$25 OF AWESOME: Cold Steel GI Tanto

[@maximus512]

Got mine today. Oh my god. . sharp as hell out of the box. Scary sharp in fact. Very well build, like a tank, awesome. Forget the Ka-Bar with its narrow weak tang. The Ka-Bar is a utility knife, the GI Tanto is a pure combat and intimidating knife. It is worth 3 times its selling price. It is even scary to hold in my hands... it strikes with deadly force. Selling such a great value at such a low price... ??? They must be crazy at Cold Steel.

[@kadendookie178]

Atleast my ka-bar's tip isn't breaking under stress. Don't believe me? Watch joex's video on it

[@delbert3539]

I've owed this knife for about eight years (or so). Over the years I have modified the blade, stapled the handle, stripped the finish, and made a rough kydex sheath. Most people wouldn't even recognize my finished product as a Tanto G.I. But it was fun and I love the knife even though it stays in a go-bag most of the time.

[@CedricAda]

Not many better semi disposable blades out there than the GI tanto. Thanks for a great review

[@jfilm7466]

KillerDeegan Same here.

[@alexcarter8807]

I think I remember seeing ads for the GI Tanto going back to the 1980s.

[@ArcticGator]

Nuggetnoggin, a well known metal detectorist here on youtube has been using one of these for i think, the last 4-5 years as a probe so he has been digging in mud and rocky soil and chopping roots with it all that time, for the price this needs to be in everyone's garage or truck or bugout bag as a back up.

[@gideonstactical]

Nice, great feed back!

[@MiggyBenz]

Arctic Gator just because it’s cheap doesn’t mean it’s automatically a backup knife bud, it’s an amazing knife!

[@DA-fn4ss]

Tell 'em Howie

[@Iridium242]

One of the first knives I reviewed, I thought it might be junk but I love the thing now. Its awesome.

[@gideonstactical]

Iridium242 agreed!

[@bcdpro7177]

Really great review, honest and accurate and THOROUGH. I have had this knife for 9 months and everything you have said about it is bang on. I have been throwing it at a target mounted on a tree for 6 months and it has taken a BEATING, I was learning to throw so it had many adventures bouncing off rocks, my neighbors' fence etc. and always came up smiling. It is an excellent throwing knife as it is built straight and has a nice balance. It sinks deeply into the target. I love the sheath, and even though I have a 'better' knife, I use this one all the time. I have modded it with great results Gone is the coating and the rear hilt has been ground down, and I took the edge off of the swedge. I have also put some ranger bands on the handle. There is something honest about 1055 steel. It will lose its edge after some hard use but it is so easy to put a razor sharp edge back on it that you don't worry about it. Its almost more of a tool than a knife in some ways. Keep up the nice work. I have enjoyed watching your channel from up here in Canada a lot. Take care.

[@maximus512]

I studied knives for years. The GI Tanto is one of the strongest blades out there. Significantly stronger than a KaBar USMC and a Glock field knife. It comes scary sharp out of the box. It's really mind blowing and should be the standard military field and combat knife. Also a very intimidating blade. Pulled out in a hand to hand fight, the enemy for sure would shit his pence.

[@CadillacDriver]

Wtf are you on about? I bet you have never even handled one of these

[@happychappy2014]

Say what? You don't want a fighting knife over 350 grams or so, it would slow you down. While this almost twice as heavy at 600 grams!

[@Timeshifter32]

Hell yeah, every time i pull mine from the sheath it startles me lol

[@urbnctrl]

I'd take a Recon blade or a Bowie before this to be fair, it is a very nice knife but the weight man it feels like you're wielding a machete compared to knives the same size. It is a very sturdy and throwable knife tho I do carry it with me often.

[@sigiligus]

Are you saying this GI Tanto is a better knife for less than half the price than Cold Steel's own Leatherneck (their version of a kabar)?

[@leemcgann6470]

I have used this as an edc, I have one in my bug out kit, I give it as gifts frequently. Another great thing pop the scales off & easily lash it to a pole for a spear or war hammer. I have been a fan of this knife for years. I stripped it& gave it a good 90 degree spine for bushcraft.

