Does anything beat the Cold Steel Trail Master ?

Yup, I like my Falkniven Northern Lights Odin and my BK 9, I used to have a TM, thought it was heavy.
 
cbach8tw said:
Yup, I like my Falkniven Northern Lights Odin and my BK 9, I used to have a TM, thought it was heavy.
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Supposedly the Odin and thr TM are both made by the same manufacturer for both companies. I have one of each and they are very similar. Love them both.
 
Kraton materials have changed over the years.

Kraton G polymers: Introduced in the 1970s, these second-generation polymers feature a hydrogenated midblock (SEBS or SEPS) which offers improved UV resistance, higher service temperature tolerance, and durability compared to the original Kraton D (SBS) polymers. Kraton G is the common type used in high-quality, non-slip handles for items like knives and garden tools due to these enhanced properties. (thank you Google)

The original D (SBS) polymers were reported to soften if you left them on the dashboard of your car in the hot sun, or placed them too close to a campfire. Deet ate them up too.

The current Kraton handles, G (SEBS or SEPS), seem to satisfy the Navy Seals who issue Cold Steel SRK knives to students in the Basic Underwater Demolition (BUD) training course.

However, if you want the bigger, better, deal, you might look into:

Resiprene C,
a durable, synthetic handle material known for being a high-performance, shock-absorbing, and slip-resistant rubber-like composite. It is also non-hygroscopic, meaning it repels fluids and is easy to clean, and impervious to chemicals like DEET and petroleum products. This makes it an extremely tough and reliable option for hard-use tools, famously used on knives made by companies like Busse Combat Basics.

Key properties of RES-C:
  • Durability: Extremely tough and resistant to wear and tear, and impervious to harsh chemicals like DEET and petroleum products.
  • Grip: Provides excellent grip, even when wet, due to its textured and rubber-like feel.
  • Comfort: Shock-absorbing and provides insulation from both hot and cold temperatures.
  • Maintenance: Non-hygroscopic, meaning it doesn't absorb or emit fluids, making it easy to keep clean as dirt does not stick to it.
  • Manufacturing: A synthetic material, often described as a proprietary rubber/plastic blend, injection-molded under heat and pressure
Thank you, Google A.I.

Example of a Resiprene C handle, Scrap Yard Knife Company Alpha Dog.

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There are no doubt better choppers, better large slicers and better large stabbers. I do not now or have ever owned one, but when Cold Steel first marketed the Trailmaster it was ground breaking for a large factory knife. A benchmark - as another has pointed out, very versatile.
 
BP Green said:
I can attest to that. I had a bottle of bug repellent spill all over one of my fly boxes once hen I put them in the same pocket f my fishing vest. I couldn’t believe the damage. It really made me think twice about putting that stuff on my skin.
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The solution: just wear your Patek Philippe when you need to put bug repellent on. The metal should be unfazed by the repellent.
 
beeinak said:
Wrap with athletic sports wrap, etc if you don’t have access/ability to replace the grip.
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It's like duct tape's fraternal twin. Useful for revolver grips, injuries to humans, dogs, and other critters...no end to its uses.
When it needs replacing, it's a cinch to remove and replace (if desired).

I keep a bunch of rolls handy.
 
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