Kunwu S Tao Sheepsfoot VANAX Folding Knife - Overview and Review

Full review of the Kunwu S Tao Sheepsfoot in Vanax.
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**DISCLAIMER** This channel's content is meant for educational purposes only, and encourages the proper/safe use, handling, and understanding of tools.

[@metal_complex]

My Amazon page! The gear I use here on the channel! - www.amazon.com/shop/metalcomplex Thanks so much for watching! You can support my channel on Patreon here - www.patreon.com/metalcomplex MC stickers! - www.redbubble.com/people/metal-complex/shop?asc=u

[@kosher8720]

Ty for sharing corrosion resistant knives! I’m close to the beach and the humidity is real. Love you MC ❤ You’re the Dreidel in my day!

[@bradeb45]

Thanks to one of your earlier preview knives, I purchased and received one of these a couple weeks ago and absolutely love this knife. Very fidget heavy and silly sharp. Super happy with this knife.

[@josholsen1642]

How long after you ordered did it take to arrive? I ordered mine 2 weeks ago.

[@BladeLabMiami]

@@josholsen1642 Kunwu ships from China, so it can take 4-5 weeks.

[@bradeb45]

@@josholsen1642 I ordered mine on 1/9 and got it 1/20. Shortly after I ordered mine, I saw on their website that orders were backing up. Hope you get yours soon. It’s great.

[@dylbarton]

At $239 for the preorder, I was waiting for your full review, but I went for it. Placed my order and am looking forward to a couple months from now when I get it in the hand! Keep up the awesome stuff MC

[@unknown-ql1fk]

Same. Its a "risk" but it looks soooooo cool im going to be happy even if the vanex is a "mehhh" knife

[@truthbetold7718]

Do you like your knife. Did you get it yet?

[@dylbarton]

@@truthbetold7718 I did get it about a week ago. Really nice, very sharp, feels great to open and close. Only gripe is that part of the wire clip is right on the edge of the cut for the lock bar, so if you squeeze it right the wire clip can kind of slide off the edge.

[@ZxAMobile]

@@dylbartonGood.

[@alejm8a]

Love my S-Tao. The wire clip is meh, but I have a lynch clip replacement on it's way. The only other complaint I have is really nominal. The milling on the pivot is really sharp/snaggy (if that's a word). If you are obsessive about keeping your knifes clean you will constantly finding yourself folding up paper corners trying to get junk out of it. I do wish that the extra bits to kick things up a notch (back spacer & better clip) was something they offered as add-ons, similar to how Vero Engineering does it. I would have bought it in a heart beat if they had a timascus clip and back spacer to match the pivot.

[@ix8750]

I saw a comment by the owner on the kickstarter for their new knife saying a milled pocket clip for the chad that will fit the S Tao and other knives will be available sometime during or after the chad production.

[@craigrj232323]

Hell yeah MC, get excited, be excited about the steel. Everyone has 40 M390 blades, I wish more makers would branch out and try different steels. It's also very awesome when they match the qualities of a steel to benefit the design. Not that most of us do wild stuff with our knives, but its thoughtful to match steel to the design. I'll love the day I get my hands on Vanax.

[@ZxAMobile]

Get a Waypoint, better knife for day to day use. Thinner blade/half the weight, same blade length etc.

[@craigrj232323]

@@ZxAMobile I put the waypoint on my lost a few months back. Would have been my next knife, but terrain 365 invictus popped up and then a shirogorov. It's high on my list though and two less knives above it in line.

[@Barryhatchet]

I love mine immensely. It’s in the running for knife of the year and it’s only Feb 1

[@mooosey]

I bought one of these after seeing it on one of your streams a couple months ago. Just threw a lynch clip and got some skiff bearings for it which only made it better! I absolutely love this knife!

[@CristoffelBonorand]

Just learned that my brother in law, who is a steel merchant, sells slabs of Vanax in perfect size for knife making, and he has the contacts for proper heat treating. He would give me a good price too… I’m an industrial designer and knife enthusiast… might just do something with this potential one day 😅

[@windowbreezes]

has that day come any closer? 😊

[@noobaccasolo1742]

Ordered mine after seeing it (and other Kunwus) on your channel previously. I love me a nice sheepsfoot or wharnie, plus the combination of flipper, front flipper, and thumb hole is just great.

[@ThEMiKeMFjOnEs]

How long did it take to get after you ordered it? They have had a “two month out” label for awhile now I think.

[@noobaccasolo1742]

@@ThEMiKeMFjOnEs Matter of fact, I'm still waiting. That 2 month period is right about to end for my order, so let's see how long it takes until it actually ships.

