Has anyone got the Cold Steel hollow-handled, fixed-blade survival knife?

Smaug

Smaug

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Jun 30, 2003
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I was on the pot the other perusing the Cold Steel "Special Projects" catalog, and toward the back of the catalog, they have a hollow-handled survival knife. Their ad copy suggests it is much better than the hollow-handled survival knives that were popular back in the day.

As I understand it, Cold Steel makes some pretty sturdy knives, with a very sharp factory edge. Also, I believe that a reasonably strong fixed blade knife with a hollow, waterproof handle cavity would probably be more useful than a full-tang knife in a survival situation, since it could be stocked with a fishing kit, wire saw, etc.

it also includes a fire steel for the sheath.

Has anyone got this knife?

The other one I was thinking about is the Bear Grylls-branded large fixed blade Gerber model, which includes a fire steel and a "Priorities of Survival" pamphlet, but no hollow handle.
 
I did a search, and didn't find anything on it here.

Here's a link to the knife on Cold Steel's site:
http://www.coldsteel.com/survivaledge.html

It's a new model, and apparently not yet available, but at $26, it seems like it'll be a great value, if it's as strong (they say it is "ox-strong") as it is advertised as being. ;)
 
I think they'll be out shortly. They had a video on their Facebook page recently with them batoning it through a 2x4. Essentially it's a cheaper Mora Survival without the diamond sharpener, a hollow handle, and a longer blade. But not made with as high quality steel.
 
Smaug said:
The other one I was thinking about is the Bear Grylls-branded large fixed blade Gerber model, which includes a fire steel and a "Priorities of Survival" pamphlet, but no hollow handle.
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That's a shame...you could store the Priorities of Survival pamphlet IN the handle if it was hollow.
 
I am a cold steel fan, but I just can't get on board with the hollow handle concept.

The only one I have/use is the CS bushman, which is pretty cool in that it "wraps" the tang around, so you aren't sacrificing the tang. Plus it makes a pretty cool spear
 
David_Parker03 said:
Save your money, and eventually buy a Chris Reeve. He perfected the technique.
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It'll have to be second hand. They were discontinued.

I think I'll pass on CS's version of a hollow handled Mora, especially for double the price of the original.
 
I'd rather have the mora. Granted, its a decent knife, but a mora simply has to be stronger and better steel.
 
I'm not dogging the Cold Steel but hollow handle knives are inherintly weaker than fixed blades with traditonal tangs not to mention it isn't even in production yet If I were interested in purchasing one I'd wait for an in depth review first but I don't realy see myself purchasing one of these anyways but I am however slighlty interested by it.
 
Originally Posted by David_Parker03

Save your money, and eventually buy a Chris Reeve. He perfected the technique.
me2 said:
It'll have to be second hand. They were discontinued.

I think I'll pass on CS's version of a hollow handled Mora, especially for double the price of the original.
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These have been getting good reviews if you're looking at the Chris Reeves. Same solid one piece construction.
http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/SCHF1/schrade-extreme-survival-special-forces-7
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Yeah those Schrade pieces are actually pretty well made, even if they're blatant knock-offs. At least the originals aren't in production anymore.
 
I believe Schrade started "copying" Chris Reeves design during their last couple of years in business. It would be cool to own a USA made one. Though the quality may not differ all that much. They had test of these on Knifetest.com. Noss didn't like the balance. It wasn't really a good chopper. Though to be fair, many medium size fixed blades are not good choppers. They could be used to baton well enough. I think I would prefer the Cold Steel Bushman over either the original CR, Shrade, or even this new one by CS. I will give credit to CS for being original and innovative. Same with Gerber.
 
I'd just buy a Mora - they don't have the hollow handle, but are a superior version of this knife for buttons, and I'm sure you could store whatever would be stored in the handle elsewhere! :)
 
The best thing I can think of to stick in the handle would be a bunch of PJCB's as tinder for the fire steel.
 
Guys, let's try to stay on topic. I didn't ask for recommendations for the best and most expensive solid, full-tang design. Let's not go back to the full tang models that are talked about in every other darn thread here.

It is just a matter of opening one's mind a bit. Remember, it doesn't need to be "The Strongest Design" it only needs to be strong enough to work in its intended use. Yes, it will mean that you can't hammer on it. Get over it. But it will also mean there's storage inherent to the knife.
 
Smaug said:
Guys, let's try to stay on topic. I didn't ask for recommendations for the best and most expensive solid, full-tang design. Let's not go back to the full tang models that are talked about in every other darn thread here.

It is just a matter of opening one's mind a bit. Remember, it doesn't need to be "The Strongest Design" it only needs to be strong enough to work in its intended use. Yes, it will mean that you can't hammer on it. Get over it. But it will also mean there's storage inherent to the knife.
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Bingo. I figure it's as strong as any of the Mora partial-tang models and those are plenty strong.
 
I never understood why you would trade strength for a wee bit of storage. With the exceptions of tinder like mentioned, I can't think of any USEFUL survival gear that would fit in it. This doesn't even get into how much of a pain it is to use a round handled knife. My advice is to steer clear of both of the knives you mentioned which are gimmicks and get a decent knife. I would choose a 12 dollar mora over these any day of the week. Put your survival gear in your pockets or if you must have them with the knife, there are a lot of sheaths out there with storage pockets that will hold a great deal more then a knife handle. The little survival features on these knives are cool and all but I doubt they are very durable or have much utility.
 
Smaug said:
Guys, let's try to stay on topic. I didn't ask for recommendations for the best and most expensive solid, full-tang design. Let's not go back to the full tang models that are talked about in every other darn thread here.

It is just a matter of opening one's mind a bit. Remember, it doesn't need to be "The Strongest Design" it only needs to be strong enough to work in its intended use. Yes, it will mean that you can't hammer on it. Get over it. But it will also mean there's storage inherent to the knife.
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Have you thought about the bushman?

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