and-twentypence]

I almost got the Eland, but it wasn't offered on the site I mentioned. Heck of a big knife.

It is a large knife for the price, isn't it, Logan? Five inches gets a lot of work done. Perhaps it is still avalible on the secondhand market.

 

[B.F.U]

It is a large knife for the price, isn't it, Logan? Five inches gets a lot of work done. Perhaps it is still avalible on the secondhand market.

Yeah, they both are. I've been really impressed with the Kudu for a < $10 knife. I think some are still available from dealers, but not sure.

 

[Four-and-twentypence]

Yeah, they both are. I've been really impressed with the Kudu for a < $10 knife. I think some are still available from dealers, but not sure.

For the price, I wonder how the Opinel 10 would perform, being similar in size? Would the Vibroloc withstand that level of thrashing...

 

[Sosa]

Ordered eland ten bucks shipped. Thanx for the heads up.

 

[afishhunter]

Just ordered a second one. Too good of knife at $10 shipped not to, especially if it has been discontinued.
The Eland is still listed on the CS website as being available. Don 't know for how long though.
Oh well, I needed a second one anyway

 

[B.F.U]

For the price, I wonder how the Opinel 10 would perform, being similar in size? Would the Vibroloc withstand that level of thrashing...

Idk, maybe ill try it

 

[Charlie_K]

Okay. That is just utterly sick. I would've bet money on the kudu losing.

 

[B.F.U]

Okay. That is just utterly sick. I would've bet money on the kudu losing.

The nature of the lock gives it a preference for deformation rather than failure. Still, I also found it impressive.

 

[Charlie_K]

The nature of the lock gives it a preference for deformation rather than failure. Still, I also found it impressive.

I was talking more about the blade breaking rather than the lock failing.

 

[B.F.U]

I was talking more about the blade breaking rather than the lock failing.

Oh, that makes sense as well. The blade flexed A LOT. Like I thought it was going to break, but kept going and it ended up springing back for the most part.

 

[damascus blades]

I picked one of these up at the mentioned "big river" site earlier this week after reading this. If it can take this kind of abuse, I should be fine with my normal day. They were offering the Kudu and Eland shipped together for a good price as well. The still have them both in stock as of when I ordered.

 

[B.F.U]

I picked one of these up at the mentioned "big river" site earlier this week after reading this. If it can take this kind of abuse, I should be fine with my normal day. They were offering the Kudu and Eland shipped together for a good price as well. The still have them both in stock as of when I ordered.

Thanks for bringing this to my attention!