[@vascularpete]

April fools days idea. Knife size comparison against every knife you own

[@chiefelephanttuskbong8081]

That'd be a 10 hour long video 😂

[@metal_complex]

LOL

[@metal_complex]

Don't tell anyone... I might do this

[@penguinfascist1142]

As a somewhat new knife enthusiast, i am HEAVILY considering making this my first enthusiast knife purchase. Started with kershaw, moved to spyderco, bought some random stuff throughout, and i think i'm ready. Just gotta swallow that price tag lol

[@ryansmock2717]

Go for it. That price tag is hilariously good too

[@Jackalhit]

Do it. DO IT. Dew it.

[@lord.needham]

Kunwu does no wrong in the value for money department.

[@Youtube-Censorship-Police]

i've never seen such a cheap vanax/ti folder before, the price is actually awesome cause vanax is really expensive stuff and hard to ht too!

[@ZxAMobile]

@@KZbin-Censorship-PoliceQuietcarry Waypoint is better knife. This knife Tao is a beefier and more built, Waypoint is “better” for 99% of people. The Kunwu is more value, but it’s too beefy, the waypoint slices better (thinner blade) and weighs almost half, same blade length, etc. Kunwu is like just better for hardcore use, waypoint better for 99% of typical use.

[@dusankollar602]

I did preorder this one cannot wait to get it.

[@matthuck378]

I think the price is great, considering how the knife world is. What I see when I look at this is a knife that's better than a Chris Reeve, yet half the price.

[@ZxAMobile]

Chris reeve is overrated trash.

[@jackmehoff9595]

LC200N can handle daily saltwater without issue and zero rust. So to have better edge retention with same corrosion resistance is amazing!

[@kunwuknivesofficial]

FYI the second preorder is still 239, once we finish the second run it goes back to 279.

[@bobedigi]

I'm glad to see the orange peel TI.. I ordered the pulsar elmax can't wait to get it

[@Mikey_Trailz]

This is the one I think! Gorgeous knife! Thanks for sharing MC!

[@Oxydado]

Still waiting on my Pulsar and this review just generates more hype for its arrival. Thanks for the review MC!

[@patrickandrews4206]

I hope they offer back spacers and milled clips separately someday. Can’t wait till mine gets here!

[@Cid_1]

I love the S Tao. I can't wait for them to drop the version in PM60/ Vanadis 60, once they have figured out the heat treatment. I believe I remember that the PM60 will be around 65-67HRC.

[@Robs_Nerdy_Knives]

Totally agree 100% & loved your review! I recommend it, too, and have enjoyed this knife a lot! I was able to put a Lynch Spyderco wire clip replacement clip on it AFTER I filed down the 2 prongs that go into the slots a bit. it’s doable, but be careful & patient!

[@JoeTirone]

picked up one second hand and should have it in hand soon. Very excited!

[@benjaminbryne9191]

I love seeing more vanax! Thanks for your stellar reviews all the time

[@kirbyparker4942]

Scary rabbit hole about Jiminy Cricket! Great content!

[@davidheath2427]

I went to buy this knife about 6 months ago . The shop had sold the last one the day before . They did have an orian 111 . And i fell in love yes heavier than my we and civivi blades . Only one option to open . A frame lock which i don't like as a rule . There was nothing about this knife that i traditionally like . But it is my favourite carry . There has to be a big reason for me not to carry this knife . Like i need full dress . Or im getting dirty buy that i mean covered in filth . Not that it couldn't handle it . I just love it . Any way the place i bought the knife from rang this week . The Tao will be back next week . So this will be my 4th in 6 months . Yes i love this brand . I want them all .

[@twissted1277]

I love mine! I'm very hard on knives. I work on rv's and I cut scrap and strip wires. So testing for me is very different than what most people do with them.

[@_Nathan-]

Seems like a great knife at a great price. Preorder is $239 right now. Guessing that will go up quite a bit once they are in full production.

[@willtrax71]

You do High end and you do Budget Knives and spot on for that. I could no way afford a Knife like that but enjoy the review. I know the cpmD2 from Benchmade is around 60-62 Rockwell and my Adamas is a Bear to touch up but holds an edge for months.

[@kunwuknivesofficial]

There's no backspacer cause well fishing is a messy thing and you don't want the fishscales and guts stuck in weird places. That was my logic 😂😂😂

[@metal_complex]

That actually makes perfect sense lol

[@jakefromstatefarm1405]

That is very logical 👍

[@willblake72]

Wish it was running on washers for that exact reason. Otherwise looks awesome.

