TRUE AMERICAN BUILT CAMP KNIFE! Republic by Cold Steel

[@ReeceKotaka]

Midway has the Republic on sale for $144.18 and right now a they have a 25% off code you can use. Literally just picked one up for $116.25 total. That is one heck of a deal!

[@gideonstactical]

That is awesome!!

[@southernMan1]

I love Cold Steel. Have MANY of their products.

[@The4cp]

Fell in love since I seen it at blade show. This is high on my list. I'd like to see a 7 inch version too. Hopefully the economy starts to cooperate so I have more knife money.

[@Ruger44Redhawk]

Would be nice. About time Cold Steel started making stuff here. Still can't stand them for their Taiwan production. I wouldn't bet on seeing normalcy on the economy, though. The Jew bankers have successfully destroyed this country after 100 years of their Jewish Communism.

[@jimbusmaximus4624]

I'd jump immediately on a 7 inch version of that!

[@mdog6726]

Didn’t biden tell you, the economy is strong.

[@jimbusmaximus4624]

@@mdog6726 yeah, he... said A LOT of things.

[@The4cp]

@mdog6726 Maybe in his alzheimer's fantasy but not in my reality.

[@gabrielbaker2667]

Cold Steel isn’t wasting ANY time after hearing about Ontario’s closure 😂😂

[@603predator4]

ontario probably made them

[@BennyBladez-]

It’s a good business move to be able to put USA made on stuff I think it’s Smart

[@gideonstactical]

These are made by White River Knives For Cold Steel 👍

[@BennyBladez-]

@@gideonstactical nice! Right on

[@shaneorrison956]

​@@gideonstacticalThis makes so much sense now that you say it!

[@maxlvledc]

"Fighterjet racing through the sky?" 🤨 didn't know you were a poet Aaron.

[@gideonstactical]

I try to be as descriptive as I can. I love my gear love songs! Lol

[@proudtex]

The slots in the Sheath's belt loop are there so you can lock it in place over a belt loop. Slots either side of the belt loop, belt around it.

[@eyeofthetiger4184]

G'day mate, yep with ya, but it's quite a high ride all the same, so what do you reckon vertically on this one ? I'm interested since some folks dont mind it for ease of deployment and others dont like a "rib tickler", if you take my meaning. Cheers Duke.

[@proudtex]

@@eyeofthetiger4184 I'm a big guy, so I don't care for the high ride. I prefer a sheath with a dangler, but I can deal with the handle being belt height, not above the belt like this one.

[@eyeofthetiger4184]

@@proudtex Fair enough mate, I really appreciate the feed back, ... and I aint a little fella either ; ) What do you reckon about scout carry for a 5 to 6 incher and cross draw, or sling carry, for bigger blades ? Reason I ask, I've found it a pain in the arse, especially with a pack on, or even wet weather gear for that matter, just to get to a standard vertical belt sheath, high ride or not.

[@proudtex]

@@eyeofthetiger4184 Scout carry doesn't seem practical to me. With a pack belt it's in the way. Using a sling or baldric for a large blade works, but can be clumsy moving about. I carry a 6 inch blade in a dangler sheath. It snaps around my belt, under the pack belt, and the sheath dangles below the pack belt. If I'm separated from my pack, I still have the knife. Hangs below cold weather coats too.

[@eyeofthetiger4184]

Yep, good points mate. I do have a couple on danglers, maybe I need to convert some others. Cant think of any other way to keep 'em accessible, and as you so rightly said on your person. (and at a minimum I'll have a ferro rod and compass too). Thanks again, I reckon I was over thinking it, when simple is often the best. Hava good one.

[@prestonfields5968]

Great video man! This is one of the best knives I have seen in a while. Thank you for taking the time and sharing.

[@gideonstactical]

Thanks for watching! It definitely has several high notes!

[@jimzee6954]

Really nice knife seems worked out out extremely well. Think I'll be looking to add one.

[@starlingblack814]

Thanks Aaron, it's good to get a good review on a Cold Steel knife again. Since the company has changed hands I've seen a lot of negative reviews on their products. "Made in the U.S.A. is nice. A bit pricey, but what isn't these days.

