Budget Cold Steel Combat knives: Which should you choose?

[@longliveforcemarine5188]

Join the Marine Corps in 1980. Boot camp to infantry training school, to RIP Program. Started out with a k bar, in late 1982 I bought a Recon tanto. I believe back then it was 1095 carbon steel. Fairly heavy blade. and use that knife to the end of the Marine Corps. I got out mid late August 1985. 5 and 1/2 years and Force Recon. Out in the bush I would not choose any other blade to use than the Recon tanto. I dug holes in the ground, pried out rocks, chopped wood, made shelter, etc now it's on one of my kits for 556. Awesome blade!

[@2017Toy]

You’re a great salesman. I just ordered a G.I. Tanto from Amazon. Thank you also for the great video content.

[@411Outdoors]

Always a pleasure! Thank you for your kind words!

[@JCOwens-zq6fd]

I recommend the GI tanto if your going to be opening tin cans etc but other than that I've carried them all & all of them are more than fit for purpose

[@checkitout4740]

Those are All Great Combat Blades. Years ago my GI Tanto was damaged on the Tip and I easily put a new point on it with some file work. After that, I always wondered about the heat treatment on that Blade. On my Kobun , I built up and Re-profiled the rubber grip with a Moldable rubber glue called Sugru. Then I cut out a small section of kydex from the sheath. Since I spend most of my Time in Urban Environments, (Unfortunately), my EDC is usually dictated by Weather, Clothes,and what type of Shit Neighbourhood I'm going into. Keep those Wheels Spinning. These are some Weird Times.

[@411Outdoors]

Well said!🙂👍

[@ThirdoptionJCSU]

​@@411Outdoors I just order one GI tanto i think will cut of that piece of guard on the spine side and it will be great no spin knife

[@allanbrown747]

Love my recon tantos, sk5 for my beater & vehicle carry .my SAN MAI stays next to the bed. Also have the kobun which gets used in an EDC manner around the house. I'll will definitely be getting a GI soon. COLD STEEL makes some great blades for budget prices #22aday 🇺🇲 ⚔

[@411Outdoors]

Yes sir 🙂👍👍 love my San Mai Recon. I keep mine close as well

[@philosophusbellator]

Several factors constitute a good combat/tactical knife: blade length to reach vital organs, and blade depth (something 2" deep will make a greater wound channel than something 1" deep). Tantos re renowned for piercing ability, so all in all, I agree with your choices. Didn't know CS had a GI tanto!

[@vitocarbonara7770]

The GI Tanto is now €50 euros in europe. 18 months ago it was €35 euros. Its amazing how the drop in production, the challenge in obtaining materials and the unsettling war in Ukraine has created an up up tick in pricing!!! They are wonderful knives and affordable. Thanks again for thr reviews...

[@411Outdoors]

Anytime 🙂👍

[@wellingtonblackwell3118]

I had the GI Tanto, SRK-C, and the Kobun. I have a Recon Tanto in San Mai 3. I will get another GI Tanto and I will buy a Medium Warcraft Tanto in 4034. The American Tanto Point is my favorite blade style in all of Cold Steel. But you have 4 great choices in Cold Steel combat style knives. Thank you for the good video!

[@411Outdoors]

Thanks my friend!

[@007twm]

My picks are Kobun for urban/suburban EDC , glovebox, etc., SRK for woods walking , hunting, civil air patrol rescue units, etc., Recon Tanto for other heavy duty self defense use and the GI Tanto for heavy chopping and as a substitute for the Ka-Bar knife in military applications. Thank you for another great video. 👍

[@411Outdoors]

Great picks and well said! Thank you as well my friend

[@007twm]

@@411Outdoors You're quite welcome. Keep up the good work.

[@Michael-vu1ob]

Yet again another great and mind proactive video Brother! I would go with Kobun for lite and concealed carry, next would be the recon tanto. If I'm in a combat situation I'm probably not looking at throwing my knife unless it's a single combatant and I know I can retrieve my knife safely. What I like about the Kobun and Recon Tanto is the curved blade make for excellent slicing which is what I'm doing in combat, slicing for arteries and ligaments. I'm not complaining if I got stuck with any of those knives! Did you see the Cold Steel Tanto Lite, another good budget option. By the way, you inspired me to get the Recon San Mai and it received it yesterday! That's the ticket! Form and Function all in one! Thanks again Brother for all the great content! Be well and may The Heavenly Father and His only Begotten Son Yeshua Bless you and your family.

