Cold Steel GI Tanto/Urban Survival Shelter! REVIEW

BUY IT HERE!: www.amazon.com/shop/influence...
I test out a tool that is far outside my usual choice and see how it performs making an emergency hobo shelter out of garbage. i believe in an urban survival situation, this tool, paired with a multitool like a leatherman or swiss army, can be a great combination.
Link to Cuervo Negro music: / cuervnegro
filmed in the El Paso, Texas/New Mexico area, Chuhuahuan Desert. Survival, Self-Reliance, Bushcraft, Camping, Making Fire, James Harris. Original music by Cuervo Negro. Junkyard Fox

[@legrandfromage9682]

Like the style of video. It's nice to see something being created; a man can only take so much batonning and "feather sticks".

[@jorgefernandez6407]

Agreed...100%!!!

[@Johonavich49]

Nice beater knife. And I agree about not attracting bad attention with the knife on your hip for everyone to see! That could draw some bad people or cops. Not saying cops are bad, though. Putting it on your boot, or in your bad, hidden from people is the best choice. Thank you Junkyard Fox!

[@MichaelTravis12c27]

Now that was an outstanding review James! Extremely well done!!

[@JunkyardFox]

+Blue Mountain Bushcraft and Outdoors thank ye very much! be sure to check out my other reviews as well. i think youd really enjoy my mora bushcraft black review.

[@susantemple2232]

A very good review. I really liked watching the lean-to being built. The imagination used to line the inner wall with cardboard was great, and closing off that one end with the with the with the mylar blanket was great idea too. I loved watching that come together.

[@charlescollier7217]

Very good review as always! Thanks

[@JunkyardFox]

+Charles Collier thanks for watching!

[@MorganScott82]

According to Cold Steel the GI Tanto is 1055 not 5160.

[@JunkyardFox]

youre right, i made a mistake. ill annotate it tomorrow. thanks for watching.

[@MrSIXGUNZ]

woohoo congrats on a great shelter!!! I love seeing new ideas!!

[@JunkyardFox]

thanks brother, glad you liked it!

[@sethdusith6093]

Awesome review man. Love your videos. Educational and entertaining

[@jjmireles66]

Really like your videos, I watch alot of videos and most are in a forest or well wooded area but I live in west Texas so your videos hit closer to my area and surroundings, glad I found you keepem coming.

[@JunkyardFox]

+John Mireles glad ye found my channel brother. hope ye can enjoy my stuff and still learn, get outside and have some adventures.

[@MasterK9Trainer]

I really like that you created a task or problem to solve. It's as if you are using the knife in a real world situation, which you are so far as you created a shelter, made a fire and used the knife to cut cardboard, tape and so on. It's like we went on an adventure with you and you demonstrated the value of the GI Tanto. I just bought one myself, might even get the second one as they were the last two and marked down to a good price, but not sure exactly what I plan to use them for other than they make a great match with the Cold Steel Katana Machete.

[@Tnav02]

Nice review Junkyard Fox ! I to own this same knife and I collect many knives but what sets this knife apart is that since it's not very expensive I can modify it however my need is and it takes a beating and stays sharp! It's good to see another desert dweller from El Paso TX ! I hope to see more video updates from you Brother! Thanks !

[@JunkyardFox]

now ill admit, this would not be my favorite knife, but then again, i can do things with this knife i wouldnt dare do to my fancier, more expensive ones. this a workhorse!

[@eric-gp4us]

I recently found your channel, and am enjoying your content a lot. I live in Florida, but I still find the desert survival strategies can apply fairly well to my area as well. For example, I have seen enough Prickly Pear in my city for knowledge on how to consume them and use them as a water bag to be beneficial. And I really loved this video because you took the idea of reviewing a product and re-imagined it in a way I have personally never seen before. Most reviews consist of someone putting the product through a series of seemingly unrelated tests, without ever actually discussing if it is necessary. Yours accomplishes this series of tests while actually building a structure, which I think is cool as hell. I also agree that survival (in either the wilderness or everyday life) is mostly dependent on the imagination of the survivor. I think far too many people put too much stock in the value of their survival items. A knife can be lost, damaged, or stolen, but if the survivor can't determine a way to make or acquire a new knife (or any other beneficial survival item), then they will probably have a rough couple of nights. Anyways, I just wanted to say thanks for the awesome content. Your channel has even made me start considering starting a Florida-based survival channel in my free time.