[@Ruger44Redhawk]

Definitely not paying $200 for a blade. I'll be needing that money to survive under Biden's punitive Jewish Communism economy. Glad I scored all of those Ontario SP, SPII and RD's for well under $100 and in tougher mid-carbon 5160 steel.

[@CadillacDriver]

That snap test made me wince. I pictured the blade breaking, then the intact part coming back full-force in to your wrist....

[@new2survival]

Forget that choil and bring the edge the whole way back. But definitely floats my boat

[@gideonstactical]

Totally! Choil is not necessary at this size but some dig it!

[@llamawizard]

I like a choil

[@jimmelnyk7506]

For your lateral torque test, you should standardize how this is done. You should pick a weight to be hung at the and of the handle, maybe something like 50 pounds. Then pick a point at which this torque will be applied on the blade, maybe 1" from the tip, or maybe mid-point on the blade. Then it will be easy to compare the toughness of one knife against another.

[@gideonstactical]

I agree thank you for the feed back

[@W49Boowie]

I liked this review. You addressed the defining of what makes a fixed blafe knife a Full tang design and you state clearly what you and many experienced knife users and collectors are taking issue with knife manufacturers and makers about that are deliberately misleading people by claiming that a knife has a Full tang when it is as you stated, in actual fact a skeletonized tang, and the fact that you researched this concerning the CS Republic means if you approach every knife with this depth of analysis then I for one will trust your reviews, and believe me Aaron, many knife reviewers I once trusted I do not trust anymore because they're lazy and/or chasing a dollar bill by skirting around and knowingly avoid this very important fixed blade tang design. I think that the suggestion of a standardized lateral strength weight/pressure is valid but in my opinion it was an unnecessary criticism as you again clearly demonstrated that the Republic can take an impressive amount of force and that it will bend but then revert to being straight again, I mean you sure put enough pressure on that blade to demonstrate pretty dramatically just how much it can take without actually pushing it to the breaking its breaking point! Well done, great honest review Aaron, 💯👌🏻🤝🏻@@gideonstactical

[@jnavarra]

i haven't been this excited for a fixed blade in a while.

[@jmc8069]

Aaron, thank you for your review. Ok, I went ahead and purchased this knife based mostly on your review. I think that the knife style is really appealing. I like that it is made in the USA. That is a great engraving on the tang. I will look forward to using this blade. Thank you and God bless you and your family.

[@gideonstactical]

Awesome! I hope it serves you well.

[@jonathancupp3686]

I do believe I like this one! Thanks for bringing it to our attention Aron!😊

[@gideonstactical]

My pleasure! Thanks Jonathan

[@robcommons7445]

Enjoyed another of your videos. And your endorsement and discount )was all it took for me to pull the trigger on Huckberry’s trucker jacket - thanks!

[@gideonstactical]

Enjoy! They are excellent

[@Intoxacajun]

Great review! I have many Cold Steel knives and always look to your reviews to decide which one to get next. I think they offer a ton of value and can take abuse like no other. I think the master hunter is one of the best values out there. They are priced with good options on the steel and if I somehow break it or lose it I won't cry. Although can't imagine breaking a recon or AD 10 or 15. If I could only grab one knife going out the door when the the s#$t hits the fan it would probably be one of the big folders or fixed blade or both.

[@Critical-Defense]

I just picked the Republic up for $145 (+ tax; free shipping) on MidwayUSA 🎉 I also bought the SRK-C (compact) with orange handle and satin blade in 3V for under $70, the black handles were $80, and the full size SRK was under $90 with the orange handle in 3V… I was shocked by those prices. I paid about $90 for the SRK in San Mai around 3 months ago on Amazon (they were the cheapest I could find at the time) and the 3V was like $200 or something like that.

[@doejon9424]

Definitely a nice knife! I always rip on Cold Steel because they have been outsourcing to China more & more but this is a solid win for sure

[@richardbriscoe8563]

Finger choirs are a waste of blade length IMO. It really doesn’t accomplish anything that can’t be done without it. If Cold Steel offered a version of the same knife without the choil I’d probably be interested.

