Looking for a Kicka$$ Cold Steel Knife!!

S

Scarman

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I am looking for a good all around user knife. Something I can use for large and small cutting tasks.
I was looking into Cold Steel, because they are cheap(er) and I have a friend who has a few, one of which he will trade to me.
The selection includes: A Recon Scout(Carbon V), A Master Hunter(AUS 8), A 6" Tanto(AUS 8), A Bushman(some carbon steel) and some various folders.
I am looking at using it for everything from cutting rope, brush and branches to cutting up various food items and opening packages etc....Even self defense if the need arises.
Which one would y'all recommend and which one has worked best for all Cold Steel owners?
Inquiring minds need to know.
TIA for all replies.
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The greatest thought that has ever entered my mind is that one day I will have to stand before a Holy God and give an account of my life.
*Daniel Webster

Rev 20:12

 
Scarman:

I don't know about Cold Steel being "cheaper", but certainly they do have some items that seem more affordable. I own a Bushman and it's not pretty, but it does maintain an edge and looks "nasty". The Bushman will do what you are asking, its just a big blade. I've also a SRK and it would work well for your needs. You can check Cold Steel's catalogue and see if they have a "second" in the style you want. They are cosmetic discrepancies and are priced cheaper. Of course, once ordered there is no return. If you think you want one of these, both can do the jobs you describe very well.
 
Had a Master Hunter w/Carbon V which I've since sold. Great knife. The AUS 8A probably gives the same versatility w/lesser edge-holding, and maybe lesser toughness (tho' that might not matter in a 4.5" blade). But it obviously wouldn't do well on the bigger chores you're looking at -- chopping, brush-clearing, and such.

But you might also consider two different knives for the chores you're looking at. Not sure I'd want the same knife for opening cans and hacking trees.

I'll second the SRK as a good choice to adequately do everything you're looking for -- better a some things than others, but versatile enough to do most everything. I haven't handled the Recon Scout, but I imagine that the double guard really minimizes its usefulness for food prep, opening packages, and other chores requiring greater control or precision.

Glen
 
If you're going to do any amount of chopping I'd go the Recon Scout route. I've got the Trailmaster and the Scout is a scaled down version of that, plus it has a real guard verses a rubber bump.

G2

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I don't have a solution,

But I admire your problem.

www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Cabin/7306/blades.html

 
I noticed that the Tanto was not even mentioned, does it really have limited uses or is it a matter of preference?

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The greatest thought that has ever entered my mind is that one day I will have to stand before a Holy God and give an account of my life.
*Daniel Webster

Rev 20:12

 
The Tanto's look cool, but the San Mai one that I had didn't cut rope very well, it was an older style with a 9" blade that had a peaked back, nicely done but I couldn't cut the free hanging rope with it, had a few others try it, they figured a small guy like me wasn't as strong, but they did no better and the knife was very sharp but the edge profile was the killer for that. Also I just like high carbon stuff.

G2
 
Gary,

Thanks for posting. I am surprised to hear that as I thought tantos were designed for slashing, as well as their extreme tip strength.
I am starting to lean toward the Recon Scout, although I read an article in the recent Combat Knives that praises the Bush Ranger.

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The greatest thought that has ever entered my mind is that one day I will have to stand before a Holy God and give an account of my life.
*Daniel Webster

Rev 20:12

 
Hey Scarman! I have a couple of Master Tantos and although they are not good for chopping tasks, they are an excellent self-defense knife. A LEO buddy of mine carries his attached to his kevlar vest, and has said he will never carry anything else.

For what you are discussing, I think the Recon Scout is your best choice. I have owned several of them, and they have worked perfectly for a WIDE variety of tasks. One concern: the Carbon V steel is prone to corrosion. Make sure you keep it oiled or use Tufcloth or some other protectant.

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"They sicken of the calm, who know the storm."
RFrost5746@aol.com or Robert_Frost@ars.aon.com



[This message has been edited by rfrost (edited 21 October 1999).]
 
Scarman,

I own both the Tanto and the Bushman and am pleased with the performance of both.

I would have to say I've had a lot fun with the Bushman because I've used it hard, thrown it at trees, and cut a ton of stuff with it without worrying about the end result because it was inexpensive.

The Tanto I carry IWB almost daily, is well balanced, sharp, and sturdy. I haven't put it to a lot of utility use because it's primarily my defensive tool and I carry a Perkins or a small folder for the mundane stuff.

I have heard mixed assesments on the Bush Ranger, with higher praises going to the SRK and Recon Scout.

The problem is it's hard to do it all with just one tool, maybe consider buying two knives that might total up to the price of, say, the Recon Scout.

Have fun!
 