[@N0tRe1aly]

Lee McGann where do you live to edc this

[@leemcgann6470]

Greenman Bushcraft and survival I live in North Charleston SC. At my last job I had it in my belt daily... on this job I keep it in my briefcase... which is by my right hand 95% of the time. When I’m not working it’s in my belt.

[@PBAJ10]

Gave the first one I bought ten years ago to a buddy. Just picked up another one to keep in the truck. A must-have.

[@taylormilton1874]

One of the best things you do when you test a knife is testing the tip of the blade. That's always helpful, keep up the good work!

[@gideonstactical]

Taylor Milton glad to hear it helps!

[@DylanDraper1]

My go to knife, but I reprofiled it into a drop point by taking the tanto chisel down into a sweep, and removing the bolster on the spine of the blade, I’d love to make up some micarta scales for it too. Absolute brute of a knife

[@jman0701]

I'd love for coldsteel to make a GI bowie or drop point version of this one and I'm sure it will be a hit!

[@jeremiahkindel9301]

I have seen people online reprofile the tip to a bowie.

[@theoggie68]

I bought one this morning as I had read a few reveiws on it. Came home from work and did a search on KZbin. Just watched your video very pleased I've purchased it now. Thanks. £35 UK price!!👍

[@gideonstactical]

phil ogden glad to hear it

[@LanceLiebenberg]

Just purchased a GI Tanto (787 ZAR, here is South Africa) and came across your review. Must say I'm really chuffed with this knife as well. I put two velcro straps on the Secure-Ex sheeth which enabled me to carry it concealed on my calf as an edc (handle side down for easy access and quick draw). It fits perfectly, and you can't notice it if you take the belt clip off as the knife sits very snug it's not really needed either. I've noticed a bit of edge dulling from removing and inserting the knife into the sheeth, but nothing too serious. It still keeps a decent hair popping edge at a 60° overall angle, even with the slight edge dulling. I think that the 1055 carbon steel with the spring temper is just perfect. Great ballance between being tough as nails and keeping a really good edge. I've seen some expensive metals not being treated correctly and really horrible performance from superior metal. Cold steel really hit the nail on the head with this combination. The best, cheap, self defense/outdoors knife that you can really rely on. Please keep em reviews coming. You're the best by far 👍

[@lbroolz]

Got one of these for about $23 as well. LOVE it. Got it for everything. Beating, batoning, spear, sheath, and it can take a SERIOUS beating. Love it. I was pleasantly surprised. I, too, added some paracord to the end, for those dicey moments that may come up. Plenty of room for loading up with paracord, sheath height options, and for under $25, CANNOT beat (well, yes, actually you can very well) that! Total bargain. Completely impressed. Sheath us very impressive itself. The handle looks simple, but it's actually very comfortable and quite gripable. This knife has so much potential for just about anything. Grinding, modding, maybe practice paracord braiding grips, and on and on. For under $25 including shipping, not only a deal, it's a steal.

[@Standswithabeer]

Thanks for a great review of a good, inexpensive knife. This knife fits several niches & is 100% mod-able. I curved the tanto corner & reduced some meat at the forward end and let me tell you--what a knife. I gave it to my son, who says he likes it for heavy use. Cold Steel has several inexpensive knives that work.

[@elvinamillaneam]

I agree this knife can a great start in learning modification projects. I pair my knife with a Mora companion I changed the the velcro a teklock, along with some paracord and a fishing kit and ferro rod and a small multitool. This knife is for a great beginner camper.

Owned it for about 5 years. It's part of my get home bag in my truck! My Bug Out Bag has my BK7 and Mora.

[@tm1182]

this was my first good fixed blade, got it from sportsman's warehouse. both I and my dad have one and I made some ipe scales for it. love it!

[@gideonstactical]

Tyler Mcintyre nice!

