CS Magnum Tanto vs CRKT Hisshou

E

EJP

Joined
Sep 25, 2010
Messages
4
Hi Everyone!

I'm looking to buy my first BIG knife and just can't decide between Cold Steels Magnum Tanto XII and CRKTs Hisshou.

What are the pros and cons of each of these? How would you decide?

Thanks a lot!
 
I've owned knives from each company. The only deciding factor that I would consider is the quality if each knife. In this case the Cold Steel looks like a clear winner. Crazy marketing videos aside, they make some good knives/swords/etc. Cold Steel all the way on this one.
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Last edited:
EJP said:
Hi Everyone!

I'm looking to buy my first BIG knife and just can't decide between Cold Steels Magnum Tanto XII and CRKTs Hisshou.

What are the pros and cons of each of these? How would you decide?

Thanks a lot!
Click to expand...


The CS tanto is a good quality knife. I personally like the Hisshou blade shape and profile better. Beware of the CSs Krayton handle they degrade and stretch becoming loose. If worn concealed clothing clings to the krayton. Fit and finish is top shelf on the tanto but I do feel the design is a bit behind the times.
 
I have the CS Magnum Tanto and both the knife and the sheath look very well made to me, although I've never used the knife for any rough stuff. I once purchased the Hisshou ,but it was when only the mirror finish was available and I just couldn't get used to the brilliance of the blade, so I returned it. I still think the Hisshou has a very alluring design and I'm still planning to get the black blade version one day.
I don't really know which knife is 'better' but the Hisshou is usually less than half the cost of the Magnum tanto.
 
I say go for the Magnum. I've always wanted one but never had a good enough excuse to pull the trigger.
But this is Bladeforums, we don't need excuses!
 
"The Hisshou demands respect, and is certainly not a sport or work knife, but it can truly be a lifesaver for the military professional. This is a knife that would have been carried by the Samurai." -CRKT website

The cold steel tanto seems a bit more utilitarian.
 
I would go with Hisshou.
It is more elegant and more fun to play with.
That is enough for me :D
 
I just realized I confused the Hisshou with the Hissatsu! I think the Hisshou looks like a great knife but I've never handled one. The Hisshou should probably be compared to the CS XII as they are similiar in size. I have the CS XII and like the Magnum tanto it's a great looking knife. One advantage of the Hisshou, is the kydex sheath which would make it easier to carry discretely. If I had one, I'd slap a Spyderco G-clip on it ,cut the bottom off the front right pocket on an old pair of pants, and carry it that way. As the 'Legion of Doom' used to say; ; "awhh, what a Rush!!! " [ yeah ,you have to be a fan of the old WCW to understand my reference]
 
The Hissatsu is a single purpose knife, and from experience in the field I highly recommend it. Mi team members and I, have been carrying this knife and a few Hisshou's for the past 2 years, and I does the job it was designed for by Mr. Williams. Fast access, penetration against soft body armor, slicing capability,its all there in this knife.
That being said it is not a utility knife it’s just not made for that type of use. We have had times that we use these knives to cut cardboard, cut plastic cuffs, machete, pray bar and more and there has been no failure whit These knives.
Edwood.

DSC03661.jpg
 
I own a hisshou and a cs magnum tanto 2.i have however handled the 12 inch magnum tanto my friend has plenty of times and i would put my hisshou up against it any day.the hisshou is a very simple and elegant design and comes scary sharp right out of the box.i would go with the hisshou hands down all day long.
 
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