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A few months back I picked up a Cold Steel GI Tanto blade knife on eBay for around $20. I bought it with the intentions on decent size fixed blade in my GHB. Nothing fancy, just something to serve as an all-around utility knife.
My initial impressions of the knife was its pretty big. It's no Roman short sword but quite a bit bigger than the aviator survival knife I have carried for years.
![Strap Knife]()
![Knife Hunting knife Blade Dagger Bowie knife]()
Features:
•Overall Length (inches): 12
•Blade Length (inches): 7
•Blade Material: 1055 Carbon, Black
•Blade Detail: Plain
•Handle Material: Polycarbonate Scales
•Carry System: Cordura Sheath
The blade came in razor sharp, held an edge decent under heavy use and I found it easy to resharpen as needed. I used it to split wood, hack and chop and seemed to hold up well.
So here's my say;
PROs
1. Great price point, under $30.
2. Well balanced, feels good in the hand.
![Blade]()
![Machete]()
CONs
1. Sheath left a bit to be desired, very cheaply made. I am considering an aftermarket sheath or possibly trying my hand at making a Kydex sheath.
2. Made in China.
3. Handle is a 'polycarbonate scales' or in laymans terms a impact plastic type material, which makes it a bit slippery using wet.
![Knife Blade Utility knife Hunting knife Tool]()
![Knife Strap Blade]()
Some modifications;
1. I placed some tape on the handle and seemed to work well.
![Knife]()
2. I found some extra webbing and was able to make a pouch and attached a magnesium fire steel to the sheath.
Overall, a good starter knife for those on a budget that need a good utility fixed blade. It can take a beating and still serve you well. Upgrade the sheath as you see fit. I'd say 3.5 to 4 out of 5
:
Hope this helps.:thumb:
-Source for features; http://www.knifeworks.com/coldsteelgitantopolycarbonatescaleshandlecordurasheath.aspx
My initial impressions of the knife was its pretty big. It's no Roman short sword but quite a bit bigger than the aviator survival knife I have carried for years.
Features:
•Overall Length (inches): 12
•Blade Length (inches): 7
•Blade Material: 1055 Carbon, Black
•Blade Detail: Plain
•Handle Material: Polycarbonate Scales
•Carry System: Cordura Sheath
The blade came in razor sharp, held an edge decent under heavy use and I found it easy to resharpen as needed. I used it to split wood, hack and chop and seemed to hold up well.
So here's my say;
PROs
1. Great price point, under $30.
2. Well balanced, feels good in the hand.
CONs
1. Sheath left a bit to be desired, very cheaply made. I am considering an aftermarket sheath or possibly trying my hand at making a Kydex sheath.
2. Made in China.
3. Handle is a 'polycarbonate scales' or in laymans terms a impact plastic type material, which makes it a bit slippery using wet.
Some modifications;
1. I placed some tape on the handle and seemed to work well.
2. I found some extra webbing and was able to make a pouch and attached a magnesium fire steel to the sheath.
Overall, a good starter knife for those on a budget that need a good utility fixed blade. It can take a beating and still serve you well. Upgrade the sheath as you see fit. I'd say 3.5 to 4 out of 5
:Hope this helps.:thumb:
-Source for features; http://www.knifeworks.com/coldsteelgitantopolycarbonatescaleshandlecordurasheath.aspx
