Cold Steel Leatherneck Bowie

Given my fondness for the old Ka-Bar design as well as my recent cross-training explorations of various Western Hemisphere "big knife" martial arts, how does this upscaled version of the Cold Steel Leatherneck feel and perform?
Link to the knife at Chicago Knife Works: www.chicagoknifeworks.com/col...

[@richardskinner4198]

Thank you .I have been looking for a good in depth description of this knife and once again you have answered any questions that I would have. It is always handy to know how they would perform as a martial knife and while this is not my major concern when choosing a new blade I am becoming more interested the more I view your work so thanks for that too . An education as always ,take the best care .

[@michaelrizzo5523]

Thanks! I'm glad I could provide some useful information. It's definitely a sturdy and comfortable blade, and will be seen again in upcoming side-by-side tests. I may strip off at least some of that finish, though.

[@thegamejunky7223]

This knife feels great in the hand and wood working with it is not bad. Great in depth video 👍 thanks.

[@michaelrizzo5523]

Thanks!

[@omarcorrea1996]

The laredo bowie's cable tang is not as big a problem since Cold Steel started using micarta for the handles instead of the fake wood. However, the micarta is polished and does feel like it wants to slip out of the hand sometimes, which can be solved with low grit sandpaper to give the handle more texture.

[@michaelrizzo5523]

Thanks! Great info!

[@powerplay4real174]

They using G10 now it seems the micarta & G10 are about the same with a few more people prefering the G10 believing it better especially on the 3v steel blades. 🌟✨🌟

[@codyritner3826]

I love the design of this thing, truly beautiful.

[@michaelrizzo5523]

Everything I love about the Ka-Bar but bigger and better!

[@codyritner3826]

@@michaelrizzo5523 Wasn't sure about turning this into my new hunting knife but after watching this, I'm pretty certain.

[@michaelrizzo5523]

@@codyritner3826 It's a very good knife if you like the size compared to the standard 7" blade.

[@turtletruth]

I like your videos!

[@michaelrizzo5523]

Thanks!

[@JohnSmith-qy3nv]

Michael Rizzo, Thank you very much for uploading this video. I enjoyed watching it very much. I hope, someday, you have the time to upload a video dedicated exclusively to carrying such a big knife facon carry style. In particular, I would very much appreciate it if you focused on the following aspects: 1) Mitigation of the risk of spine injury in the event of falling on one's back 2) Potential of the knife falling when one has to run 3) Drawing the knife when it is carried under a cover garment (coat, vest, waistcoat, T-shirt). Thank you very much in advance should you have the time to upload such a video.

[@michaelrizzo5523]

Considering my extensive experience being thrown or swept I'm more concerned should I fall straight back on a hard surface of fracturing my tailbone and/or skull than landing on a weapon which is somewhat recessed in the small of my back. (I did hear about an ICE officer who got throne off an ATV and landed on his poly-framed pistol hard enough to shatter it, and it was on his hip--depends on how you fall, off what and onto what. Also, H&Ks are apparently not indestructible.) With my unfortunate waistline, it's the only place I have IWB room (and I have a LOT of room there the way I'm built--I could IWB a Desert Eagle at 6:00 and not notice it). If you're concerned, just shift it to behind (4:30) or at (3:00) your hip. Makes it easier to reach with a jacket on (but my offhand can't access it at 4:30). I've found if I've got a snug belt and a good hook and the sheath, it doesn't go anywhere other than changing cant. Good idea for follow-up content though, thanks! I'm currently working on the Ka-Bar TDI series, so there will be a lot of discussion of carry and deployment.

[@JohnSmith-qy3nv]

@@michaelrizzo5523 , Thank you very much for the immediate and rather detailed reply!

[@michaelrizzo5523]

@@JohnSmith-qy3nv Glad I could give you some useful information! And I think it's a great idea to cover this in future videos! Thanks!