[@jorgefernandez6407]

Best 20 bucks (Midway USA sale!) I ever spent! I've had that knife in my backpack for almost 2 years, going everywhere I go! Truly, my fixed blade EDC... Oh, and I sharpened that swedge, an easy mod.

[@shaungrant5565]

Ordered this on a whim the other day,hasn't arrived yet.Now I'm glad I did.

[@gideonstactical]

Shaun Grant its fun

[@liamireland7381]

Shaun Grant You will be beyond happy.

[@sandfordfields6578]

I purchased this knife and trust me, its sharp! The knife and sheath is nice! Yes the sheath is super nice! Its worth the money definitely!

[@banditgriot2000]

Great knife for people who want to learn how to sharpen a knife too. Nice job on the video.

[@gideonstactical]

Banditgriot totally so easy a caveman can do it

[@mistersmith3986]

Dam! That's the first hand that ever made the G.I. Tanto look smaller than it is! Thanks for the review brother!

[@kevinmorris4426]

that review was phenomenal, your enthusiasm is unmatched!

[@gideonstactical]

Thanks so much Kevin.

[@Timeshifter32]

I paid 40$ for mine and it was a freaking steal all the way. The tantos are amazingly tough. I have had mine for some years now and have punished it hard, or at least ive tried to. Mostly it just laughs at me and calls me a Nancy.

[@boukedijkstra4690]

Bought mine couple of years ago,did some paracord rapping the handle,and now its time for the blade!Thanks for the video,gave me some new ideas,greetings from Holland!

[@gideonstactical]

bouke dijkstra sweet! Thanks for watching

[@StevanOutdoor]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3bHeJiNdq97b6c

[@j3o300]

Oops! 6:52 sneaky dog! Nice review Aaron, I love my G.I Tanto. It's very good beater.

[@gideonstactical]

j3o300 yep! Tommy the Trail dog

[@ApocGuy]

I've modded mine(changed the cutting edge to rounded one(very similar to CS bushman), cut upper handguard and ditch that slippery handles) but LOVE IT. its really beast, nearly indestructable.Im using it almost every day and its still razor sharp.tnx for review.

[@lukesparks6021]

This is one of my all time favorites. I have three of them and carry one on both of my backpacks. For the price, I don't think it can be beaten

[@gideonstactical]

Luke Sparks agreed!

[@srvctek1]

Awesome knife for the money, I've owned two for about 6 years now and customized one, I dremeled the scales and cut the top guard off, it's virtually indestructible.

[@willallan6653]

Thanks for the review. I had originally dismissed this blade at my local shop. I'm reconsidering it now.

[@gideonstactical]

Will Allan yeah it's a great back up beater blade, definitely not my first choice, but if I'm on a really tight budget, and I need a bug out bag blade and make some lot more sense than trying to come up with money for a BK seven to keep in my car.

[@willallan6653]

gideonstactical - and I love your suggestion about using it to practice / perfect my mod skills, which are non-existent. It's $52 at my local shop in Canada, but that's life here. Better off trying things at 50 vs than at $128 for the BK7.

[@alexcarter8807]

I bought a Morakniv Companion thinking it would be this kind of knife but it isn't really. Still a really nice $20 knife to keep in my tool box, but this looks like what I'm after.

[@jackb6989]

I've played with it and I have the Strongarm, but I'm getting this one later this spring

[@alanaspopo1955]

Fantastic! I have looking for a beater knife that is big enough! Thanks Aaron! Gonna order one!

[@gideonstactical]

Glad to help.

[@roberttosa2560]

I own this knife. It’s amazing. Yeah, like you say...just go buy one. You will be stunned at what it can do. Glad you reviewed this knife.

[@JCRF]

Great beater knife, I call it the Orc knife cause it looks like something from LoTR

[@gideonstactical]

dece74 haha totally

[@WhatsthePOINT_EDC]

Excellent video! Just got the G.I. Tanto and SRK. Tonight I stripped the SRK and put a mustard patina on it! Next is the G.I. Tanto. Thanks man!

[@jamescase1555]

Very nice Aaron I like this great knife for that price

[@ironfae]

Love mine. I had to modify the handle and give it more grip, but overall it’s the best budget fixed blade on any market.

