Cold Steel Mini Tac Tanto

T

tzdub

Joined
Oct 12, 2011
Messages
14
Hey guys,
I'm somewhat new to BF, so i hope this is in the right spot. what do you all think of the Cold Steel Mini Tac Tanto? I'm looking for an EDC fixed blade necker and figured it would probably be one available at The Nations Gun Show this month in my hometown. I'm also considering the Esee Izula. Any advice?
 
Welcome to BF!
Cold steel is pretty good. Theres alot of mixed feelings on here about CS.
Pretty much everyone thinks theyre really strong, but there advertising is somewhat pathetic.
They get too pumped about it.
But most of what theyre saying is true. Theyre definitely overbuilt.
 
I think its a great knife. I'm torn on the whole Cold Steel thing in general(het the marketing, but I have a couple of their knives that I like). I think the MiniTacs are way underrated personally, I love the rouh G-10, & they fit my hand perfectly. I don't use it as a neck knife, but the sheath is a good design: thin, strong, good retention. I just wish they would make a drop point versoin! As for the Izula, I dont have one, but I do have an EsKabar, & I love it. Because of its blade shape, I prefer it over the Mini Tac, but if you like tantos, you will love the Cold Steel.
 
I recommend against the mini tac tanto.

For the cost - it's good/decent. I also find Cold Steels marketing kind of silly, but I don't care about that. I care about the knives. I own two cold steel knives. I would not advise you to buy it for a few reasons though. The tanto is more annoying than practical. You'll find that you use the blade belly of the "tip" portion to do cutting, or you rather awkwardly use the blade belly of the actual knife (after having to stab the tip through to access it) when doing utility minded tasks. This is just downright inefficient and not as pleasant or efficient cutting experience than a different blade style.

The AUS8a is really easy to sharpen, which is important, because it's also easy to dull. CS knives come very sharp but they dull fairly quickly by my standards if you use them at all.

You have really a world of better options. The izula is fantastic and truly recommended if you don't need a stainless steel knife. The izula is not the knife for you if you won't take care of it, won't maintain it, or plan to be in environments or do tasks that will get it near acidic/salty/wet environments. If that isn't an issue, it's a tried and true fantastic blade.

For about 70 dollars you can get a Blackjack 155 necker in 154cm which will be better steel, still stainless, will retain the edge better, has better edge geometry and functionality, and is still easy to sharpen. There are plenty of options.
 
I have that knife.
One snag you have to learn to draw the blade right, ie spine rubbing on the sheath or your'll dull the blade in no time
 
Cool thanks guys. So if you were to recomend any other neckers (prferably on the lower end of the price range) what would you suggest?
 
Honestly, I think the Cold Steel is good.
Theyre not awesome, but they also don't suck.
You will be just fine with it.
And besides, don't let us sway you too much. Different knives are made for different people. If you like it, buy it.
Just because someone else doesnt like something, doesnt mean that they are bad.
Go with your gut comes in steady on the knife world. :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top