[@CherokeeBux]

I own multiple versions of the Laredo and the Natchez. What people need to understand about both of these knives is they are made for strictly self defense and or fighting knife purposes. They are classic Bowie "fighting knives". They are not made for field use, that said, could you use them out in the field and bushcraft, yes. But there are better options for that particular purpose. The cable tang is actually a great tang for a fighting knife, it is absorbs and reduces the shock on the hand in impact. I would say if you plan on using either the Laredo or the Natchez for their intended purposes, you will have No issue whatsoever with the cable tang. These are great knives. The Natchez is a little cumbersome to carry inside the waistband just because of its large size. But the Laredo is a very easy carry in this fashion. Bottom line is, these are knives you don't want to ever have to use. You either have them for collectors purposes or you carry them for a sense of security and a cool conversation piece.

[@michaelrizzo5523]

Perfect! Thanks! And, yes, I'm discovering my own working length limitation for IWB carry.

[@MR-RUBIX9119]

So this knife is more able to kill someone than it is for slicing

[@franktower9006]

I own the Lynn Thompson Leatherneck and was surprised how agile and nimble that big blade feels in the hand . Because I liked it so much I bought the Leatherneck SF, too - as an alternative and utility knife. That blade performs very well also.

[@turtletruth]

I like the pot plant in the background best!

[@michaelrizzo5523]

You mean the baby Golden Bamboo? Only a panda should be smokin' that.

[@junichiroyamashita]

I have been eyeing this one for while,i like the "military-bowie" concept. The Ka-Bar Big Brother is another one.

[@michaelrizzo5523]

I was looking at the Ka-Bar as well, just not sure about those back serrations.

[@Polskmofo]

I have the big brother. It’s pretty nice but still has that super thin blade and stick tang. I haven’t cut anything with it.

[@michaelrizzo5523]

@@Polskmofo Those were my main concerns.

[@DurzoBlint178]

I have a Laredo Bowie and I love it. The cable tang was the only thing that kept me from buying the 3V version. I figured why buy a super steel only to have it attached by a string. However, I have not had any problems with either the 4034 steel or the cable tang. From what I have heard, the failures with the cable tang only happened with the older models with wooden handles. Thus, the failure was in the wood and not the tang itself. The new models have a substantial chunk of G-10/ micarta for handles, thus rectifying this issue. KZbinr Donnie B All Day has done extensive testing on a Natchez Bowie and it seems to have held up to the abuse.

[@michaelrizzo5523]

Thanks! It was seeing those shattered wood grips that scared me off.

[@margaritisa4936]

Great review! I d love to see a comparison between that and Kabar Big brother. Very similar blades!

[@CobraKaiNoMercy]

Hello Michael, D2 steel is a pain the ass to sharpen. My gf bought one of these knives and gave it to me to sharpen and I couldn’t get it shaving sharp. I bought another one and a SOG knife made of D2 and again both knives resulted in a very rough edge. I’ve noticed the same with other high carbide knife steels like S90V.

[@michaelrizzo5523]

Yup, this one continues to be a struggle to keep super sharp.

[@CobraKaiNoMercy]

@@michaelrizzo5523 Yeah… agreed. My gf “convinced me” to give her my Katsu Fixed Blade and that knife was easy to sharpen. Which is odd because SLD-Magic is supposed to be similar to D2 🤔… unless if it’s more performance wise and not composition wise.

[@jorgefernandez6407]

Great review on this blade Michael! Unfortunately, I do not have a Natchez or Laredo Bowies so I can't help you there Mike but, I've heard more good things than not on both of those knives. I really like the way you put this knife to the test! I have this knife and it's in my "top ten" favorite Bowies !!! My edge came the same (easy fix), other than that, (to me) this knife is bullet proof and, your "putting it thru its paces" proved it! Once again Sensei, GREAT REVIEW!!!

[@michaelrizzo5523]

Thanks! I think it was your praise of it that sold me on it! I'm definitely not disappointed!

[@jorgefernandez6407]

@@michaelrizzo5523 it's a great knife! Really glad you liked it!!!

[@rnkmode1876]

I have the Lynn Thompson version of this Large Leatherneck Bowie, it's Badass. Feels great in hand and for such a Big knife, not as heavy as you'd think. Still has a much thicker tang then Kabar. I'm a Big fan of the Leatherneck series.

[@michaelrizzo5523]

Definitely! I'm thinking I may need to buy the standard Leatherneck SF to do a direct comparison to my old Ka-Bar.