[@liamireland7381]

I've upgraded since but this was my go to camp/bug out/survival knife. Great knife and a great review! Slightly surprised you didn't review this earlier.

[@gideonstactical]

I know! Should have years ago.

[@liamireland7381]

Better late than never brother.

[@StevanOutdoor]

Slightly surprised you did wait for a review. They have been out there for a long time now. The blade and the reviews are all over the internet

[@michaelfroelich5424]

i was checking that thing out last week in bass pro shop. almost bought it. great vid. will have to order it

[@gideonstactical]

Michael Froelich heck ya!

[@metoo5867]

Cool blade. How long was lanyard?

[@paddle3428]

Dec 2020- got one on the way shortly after hearing that Cold Steel was sold. It’s bittersweet

[@michaelwilliams2912]

I own this and think it's great. The sheath is perfect and no worries beating the crap out of it to get through hard, knotty wood. There are some imperfections too, but it's to be expected at this price.

[@frankstarship6381]

I decided to test the tip of mine mercilessly. I hammered it to half an inch in hardwood and then just pried it until whatever would happen. It got out and the tip was bent straight to a 60-70 degree angle. I bent it back pretty decently in place and it is fine.

[@Tnav02]

Great review! I have one and I love it! I will buy another to modify like you said. Great video thanks !

[@gideonstactical]

Tony Navarro sweet!

[@7storm776]

Great vid... Many great points mentioned here. I love this blade. Very under rated. Keep up the good work.

[@jfilm7466]

My first Cold Steel knife. I love it and had fun beating the crap out of it. Accidentally broke the tip but reprofiled and all good. It's now a six foot spear and walking staff.

[@samthai818]

This is now made in China not Taiwan. The heat treatment and toughness of the blade is extremely questionable. Many people have broken the blade and tip during recent tests. Was this made in China seven years ago when this video aired? That would probably explain alot as to the loss in quality.

[@17sepp17]

It is absolutely, one of the best knife's. I got in a 30+ collection. And the price is well worth the money !! 🙂

[@wflccb83]

I'd like to see what's under the hand scales, this would look cool with a paracord wrap if its possible

[@ApocGuy]

sry for late replay; its full tang knife , so you'll get plain stell under scales.i've wrapped mine with paracord, but if you have bigger jands it might be a bit to thin.

[@StevanOutdoor]

Full tang. No skeleton tang. Good for wrapping paracord.

[@spacecatboy2962]

impressive......most impressive

[@jfilm7466]

I had to reprofile mine after I missed the target and hit the only rock in the garden. Still does the job even though it is no longer a Tanto.

[@lesliepaulkovacs6442]

You know, I see another use for that knife. Say you're a Youth Minister at a Church Camp, and every week you get a new group of kids who will spend the week in the woods. The Camp could have a stash of those Blades, and the Adults could teach the kids (High Schoolers, I'd think would be the age group to get the knives ) what Knives can and can't do for one out in the Woods. Remember, a LOT of kids haven't been through Scouting, or come from a "Country Family". Trust me, we used to do that in the 60s/70s, and I learned most of my "Woods Skills" back then at good old Camp Wanake in Ohio. Same with some Moras, BTW. Stencil the Handle of the Blade to the Sheath, then Issue them to the Campers. Just something to think about. Oh, and a simple Hack for that knife. Take off the scales, grab a quarter, scribe a curve on the Handle side of Guard, Top and Bottom where it ramps up, then just Dremel away the Material within the Scribe Line to make nice smooth curves. Much more comfortable, and it'll still lock up in the sheath. Take Care.

[@StevanOutdoor]

I would use the Hultafors GK for that. In fact I do.

[@MrFloogy]

I like mine. I've had it for years. Stripped and re profiled the blade and removed the back quillon. It's less tactical but more functional.

[@mistersmith3986]

Aaron. Please post some videos after you do some mods to this blade. Thanks!

