Watch this BEFORE You Buy A Cold Steel Outdoorsman

Today we look at one of my favorite fixed blade of all time, the Cold Steel Outdoorsman!
#coldsteel #outdoorsman #knifereview

[@TravisTLK]

Just got my Outdoorsman a few days ago from my wife and son for my birthday. Haven't had a chance to use it yet, but it is definitely a solid, awesome knife.

[@cwsmith17]

I use a hammer grip when doing fine detail work, so the bone breaker won’t interfere with my thumb. Great review brother!

[@jakenieten]

I have this knife and love it. Always thought it odd that there aren’t many reviews of it out there. Good video.

[@JonCox-fn3hn]

Loved your review and you are right on the money about this knife! It's a sleeper! I was thinking about the SRK in CPM-3V, but after looking at the Outdoorsman, I'm on board with you in respect to this being a great knife! Just ordered mine in Amazon for $127.00 which is a steal at this price point!

[@TheWolfgangfritz]

I got the older version of the Cold Steel Outdoorsman and used it for skinning out and quarreling my game. Once I field dressed two large moose and it never lost it's edge. Definitely worth the money. Yes having a sharp looking wife improves the game!

[@MattRoseKnives]

Definitely jealous haha

[@DM-sq3jm]

I've been wanting one of these since they came out and your review convinced me to finally pull the trigger. Thank you.

[@MattRoseKnives]

You got it! Enjoy!

[@angelheart7643]

Everybody who wants to spend less money without sacrificing quality - go and grab the Outdoorsman and Tanto Lite with the older 4116 steel. Both together for 1/5 of the price...

[@darque1860]

I just ordered one, always wanted one of these sweet blades. Awsome review, I can't wait to get it!!!

[@MattRoseKnives]

🤘✌️👍

[@joetaylor486]

You didn't mention, aside from the superlative, grippy, Edge orientating handle, that the balance is *perfect* Love this knife.

[@TheHarryb]

Loved the review, just ordered the knife.

[@Zukikipu]

Yiour enthusiastic presentation sold me on the knife. 'Going to get one right now.

[@palerider7171]

I would agree that it is really under appreciated. Probably the reason it not more popular is it is one of their premium knives, doesn’t have the tactical pedigree like the Master Tanto , though I can well serve that role, and nobody is reviewing it. One thing to note when seeing heavily discounted Outdoorsmans, be aware that when CS went from Japanese’s manufacturing to Taiwanese they apparently had some teething issues with grinds that left one side of the tip with the softer steel as the cutting edge. Before GSM took over I went though 3 replacements all with this issue. GSM did honor the warranty and sent out a correctly ground blade.

[@mrc2205]

I have only just found one recently. I will be getting one for sure, beautiful knife.

[@AD-yt8ik]

I've been on a cold steel kick recently so please continue with the CS content :)

[@AdamasOldblade]

This video convinced me to get one. Ordered it a few minutes after watching this.

[@pifil44]

same here..

[@RichardDeneen63]

I bought my sanmai outdoorsman as a ultimate Bushcraft knife and love everything about it ,it is also very beautiful to look at all the details, the sheath works great after fileing down the 2 plastic nubs a little so it clips in and out of the sheath to your liking .

[@MattRoseKnives]

Glad you’re enjoying it!

[@danieldeveau]

As an all around fixed blade apocalypse knife it's just the ticket. Mine has been through hell and back a few times with me and has never failed me. Desert, salt water, fly infested shitholes all are taken in stride by this lovely knife. You can pay a lot more for a fixed blade knife but you won't likely get much more for your money in practical terms.

[@dougkidd4799]

Great review thank you

[@DfromTC]

Have 2 of the LITE versions and love them. Hate the plastics sheaths it’s comes with tho. I also have the Master Tanto you have and love it, it’s my favorite. Perfection to say the least. And love the pointed butt cap. Wish this outdoorsman had the same one, or at least have a hole in the cap for a paracord hand strap. Just literally and finally bought this about an hour ago. I know CS is a great company and I have at least 20 knives from them. So I knew I didn’t need to see the review on it. But just for the heck of it I decided to look on here for a review of it. This review definitely reinforced CS’s quality, precision and detail. Also, thx for the great review! ✌🏼

[@MattRoseKnives]

You got it!

[@rickgrimes2043]

Very very helpful video !!! I just got mine but my secure x sheath has no retention ! Idk what to do about it

[@livewire2457]

Amazing review man you made me pull the trigger

[@GreenKnight1979]

The Outdoorsman is more of a traditional tanto than the Cold Steel Master Tanto. they should lengthen it and advertise it as a fighting knife.