[@rnkmode1876]

@michaelrizzo5523 I have the Tanto Leatherneck, it's a Tank. I may need to get that standard clip point blade too though. From videos and reviews I've seen, alot of people are leaning towards the Leatherneck. It just has better ergonomics, stronger thicker tang. There's always going to be diehard Kabar fans though lol

[@AKlover]

Lost me at the back edge not being sharp. Nice to have that option for A flicking cut/dig if you have to recover. If it's only one edge than I want A tanto which will punch through things easier.

[@turtletruth]

Cold steel no longer sells sharp knives... We miss you Lynn Thompson!

[@michaelrizzo5523]

Having much better luck with their folders.

[@roberthill3207]

My leatherback was sharp as hell purchased 031524

[@dakillah6018]

@@roberthill3207 💪💪✌✌

[@user-fe1jh1yf4c]

Lynn Thompson hasn’t gone anywhere. He’s still minority owner he did this so could expand. Hell he’s still president. GSM is mainly the money folk.

[@powerplay4real174]

As long as it a G10 handle scale the Natchez and Learado Bowie knives have been top notch,they only had one flaw version and it was a fake Cocobolo wood that cracked and break under stress and not always extremel stess ,but the G10 handles have sparked my interest again. 📸 Just make sure it had a blade handle and not one that looks like wood. ⚔️

[@Kris_Stiletto]

Awesome Video! I absolutely luv my Xl Leatherneck Combat Bowie; it "ROCKS!!!" Well done! If you want a really nice Fighting Bowie, I would suggest an Original Bill Bagwell Fighting Bowie or one of the Bill Bagwell authorized Camillus Bill Bagwell Fighting Bowie Knives. They feel super fast in hand. But, for an XL Combat Bowie, it's hard to beat the XL Leatherneck Bowie. To me, a Soldier's Combat Blade needs to be able to serve as a Field or Camp Knife, too. So, it needs to be tough and be able to withstand reasonable abuse like digging, chopping, and batoning. The Ka-Bar BK-9 iis another great Combat Bowie. And, it should also, be a good at carving tent stakes and feather sticking to make fires. While, also, having decent balance for a heavy-duty fixed blade so it can make a decent fighting knife, too. Cold Steel makes several Fixed Blade Knives that I think would make great Soldier's Knives. Myself, I absolutely luv the grippy Kraton Handles that Cold Steel uses. But, when it comes to a Fighting Knife or Bowie, balance and speed are more desirable to me than strength and durability. That's where I see a lot of confusion... Many think that a Fighting Knife is supposed to be as durable as a Camp Knife. And, they test them like Camp or Field Knives. And, Fighting Knives aren't Camp or Field or Hunting Knives. Every Tool has it's purpose; that's how I think about Knives. They all have a purpose they were created for; they're not all the same. Great Video! :-) Peace, Stiletto :-)

[@michaelrizzo5523]

Thanks! I have a love/loathe it relationship with the BK7, but am considering splurging on a 3V Trail Master one day soon. The Bagwells are definitely worth looking into!

[@powerplay4real174]

Yeah that factory edge seem to be a little on the needed side but with that steel and blade it's hard to good wrong with that Leatherneck by CS. Good review Mike 👍

[@michaelrizzo5523]

Thanks! I did have to re-bevel it.

[@jasonzellem2589]

Going through your quest to find the best Bowie knife if you had to carry one right now, which one would it be?

[@michaelrizzo5523]

I'm a bit behind in acquisitions vs reviews, so it's one you haven't seen yet. Of the Cold Steels, though, the Marauder is my preferred carry. Followed by the Laredo and then the Leatherneck, which I have since stripped the finish off of and blued.

[@JoeSteel1]

Michael, it's in our embedded Steel code to find purpose, meaning & EXCUSES to buy more knives & Swords..LOL...I actually really like the Leatherneck Line, got the Tanto in D2 steel, made as a fighting knife, but can handle outdoor duties well to an extent

[@patricesolinas4303]

Hello Michael SUPER !

[@DDDYLN]

Cold Steel says the spine thickness is 5mm, but their website has been known to be full of incorrect specs.

[@thegamejunky7223]

Do you think the kray-ex handle could loosen over time with impact of chopping?

