GI Tanto Hardcore test

great review of a great knife! I modified mine by removing the handguards and shortening the handle - I'll renew my Gold membership then post a pic since it's a big improvement I think
here we go CS tanto 3.jpg
 
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I have one of the original release. I have been throwing it for years now.

I ground off the top guard.


Very durable knife!
 
So when a knife of this price can take this much punishment and perform this well what argument do other knife brands have to explain why there way more expensive knives can't do the same things? I mean I understand there is a lot more to knives then just there ability to take punishment like edge retention,corrosion resistance,etc but really come on now.
 
I love watching your videos, you do amazing amazing reviews, and any knife that can chop through a car door without damage is ok in my books!
 
haha, $20 knife. "Poor man's Strider" indeed. I wonder what the Strider price tag gets you? Great review and thanks!
 
I've been considering one of these and now thanks to you have decided to lay out the $30. Nice review. I do love value!
 
Nate805 said:
Does anyone feel the same way as me though?
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Name, history of company, type of knife, materials used, craftsmanship, and functionality of the knife all play into the cost. The GI Tanto is cheap because it's designed to be a cheap, tough, goto beater. Function is really the only purpose. Strider's are expensive because they're designed to be expensive, high(er) end knives, that both look and function beautifully.
 
WOW. I have had the same results with mine. I still love my INFI, SR77, and SR101 though.

Unklfranco
 
Grease said:
Name, history of company, type of knife, materials used, craftsmanship, and functionality of the knife all play into the cost. The GI Tanto is cheap because it's designed to be a cheap, tough, goto beater. Function is really the only purpose. Strider's are expensive because they're designed to be expensive, high(er) end knives, that both look and function beautifully.
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Abstracts and finery.

I'll take function over form, any day.
 
Excellent review! I have one and a original true flight thrower. Both can take a lot of abuse!
I am just going in a new direction in knives. Infi, Sr101 and 77. Althought my Carbon V Trail Master is still in my collection and seen a lot of use. I know their kukri machete is pretty unbreakable too.
 
The Cold Steel GI Tanto, as well as their Bushman knives (and the discontinued War Head) are all incredible knives for the money. Destruction tests were done that showed they outlast (subtle difference with 'outperform' :D) knives by renowned makers costing 10x the price. As a bonus, they're easy to sharpen, fix from rolls because the steel is relatively soft (which goes a long way explaining their toughness).
Beaters and utility camp knives, certainly fit for survival. An excellent offering from Cold Steel.
 
I really liked the Warhead, which was one of the most formidable edged weapons ever made. Lightweight, blindingly sharp and inexpensive, they are great to carry in car trunks in the event of emergencies. As for the G.I. Tanto, it's always had a bit of controversy surrounding it. I've never gotten to the bottom of it, but it has to do with Lynn Thompson and Mick Strider (Mickey Ray Burger). See this post for more details. It explains the enigmatic statement in the catalogs: "Please don’t throw away hundreds and hundreds of dollars on similar knives sold by convicted felons and rip off artists posing as elite "military operators". Get the real G.I. Tanto from Cold Steel and get more than your money’s worth." Apparently both men feel the other ripped them off.

I have a few of the older models with cord and I think the G.I. Tanto is a great knife. Apparently it splits wood pretty well. I also think this knife is a good one for the car trunk or even the inside of the cabin (when legal).
 
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