Cold Steel Tanto

Mannlicher

Mannlicher

Joined
Nov 19, 2008
Messages
3,454
I was not sure this is the proper place to ask, but I found this Cold Steel Tanto at an antique store, and paid $85 for it.

I don't see the knife on their web site, and I have no info about the knife. What steel, when made, is it worth the $85 that I paid for it? The blade is marked "made in Japan" on the other side, and it is 5 3/4 inches long, with a total length of 11 inches

I appreciate any input, and thanks.

Tanto.jpg


Tanto2.jpg
 
Little late to worry about what you spent after it's in the sellers hands but I think you did good, they sold for a bit more when they were new and my brother had to have one. I have no clue what they are currently worth but I'm sure a trip to the bay could give you some insight.Also not sure of what steel they are but it's a great knife thats a great user, easy to sharpen and holds a good edge. My brother has had his for almost 20 years and it has stood up to many trips to the woods, being a car knife etc.. Enjoy your tanto.
 
You got that one at a steal for $80. :D

I have one just like it that I got in 1986. :)

Excellent knife.
 
Pretty sure it's Aus8a Stainless. Decent steel. Easy to sharpen and holds an edge pretty good. Wished they made them out of 154 CM or Vg-10. Anyway I got one a little later than yours with the 6" blade and steel fittings (300 series Stainless fittings I think). It's one of the classiest knives CS makes. There are better blades out there but there is something about the Tanto that takes me back to my youth when those knives were Hyped to be ultimate blade. I remember being 12 and reading about them in knife mags and getting all excited about owning one. Mine is from the early to mid 90's I think. You got a good deal on it. It would bring I think at least $150.00 out in the open. Especially since it appears yours has the original brass fittings and fat chunky tanto tip.
 
That is the knife that defined CS as a company. The tanto and san-mai tanto helped build CS into what it is today.

It is a very good knife. I bought the san mai version as a gift to my father, and it started both of our knife collecting passions as a result. When he passed-away, I received the knife back and it is now an important part of my collection (not in value, but in sentiment).
 
Have the same knife still do got it in 80s was a good knife let my ex brother in law use it not good ! He took a grinder to it when i got it back it was pretty much ruined one of these days i will rebevel it and see if i can salvage it . Been wondering how much they went up in value not that it matters anymore learned a valuble lesson at least dont let dumb people use your knives ever.
 
Legion, a worse story is from last year when I loaned my Randall #11 to my Son. He was skinning a deer, and his knife was dull.
The first thing he did when I handed it to him , was to CHOP bone at the pelvic area. I thought I would pass out.
Dang it, he rolled the edge, and it took me hours to fix that. He won't ever use one of my better knives again, thats for sure. Well, at least not until I am dead and gone. :eek:
 
I feel your pain even back then i knew not to use a grinder on a knife this thread got me thinking i am pretty shure that i only had this knife for a month or so so i doubt it was even dull what a waste ill go home tonight pull it out and shake my head and always remember that leason live and learn .
 
I would like to get a new Master Tanto, i have an old Kobun which i bought as a beater knife, but since it was discontinued, i need a new slab o' steel with the same appearance i can use without worrying.
I don't really like layered steel though... but my Konjo 1&2 haven't really disappointed me in that aspect.
I wonder, how heavy is the current 6in tanto?
Can't imagine it would be as light as my kobun.

EDIT

Hmm. Read that it's listed at 9.5oz. Or 260 something gram.

EDIT AGAIN

Not much more than my OSS. Now to dig that out and hold it for a while.
 
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