[@michaelrizzo5523]

I haven't had one loosen yet but then I don't do a lot of heavy chopping with knives with these grips.

[@DeepAscension]

Excellent videos thank you so much for your efforts! I thoroughly enjoy your talk about the fine details of handling and maneuvering these size style blades. I've clicked through a few of your videos. Wonderful, logical, and fill out knowledge and wisdom thank you! I enjoy having knives given my environment mostly folding pocket knives with pragmatic use. Not to big on buying and collecting just to have them sit there bc they are cool or even a resale, as many people seemingly do. With all of that said I have a few interests in larger blades especially in the utilization and size of the ones you are showing. What I'm really after and wipe love to see as well! It's your thoughts on TOPS Operator 7 I think is an excellent choice on this category. Also a few of your larger selections for example I think there is one called the Mission 21 and possibly antler called the Armageddon that are in the same realm as these. They are more modern versions of machetes /short swords, I think? But I think given their stated purpose as well as the origins of the design/designers, that these will intrigue you. Also take a look at the Kiku Matsuda Ronin Tactics Wakazashi. It has OU31 steel and the work is legendary! That guy, Kiku Matsuda really makes some blades I think you will appreciate. Thank you so much for your effort. I do appreciate it. 😎

[@michaelrizzo5523]

Thanks! Great recommendation!

[@DDDYLN]

If they made that handguard straight, I would buy this knife.

[@DivingDonut]

The uneven sharpness might be due to the Secure-Ex. Killed any razor-edge I put on Cold Steel Knives, that's why I instantly make Kydex for them after buying.

[@michaelrizzo5523]

Good point. I've been struggling to keep a keen edge, just can't make it last. I've noticed this with some of my other Secure-Ex knives.

[@DDDYLN]

@Michael Rizzo - I've been looking for a D2 survival knife with a blade length of 8_in or longer. I was looking at this knife, but I don't think it suits my purposes. If you know some good options, that are actually real D2 steel, not Chinese D2 steel, let me know.

[@davidgiles9751]

Great review. This beast is on my wish list, but is a bit spendy.

[@ronstecher4345]

I have two of these. Both had rattle of the guard or tang out of the box. Poor QC since Lynn sold the company.

[@JamesThomas-gg6il]

This is just my thoughts, first I would remove that black coating and either use gun blue or just let natural patina occur. Second, im of the opinion that a Bowie needs to be encased in leather. No leather osnt the best or most durable but damn for hundreds of years it been just fine for sheaths and scabbards. Amyway, i hadn't wanted a leatherneck until seeing how actual big it is in your hands. Thinking about getting one now. Good review.

[@michaelrizzo5523]

Perfect thoughts! 100% agree! I'm no fan of these painted-on-looking finishes, and this one isn't very durable. I would have preferred an oxide or DLC, so stripping the finish is something I am definitely considering. Not sure how D2 will respond to cold blue, so if you have any tips let me know. And, yes, a nice leather sheath would really suit this knife, and it wouldn't potentially dull the edge.

[@Patriot36]

17:06 I see that you've since purchased a CS Laredo. I thought the video title you gave that knife probably didn't quite fit your overall / final opinion because you ultimately seemed to find some equilibrium with it after your mods. In any case I grant that you didn't like it out of the box and that's okay. With regards to the cable tang, I haven't had issues with a Laredo and two Natchez. I have an San Mai and SK5 version. I rather enjoy wood processing with large knives, something I've done for a couple decades. Regarding the SK5 version, I've done quite a bit of wood chopping and batoning, mostly out of morbid curiosity. So far, so good with no loosening or breakage. The fact that it's survived thus far is sort of impressive to me but it's also been somewhat of an experiment. If I had to trust something to the task, I'd be better served with the workhorse Trailmaster. Going larger I think 1917 and this Leatherneck can both do the wood tasks well... or at least better than the Sax's, Facon, Western Bowie, Rifleman. Sometimes it just comes down to blade length but the 9" Trailmaster handles most wood well and is the most rigid, making chopping especially vibration resistant, coupled with the rubberized handle.

[@michaelrizzo5523]

The Trail Master is definitely on my wish list.