[@411Outdoors]

Thanks so much brother! you as well. Great to hear you got the San Mai Recon coming your way.

[@arsenalreign]

Great video…. I’m buying the kobun and gi tanto!!!!

[@411Outdoors]

Cool bro! You’ll dig these blades

[@liquiddw2]

I agree with your assessment. I also like how you factor in the throwing aspect as well. I'm not as skilled as I should be in throwing knives but this summer I think I'll make a point to hit the park for practice.

[@turtlewolfpack6061]

I love my Recon Tanto! Been an owner since the original in Carbon V with the beautiful leather sheath, which I still own. The SK5 version is great but I really think they shouldn't have gone with a hollow grind over the flat saber that the original has. Haven't had any issues though, it is just preference.

[@411Outdoors]

How has the handle on yours held up?

[@turtlewolfpack6061]

@@411Outdoors I think very well, I don't throw my knives but there are several reports of them loosening when you do. Battoning seems to have no effect on the handle at all and being a hidden tang is a bonus when the temperatures drop below freezing!

[@2104dogface]

so the only Cold Steel items i carried while in the Army was the Rifleman Tomahawk & Kukri Machete, and for the most part they were on the Ruck and used to clear brush or smash ice to get the tri pod out for the M60. for my combat knife i carried a SOG goverment recon or a EK and the most action they saw was opening MRE's lol but i deff agree with you on the Kobun for urban carry. you still need to get a Cold Steel Warhammer and smash some coconuts

[@411Outdoors]

You reading my mind and my friend 😂 I got to get that and the baseball bat

[@NatureZone101]

I picked up a GI Tanto a while back and part of the thinking was it had a great base for lashing to a stick to create a spear. I tend to like short spears.

[@DelightfulHelmet-mc8su]

I've had a recon tanto in carbon 5 and the knife hasn't gotten loose around the guard,I've had it over 30 years and no problems at all.

[@411Outdoors]

Yeah, if the knife doesn’t get beat up too bad and it’s used as normal. It’s just fine.

[@rikidozan553]

The two curved tantos (recon & kobun) have the advantage as slicing knives; the way you use a katana. The SRK I would not consider as a knife for fighting. Even to the GI Tanto I would prefer a Glock.

[@411Outdoors]

Yes sir 👍 this is one of those vids you put out and then your mind changes. The Kobun really is my favorite of them all

[@DanielA-nl9nv]

I own all of them... Kobun -- Best for an edc fixed blade SRK - Best for woods work, camping GI Tanto - Best if you are actually going to fight somebody Recon Tanto - Best utility-combat / all purpose knife, but not a master of any one thing.

[@Mike-id8gu]

Fun video with the 4 choices. I own 2 SRK's and one Reckon Tanto. I guess I'm "old school", but like my SRK in CPM-3V.

[@mannylieberman2574]

I believe it is worth mentioning that of all the fixed blade Tantos Cold Steel makes, only their Kobun comes in serrated as well as plain blade. Some of us like serrated for a self defense knife. And some of us don't. Lynn Thompson does. I do too. I have the Kobun in both plain and serrated. They are cheap enough to own both. I EDC several Cold Steel folders with serrations, but I have yet to carry either of my Kobuns. Perhaps I should.

[@411Outdoors]

Serrated is definitely awesome in self defense. The Kobun is great because it’s a big blade you can carry pretty easy

[@angelheart7643]

I have and like all 4 blades mentioned in the budget dept. But for a pure fighter it's the Shanghai Shadow with the ring for your thumb, great balance and a razorsharp blade on both(!) sides comparable to the Tai-Pan, but a lot lighter - which should draw your attention first. Just mod the handle with some bat tape and you are good to go !

[@lucianbrad4291]

I totally agree with your choice .... Although the Recon Tanto is a great knife as well ... But I see your point and it is logical ! GI Tanto will support lots of abuse - and being a really full tang is a plus

[@TheLockWhisperer]

thanks for the review

[@411Outdoors]

🙂👍 anytime

[@stevemendez3535]

I love my code still, G.I.! But nobody can tell me what the notch is for at the bottom of the blade right above the handle.