[@JunkyardFox]

im glad you found our channel, enjoy it and helps you learn and reflect about survival strategies for your area. be sure to check out all our other knife reviews, we always make sure the testing is relevant, education and entertaining. jsut let me know when yous tart filming some vids, i jsut subbed ye, brother. cheers.

[@eric-gp4us]

Sweet! Thanks for encouragement! And I have seen almost all of your videos at this point lmao

[@eric-gp4us]

Also, this really means a lot to me. I have started brainstorming video ideas and looking at affordable cameras in the hour since I posted that last comment. I will reach out when I get some content up!

[@ironfae]

I’m glad to see you actually put the knife to REALISTIC use. Too many videos just show performance demonstrations that don’t really imply purpose. This video better illustrates WHY it’s a useful knife. Well done. 👍

[@JunkyardFox]

be sure to check out our knife reviews playlist, we put our knives to work, none of those backyard goofy methods

[@ironfae]

Junkyard Fox Will do 👍 thanks.

[@IrishZombieNation]

Good review James. It's definitely a beater knife. At the price of $20 I haven't found another as durable. Good job on the shelter.

[@JunkyardFox]

+Irish Zombie Nation thanks Leo, it really did surprise me how well it held up, and the handle honestly wasnt too bad either.

[@rodrigodamianaramayopizarr7745]

Definitely, that's my kind of knife; I was deployed with one similar, I train with it. It has the correct weight and leight. In resume, an excelent blade.

[@shj2000]

Pretty creative improve and test for the CS Tanto. I'm not interested in Tanto blades, but the vid does show what can be accomplished with a larger blade. I probably would not disassemble a pallet with my Mora. Good job!

[@JunkyardFox]

thansk so much for watching. one of the advantages of thes knives is that theyre butt ugly and strong so i dont feel bad beating it.

[@coydog669]

Another enjoyable video! I found it interesting as well as informative. Keep up the good work!

[@JunkyardFox]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@cillaloves2fish688]

Another great vid James, I have a Smith & Wesson Tanto knife I got for Christmas n it's an awesome beater knife too. I don't use it alot, but when I do it performs well. Still has a good edge after all I put it thru!

[@MichaelTravis12c27]

I plan to.

[@JunkyardFox]

+Blue Mountain Bushcraft and Outdoors i appreciate the support. im honored youd even see one of my videos, mike.

[@burgesskj]

Excellent review. Along with all the other desert southwest tips I just have to subscribe.

[@JunkyardFox]

+Kevin Burgess thank ye very much! i try to switch it up with environments now and then.

[@alexecheverria8971]

how much was the knife and how did the blade and sharpness hold up? was it as good steel as your bush craft knives? great vid

[@SinSensor]

This knife keeps proving itself as a dependable tool!

[@JunkyardFox]

+Steven Boyd it really was a tough knife and not as uncomfortable as i was assuming the handle would be.

[@garland978]

That is a great beater knife, I call mine a dirty knife. Tanto tips are known for their strength for prying and digging, especially the thick blade ones. Great demo.

[@JunkyardFox]

+Garland N i really was surprised at its performance, my first thoughts were that it was a gimmick blade but it held up.

[@otreborzedalav1]

Cold steel makes pretty good knifes, the GI tanto is a beast and some military personnel do take this on deployments. Again, thank you for a great video.

[@JunkyardFox]

+otrebor zedalav thanks for watching! this thing was a very robust blade!

[@charleslarson3152]

In my main battery of blades, I own a 1/4 inch thick, Schrade SCHF 17 Tanto. It is a tool. However, I have found that the overall design of a big heavy Tanto is more useful than people give it credit for. Yes, it's a fighting knife able to pierce thick "targets." But I also use it as you did, and as you said, it's my beater knife. A tool that I can count on in very hard use, multiple applications. No, ya can't carve a spoon with it, but then, I have no intention of ever carving one anyway. And I will add here Amigo, we are indeed at war, right here in the USA. Going to get worse, soon....and war/survival craft is going to overtake bush/craft. AMB from southern Arizona.