[@kunwuknivesofficial]

@@willblake72 well i completely agree but i need to balance stuff for active users and drop shut guys as well.

[@willblake72]

@@kunwuknivesofficial I can appreciate that. Actually jumped on the pre-order regardless because I'm a sucker for vanax, sheep's feet, and textured titanium

[@gracjannargiel]

I like how they etched thier logo on the scales and not the blade👍

[@gracjannargiel]

I like this knife a lot but im holding out for the pulsar.

[@seansmith4183]

MC could not be more right about Kunwu. Wow, I just received the Orion 2 and am super impressed with it. How is Kunwu doing this? You can't have these materials and build quality at the pricepoint they are asking for. This one has Bohler Elmax with incredible drop shut action and super smooth flipping. Thanks for the reference, because I had never even heard of this company before your videos. A+

[@holdernewtshesrearin5471]

Man, oui loik thit knoif! Been drooling over it a while. Think I'm gonna have to have one.

[@jpolhamus71]

I love it has standoffs especially the extra blue standoffs. . I dont mind a normal wire clip but this one sucks it Has side to side wiggle.. but overall its a great knife. Glad I bought one.. and yes VANAX!!!!

[@Joker32256]

I’ve spoken to Sergio, the owner of Kunwu and he says that more models are getting the Vanax treatment. The Zen is also never coming back, which is a shame, because i found out about it way too soon. Also, something BIG coming soon from Kunwu. Something only a real Chad would use.

[@HailPatrick]

Kunwu knifes are really well made. I greatly enjoy my Full size Zen

[@brooksmeyers1237]

I'm anxiously awaiting my Orion 2 in ELMAX...got the shipping notification on Monday!

[@tatanleanduck]

Woah I found a video of you cutting cardboard after complaining about it! This is my sign. I'm buying this knife.

[@tsdted5029]

Love Kunwu

[@KitFireburn]

I wanna see them do one of these in a clip-point style blade, I think it would be really cool with this beautiful blade finish.

[@Youtube-Censorship-Police]

they actually have one in vanax & with a clippoint blade, it has another handle though and i'm not sure if hit the shelves yet. it is called the django.

[@mikereese15]

Great blade and overall design.

[@chiefelephanttuskbong8081]

I really want a Kunwu but 2 weeks ago I bought a Varga VBR gen 3 and just got a Reate EXO delivered today so I'll be a little broke for a while. You're awesome MC but I don't think my wife is a fan since most of the money I spend on knives comes from watching your videos 😂👍

[@avilavance7915]

Already seen on Tristate EDC 🤘🤙

[@TreyWilliamsIII]

I want Kunwu to make this knife with their XT lock so bad. Same blade shape and Vanax, stonewashed blade would be ideal and if the price has to go up a little bit, no problem.

[@lmcq784]

I think they’re about to come out with the “Chad”

[@Jaysedc]

Got one of these on the secondary an looking forward to checking it out

[@matthuck378]

I actually prefer wire/stamped clips over milled clips. I've never had it happen, but I feel that the cheaper clips are better, because they're easier/cheaper to replace. I always worry a milled clip will just snap instead of bending one day. I also don't think they're flexible enough, usually, to make for a good clip. Sure, they always look better ( I love a dope knife with a dope, bespoke clip), but I don't think they always function better.

[@anchorass]

I have the Quiet Carry Drift in Vanax. Love the knife, but I'm curious about the HRC heat treating now. Anybody know if Quiet Carry is also optimally heat treating? Thx

[@CameronDunn]

I'd also be curious to know, I have the Waypoint and have loved it so far.

[@markadyes1807]

​@@CameronDunn I believe they work directly with uddeholm on their HT and from my understanding its rare to hit 62 generally. 61.5 would be max

[@CameronDunn]

@@markadyes1807 Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it

[@ZxAMobile]

Quietcarry is the standard. They are the gatekeepers of Vanax. They work with Cold Steel directly for their Vanax HTs.

[@jd4edc]

Happy enjoying the knives coming out of Kunwu 👍

[@Timmayytoo]

Great knife! Too late now, but they had a $40 discount on these to celebrate some milestone, so I think they moved quite a few of them. The only very minor issue with Kunwu is they ship from their facility in Hong Kong, so it can take a couple of weeks to arrive, which is agony for impatient MFers like me. *Edit: the $40 discount is still in effect! I believe code VANAX40 is all you need.*

[@vascularpete]

It's still 40 off. Also, I've now been waiting since November for my pulsars that I pledged for on Kickstarter. I probably won't see them until March. Agony.