[@kristonkonos544]

Just saw your video and gotta say very informative. I was wanting to know what you would prefer between GI Tanto or SRK?

[@gideonstactical]

SRK is a more all around knife, but the GI tanto is also capable. But if I only had one it would be the SRK

[@kristonkonos544]

Thank you sook much for your input! I enjoy watching your videos

[@bradleygregg7522]

Knife is easily customizable. I cut the top finger guard off. Makes it much better for finer wood work. Filed grooves into handle scales used textured heat shrink over them.

[@gideonstactical]

Bradley Gregg sweet!

[@MasterK9Trainer]

I have the Schrade SCHF9 and 10 plus other knives like the Gerber Coyote Tan Plain Edge Prodigy, USMC Kabars, etc., which are "nicer" in terms of handles and styling, but I gave in and bought one of these on sale/clearance. I don't see it as a piece of junk, but a low cost, good value blade. I wish I had bought the other one. Good review.

[@bbwiebz3994]

Love that knife👌

[@jakelee6546]

would you consider this to be an ideal knife for combat? any recomendations that would be better?

[@josephjimmerson6254]

I loved playing with and modding mine.

[@highlander200268]

i sprayed my gi tanto handle with linex spray, works great

[@mistersmith3986]

Awesome!

[@tonyvillarreal3610]

You should try out the coldsteel trueflight thrower, its so much than a throwing knife

[@BlackFoxFalcon]

I removed the handle scales and use it as a throwing knife. Works perfectly in that role aswell.

[@charleslarson3152]

Very impressive for the money!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks!!

[@gideonstactical]

Charles Larson ya pretty sweet!

[@dynamicbassin7956]

Just bought one and ordered one today!

[@gideonstactical]

American Spartan101 sweet!

[@gideonstactical]

Sweet!

[@dynamicbassin7956]

gideonstactical one day shipping and they said it will be here tomorrow so I'll let you know what I think of it! Thank you for the inspiration to buy it. I think and know I'm gonna like it or love it!

[@Elrond_Hubbard1]

Ever hear of anyone doing slashing tests between tanto style knives vs. traditional curve style? I find the tanto to be the ultimate in slashing, that point where the edges meet is vicious when used swinging.

[@donaldhausenfluck2200]

Great knife 👍

[@3Pillers]

Have one - really like it - recommend it. GB 👍👍 Great Review.

[@MrSIXGUNZ]

thanks much for everything you do sir!! blessings 😇😇😇

[@gideonstactical]

MrSIXGUNZ thanks for watching

[@markj7579]

if you look up the destruction video on this knife, you'll realize just how great a value this is. couldn't break it, except for the tip. I threw mine in my toolbag and used it to cut a battery cable and n half with a hammer, like a press.

[@MooCowManHG]

Do you have any plans to review one of the UTC knives? I'm really curious to how they stack up to the OKC RAT and ESEE knives.

[@gideonstactical]

MooCowManHG have been testing them for a few weeks, review coming in the end of march

[@MooCowManHG]

Awesome! I'm excited to see that!

[@sawdust6968]

awsome! i was thinking the same:-D

[@czredhead8286]

On your recommendation I have ordered this beater beast. It's just the ticket for a truck knife. Thanks !

[@gideonstactical]

Sweet, hope it serves you well.

[@JesusKing1105]

Love this knife. I wish cold steel would make a compact version of this. 4 1/2 inches. Same profile, same budget steel or un AUS 10

[@Kobudokaiju]

I have costumes mine so much this kinfe is some you get to make you're own

[@joelvelazquez1892]

The handles on mine came loose after a couple weeks of work I used some super glue and problem gone.

[@gideonstactical]

joel Velazquez look into lock tight. Same thing you can unscrew it if you need to

[@StevanOutdoor]

I superglued the h*** out of it. It works great.

[@sethjones5078]

Got to love a cold steel

[@spektr540hemi]

I love beater reviews! I have some very high end blades,guns and gear but it is just too cool to have kit that rocks for very little $. Stuff one can use with no worries!!!

