Find a knife to fit this description! I need help.

[Hookus]

I was originally looking for a classic Japanese tanto knife. Due to the planned use of the knife, I sadly had to rule out a traditionally wrapped handle, and traditional tsuba (guard). I would not even consider something with a straight blade, like the American style tantos. More for tradition's sake than anything, really, personal preference. My personal preference for blade steel would be ATS-30, CM, or S30V. For looks, I really, really, really think that the Cold Steel Magnum Tanto II is absolutely perfect. And I think the handle material is acceptable. I have 2 problems with it though.

The first is the San Mai steel, which is AUS-8 in the center. Thatr is a blade steel that I picture as the "average production" steel. I also do not think that you need a laminated blade to prevent it from breaking or bending. Just never had that happen.

I also do not care for their warranty.

I own a Cold Steel SRK, and really don't have any problems with it, and generally am pretty neutral towards Cold Steel, but I would really only dump my 200 bucks on the Tanto II if I failed to find a better substitute.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. For an idea on what I am looking for, just look at the CS Magnum Tanto II. The closer to a traditional Japanese tanto I could get, while still retaining practicality in the field, the better.

 

[Hawkbill]

Don't know if the steel is up to your standard, or if the kraton molded handle would work, but the style most certainly does meet your criteria. Price is a damn site better than the Maggie Tanto, too!

http://www.agrussell.com/knives/new_knives/crkt_hissatsu.html

 

[MicroAlign]

Originally posted by Hookus
The first is the San Mai steel, which is AUS-8 in the center. Thatr is a blade steel that I picture as the "average production" steel. I also do not think that you need a laminated blade to prevent it from breaking or bending.

I believe that the center steel is something harder. I have a Master Tanto and TrailMaster in San Mai III and they both have much better edge retention than AUS-8. They also seem to be easier to sharpen and I can get a hair flinging edge much faster than I can with AUS-8. The San Mai isn't as strong as their Carbon V, but it definately performs better than AUS-8.

 

[eda-koppo]

If you plan on use other than as a wall hanger, check out http://bugei.com/subcategory_8.htm , namely all but the first item, which is a CRKT Hissatsu. The rest are all carbon steel, as they should be, but $$$$$$$$$.

 

[Hookus]

Tell you what, I sure do like Bugei's tantos, they were actually the first I looked at. Not sure about a tradional wrapped handle though, as over time, there really is no way to keep it clean. The San Mai, is AUS-8 in the center, just treated well, hence a big reason of the price. My SRK is Carbon V, and I like it. No way I'll ever buy a Hissatsu. I cannot beleive Bugei, who I had always sort of put on a pedestal for Japanese cutlery, would associate themselves with junk. AUS-6, come on, that's like the cheapest of the cheap.