[@JunkyardFox]

+Charles Larson a knife should have many different uses and i have no doubt this one can definitely make a bloody mess in a scuffle, no doubt about it.

[@charleslarson3152]

james harris Hey James I forgot to say that I really liked the concept of this video. Most of us are going to be caught in an urban environment when the turds hit the fan. That shelter would have saved you. Good job!!! Stay well.

[@fyremanjef]

Another nice review and video. No bs. And pretty plausible situation.

[@52rhflight56]

Thanks for the interesting review and referring the knife to Country Prepper. Country Prepper's review is correct: the CS GI Tanto is made from AISI 1055 Carbon Steel (vice this video description of 5160.) While some knife makers consider 5160 to be a carbon steel, it's not. Carbon steels all have the 1XXX designator. Chromium alloy steels (low alloy) have the 5XXX designator.

[@JunkyardFox]

ah interesting , i stand corrected. thanks for watching!

[@tylerthrash3155]

I use this knife every day brother for making shelters I have skined a squirrel,processed wood all kinds of feather sticking it's a decent chopper if you need it to do so and the blade is stout. you are rite the tip is a little weak due to the bevals but I can rely on it for sure for 20 30$

[@nothingbutthebest135]

Been looking for a cheap jack of all trades tanto. I am getting the GI Tanto, thanks great video.

[@JunkyardFox]

Glad I could help

[@LazyManPrepper1]

You made some hobo very happy. Good review. I hope to get it some time.

[@JunkyardFox]

+Lazy Man Prepper it was a very sturdy blade, i was surprised on how enjoyable to use it was.

[@chriscurry2540]

I love this knife! I've put the thing through hell and it's still great! I always keep it in my backpack. Good review!

[@JunkyardFox]

thank you, glad you enjoyed the video!

[@sifusasdo2314]

Cool and beautiful knife and sheat a Must have 👍 Thank U for the Info the link and the testing 👍

[@jordan-it2xf]

im picking one up beater for sure

[@JunkyardFox]

this thing is the tyoe of knife you beat on and dont even feel bad about it lol

[@runsandgunz]

you should try chopping in an alternating V pattern. helps a ton

[@JunkyardFox]

ill try that out next time, thanks for watching

[@thesmartbudgetchannel2940]

james harris - Thumbs up (+1). Thanks for sharing.

[@JunkyardFox]

+The Smart Budget Channel thank ye very much!

[@thesmartbudgetchannel2940]

james harris your welcome. I really enjoy your videos.

[@Seancmccormick]

Solid Hobo camp bro! Great review! Atb Sean

[@Dan-sq5cv]

Good video you have a rather unique perspective on survival and bush-craft. For instance your choice of the Victoinox Trekker as a survival knife, I totally agree. I think the difference is for what we intend but we may have to use what we have got. So if we envision an apocalyptic world after SHTF, then what are we likely to see. A place where everything is wiped clean but little animals survive to be snared and eaten, fish to be caught, clean flowing streams of water to drink? Maybe for woods living today or very remote places. Instead after the dust sett;es we are like to have the remnants of humanity and civilization around for a thousand years. if we decide not to rebuild. LOL. So we will be picking through stuff, finding can goods, making fire, finding plastic and aluminium for shelter, as you did in the video. Having a tool than undo a screw, open a can, strip a piece of wire, etc. is much more logical than having a bar of steel we can pound through a log. We could likely find an Axe in some deserted property. So your video for a homeless man is totally correct, as that is far more likely to be the survival situation after the end. Assuming were left alive.

[@JunkyardFox]

thank ye very much, and i agree with your comment, ill always take my swiss army knife everywhere. love their versatility.

[@matthewpittman2481]

Junkyard Fox I definitely prefer a SAK as my "survival knife" as it's much better at making stuff out of other stuff. Putting in and taking out screws of all kinds, drilling holes, sawing boards and limbs to precisely fit, and prepping fish and game for cooking. I love the OHT design so much I have three of them, scattered among my gear.