[@jimzee6954]

nice review! best under 25? What about the cold steel hunter lite?

[@jimzee6954]

Josh Fields, thanks. I haven't seen a review on the CS Hunter Lite. would like to know how it stands up.

[@StevanOutdoor]

Don't think you can really compare. Different blades. But my guess would be that I would not do with the Hinter lite all the things I do with my GI Tanto or it will break

[@davidcarson7855]

the GI tango and bushman are both reasonable working fixed blades

[@ht8138]

I would get this as a good gift/starter knife but I've noticed a lot of ppl can't keep rust off their blades. Sadly this would be perfect for a non-knife/gear person who typically can't take care of their gear and abuse it. Or thoose who require something that can take a beating

[@goodnameyt6675]

I wish it was USA, but it still looks awesome!

[@jimzee6954]

Gideonstactical, did you ever review the cold steel outdoorsman lite?

[@kevincarver8514]

Thanks Aaron, yep I'll be picking one up....

[@gideonstactical]

Kevin Carver you will dig it

[@solomonkane408]

bought it great review

[@prospector14]

Can you reverse the webbing for left hand carry?

[@stevemack389sm]

this was my first greatest throwing knife I bought and learned that how to do the no spin throwing knife With it, it's still in my home for the last 4 year's since I bought it and well I'm just confused about y u r doing a video on it know???......

[@gideonstactical]

BIKES BLADES/GUN'S haha right!

[@conanfa18]

Gideon. Any chance, since you are looking at Cold Steel products, of reviewing the Warcarft Tanto? The have crazy videos of the abuse that knife can take, but is it a legitimate field-survival type option? Great video on the GI Tanto, as always. Was waiting for your to review the GI Tanto, and now I just ordered one. Can't go wrong for $25! Thanks and God Bless you and yours!

[@gideonstactical]

I do want to review the warcraft and AK-47 field knife, this year.

[@ottergt]

Definitely looking forward the AK-47 Field Knife review! I've been pleased with nearly every Cold Steel product I've purchased. I'll have to look around your archive more (recently subscribed), but if you haven't done many reviews on the other budget fixed blades from CS, I'd love to see you do some (I'm thinking of the Kruup 4116 knives, like the Finn Hawk, Pendleton Lite Hunter, and Roachbelly).

[@tm1182]

gideonstactical CANNOT WAIT!

[@stanleyelliott3827]

Aaron, as always I enjoy your informative videos. Question-how do I get one of your gideonstactical morale patch?

[@gideonstactical]

Stanley Elliott working on a new batch now! Hope to have them soon!

[@stanleyelliott3827]

gideonstactical Thank you. Will what to hear from you

[@stonefox9124]

Ur knife is ticking?

[@MarkCatlos]

Will it throw a decent spark or does it have to be modified?

[@StevanOutdoor]

It is a high carbon steel so yes. I use mine for it. Might want to strip some of the paint.

[@dragonslayer8812]

Can someone tell me, if i were to grind off the top guard, how do i repaint it? What do i need to get it looking black again?

[@duncansq47]

not a good looking knife . but that makes it even better to just beat on and not care . especially at that price

[@taylormilton1874]

is there anywhere besides the blade of this knife that would throw sparks off of a ferro rod?

[@gideonstactical]

Taylor Milton not as is. You would need to grind it

[@taylormilton1874]

gideonstactical right on, thanks man

[@StevanOutdoor]

Remove some paint of the spine and it will. I use it

[@coltonjacobs5383]

thank you for the review, im a low budget person so this knife will be nice

[@blackswordshinobi]

I love my cold steel gi tanto fore the prize it's unbeatable I have made boning trap shallow one foot trap one and work cut the spike really sharped enough to do job right and light fore combat knife training jack of al trade knife indeed 1055 steel sometime like 50 to 70 buck in some store the handle a little smooth but take hot iron you could put checking to style handle but it workable knife I love it

[@Dav624]

Fun fact:this is the same knife used in mw when soap throws it at shepherd eye

[@ManDuderGuy]

Yeah for the price these are freakin great!!