[@MattRoseKnives]

Mmhmm

[@vondunlap7712]

Great review AND Blade…. Getting One. ( Could be they need a better NAME for it)

[@FredDavisNonduality]

I've wanted this knife for a long time, but I don't collect fixed blades. I have bought a couple of them in the last few months. and may end up getting several more. If that happens, this is on the list. I think it's not well known because I don't think of Cold Steel as a hunting line. I think of them primarily as a self-defense line. I think a lot of other people do too.

[@MattRoseKnives]

That’s a really good point man! And it’s well worth the addition to the collection

[@dhippstarr]

Its because the knife is not named something catching, The rebel survival system. They couldn't keep them on the shelf with a different name name. Spend a few more dollars and get a couple custom leather sheaths one for daily defensive carry and one for outdoor use.

[@jpaulbouvier]

I love mine bought it when they were supplied with a heavy leather sheath. Great deal from Hattori

[@MattRoseKnives]

Wish they still had the leather sheaths!

[@jorgefernandez6407]

Bone breaker! Learned something new... Great video here!

[@eltonurumi4979]

Fantastic description bud job very well done. I own cold steels and bark rivers amongst some custom makers. I have to say I love cold steel especially the master tanto as it was my first introduction to the knife world some 25 years ago.

[@Popeii1]

the problem is the blade grind. It's not convex or full flat grind.

[@Tripledigit0922]

I think it’s not as well known as other outdoor knives is because of the blade length. I noticed that you love longer knives, but most outdoorsmen I know use shorter blades, right around 4 inches, plus minus.

[@MattRoseKnives]

Good point!

[@nikolasudac6022]

Agree have one with leather sheet

[@mike3020]

I agree it's a great knife !

[@MattRoseKnives]

👍

[@Blk_Mage_Ctype]

I think that a longer blade of 7.5" to 8" would solve the issue with the bone-breaker. as they could have it further down without hurting the aesthetics while having the gimping come out further for an improved grip.

[@HanlonRazor]

I believe it is the perception many people have about Cold Steel and Lynn Thompson that keeps people from trying it. Cold Steel has a lot of gimmick stuff, but they also have some really good knives.

[@dougvuillemot8670]

I really want to get into cold steel. The problem for me is. I dont want to buy a 200 plus dollar knife not made in the U.S.a.

[@dwyanegarrison7809]

The wing master of sport knives. I got one.

[@2214freak]

Can that thing chop at all for shelter building?

[@ericriverrat8891]

i think the reason its not well known is because it is pricey, and you see it grouped more with the master tanto and the tai pan, not the trusty srk and recon tanto. also, there arent that many people who appreciate it appropriately. it is an excellent blade. and i dont own one, i have an old carbon v srk.

[@jeremybryant5778]

Carbon v ftw. I've got the original srk, 1984. Got a recon tanto made with it as well

[@Eichhoernchenschreck]

Nice video. This looks exactly like the knife I'm looking for. How has the guard been holding up so far? Did it came loose after all the use or is it attached securely?

[@MattRoseKnives]

Attached very securely. Even through batoning.

[@Eichhoernchenschreck]

@@MattRoseKnives Great! Thx for the quick reply. :)

[@DDDYLN]

The current Outdoorsman Lite is 4116 Krupp steel. They may have made them out of 4034 for awhile, but they switched back. It's a nice knife, and I'm a huge Cold Steel fan. However, and I know this is an unpopular opinion, but I've never been a huge fan of their San Mai blades. When I went to buy an SRK, I had the choice between San Mai or CPM-3V. I chose the CPM-3V. It was only about $30 more. Yes, it's not as rust resistant. But, San Mai blades tend to chip. For hard use knives, I prefer something that will roll before it chips. I wouldn't even have considered CPM-3V version of the SRK, if CS didn't put a hollow grind on the SK5 version. I don't understand their logic of putting flat grinds, and hence stronger tips, on the San Mai & CPM-3V versions, but not the SK5 version (which used to be a flat grind).

[@rishikwatt483]

Well done presentation Flight channel. I have a personal encounter that is pertinent to this video. The B737 300 was the first to have a trim WHEEL replaced by an unprotected vertical switch. We were on the ground on stop over, and the stew walked in and sat on the jump seat behind me, putting a foot on the pedestal. I objected, and she removed her foot which then revealed the switch. I took a second look at the switch and saw that it had run the rudder trim full right. I remember saying to the F/O, "this switch is a dumb design that is going to kill someone unless it is protected. A little while later, I had a government check pilot travelling with us in the cockpit, and related the above experience to him, about the accident potential of an unprotected switch. He said to me "It already has done". I think he was possibly referring to your story above. Anyway, Boeing finally had a guard put over the switch. Engineers aren't always imaginative when it comes to how things can go wrong. MCAS anyone?

