thoughts on Cold Steel tantos?

M

Metric

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Mar 4, 2002
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I realize I'm a bit behind the curve on this, as it's probably a 15-20 year old model, but I'm curious about the san mai bladed tanto fixed blade knives from Cold Steel. I'm in the market for something tough and capable of self-defense duty, and something will hold up under some general "camping" type abuse -- occational chopping/prying. But I also like the refined and slightly exotic look/feel of the tantos.

Specifically, can anyone say anything about the quality/utility of the steel used (e.g. edge holding ability/hardness, toughness, and ease of sharpening), and the overall quality and usefulness of the knife? Is the san mai significantly better than the old aus-8A bladed version? Of course the videos CS puts out make it look extremely tough, but I trust you guys and wonder what you think...
 
imho they are "ok" the san mai steel isnt anything that great though, i would say its equal too/not better than AUS8, i kinda like the old CS tantos though, not bad for the $$ i suppose, probably better stuff around though.

dont belive everything ya see in CS's videos.
 
Any suggestions for superior alternatives would be appreciated as well...

About san mai -- from "the video" it looks extremely flexable (the "pinched in a vice and bent ~100 degrees over to the side" test). Are some of the better premium steels capable of this kind of thing or is it a "real" benefit of san mai?
 
I have been under the impression that laminated blades (san mai) offer the benefit of increased toughness in lateral bends.

As for the CS American tanto shape, it has its uses. Just keep in mind that the tanto shape has its pluses and minuses (there are a few debates on the forum covering them).

If you like it, the price is good, I say buy it. Preferably, look for the Japanese made versions, as quality is generally believed to be higher (and probably is).
 
I have a Cold Steel Master Tanto (San Mai III). I've had it for years. I imagined myself stabbing car doors, but then I realized I value my car's doors. Cold Steel says the San Mai III version is 25 percent tougher than the AUS8 version. If I'm not mistaken, the outer layers of San Mai III are Aus8. I don't remember what's in the sandwich though. I think it is a carbon steel. My knife is very, very sharp. I can't speak to it ability chop though. I have other, less expensive knives for chopping. Besides, I've turned over most chopping chores to the Mrs.

Regarding self defense, the Master Tanto or the Tanto (Aus8) are, in my opinion, too big to carry unnoticed. I am a pretty big guy at 6'2" and 200 lbs. but, for me the skull crusher pokes against my shirt and the Kraton handle material is too sticky and binds on (sticks to?) my shirt causing printing. In Texas, if it prints, it is not concealed! A soldier or Marine could carry these knives and they would be great for self defense but I think there are better choices for a rugged combat knife, e.g., Ontario's RAT series, Ranger Knives, Becker, etc. For a good, inexpensive knock around tanto, I'd probably try the Recon Tanto in Carbon V. Better hurry though as Camillus, the maker of Cold Steel's Carbon V is about to go belly up.
 
The CS San Mai has an AUS-8A center and 420 for the outside layers. I sure don't see how it's stronger than straight AUS-8A. I liked the older models and have quite a few of them. Tough knives for the money spent.

I think most would agree that AUS-8A is a very good medium grade "working" steel. But I must admit that I got turned off to them when they converted to their San Mai. Even in there very expensive knives they still use the same San Mai. The good quality San Mai knives that I have seen, except for CS, (i.e. SOG Arcitech) use a San Mai of VG-10 inner and AUS-8A outer.

If I wanted one, I'd look for a dealer that still had some of ones with 100% AUS-8A or look for one on Ebay, but that's me.

Regards,
Gary
 
Thanks for the input -- I decided to try one out and ordered the 7.5 inch "magnum" version. I do wish the sandwiched layer of steel was of a more "premium" grade, but it doesn't bother me too much -- the larger the knife the more I value toughness and ease of sharpening over pure edge-holding hardness anyway. I did a little hunting around on the internet, and couldn't really find anything comparable that had the particular combination of old-world/new-world look and rugged utility I was looking for, so I'll just give it a try...
 
Metric,

I just got the new Cold Steel Catalog in the mail today. They are now using VG1 instead of Aus8.
 
That's interesting -- I ordered from knifecenter. I'm curious as to which version I'll get, and as to how I'll be able to tell... Maybe I'll just email CS.
 
Willieboy said:
...Regarding self defense, the Master Tanto or the Tanto (Aus8) are too big to carry unnoticed...
Click to expand...
That's not true. I can easily carry my "new-style" CS Tanto (6" blade, stainless hardware) in my "plastic" On/Scene Tactical IWB sheath, just wearin' blue jeans and a dark T-shirt, and you would NOT know that I was armed with such a formidable combat knife.:thumbup:.
 
Regarding one's ability to carry a Cold Steel tanto concealed, I stand corrected and my earlier post has been edited. Thanks Glockman.
 
I am unfamiliar with VG1 so I don't know how it relates to AUS8. I think my SERE 2000 is VG10 and it seems like a good steel.
 
I like the CS Recon I and it is a plain tanto. I carry it concealed in Wa. state sometimes because i like to wear t-shirts and sweaters on the outside. I don't know if the police have a problem with that, hmm...
 
I have 2 of the older master tanto's, they are a great knife. In fact thinking about it my first collectable. (£99.00 20 years ago!!!). The first one I carried for archery and field craft, the abuse it's taken is considerable, it fact I only stopped when the price hit £250 in the UK. With a clean and sharpen it looks and cuts like new. Apart from the bending to 90 degrees part, it's done most of what's on CS's dvd. (Before I got the DVD). So I would recommend it.
 
Was always kinda boggled about how a AUS-8 blade sandwitched with 420SS sides could increase blade strength????! Certainly, I am no metal scientist. But could someone please explain to me plainly what purpose this particular San Mai would make in terms of real performance; also what real difference would that make if it was entirely built out of AUS-8 minus 420 lame-e-nates? All this from a guy who once owned a CAT tanto which didn't quite pass the door test.
 
GIRLYmann said:
But could someone please explain to me plainly what purpose this particular San Mai would make in terms of real performance; also what real difference would that make if it was entirely built out of AUS-8 minus 420 lame-e-nates?
Click to expand...

I'm no metalurgist either, in fact I even reversed what steel made up the core and exterior layers in my first post, but I'll take a shot at an answer. The AUS8 is a more brittle steel than the 420 and, therefore, less able to withstand the stress of bending than the 400 series steel. It seems odd to me that CS would use such a soft steel as the core material. I thought the idea was to use a harder steel (Carbon V or D2?) that held an edge well in the core and a softer more pliable steel on the outside. I'm guessing that AUS8 is a softer steel because it sharpens so easily and does not hold an edge very well.
 
Willieboy: Of course you're right! And I'll chip in by adding to the pot that - wasn't the basic idea behind steel laminates, an intention to create Japanese swords with a tough edge with flexible spine? How this applies to a short knife like the CS Tanto, leaves me guessing. It's amazing how these two steel types were paired off for the ultimate production tanto. Thankfully my CS CAT tanto didn't cost as much.
 
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