HI knife vs Cold Steel

[CowboyStyle]

I had to trim up some big maguey plant's in my yard. They are very tough fibrous plants that have wicked needles on the end. Decided ti give my hi and cs knives a little workout.









Cold Steel





HI knife





I was really impressed with the performance of the HI knife it sliced through the maguey leaves like a lazer. After an hour and and a half it was stilll razor sharp and ready for more. No hot spots no chips or folds.

The cold steel did an adequate job had a few chips and folds on the edge. It also required some sharping about half way through. It was also not as comfortable in hand after prolonged use.

 

[ElSitherino]

Best way to review. I used to a be a pretty big supporter of Cold Steel, and in some ways still am, as they make reliable, inexpensive blades. But when it comes to clearing brush, cleaning up my farmland, and doing general hard labor landscaping, once I hit HI I never looked back. I recently got the KLVUK, but I've had my Farm Knife since they were first introduced (I think I snagged the 3rd or 4th one made) and I simply love that thing. I take it out on the property, out camping, and even use it in the kitchen. I've had many blades with all kinds of steel, but something about these HI blades really just strikes a chord with me, I love the performance and I think they pair well with my tomahawk.

I've honestly tinkered with the idea of requesting an HI tomahawk for my axe demands.

 

[Karda]

I've honestly tinkered with the idea of requesting an HI tomahawk for my axe demands.

http://www.himalayan-imports.com/one-time-knives.html

 

[abdelhazred]

That banchero looks awesome indeed.

 

[sweetcostarica]

CowboyStyle I like you reviews and honesty. You get out there and do some serious work with your gear. I have and have had both of these knives. Many people love the Cold Steel Kukri Machete for it's utility. It is a true workhorse of a blade with 1070 high carbon blade, Rc. 54 I believe. This makes it tough, holds it's edge well, and is easy to sharpen. The comfort of it's handle is it's weakest link (IMO). But after you get use to the feel of the handle or modify it you can power through light to hard woods. If I were back in Costa Rica I would love this as my big knife for the bush, and food work (coconuts, pineapples, etc.).
The edge of a new CS Kukri Machete needs major sharpening as do most of Cold Steels machetes at this price range.

I really like my Himalaya Imports Tamang knife. It weighs 15 oz and it's thin 5160 blade is very tough (Rc. around 58). I prefer the tradition hidden tang version for more forward balance of this knife. That offers better chopping performance. Also, since I'm now in Alaska holding a freezing full tang knife is not a pleasant experience. The 5160 Spring Steel blade has excellent edge retention, wear resistance, and toughness. I think it is a better steel than the 1070 of the CS Kukri Machete. Great hiking/backpacking knife with a natural wooden handle that's comfortable.

These two knives are great at what they "do" so it is hard to compare them to each other. Apples to oranges kind of thing. I will say that the HI Tamang Knife is one of their best designs and would make a top survival knife without a doubt.

Pictures and Specifications:
Below use photo by rpn

Tamang knife
Overall length: 15.5"
Spine thickness: 1/4''
Blade: 10.5"
Weight: 15 oz
Steel: 5160 Spring Steel
Navy blue leather sheath



Cold Steel Kukri Machete
Overall length: 18"
Thickness: 2.75mm
Blade: 13"
Weight: 16 oz.
Steel: 1070 Simple Carbon
Black Cordura Sheath

 

[JayGoliath]

Lucky guy. A full tang Tamang will serve you well.

 

[CowboyStyle]

Thanks sweetcostarica. The cold steel is a great beater machete. I was just amazed at the edge retention,toughness and comfort of use the tamang displayed. Specs on the tamang
Overall length--15 3/4 ''
Weight --14oz
Spine thickness --1/4''
Dhar wood handle
White metal fittings
Navy blue leather sheath

 

[sweetcostarica]

Thanks sweetcostarica. The cold steel is a great beater machete. I was just amazed at the edge retention,toughness and comfort of use the tamang displayed. Specs on the tamang
Overall length--15 3/4 ''
Weight --14oz
Spine thickness --1/4''
Dhar wood handle
White metal fittings
Navy blue leather sheath

+1


Side note: Best use for those Maguey leaves: Mixiotes!

Above: Meat cooked in maguey leaves

1st photo: Mixiote de Carnero (opened bag)
2nd photo: El mixiote o mexiote
3rd photo: Lamb Shank Mixiote (slow cooked with herbs and spices)

 

[CowboyStyle]

Nice sweetcostarica we use the maguey to line the bottom of a fire pit and slow cook calf heads. Barbacoa very tender slow cooked meat with mesquite coals layered under it then covered for a day or so.

 

[sweetcostarica]

Nice!

 

[jimh0220]

Love to see a comparison with the regular SK-5 CS Kukri. Seems like an uneven comparison with the machete, as the HI is a sharpened knife, and the CS is a pure utility machete. The machete would be only a fraction of the price of the HI the knife, where the SK5 Kukri would be a more even match. Still, a great read. Thanks.