[@Timmayytoo]

@@vascularpete That's great! Yeah, the Pulsar is still in production - I'll have to wait until the preorders are filled to get one.

[@Dewint]

Code isn’t working for me…

[@craigm2484]

Yup I'm one of them MFRS that hate to wait sweet knife .

[@bobedigi]

@@vascularpete I'm glad I ordered the pulsar as well hopefully they ship asap

[@MrBowser2012]

Blade shape is similar to a razor knife. I know you love the Milwaukee fastback. Do you like this knife more than the fastback? 😂 sorry I had to! That’s actually dang cool!

[@camhester4251]

you really like stainless steel or titanium scales don't you , i can weld on those knives , i was a tig welder for 15 yrs

[@cz1always608]

Being nit picky here, just not a fan or the wire pocket clips , especially at that price point… kind of cheapens the knife IMO . What do I know though.. thanks

[@larrymarsico4059]

Nice!👊💪🤙

[@CristoffelBonorand]

Okay okaaay, stop, yes, I’ll think about it …. okaaay, stoooop, I have 3 knives on preorder already … ok, ordered one now 😅

[@GOLD_FEVER]

Dammit you described me.

[@Barryhatchet]

I wish they would make USA made versions and would gladly pay double. I would rather have this k ice than a Sebenza, so that says a lot

[@matthias7522]

Hello, I am new on your channel, really like your videos and content. Perfectly done. Take care.

[@wilfk8664]

I was wondering who else was looking for helicopters too, none on top of my trees 🤣

[@michelaleruandref.l.m7824]

BOM DIA QUERIA SABER COMO POSSO COMPRAR UM MODELO DE CANIVETE DO CANAL

[@dadiguo2586]

Hi boss,nice video.But I have some questions. How can you be sure it's real“ vanax”？Have you ever used it?Have you ever sharped it?How about its heattreat? As I know,Chinese companies have some bad heattreating.I have seen the test about WE's 20cv,TwoSun's M398 and S90V.They were very disappointing!So it is doubtful that Chinese companies can do good heat treatment on vanax。 I wish I could get a knife that actually works, not a toy.

[@metal_complex]

Because we have people in the community with the equipment required to test this stuff and it's been confirmed already. If you were wondering why you were the only person questioning this, it's because most people here already know that. No big deal. Now you know 👍

[@dadiguo2586]

much much thanks！It is very impotant for me!@@metal_complex

[@ZxAMobile]

@@metal_complexAnd who are they? Where’s the proof? How do we know these aren’t made in a pop-up factory in the middle of nowhere/desert?

[@metal_complex]

​​@@ZxAMobileI realized my response wasnt really a perfect answer so I reached out to Sergio to find out who is double checking Kunwu's HT. It's actually Transparent Knives on IG for Elmax, Michael Christy for cut tests on PM60, and Doody Daggers for the others. Furthermore there's also a Kunwu Knives Facebook group where users are encouraged by Sergio to perform all sorts of crazy tests (and they have) - you should definitely check it out. Kunwu puts itself intentionally under the microscope. He sent over some pics too so maybe I can work that info into an upload

[@brycewaters2251]

I have an issue with premium knives with wire pocket clips. I’m an electrician and use the Milwaukee fastback everyday because it’s inexpensive and I can change the blades out when they get beat up. It also has a wire pocket clip. So when I see an expensive knife with one it makes me think cheap knife. Do these companies do anything special with the clip or is it a cheap piece on a nice knife?

[@Youtube-Censorship-Police]

"edge retention comes in at the low end, in about where s35 & s45vn is, and when you get it up to there at 62, it can approach where m390 is" ..uh what? since when do these 2 steels have a "low-end" edge retention? (in fact s45vn did better than the 20cv from trm, in pete's testing). for that statement you should be punished with 3cr13 for a whole month!😜

[@cursed_earth_edc]

❤❤❤

[@hificat101]

If that knife had just a bit more of a point on it, I wouldn't have been able to resist. I just don't care for the shape of the front of the blade.

[@CloudyShinobi]

Sharpening choil is whack and deployment hole looks about half as big as it should functionally be

[@metal_complex]

I review a lot of knives. It's fine

[@uluasforlife]

RIGHT?

[@metal_complex]

Right?

[@camhester4251]

an expensive penguin

[@chunkycut3376]

I smell cabbage and nickels.

[@DrDrewdude]

Thanks for turning me on to Kunwu

[@christopherbrown5141]

Price.?

[@krazy_roach1698]

Thanks