[@kurtgray3680]

I love mine. The closest comparison for me is my Guardian 5.5. Both are great!

[@aceman1126]

This is sending out strong Essee LaserStrike vibes.

[@gideonstactical]

It is close the that not a spear point and different handle layout

[@aceman1126]

@@gideonstactical definitely not a LS ripoff by any means but you can see some inspiration lol I wish esee would do more stainless work and get them as indestructible as their 1095 if that's possible. Love me some well done 1095 but rust is always annoying. Great review as always thanks for all the hard work making these vids

[@luckybassturd7260]

Looks A lot like a Buck 104 Compadre too. 🤔Did you ever test the Buck, it’s a Buck cheaper but the real questions are , does it hold up & work as well as cs republic?

[@adods9824]

ESEE 4, Esee everything vibes !

[@charlessalmond7076]

Dang it. I finally dropped the cash on a decent Gerber.( Sedulo) Extremely tight budget currently. Im definitely going to check for this one locally. Great review sir!

[@gideonstactical]

Thanks for watching!

[@cassanoa]

excellent - looks like cold steel hit a home run - God bless America !

[@gideonstactical]

You got that right!

[@williamashworth8538]

Not really my jam but mad respect to Cold Steel’s effort. The SRK will always be #1 in my heart. Your channel is still my most trusted for gear reviews.

[@gideonstactical]

Really appreciate that William! I would love to see this thickness and grind on an SRK with S35vn or 3V it would be unstoppable. My only critique of the SRK is it’s a little thick for how narrow the edge to spine ratio is.

[@donrichter3523]

The SRK compact is a 5” blade with thinner stock and MidwayUSA has a 3V exclusive.

[@grandillusion52]

Awesome review. Cool to see something like this from CS. Love that etching

[@Drewcooks24]

Definitely want to pick one of these up now

[@EduardoGarcia-fj2uc]

First look love my friend amazing knife. Another goal for cold steel. Saludos Amigo

[@kennethkrieb3018]

Excellent video Aaron. Gonna probably wait until the hype around this knife subsides a little bit and hopefully the price comes down and I’ll most likely end up buying it. Thanks for your continued hard work.

[@gideonstactical]

Totally understand Kenneth!! Would be worth the wait if you like the dimensions

[@CadillacDriver]

All I've seen is prices going up, not down.

[@Nober74]

Midway USA has these on sale for $170 plus 25% discount on all Cold Steel. Ordered two for $128 each.

[@gideonstactical]

Wow!

[@KP415TL3]

MidwayUSA has these right now for $169 plus a 25% off coupon. I got it for $130 shipped.

[@irregularrex4004]

That's what they should've roughly cost from the beginning. I just bought an Esse 4 for $114. I like the republic but geez, $200? No thanks.

[@donkahl63]

Great review as always! What watch is that (not the red one)?

[@gideonstactical]

511 field watch

[@DF4Trap]

It does look well thought out.

[@bluecollaramerican1776]

Love it Hunting4Hookers sent me. Said you had some great videos and he was right You have a new subscriber

[@gideonstactical]

Awesome! Thanks so much and welcome to the GT crew. Hope you get good info and entertainment!

[@Errcyco]

Cold Steel always makes tough. This is cool but I’m not great at sharpening these thicker fixed blades but that’s not their problem it’s mine. These are cool for sure though. Held up great too. The scales and overall look are nice too

[@everettepfennigjr7621]

Good Morning, at the end you compare the knife to an ESEE 4, I thought it was more like the ESEE Laser strike. Not complaining, just sharing a thought.

[@gideonstactical]

It is a little closer to that is size but 1095 steel options only. 👍

[@garrettdrew1035]

So i just ordered the Cold Steel Master Hunter...and although a different kind of knife i really like the look of the Republic..Cool review thanks for posting! ive become a fan of your channel recently. BTW i love the black field watch you are wearing...can you divulge the make and model? Thanks!

[@llamawizard]

I really love the Republic. I really do. It’s just hard for me to drop cash on this style of knife when I could buy about 10 Mora Companions for the same amount.

[@llamawizard]

I’ll add that would buy this Republic 1,000% of the time over one of the other 1095 brands.