I've got a lot of CS knives and the CarbonV blades are the way to go if performance is your priority.
I like the Master Hunter and the SRK and both are well worth the money spent.
The Bush Ranger and Master Hunter look like the most versatile of all. Don't have the BR yet, but it's definately on the "to get" list because of the full flat grind and it offers a little more reach than the MH.
I'm a little predjudiced in that I always prefer a full height flat grind over any other type of grind.
They just seem to offer more cutting performance for me and I find them aesthetically pleasing as well.
wink.gif

As far as the Tantos go, I find they are really limited in their usage options, with defense being the only area where they really shine. Of course, they can be used for other tasks, but there are better tools to be found for that. JMO.
smile.gif

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The individualist without strategy who takes opponents lightly will inevitably become the captive of others.




[This message has been edited by misque (edited 21 October 1999).]
 
I have the recon scout in carbon V ( BTW is that pronounced 'vee or five?) Besides the threat of corrosion...I mean you don't plan on choppin' veggies in the rain, do you? I heartilly recommend it. Scary sharp, hefty, & well made. Go ahead get it, ya need it, really. go on.

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Can it core a apple?
 
Scarman, you think you were surprised? How do think I felt, here I thought I had a whopper of a blade and couldn't cut the rope! I traded it for a Balisong butterfly knife, Tanto with ivory micarta inserts, nice knife! Wish I still had it! the butterfly that is...

G2
 
I also have some CS fixed blades and folders. I would suggest SRK, lots of folks here seem to like this tough baby. Ontario air force survival is quite similar in design and functionality (yet cheaper), but I think SRK is of better quality. Bushman will probably be the one that see most use, basically because it's so cheap and has plenty of belly for general cutting chores. Recon Tanto is the one that I never find a practical use for it, although I may use it for clearing some bush as its carbon V should do the job well for a knife of its size.
I also like CS clip blade folders for their traditional look, but I find that spyder co folders hold the edge better. And if you like something tactical, Vaquero should satisfy your need.
TD
 
I agree about the SRK...I bought a 2nd from Special Projects and have proceeded to abuse the knife. I've used it to pound nails (with the side of the blade), dig holes, pry off hubcaps, among many other things. It has not failed me yet! It just doesn't have the chopping ability the Recon Scout has however. I have an older RS that is sterile and parkerised instead of the powdercoat they use now. It's a workhorse, but it IS a bit heavy...ultimately, the choice is yours. Whatever feels right, and looks right, and works right for YOU!! Good luck!

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"They sicken of the calm, who know the storm."
RFrost5746@aol.com or Robert_Frost@ars.aon.com


 
SRK overall is the best. The thing about the Recon scout and Bushman si they're not the gratest self defense/fighting knives, while the SRK is better at this. Bush Ranger is a good knife as well. I'd get the Bushman and the SRK in a 2nd maybe. my 2 cents...
 
I would say go with a SRK - I think it's the best buy for $50, on the planet. Next I would suggest a Bush Ranger.

I suggest that you not get a Tanto. I have had several. I had one of the first CS Recon Tantos, when they first came out about 12 years ago. It was sharper than you could imagine, but I've found tanto type blades to be hard to sharpen.

I have a friend who really likes his Recon Scout. The Trailmasters have always been good, too, and I also like very much my CS Kukri.

Do not buy from Cold Steel's Catalog, because dealers are a lot cheaper. Also, I would not buy a "second."

Happy trails...

Romans 6:23
 
Well, Cold Steels are among my least favorites for reasons that are too long to go into. But anything short of chopping large limbs (branches that is!) the Bush Ranger is the way to go. It' s 7" blade length is a good compromise. Flat grind and constant belly excells in slicing and expedient animal prep. Needle sharp clip point for delicate tasks and good thrusting capabilities. Its broad blade can be used for expedient digging and as a hamburger spatula! It is fairly strong and very fast for a 3/ 16" blade thickness. The carbon V is the better choice for outdoors use. Overall a good working knife for the money.

L8r,
Nakano
 
I too am a CS fixed blade fan. Carbon V (we call it "five" up here in Canada) is definetly the way to go. I must be strange since I have never chopped branches with my knives while camping. I kind of like trees and prefer not to denude them. Plenty of firewood on the ground. Any really large pieces are cut with a saw( a lot safer) or fed into the fire a bit at a time. Because of my aversion to clear cutting, my pick would be the master hunter in carbon steel. This is the actual knife I use when canoe tripping. It works well for kitchen chores and as long as it is wiped down after use does not rust. Just picks up a lovely patina. It also lives up to its name if you use it on game. Enough edge holding to handle a white tail and still be quite sharp when finished.
 
Majority opinion has it that the SRK is the way to go. Bush Ranger seems to hold well also. I am surprised that the Recon Scout did not fair as well as it is a scaled down version of the Trailmaster.
I will have to really look at that SRK again. Thanks for the info and keep it coming, I may not stop at one.
I also like the look and heft of the Tanto but feel it has no practical use in every day life. As a defensive weapon however it may excel due to it's design. Any thoughts?

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The greatest thought that has ever entered my mind is that one day I will have to stand before a Holy God and give an account of my life.
*Daniel Webster

Rev 20:12

 
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