[@edscully8531]

Tanto is not my style. But, I do like the Cold Steel blades. I have the Cold Steel with the hollow plastic handle (not my favorite). That knife is far more useful than I expected. And it's kinda fun! I could see this tanto in the same way. Not a favorite, but something different to use and enjoy at times. I could see it as an extra for a campsite.

[@preptrehab9325]

what kind of bushcraft knife would you recommend

[@JunkyardFox]

i have a video review on the mora bushcraft black knife, i suggest ye check out that review so youll understand my reasons.

[@paulie4x1]

Thanx, ,,

[@tokr72]

I like you're review and demonstration. I knew you would change your opinion on the blade after using it. There is no reason why this blade can't be considered a full fledged survival knife. If users want it for strictly bushcraft, file down the back edge and cut off the top guard. The knife is made of 1055 carbon steel, spring tempered. It can take major abuse.

[@JunkyardFox]

+tokr72 i was pleasantly surprised, it did its job and held up well. pair this blade with a multi tool and thats a damn good combo for an urban survival situation.

[@solomonkane408]

do you really carry all those knives everyday?

[@davesmith3615]

Really dig your vids

[@JunkyardFox]

+dave smith thank ye very much.

[@joshuahmoran]

nice review James. Josh

[@thelzmovement6480]

I almost made the outdoor arena! but my poor camera work is the reason for the negligence

[@JunkyardFox]

+R.A.S. Tactical to be honest, i just use my iphone as a camera. just take a buddy that can steadily record and can give good feedback. i dont have fancy softars or fancy camera, microphones etc, as long as ye have interesting content, thats really all ye need.

[@gerryfunke1343]

I love this blade for the price.

[@justablackdude5423]

Hello, I was wondering what Jacket that was in the video. Thanks

[@JunkyardFox]

its a converse jacket i bought at target two years back.

[@justablackdude5423]

+Junkyard Fox thanks for the reply.

[@JH_1095]

I bought one just to abuse and the thing wont die... Got to give it props.

[@JunkyardFox]

agreed, it wont be winning any beauty contests anytime soon but it is a workhorse!

[@jamesk4277]

Music is great, cool video, I have this knife and I keep it in my truck as a backup. Do I have other knives? Yes, but do I want to put those knives through abuse? No. That’s why I have this knife in the truck.

[@JunkyardFox]

i very much agree

[@donaldstotmeister3838]

"Insert name here". love it! Im so tired of those kinds of videos. I'm not watching the video for a 20 minute shpeal on the damn product. Use it and let me judge it from there. Don't mind a minute or two discription , thats actually helpful but some people sound worse then a used car salesman. But not the junkyard fox, he actually gets dirty and shows the product getting used. It's why we keep coming back for more. Good job James.

[@kerrypurcell6022]

very good and useful,,,,,,

[@johnfuller6338]

James, it's a good enough beater that lasts longer then a lot of others that cost a lot more then the $29.00 I paid for it. P.S., due to your videos I've now decided to move to the s.w. instead of to Florida as per my original plan, I like warm, an hot doesn't bother me.

[@rainbowhiker]

Yeah, that looks like a good beater knife alright. I've had a Tanto blade knife before but filed the tanto shape out of it. Didn't care for that edge either. // I bought your Bud-K USMC knife and truthfully, I'm having fun with it. Something fun about beaters. They upgraded the scabbard and it seems they fixed the pommel end from falling apart. Still came dull as a river stone and the black ⚫ paint comes off just looking at it, but those were both expected. Good video. No, I won't be getting that Cold Steel knife 🙂

[@adrianeyre3630]

Great video ! i would personally give that knife a ten stars certainly not a kid knife :)

[@JunkyardFox]

+Tom Jones it wouldnt be my main knife since it would be a lousy skinner for game. tahnks for watching!

[@barrybueler3356]

Ive never been a cold steel fan though I do own a few and they have upped there game with s35vn folders really strong lockup and there fixed blades in 3v are beasts almost got there hunter in 3v until the Benchmade 200 pukko came out good prices and built tough just not my style and I’m a big fan of buying American when the option is given to me cool video rock N roll 🦊👍👍✌️.