[@MattRoseKnives]

Lol what?

[@ryannafe9252]

The only problem I have with mine is that the factory sheath is garbage like all current Cold Steel fixed blades, because the material dulls the edge if it contacts it.

[@petermccann2561]

I agree on the knife. Too bad my sheath has near zero retention. Pricepoint, however, leaves room for a aftermarket sheath, while still presenting a great value. I should be able to find a generic scandi style dangler type sheath, which should offer good retention around the guard.

[@MattRoseKnives]

What I've found, is that it really depends on the blade. That is a bit frustrating to me. Because sometimes it's too tight, or too loose. I may have to pick up some aftermarket sheaths!

[@floridadad2817]

No complaints about the San Mai....but.....if they ever made this is 3V like the Master Hunter it would sell like gangbusters. As an aside, I DESTROYED a Bark River trying to chop through the jawbone of a hog to get out the tusks. The bone breaker may have more utility than people realize for things like getting tusks out or breaking up bones for cooking the marrow. I suspect the bone breaker is going to be a crazy effective ferro striker too. Ok, yeah I talked myself into ordering one.

[@MattRoseKnives]

Indeed!

[@ANukeWithLegs]

It a rare instance of a knife being worth it's Money.

[@EltheArt]

The old design without the bone breaker and the more grippy jimping is better At least i think so...

[@bluboi2424]

New sub

[@neiloppa2620]

If I'm not processing game, but I am doing other bushcraft tasks, would you recommend the outdoorsman, srk in 3v, or the master tanto?

[@MattRoseKnives]

Srk in 3v definitely. Just for pure edge retention and toughness. But any would honestly be fine.

[@neiloppa2620]

@@MattRoseKnives thanks bro, I appreciate it 🙏

[@markgilbert6611]

I think you hit the nail on the head, it's the price point. So many people would rather buy a cheaper priced knife that is in the mainstream. I have one and have used it in the kitchen on several occasions. I have used it hunting once and skinned, butchered and dressed up a wild goat. Personally I think it is better for hunting than a set of butcher knives. I went through the whole process with the wild goat and didn't need to sharpen the blade at all it held a good edge the whole way through the process. Yes we the chosen few have the words best hunting knife sleeper. I have found the sheath to be a bit sloppy for my liking.

[@MattRoseKnives]

That’s awesome to hear!

[@vb2162]

I have owned a cs outdoorsman for many years now. And I agree with pretty much everything you said. I could take or leave the bone breaker. But you are obviously not a buck fan. I use my 119 way more than the outdoorsman. It doesn't come in a heap of variations only the black composite or rosewood handles in one steel up until semi recently. Now it is available in a s30 something steel with a micarta handle. So 3 variations and only one of those recently given the life of the blade. All that said I found this video because I was looking for an outdoorsm review because you never hear of them.

[@MattRoseKnives]

Good to know man! Thanks for the comment!

[@Camrographer]

You know, compromises have to be made with the limited real-estate of a knife. Only so many features can be crammed into one before the features themselves are compromised to the point of danger, poor ergonomics and aesthetics.

[@-NoneOfYourBusiness]

Its a $250 knife that was launched before the KZbin/Online knife review phenomenon. Nowadays we see KZbinrs talking about $250 knives but not in the 2000s (it was first launched in 1980s and a second generation came up in 2001). That second generation knife was intoduced 10 years too soon in my opinion. It looks like a really good knife. Great review, Matt. By the way I would like to see your take on the Buck 119. I own two of these and use them for well over a decade now.

[@darque1860]

Buck just came out with a 119 in s35vn Steel, and it's a beast. Much better than the 420hc the other ones are made of. But even still, the original ones are awsome knives, and hold a razer sharp edge. Awsome heat treat on their steel. Good for hunting, and light bushcraft work.

[@grumpyoldwizard]

What about the Outdoorsman vs the Master Hunter?

[@johnRedfern]

i bougt a master taunto cold steel san mai with brass fittings,Im told its a early version,i paid ten dollors at thrift store wow i love this knife, how much are they worth

[@sammysmith8394]

Probably 300 if it's a older 1 should be made in Japan if it's a older 1

[@occulte2501]

This knife is made to fight, steel guard, jimping, how many bushcraft knives have those? Sure you can use it outdoors but it's not its main purpose

[@RETOKSQUID]

More of a traditional Japanese Tanto IMO.

[@tombryant4518]

Exactly. It’s not a bushcraft knife. Bushcraft has become an over used word in the knife marketing department.

[@lalli8152]

@@tombryant4518 Its meant as hunting knife its not really marketed as bushcraft knife, but hunting blade for big game hunters that also can do camp chores. Cold steel does not really have issues calling something fighting knife when they make one

[@Surv1ve_Thrive]

Dp they do an Indoorsman?