[@AroundTheCabin]

Looks like a try at the esee 6 handle and blade....

[@ironkid8836]

GSM are doing great with these new designs fair playbibwas worried when Lynn sold the company

[@scgeyguy]

FYI guys - I just got this knife for 136.00 from midway - it was on sale and they ran another 25 percent off on cold steel.

[@gideonstactical]

Awesome! That’s a great deal’n

[@Mikey-ii8ef]

$130 shipped from Midway!

[@timothyorendorff7642]

I want it, can’t afford it. Good to know they are doing this work here. As close to being my “dream knife” as possible.

[@gideonstactical]

I heard Midway USA is having a sale right now on them for I think 150-ish.

[@JAB671]

Five inch blade, good thickness but not super thick, finger choil, micarta scales, flat grind, jimping that is useful but not overly aggressive. Wow, the Ontario RAT 5 DOES sound like a great knife. Okay, so the RAT 5 isn't stainless steel. I consider that to be a bonus, not a drawback. Another bonus is that the RAT 5 is currently $93 on Amazon so you could almost buy three for the price of the Republic. I'm sure the Republic is a good knife for those who like it but, at that price point, it just doesn't do anything, for me, especially since I already have a RAT 5. It just might be what sime folks are looking for, though.

[@gideonstactical]

Yes, for the money the Rat5 isn’t bad. But the Republic has way better handled economics as your attention and overall fit and finish.

[@claymcbunch1013]

Looks like it would be a good hunting knife

[@jamesevans9621]

I like it don’t love it but glad cold steel is stepping there game up some

[@theovann]

If they wouldn't have put that choil on there I'd be on it like a politician on funding the war. Great video.

[@gideonstactical]

Hahaha you are ridiculous! 😂

[@DinoNucci]

Hair goes IN the hat

[@rollypollyguy3976]

Kind of regret getting the Boker vox rold...I didn't know this knife was around.

[@albsureinc23]

I already own a couple of sog pillars and got them at a very good price...midway USA had this knife on sale...i would advise to check there from time to time

[@JohnSmith-gs4lw]

Indeed. I see they have the SRK in CPM 3V for $110. Been a while since I priced one of those out, but that seems really cheap for a hunk of 3V. I used to spend all of my disposable income at Midway 30 years ago (and not on edged tools). Never thought to look there for knives.

[@jwarehouse1]

Another great review. Cold Steel has a winner there! A little pricey....but nice to see made in USA! Similar in size to Knives of Alaska Bush Camp in D2 with convex grind....{I've mentioned before...LOL} which I would love to see you review....One of your affiliates...Sportsmans Warehouse has them on clearence at $90.....A great deal!! USA made...

[@phantomfang1927]

My only issue with the knife is the price. For roughly the sane amount of money i could get a Bradford Guardian 5.5 in 3v.

[@gideonstactical]

Also an excellent option!!

[@nitrorc4life1]

No issue , buy both

[@StevanOutdoor]

To bad about the jimping. For me personally that's a deal breaker. The length of the tool is just enough for a choil. I like the fact that it's stainless and the tang is not skeletonized but 'Don't eat the yellow snow' as a text makes more sense to me.

[@charlietaroni1607]

Christmas gift to my self

[@chewher4171]

It is well designed indeed. Reminds me of Pathfinder, Condor and the Rat knives. Most of all the knife in your logo intro literally came into reality. They could have named it the Gideon?

[@gideonstactical]

It is very similar

[@tonnywildweasel8138]

It costs € 494,95 here in Europe !!! I love Cold Steel, got a LOT from them, but .. not in 495 years i'm gonna spend that much on this blade !!

[@kenmarapese9085]

Without that choil the knife is a 10. I am waiting for a Survive EDC-4, close to the Republic without the choil except mine is a full flat grind.

[@imgadgetmanjim]

I have multiples and love the Survive EDC4 in ffg and sabre. Well worth the money and wait.

[@Sillyworld82]

I've been holding out, only buying the RAT 3 for 60 bucks to busy myself. This might be the one for me 🇺🇲

[@gideonstactical]

You will notice a big step in quality and fit and finish over the Rat

[@John-gu7jq]

Looks like a great knife. Does it have a 90º spine for a fire steel?