[@ryanmerritt3697]

This is a tactical knife. You go to war with this kind of knife, not build shelters. As far as being a tactical knife, this one is very high quality and is on of the best knifes you can ask for. If I were you, I would have tested this knife by cutting meat, or throwing it.

[@JunkyardFox]

of course, i addressed the fact that its a fighting knife, however im not in war. a tactical knife should be able to do a million things other than just stabbing people. every other reviewer does the same thing so i wanted to test it out differently. and throwing that thing may sound cool but realistically in battle, throwing knives isnt a common occurrence, especially for sucha bulky blade.

[@mikehernandez4910]

Star Wars reference nice!

[@chriscurry3101]

cool video .

[@JunkyardFox]

+Chris Curry glad ye like it!

[@larrykirkland1871]

Very cold and very windy sure is relative isn’t it?

[@mikerubalcava519]

FOLKS, to each his own !

[@matte9161]

This Is a great video, u know how to use a knife, the tests are realistic, nice job. U gain a trusty follower before that. And for sure i use this video in my FB group about survivaling and bushcrafting. Im an hammock or bivi user and do a lot of stealth camping. Nice knife, probay i buy One , at this moment my HD knife its Bahco 2449 (and i suggest u this knife) and my trusty mora Garberg. Greating from Italy

[@barrybueler3356]

Looking for a half tactical that can handle most bushcrafting get the southern grind jackal it’s pricey at $229 but u get great carbon steel better than 1095 great look sharp great handle multiple options even in size if u want the jackal pup at around $129 both come with great sheaths and a great blade covering over the carbon steel made in Georgia USA I own 30 great quality fixed blades and the full size jackal is one of my three along with the LT Wright bushcrafter and the falkniven A1 in VG10 with a pimped out custom sheath A1 with upgraded sheath $400 LT wright bushcrafter $225 and my newest knife the jackal by southern grind $229 there all awesome but u can get the falkniven A1 in cos steel but it’s very exspensive if u don’t stick to vg10 which is a good steel just not a super steel which are great but can be much harder to sharpen especially in the field hope this helps all my crackers and others that I can’t be funny with cause everyone’s a cry baby these days✌️

[@nomadicbushman2933]

More urban survival homeless man videos PLEASE!! A few suggestions: 1) Youre very poor, so you should have handmade items in your kit, like your stove, but expand. Youve been on the street for a while now. And 2) While you could eat from a trash can, catching or hunting your food (silently of course) is much easier on your stomach. Maybe a tasty rat, or something from a nearby river. And if your ever gonna get a hand out, youve gotta ditch the nice clothes my man! Nobody would give a penny to a guy that dresses like that. Overall, love the video, and the concept!🖒👍

[@dphill96]

👍 Star Wars reference...

[@jorgefernandez6407]

Subscribed!!!

[@tylerthrash3155]

He says this knife is not good for bushcraft haha I call b.s. I use it all the time. It's a tank and a beast. Is it the best NO but for a fraction of the cost of others it is well worth it and works for any scenarios you can think of. Get one and make the call yourself. For 20-25$ it's amazing

[@aidan5716]

I got that knife when I was 13 and it hasn't dauled at all. I'm 15 now

[@phillipdavis5241]

I know this off subject, but go to David West site, i think you might find it interesting. Gud vid by D way

[@barrybueler3356]

Cold steels definitely good for the price but I’m used to seeing better quality from my boy the junkyard 🦊 especially a tanto yuck but ur right I would beat the shit outa that blade and feel fine about doing it😁✌️they could of at least put a decent handle on it jeez and I believe it’s 1055 carbon I wish it was 5160 although it could be SK-5 steel but I’m positive it’s not 5160 🇺🇸PS At times it’s hard to hear u over the music at times just trying to help not be an ass even though I lost all ur GAW’S

[@nikolajc7617]

why the hell do they call it a tanto?? its not the shape that makes a tanto to be called a tanto.

[@tonywalker8030]

I guess in city life, they used that against you.

