Cold Steel Master Hunter

This is probably Cold Steel's most popular and enduring fixed blade knife - for good reason. Nice size, light weight, flat grind, overbuilt but presenting a reasonably fine edge and stainless for low maintenance. The durability of the handle is not a significant issue.
One of the first "real" knives I ever purchased and maybe the only early purchase I still own.
 
I believe it's full tang.I've been using one for years in carbon V and have no complaints.
 
It's the only CS knife I own and like, I have a CV version and I'm very happy with its performance.

I use it for general outdoors chores, not for hunting. I've battoned, cut all sorts of things and so far it's still going strong.

I don't find the rubber handle and plastic sheath aesthetically pleasing, but since it works well I haven't modified it (if it ain't broken...). The handle is actually quite comfortable and the sheath is secure.
 
One of the best hunting knives ever; I have had one for over a decade (Carbon V) and wouldn't hesitate to take it anywhere as my only blade. The tang extends to within 1/4" of the butt. The kraton grip is one of the best ever, especially under less that optimal conditions, such as cold, wet, covered with blood, fat, etc.
 
Been using the Cold Steel to gut deer for over 10 years also. After its work out it goes into the dish washer for a cleaning, quick touch up on the sharpener (really don't need to sharpen it, I just like playing with the sharpener) and back to the tracking backpack. This will be the only knive I ever use.
 
I used onr for a hunting/camping knife for several years. It's a superb knife. IMHO the Cold Steel Master hunter, and SRK in Carbon V are among the very few instances where you get more than you pay for. :):)

It's not in the same class as a Bob Dozier, or a Bark river, but it's 1/4 the cost. :p
 
In Carbon V, the Master Hunter was a great knife.

Now, of course, Carbon V is no longer available.
So Cold Steel makes the knife in
"San Mai III"...which is apparently VG-1 stainless clad in 420 stainless.

Wonder how the "San Mai III" cuts, sharpens, holds an edge?
 
rifon2 said:
In Carbon V, the Master Hunter was a great knife.

Now, of course, Carbon V is no longer available.
So Cold Steel makes the knife in
"San Mai III"...which is apparently VG-1 stainless clad in 420 stainless.

Wonder how the "San Mai III" cuts, sharpens, holds an edge?
Click to expand...

I have both the Carbon V and the SanMai versions of the Master Hunter. Both have seen pretty extensive field use and both hold up well. The Carbon V is a little easier to sharpen it seems but the SanMai seems to hold it's edge a little longer.
As the other fellows have said, I'd not worry if I found myself in a sticky situation and 'only' had the Master Hunter (either model) to take care of business with. Admittedly, it would not be my very first choice for a survival knife, but it wouldn't be far down the list, and for the $$$ I doubt there is a better choice.

Edit to add : The SanMai version is a little thicker in the blade than the Carbon V so is not quite so good as a deep slicer, but the difference is minimal.
 
I have the CV version and it is my main camping, hunting or anything out side that takes a fixed blade knife. I love it and would not mind having a new one either in the San Mai.
 
The Master Hunter is definately full tang. VG-1 San Mai III has worked out greatly for me, it holds a VERY strong edge.
 
rifon2 said:
In Carbon V, the Master Hunter was a great knife.

Now, of course, Carbon V is no longer available.
So Cold Steel makes the knife in
"San Mai III"...which is apparently VG-1 stainless clad in 420 stainless.

Wonder how the "San Mai III" cuts, sharpens, holds an edge?
Click to expand...


Longstrider said:
I have both the Carbon V and the SanMai versions of the Master Hunter. Both have seen pretty extensive field use and both hold up well. The Carbon V is a little easier to sharpen it seems but the SanMai seems to hold it's edge a little longer.
As the other fellows have said, I'd not worry if I found myself in a sticky situation and 'only' had the Master Hunter (either model) to take care of business with. Admittedly, it would not be my very first choice for a survival knife, but it wouldn't be far down the list, and for the $$$ I doubt there is a better choice.

Edit to add : The SanMai version is a little thicker in the blade than the Carbon V so is not quite so good as a deep slicer, but the difference is minimal.
Click to expand...

Frankthetank said:
The Master Hunter is definately full tang. VG-1 San Mai III has worked out greatly for me, it holds a VERY strong edge.
Click to expand...


Thanks for the info on the San Mai III.
 
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