[@411Outdoors]

Prob just the design haha

[@Kyle-bb9zp]

I like the kobun serated 5 and half in blade. The price point of 55 dollars. The XL voyagers folder going for 84.00 on knife center. That's why I would go for the fix blade. In till maybe the price cones down.

[@RobRob75]

Love you're videos fellow!

[@411Outdoors]

Thanks my friend!

[@tristan4460]

Nice review, i have the older GI tanto with the paracord grip,. I feel its mabe a bit better than the newer model,. You get some cord if needed and its easier to change into a spear head.

[@gideonlee6244]

Totally agree with u. GI tanto can become a spear. Kobun is easy carry

[@czechmate3884]

I believe the GI tanto is 1055 steel. Good content as always tho, keep it up!

[@411Outdoors]

Come to think of it I believe you are right👍👍. Thank you my friend!🙂

[@requiscatinpace7392]

Military knives tend to be smaller these days. Whether it’s fashion, social acceptance or because of more urban theatre’s. Not to mention the amount of equipment we carry now. I’ve got the GI Tanto and it’s a beast.

[@marcstarc]

Kobun also full tang I believe.

[@411Outdoors]

It goes all the way through the handle, most definitely but it’s thinner. Some would call it rat tail

[@Christopher33312]

Great video... I agree... The kobun seems best. I couldn't concealed carry the GI tanto and I'd never throw a knife... No skill in doing so .. and would never give away my blade. But Thanks!

[@411Outdoors]

Thanks buddy I most definitely would not throw my only knife either. Unless it was an only option of some sort in a weird situation

[@Christopher33312]

@@411Outdoors Well, and youve got skill and tons of practice, where I have neither. You know though, I'll mention that I carry a CS mini leatherneck dagger as part of my EDC. 3 inch, double sided, sharp and perfect for my weak side if a get in a bad situation fighting over the tool in my strong hand. And on a t-clip on my belt it conceals under a t-shirt on my left hip. Thank goodness for Cold Steel 😀😀😀

[@411Outdoors]

@@Christopher33312 love them Leather Necks 🙂👍👍 super cool blade

[@johnmcclelndon7641]

Cool video! My every EDC is the cold steel Ti lite 6

[@411Outdoors]

Cool bro!

[@Frozirra]

I got a Leatherneck SF on sale for $37, its made of D2 and was a no brainer for me over the SRK

[@411Outdoors]

Absolutely! Would love a deal like that

[@Kyle-bb9zp]

Buy them all they are awesome

[@dennishein2812]

I like the SRK . Haven't got one yet. Still trying to justify getting it and convinsing my wife i need it. I'm 68 and in a wheelchair. I do carry self defense wepons though. Gotta convince the wife I need to rotate my blades.

[@maxlutz3674]

My choice of those would be the Recon Tanto. With my kind of clothing I can coceal it easy enough and it is enough blade for self defense. My current EDC is an Eickhorn SEK II with a 4" blade. The scales are structured G10. I was designed to satisfy German carry laws. It still is useable for self defense and against potential animal attacks. Around here the animal is most likely to be a dog.

[@Milo30066]

Good choice

[@cspreps152]

I started working the SRK into my EDC… (semi baggy shirts are required) 🤣🤣🤣

[@411Outdoors]

Haha! 👍

[@rosscurran5650]

I'd probably go for the recon tanto or srk for me better reach, sturdier tips than the kobun and definitely the g.i. tanto the tip shaped clean off on mine, I have all these blades and out of these I'd choose the recon or srk. However as regards a pure combat knife meant for nothing else other than protection against anything on two or four legs I think the marauder is hard to beat maybe the drop forged survivalist but the marauder is an absolute behemoth!!!

[@411Outdoors]

You do have a point with the tip on those blades. The tip on the recon and srk are really solid

[@rosscurran5650]

@@411Outdoors yeah they are tough, you should get yourself a marauder though absolute monster and at a decent budget price, little more expensive but nowhere near the expense of the more premium options.