[@ziifn454]

just bought one.... for $70 because Australia sucks when it comes to money

[@devincrews4406]

Diamondspike- 0 Jesus Christ I bought one for $20 at my local outdoor store

[@nevius28]

23 bucks from Walmart

[@peacefulsleep7751]

im going to buy one but south africa sucks when it comes to money so it will cost me about R750

[@pdubowner]

People who discount tanto's as not good for bushcraft just show their lack of real world experience. I've edc'd tanto's for 20 years. There aint shit I can't do with a tanto. And there's stuff tanto's do that other profiles can't.

[@chewher4171]

It is the ugly girl I wanted to hate, but stole my heart.

[@hughgaudreau3325]

unfortunately this review sucks I have owned mine for the last several years and use it for game processing, building shelters, shaving a bow stave, the grips come off and can use the blade as a spear head, also it's a balanced throwing knife... it is more than a bush knife or fighting knife, it does everything I've put it through and still sharp

[@JunkyardFox]

well the blade handled all the tasks and got a pass. its just not a knife for me, everyone has different tastes and mindsets. just woudlnt be my main blade.

[@nevius28]

You should have said that in the video instead you said it has no use lol I use my tanto for breaking down wild game as well as a everyday carry to cut straps at work as a screw driver cutting old fence post MANY different uses. I think you should carry it for a couple months and do another review easily in my top 5 knife

[@mystikgeome6604]

Hugh Gaudreau stfu no one asked he explained everything thouroly definitely better than you would

[@christopherellis2663]

Knife reviews are as boring AF. I have a flint hand axe, which is really good for cracking open walnuts and hazelnuts. ☆ most of my firewood comes in handy thin branches, that yield to a whack with a rock, or just snap anyway.

[@maximus512]

Better getting a Gerber Strongarm you say... ??!! What are you talking about man? The GI Tanto is much stronger. The Strongarm is made of a low grade steel, 420 HC and has a small blade.... that's not a knife, but a toy. With the GI Tanto you can chop someone's hand off. It's a dangerous knife.

[@sirsir9665]

That would be a pretty good quicky hobo shelter. Though the space blanket would fair better on you. Take off your jacket. I know how it sounds but a jacket is a insulator and loses a decent amount of heat on itself. The jacket will block your heat from bouncing off the blanket.

[@user-rl1kn9rc8g]

I bought this. Threw it at a tree. Broke in half. They told me it was my fault. Knife beats tree not my fault. I sew soon

[@JunkyardFox]

thats crazy lol

[@Ionceateaturtle]

Why would you throw your knife at a tree of course it's going to break most things break when you throw them at trees

[@walruswarlock4800]

+I onceateaturtle (ionceateaturtle) A knife shouldn't break when you throw it at wood especially an expensive cold steel knife

[@Ionceateaturtle]

+Walrus Warlock I get what your saying but you don't throw something against a tree and expect it not to break like most things will

[@walruswarlock4800]

I onceateaturtle I've had a lot of cheap knives survive being thrown at trees it's just a problem with the heat treat they make them too brittle or in some cases too soft I'd say its a lottery with cold steel.

[@richardjoyner9266]

great video. I will never own any cold steel products because of the owner of the company, hes a piece of shit. But its not because of the products. Im not a fan of big ass tactical knives either. Oh, and you dont throw a battle knife, They only do that shit in the movies....

[@richardjoyner9266]

+Junkyard Fox He sends people BS cease and dissist orders a lot. they just had a big hub bub a few months ago about San Mai, which is a blacksmithing term, basically you put high carbon steel between 2 other layers of mild steel to make a good edged blade while not havig the whole knife high carbon. you forge weld it in. He claims he trademarked the name and sent out C&D orders to makes that use the process. I doubt it ever went anywhere. but I can invest in a company thats run by a douche like that.

[@richardjoyner9266]

+Richard Joyner to blade makers*

[@richardjoyner9266]

+Richard Joyner CANT*

[@JunkyardFox]

+Richard Joyner damn. That sound sound like a greedy douche

[@richardjoyner9266]

+Junkyard Fox exactly

[@JayJay-iw7dl]

Gerber strong arm... is rubbish

[@LLBrown-uf6wl]

I never will have any use for a Tanto blade. Leave that style for the Ninja Turtle generation. It's useless, and a waste of good money.