CS Master Tanto San Mai?

M

mykem

Joined
Feb 23, 2001
Messages
294
Hi,

Were the older (80s - 90s) CS Master Tanto San Mai tantos with the brass fittings better than the Master Tantos CS is offering now?

Thanks.
 
I think the San Mai back then was AUS-8.

Is that a better steel than the metal used in San Mai today?

I think fit and finish may have been ever so slightly better, but my experience is limited with these knives.
 
I have a CS MT2 in VG1 SanMai and finish is superb. and probably better than my Al Mar Shugoto. My only druther with both knives is I would have preferred a more traditional rayskin handle. They're both safe queens so can't comment on performance of this CS MT2 vs an original. I believe VG1 has a similar C content to VG10 and is marginally better than AUS8 but both are good cutlery steels
 
Sorry for my lack of posting know how in advance, but I have nearly the same question about the cold steel tanto.I own a san mai 3 master tanto and would like as many other opinions about the knife as possible.I acquired it very cheaply so I am not delicate should someone want to rip it a new one.It is not a brass fitted version.I basically have an aversion to all their other offerings,yet so far I have found no reason to not like this knife.If anyone has any performance related issues or praise for it please tell them here.Thanks gents..
 
mykem said:
Hi,

Were the older (80s - 90s) CS Master Tanto San Mai tantos with the brass fittings better than the Master Tantos CS is offering now?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

How do you mean better?

I have an old one with brass fittings (1986).
 
I have a Magnum Tanto II in San Mai....... not sure what the vintage is but the fit and finish is awesome. And the San Mai takes and holds a fantastic edge.
 
Ankerson said:
How do you mean better?

I have an old one with brass fittings (1986).
Click to expand...

I guess I 'd like to know about the overall fit and finish between the two as well as a comparison of the blade steel (steels)? I can't find what the older ones were composed of? What steel(s) were used in your 1986 version?

And edge holding, of course? And I'm curious about the brass vs. stainless on the pommel and guard? Is one better than the other?

Thanks.
 
mykem said:
I guess I 'd like to know about the overall fit and finish between the two as well as a comparison of the blade steel (steels)? I can't find what the older ones were composed of? What steel(s) were used in your 1986 version?

And edge holding, of course? And I'm curious about the brass vs. stainless on the pommel and guard? Is one better than the other?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

If I remember right it is 440A series Stainless, 5 3/4" blade. Fit and finish are excellent as expected.

Photo below, Orginal Tanto on bottom with Vintage San Mai 3 Trail Master and Carbon V Laredo.

 
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Does anyone know the history of these knives? By that I mean what steel CS started out using?

Were they always made with a blend of steels or was the original version AUS-8 only?

I know someone here must know. This forum always has provided answers in the past.

Mike
 
Ankerson said:
How do you mean better?

I have an old one with brass fittings (1986).
Click to expand...

Do you know what steel(s) were used in your 1986 version?

Is it AUS-8 alone or is it AUS-8 with a blend of steel(s) wrapped around it, sandwiched, as it were?

I read somewhere that you can see a "sandwich" line just above the cutting edge of the blade if different steels are wrapped around another steel.

Does yours have a line like that?

Thanks,

Mike
 
I have an older Master Tanto also.I believe the blade has a 400 series core,with a 420j2 outer wrap.400 series could mean many different things,but,that's what they called it.
 
mykem said:
Do you know what steel(s) were used in your 1986 version?

Is it AUS-8 alone or is it AUS-8 with a blend of steel(s) wrapped around it, sandwiched, as it were?

I read somewhere that you can see a "sandwich" line just above the cutting edge of the blade if different steels are wrapped around another steel.

Does yours have a line like that?

Thanks,

Mike
Click to expand...

Nope, mine is not San Mai 3, ther Orginal ones were made from solid 440 series steel.
 
GRIM 62 said:
I have an older Master Tanto also.I believe the blade has a 400 series core,with a 420j2 outer wrap.400 series could mean many different things,but,that's what they called it.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply. Can you see a "sandwich line" on it? If so, can you post a pic of the line?

I found this elsewhere. It may be the answer:

CS's tanto line have undergone some changes though. The original was made from AUS8. Then the laminated versions came about made from AUS8 sandwiched in 420J2. Now they are different again with VG1 being sandwiched in the 420J2.
Click to expand...

If this is true, which is the "best" of these steels?

Is this a case of CS changing from plain AUS8 to the AUS8 laminate sandwiched in 420j2 to the VG1 San Mai sandwich to save money OR to actually improve the knife by improving the steel?
 
The new San Mai 3 is VG1 between 420, they changed I believe because VG-1 hold an edge better than the AUS8 did.

ALL San Mai 3 and VG-1 models are made in Japan and always have been.
 
Photos of mine for reference: Bought in 86





 
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