[@lowrangeoverland9013]

GI tanto if I could pick one.. lucky for me I have about 30-40 knives 👍

[@saifaldin_]

For combat, I would go with the recon tanto. Good grip, more usable length.. i got mine almost as cheap as my GI tanto (abt 4usd difference). The GI is not that far behind, though.. very good balance, crazy sharp tip, prominent guards (the handle we can modify)

[@411Outdoors]

After looking back, I definitely agree with you on the Recon because of the handle👍👍

[@lowrangeoverland9013]

liking the SRK 👍

[@411Outdoors]

It’s truly great🙂👍 so all purpose in every way

[@KrissStiletto13]

Great discussion! :-) Peace, Stiletto :-)

[@matrixlockdown2975]

aww, no Leatherneck? That knife is a beast.

[@411Outdoors]

It really is 👍

[@CampfireKodiak]

A double edged dagger will outperform any single edged knife in penetration tests. Cold Steel makes a few models. They are not as versatile however for general use.

[@411Outdoors]

Well said! Double edge is super lethal. Need to add a good one to the collection. I reviewed one from grand way but it had some opportunity

[@Jesus-Christ-Is-Our-King]

That tip on G.I. Tanto is not solid and may not last you a long time. SRK looks like a winner to me.

[@richardcontinijr9661]

The only mark against the Kobun is the clip on the sheath. It's as useless as a clip could be. Replace it with an Utli Clip and your gtg.

[@411Outdoors]

Yep I’ve got an ulti on my other one. I have two of them. That pocket clip they give is so bad haha.

[@adammcguinness9950]

Now that I have the Recon tanto and the SRK, I prefer the SRK. It feels more capable whereas the tanto is an unbreakable chonk. The SRK can do finer jobs.

[@411Outdoors]

💯👍

[@i_honey_badger]

how sharp out of the box they are coming?

[@411Outdoors]

All very sharp. Never got a dull cold steel blade

[@i_honey_badger]

@@411Outdoors new to your channel, great content, well thought and delivered information and knowledge for the daily use and life. keep on going strong ! from israel

[@411Outdoors]

@@i_honey_badger thank you!

[@jonathandiamond6801]

Recon Tanto for fighting. SRK for survival.

[@terrybest8973]

I agree with that my self

[@cbroz7492]

. I've got all four...

[@Veheloth]

The srk. All day, every day.

[@vladimirkovacevic1656]

recon tanto sk5

[@411Outdoors]

Awesome knife 🙂👍

[@sunbunbradley]

Great choices . That is what I would pick. As far as combat goes I am a MARINE and a multiple war veteran, and the only thing I killed with my KA-BAR was a kangaroo RAT in IRAQ. Other than that I opened my meal ready to eat , and one time out in the field we were throwing our KA-BARS at a tree to see who was the best. We did that for a few hours . I am not that good at throwing knives. I am a little better at a knife fight , because after training MMA , and training BJJ when we were done we would get the kydex knives out ,and we would go at it. We would knife fight on the mats for one hour after class . I learned a lot. I also fought MMA , and my pro record is 5-1 the time I lost I agreed to fight a 220 lb man and I weighed 185 because the guy I was supposed to fight didn’t show up. CHEERS BROTHERS AND SISTERS OF THE BLADE!! Good Luck, and GOD BLESS you all!!!!

[@411Outdoors]

Thanks for sharing brother! If it’s the KA-BARS I’m thinking about those things are awesome. God bless you my friend

[@randomescu]

i would not choose anything with PP handle. its slippery. ive got a Slang21 machete and its hard to use, i must use alot of force to control it. i just plasti-dip it and its alot safe and easy to use it. im also not happy with Spiderco Light and cheap FRN. same hard slippery plastic, even with the 3D pattern. im about to plasti-dip it too.

[@411Outdoors]

Great tip👍 thank you

[@powerplay4real174]

GI Tanto is or was 1055 carbon steel ⚔️ It's a serious budget friendly blade and it is tough and it's lives up to it's tittle as GI as in GI Tanto 🎯⚔️🪖🎖️🪖⚔️🎯

[@411Outdoors]

Right on 🙂👍👍

[@rogermilam4194]

GI TANTO