Cold Steel Magnum Tantos: 3V versus current San Mai…?

[FloridaDreams]

Apologies if this is in the wrong place but I’m having trouble finding info on the actual (and perceived) differences between the 7, 9 and 12” CS tantos. The prices are all over the place but I’m looking at the current San Mai line (35AC is the 7” version) and the 3V tantos that are DLC coated black. In terms of toughness and durability and edge retention, given that the prices are close enough - what are the major differences? Which steel is (supposedly) better at what? Any experiences and data appreciated. They’re both beautiful and strong - no doubt. Just curious about the details… thanks.

 

[NG VI]

3V is going to be better for the things a 7"-12" Cold Steel are good for, in my mind. It's a phenomenally tough medium alloy powder tool steel that probably has a little less edge retention than their San Mai but not by much, and with a huge advantage in toughness.

 

[Steely_Gunz]

I have not been overly impressed with the San Mai as of the last couple of years on my Tai Pan. Even after making a leather sheath for it, it still doesn't hold that great of an edge.

 

[LastRodeo]

What is your planned use for these Tanto's? I'm sure you can slice and dice the occasional ninja, with either steel, to be honest.

 

[NG VI]

I have not been overly impressed with the San Mai as of the last couple of years on my Tai Pan. Even after making a leather sheath for it, it still doesn't hold that great of an edge.

Oh in that case then 3V is just a straight upgrade unless you really want a shiny San Mai blade.

 

[FloridaDreams]

I don’t really have an intended use beyond collecting honestly, they’re both lovely. I just couldn’t determine exactly what the differences are. Cold steels literature would suggest they‘re both made from Unobtanium so it’s hard to tell what are the strengths or weaknesses of each against the other. Appreciate all the feedback! Interesting. Since it won’t cut much besides thanksgiving pork shoulder, it’s mostly just curiosity.

 

[DocJD]

3V is not stainless or as pretty , but much tougher .

For display/ fondling or even SD , SM is fine .

For "survival " type use or big , long choppers , 3V might be worth a premium .

Most of my fighters are SM , but worth having 3V on my Warcraft .

 

[The Whip]

You might as well hear it from the man himself. Starting at 6:48, Lynn states that CPM 3V is the strongest steel Cold Steel ever used for its knives, including San Mai and Carbon V.

That said, since it's a collectible that you're after, San Mai is prettier to look at. And for a long while San Mai was Cold Steel's standard when it came to overall strength and sharpness testing.

In my experience, the construction of both the 3V and San Mai models is the same--impeccable. Whichever you get, you won't be disappointed. Just make sure you buy from a reputable dealer selling genuine products. Counterfeits are prevalent.

Please let us know which model you buy. And be sure to include photos!


-Steve

 

[Velitrius]

I got the Magnum Tanto IX, and I chose the black version in 3V.... because, ya know, black = Tactical... and when you're doing night ops against sentries and such...

Aw who am I trying to fool.... I got the 3V 'cuz of the toughness aspect.

While I do like the look of the San Mai better, I figured if I wanted to beat on it one day opting for the toughness would be the way to go.

 

[Glenn Goodlett]

I got the San Mai because that was all that was available when Cold Steel was sold and I convinced myself that these would no longer be available.

 

[FloridaDreams]

I went for the 3V nightfall - tho I’ve been reading some reviews on less reputable retailer sites that some folks have purchased nightfall (DLC coated) magnum tantos and are receiving satin finished, san-Mai looking blades of the same length but stamped 3V. I decided to roll the dice and hope it’s an older stock, DLC coated 3v. I’ll report back and maybe the unboxing will be my first YouTube review. 10% Labor Day sales end today!

 

[FloridaDreams]

Sidebar: what’s the best way to post photos here without having to pay or spend a day agreeing to turn over my house, one click at a time?

 

[FloridaDreams]

Just received the Magnum Tanto II in 3v with DLC coating and it’s an incredible hunk of tool. it’s not ready for it’s close-up, but soon… The dlc coating is much more matte than the recon one’s I have seen with dlc. The Recon‘s are very reflective and shiny, like fine China. On this Tanto it seems thinner and it’s not shiny. I think you can faintly see the grind lines through the coating. I don’t know if this is better or worse - just that it’s quite different. it seems less black, if that makes sense. But I’m glad I chose to get the 3V - I feel like these will be discontinued before the San Mai ones will. When I wiped the factory oil off, the paper towel became completely black. Usually the oil is clear. I suspect this is just the residue from where the dlc was ground away when finishing the edge but I can understand you may be panicked if you are new to collecting. Just posting this to see if anyone else has noticed this difference in the DLC coating and if you had experiences thoughts or trivia about it.