[@podunkmissouri4999]

That's a sweet looking knife

[@mikeogden5256]

Premium EDC

[@panagiotissoufliotis6558]

i hate finger choils and coated blades. But for someone who does not, it is a good option. But....personally i would not exchange it with my Lionsteel T5 plus a 100 dollar bonus.....

[@johnqgeezer1857]

Just grabbed one from Midway for $169 and free shipping. Grab one before they are gone.

[@timothyberry5873]

Safety first eye pro but no gloves during tip test 😂 awesome knife

[@ikemontel2465]

In glad to see knives moving back to thinner blade stocks. Quarter inch is a lot.

[@kevinschmith9379]

Why would you take the handle scales off?

[@Matt-d8m]

52100 or 1095 would’ve been expected. S35VN is a skinning and EDC steel. Not known for toughness

[@DevinAwe]

love the hidden engraving

[@gideonstactical]

It’s awesome 👏

[@terrillschneider3778]

Looks like a brute Aaron God bless

[@sharpie249]

Very nice. Love the engraving. American through and through. I would prefer it not have the choil though. I would rather have the extra blade.

[@gideonstactical]

I am in your boat but it is usable because of the longer blade over knives like the esee4 and Rat5

[@willtrax71]

Great review and Love the Knife but Damn it’s a Pricey Beast and with unconditional Warranty that Esee has its kind of hard to Fathom it’s almost twice the Price. I still use my Issue Kabar and it’s doing well after 3 plus Decades but like my Ontario a little better. My only 2 Fixed Blades lol I hang onto Knives.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Cold Steel sold to a Chinese firm some time ago. Do they actually source and manufacture stuff in the USA anymore?

[@gideonstactical]

These are made by white river for cold steel so yes.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@gideonstactical Sounds like they have exceptions to the rule.

[@JS-ym8qi]

It look beautiful there^^

[@shafff78]

Thoughts on this vs. the 3v Master Hunter?

[@gideonstactical]

Great question! Master hunter is sweet and 3V will be tougher and if you don’t like finger choils that would a good alternative.

[@dionpage7948]

As soon as I seen this blade I knew I had to have it. USA MADE COLDSTEEL. IT DOESN'T GET BETTER THAN THAT!!

[@bigpartyorchestra]

What kind of watch are you wearing?

[@gideonstactical]

A huckleberry exclusive timex iron man

[@elevatorman7750]

Great video

[@Johnkb2059]

I'd like to see how it stacks up against the SOG pillar

[@JamaniusFreebone]

Cool knife I might have to get one. Good review as usual, however I find the music during the action shots quite annoying. It’s way too loud. I kept having to turn the volume down and up.

[@gideonstactical]

Thanks for the feedback, I will work on the tunes. 👍

[@gerardvanengelen9001]

Looks good.

[@brianf9619]

Seems like an Awesome Blade , but it would have Definitely been Better without the Choil ... 👍🖖

[@EastCoastMan603]

Lynn Thompson has ascended to GIGACHAD status. American Made, Declaration of Independence… Could have named this the S35VN Squirt Stick and itd still sell. I know I know this is now “GSM” which I have major QC and CS issues with personally…but it’s still Lynn C Thompson.this is the way.

[@gideonstactical]

This is made by White River Knives for Cold Steel. Excellent QC.

[@user-dw4cv3xq5u]

Lynn Thompson has nothing to do with this.

[@kpfagerberg]

@@gideonstacticalwhite river does a fantastic job. Hope they get more exposure. Interesting that they are making knives for Cold Steel and ESEE

[@TacticalTinkerer]

Finally! I think I may just pull the trigger on this one...I've been debating between the ATC, the Giant Mouse, the Case Winkler, and this as my new belt knife. I've been using a prototype Blind Horse Pathfinder that I got as a gift from Dan C. before he and LT Wright parted ways, so it's time to retire it for the sentimental reasons.... As a future suggestion, maybe take a look at the Kizer Justice as a budget option belt knife...

[@tgonzalez1983]

Wouldn’t mind getting one of these. Just spent a pretty penny on a mayhem tho.

