Older Tanto

Mannlicher · Dec 4, 2014

I have an older CS Tanto. Blade is 6 inches. It's marked "Tanto by Cold Steel". Ventura CA. The other side says Made in Japan.

I was wondering what steel was used with this knife. Is it a serious knife, or a wall hanger?

stabman · Dec 4, 2014

Pretty sure those were AUS-8.
It's a real knife.

KenHash · Dec 4, 2014

Yes probably AUS8A which Cold Steel marketed as "400 series stainless" in those days.

The Lone Gunmen · Dec 5, 2014

Could it not be sk5?

KenHash · Dec 5, 2014

Back then Cold Steel's carbon steel blades were their "Carbon V" products made
by Camillus. I don't think I've ever run across SK5 used by CS.
Just about everything CS had made in Japan was stainless.

Tmack · Dec 5, 2014

I have the very first style with the shorter blade and always wondered the steel myself.

UCPOPO · Dec 5, 2014

Nice. I've been looking to buy one of those

Tmack · Dec 5, 2014

They are definitely some nasty knives.
Mine happens to be collecting dust. I wouldn't call it collectors quality.
The tanto profile is a little one side bias. I don't know if that's how it came, or someone sharpened it. It's been sitting for...... Well it was released in the 80's lol.

GIRLYmann · Dec 7, 2014

Mannlicher said:
I have an older CS Tanto Is it a serious knife, or a wall hanger?

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It is the best $85.00 investment ever, worthy for either cause.
http://www.coldsteel.com/images/Catalogs/1988circa.pdf
I would take the later considering the lack of opportunities
To carry out it actual design intended use of
Piercing Cadillac car doors...

JTC · Dec 7, 2014

KenHash said:
Yes probably AUS8A which Cold Steel marketed as "400 series stainless" in those days.

That's very interesting. I have an early Cold Steel R-1 that is marked "400 series stainless" I always wondered what that meant. Thanks!

Mannlicher · Dec 12, 2014

Thanks for the help guys, and for the information. The knife is very sharp, with no corrosion or other damage. It's one of my favorites.