[@jacklowe9017]

Have you tried out the Cold Steel Arkansas Toothpick yet?

[@Obstinate_Leader]

Hello i have a question ? Does the handle has the same problem than the leatherneck ( moving ) ? Thx reply

[@michaelrizzo5523]

Mine has stayed pretty solid but others report the guard loosening up.

[@Obstinate_Leader]

@@michaelrizzo5523 ok thanks you i know its were like the Leatherneck that very bad. And how do you get a black knive cause i find only other color version

[@michaelrizzo5523]

@@Obstinate_Leader Link in description. It's the Lynn Thompson version that's gray and green vs the standard that's black.

[@Supra_Mare_Cultro_Bloke]

fighting knife recommandation: cold steel drop forged bowie 9.5 inch and 6.75 inch; the under rated Recon Scout and Recon Tanto.

[@michaelrizzo5523]

I've been considering one of the Drop Forged knives. Good recommendations! Thanks!

[@Supra_Mare_Cultro_Bloke]

@@michaelrizzo5523 and the Recon Scout, as a modern combat knife since Desert Storm.

[@Supra_Mare_Cultro_Bloke]

@@michaelrizzo5523 btw, drop forged bowie 6.75 inch was a tribute to Randoll No.1, discon. in 2020ish, chuffing classic.

[@williamclementsonbass1795]

🔥👍✊❗

[@bazc1378]

Facone carry = Crocodile Dundee carry for me.

[@katanasmith]

Don't get caught carrying a framing hammer !

[@thegamejunky7223]

Always have 3 knives or 2 knives and a hatchet, that’s what I’ve heard anyway.

[@michaelrizzo5523]

I have been exploring tomahawks.

[@thegamejunky7223]

Tomahawks do have a great balance. Throwing them is better as well it seems. Why would you choose a tomahawk over a hatchet?

[@michaelrizzo5523]

@@thegamejunky7223 My primary focus is martial, not bushcraft or utility. Hawks tend to have longer shafts and quicker heads, similar to kama in Japanese martial arts, but North American hawk and Bowie is an impressive pairing.

[@thegamejunky7223]

@@michaelrizzo5523 That does sound like a great pairing.

[@Gator-357]

Almost every Cold Steel knife I've gotten in the past 20 years I've had to reprofile or at least resharpen the blade. The past 5 or 6 years they have gotten sloppy with their grinds even on their higher end blades. Sincr GSM took them over, I haven't bought a Cold Steel knife so I can't speak to their fit and finnish.

[@michaelrizzo5523]

I tend to anticipate having to improve their fixed blades. The folders are usually fine, just initially really stiff in the Tri-Ad locks.

[@loki1066]

Private Pile ????

[@michaelrizzo5523]

I have been told I look like Vincent D'Onofrio, which makes me look very scary in a suit.

[@loki1066]

@@michaelrizzo5523 next video in the suit !

[@TheVintagedudee]

7:48 Why would you do this to a fighting knife🤔

[@TheVintagedudee]

You clearly know how to fight, and you therefore know how to appreciate good fighting equipment. so i don't get why you would subject a fighting knife to utillity work?🤔

[@michaelrizzo5523]

These knives were designed to serve both functions in the field, and while the Ka-Bar might be a bit fragile in the tang, CS brags about their durability. The swedge and the back guard aren't ideal for batoning, of course.

[@TheVintagedudee]

@@michaelrizzo5523 I was just under the impression, that it was a 100% pure fighting knife.

[@TheVintagedudee]

​@@michaelrizzo5523i gotta admit, i loved your video, eventho i have an issue with utility use of fighting knifes, i still love how informative your videoes is❤️🫡

[@mariaconcepcionrodriguezhe2850]

Its a KNIFE, buddy, not a little baby pink princess magic wand(like the kbarUSMC) The cream rises to the top and milk turns to butter by BEATIN TH OUTTA IT

[@ryanhamley4161]

Cold Steel been slipping on QC lately. Shame.

[@michaelrizzo5523]

Yup, I've had a few rough examples. Usually fixable.

[@jezzynottes1177]

Hahahaha, Im laughing my socks off watching you feeling all important and significant going all out Steven Seagal😂