[@gideonstactical]

Yes!!’

[@lungching7102]

I like the knife but , Please somebody explain to me the uility of a finger on a knife this long ,I never grt it

[@danygodbout979]

awsome design!!!

[@Swearengen1980]

The ESEE 4 is the most uncomfortable knife I've ever used. Handle is way too small, hot spots galore, it's just awful for extended use. That aside, this is the first Cold Steel knife I'd consider buying.

[@gideonstactical]

Thank You! Someone who understands

[@peterwmiller8486]

Solid review. Thanks!

[@gideonstactical]

Thanks for watching!

[@peterwmiller8486]

@gideonstactical I was looking for a tactical knife. I did my research. After seeing your review I bought one for $132. It's an excellent price for a knife of that quality. Thanks again

[@sparks701]

$219 at knife center and midway USA. Not a bad price!

[@KevinTaylor-l8m]

Who makes it for them?

[@gideonstactical]

White River, Knives

[@latigomorgan]

Nice knife, but all I can say is someone has never lost a knife in the field if they are taking an expensive blade out for fieldcraft/bushcraft. Lose a couple expensive knives, and the cheaper options start looking a lot nicer.

[@gideonstactical]

Interesting, ya I have next lost a knife in the field but it was suck if I ever did.

[@latigomorgan]

@@gideonstactical It's like investing in the stock market, or better yet, cryptocurrency. Only invest what you can afford to lose, because if you spend enough time in the wilderness, you will lose something - knives, watches, jewelry (girls, remember that), radios/GPS receivers, etc.

[@nitrorc4life1]

​@@latigomorgan I'm 51 and have lost a thing or two, but never a knife as it always goes into sheath or pocket immediately after use, soooo, I don't lose it.

[@WhispyWoods.]

This looks like an Ontario design.

[@KenGray]

Why don't you call that a 'Sabre Grind'?

[@gideonstactical]

It is that 👍

[@crispincoleman]

Can't wait to test it against my favorite outdoor knife, the esee 6.

[@gideonstactical]

Yes, it’s smaller by an inch and lighter by 4oz but love the steel upgrade and the grind.

[@crispincoleman]

I think esee makes an s35 version of the 6.

[@carlbunner5515]

Love the knife .... BUT you know me hate the price. Not when ontario rat 6 was about 165.00 . Or esee 4 s35v for about the same 150-160 bucks. Gotta give cold steel credit for their entry into the U.S. made market though. Looks like an outstanding effort. Price point just too high, reguardless of post covid inflation . If people pay the price .. which they will ...they will continue to sell at that price. If people were patient which they arent price would surely drop 25-30% .

[@BassMaster.454]

200 dollars just isn't a camp knife for me.

[@gideonstactical]

Totally and 5 years ago we could get alot of these knives for $150-$175 but now a day inflation has kick all of us and it seem like 25%-35% increases in usa made gear these days.

[@BassMaster.454]

@@gideonstactical what would you recommend for around 80 bucks? I think what I've seen, most good affordable fixed blades are about $80- 100.

[@aceman1126]

​​@@BassMaster.454Terävä Jääkäripuukko is arguably the best camp knife for the money on earth. If you're super budget minded check out the $15 mora robust.

[@papimaximus95]

@@BassMaster.454 Checkout the SOG Tellus FX

[@maxpinson5002]

Buy half a dozen Old Hickory butcher knives. The early mountain men and explorers and trappers had basically the same thing, and traveled from east of the Mississippi to the west coast with no gps or satellite phones or search and rescue choppers or slamazon to resupply with.

[@cyclops214]

It's a cool knife but too expensive for me. I currently have the ESEE4 in S35vn end it fits perfectly in my hand with the knife connection g10 blue and black handles.

[@JFlagle]

What is the warranty on these?

[@gideonstactical]

It’s cold steels and I have heard mixed things. It is something to consider.

[@thomassullivan6016]

Looks similar to Tops knives

[@rollypollyguy3976]

Other than the name, I think it's a sweet piece of kit. Wish they named it 13 Colonies or something along those lines. Totally arbitrary complaint...