[@John..18]

It's pronounced Felk nee venn,, fyi ☺️☺️👍,, great video, thanks,, 👍

[@paulcantwell-gr1bj]

The originals had brass fittings like the tantos, they looked much smarter Imho

[@MattRoseKnives]

Haha I agree man

[@ralfyellowknifedietl6159]

👍👍👍 correct

[@MattRoseKnives]

😀

[@isaacs_knives_and_knowledge]

This knife just came to my attention. Never saw it before yesterday looks great. Love how you compare it to your wife 🤣 How was the bone breaker with batoning? Didn't destroy your baton?

[@MattRoseKnives]

Ehhh not too much! Especially because only the first few hits will hit the bone breaker

[@isaacs_knives_and_knowledge]

@@MattRoseKnives good to know! Thanks!

[@bushcraft_in_the_north]

Allmost nobody wants a hollow grind nowdays,it is just for cutting meat. It is a hunting knife. Nobody puts the thumb upp on the bone breaker anyway. If they would make a woods version with a convex grind and no bone breaker and a different steel. Then it would sell👍🏻

[@TonchyShultz]

Looks good knife but need demonstration in forest thx for that! Sorry .ok. Best regards from Canada .🤙🌿🍁🍂✌

[@199diesel]

If your chocking up that much on the knife then you don't know what your doing with a knife. If it really bothers you file it down 1 mm in 30 seconds.

[@MattRoseKnives]

Nahhhhh disagree. Spine should be safe for my thumb. Especially on a hunting/bush crafting blade.

[@nafis6668]

the knife should be longer then

[@MattRoseKnives]

Hmm maybe

[@stiggywatts4258]

To be honest, out of all my coldsteel knives, this is the one I'm most disappointed with 😐

[@MattRoseKnives]

Totally fair

[@revare]

Why?

[@juliusb790]

Why not popular? Because people are unsure about the sheath. Not very good/many photos of the sheath. And wish you would have spent much more time on the sheath.

[@davidcalderon2011]

Do not have your thumb there in combat

[@W49Boowie]

Good review, nice and clear sound and picture, my suggestion is that you just maybe drink a little less caffeine before filming. As for the popularity topic; When peaple think Cold Steel, LCT , they immediately think TANTO, Master Tanto, Recon Tanto, Magnum Tanto, and this happens even if they're not even thinking about buying a Tanto! The Outdoorsman is overshadowed by Cold Steel's other fixed blade options/models, and this is primarily because Cold Steel is renowned for its dedication and advocation to their knives being effective weapons. This is not to say that their other models made for different, or multi applications are not capable of being good combat knives, I personally think that the Outdoorsman would perform more than adequately as a weapon. On the whole Cold Steel knife designs are very good at whatever tasks they were designed to do. Regarding the Bone breaker and its inclusion in the design. The batoning capability of the knife is severely reduced because of this feature, which really makes calling the knife the Outdoorsman a misnomer. It should have been given a title with the emphasis on hunting as that is the designs features primary functions. The Bone breaker having a VG10 edge, a steel which is known to be susceptible to chipping is not a particularly good choice of steel for the task of breaking bones, but the knifes a VG10 Sanmai so what else could they do? The obvious answer would have been to have produced a Nightfall Outdoorsman, CPM3V, DLC as to virtually neutralise CPM3V's propensity to rust being a Semi-stainless steel, but a CPM3V version because of its comparatively lower sales numbers to the Ultimate Hunter and others of the Hunting knife category, made this not a financially viable option. I was a little surprised that you didn't address the problems of the Sanmai transition lines and the inconsistencies of their symetry, and the quality control problems concerning them. The Hatitori Seki Japan made Sanmai models have far more uniform lines and less asymmetry. I liked your review. I found the waving of your knife around a little distracting though! You did a good job and I like your enthusiasm, and I'd like it even more if you'd laid off the coke, energy drinks, or coffee directly before filming! lol! Good work though! 👍

[@Camrographer]

I think this knife doesn't look as exotic as some of the bushcraft knives we've seen in the past few years.

[@nilsmartschin593]

Kein Interesse an gesperrten Kanälen 👎👎👎👎👎👎👎

[@hericksanchezl]

Hola mat podrías decirme que modelo de cuchillos son y dónde los puedo comprar

[@MattRoseKnives]

Amazon, Blade HQ, MidwayUSA, Knifecenter es bueno para comprar de cuchillo’s. Lo ciento, mi espanol es no bueno. Dios te bendiga!

[@Pmedic605]

I think you need to look up notoriety ... notoriety nō″tə-rī′ĭ-tē noun The quality or condition of being notorious; ill fame. The quality or condition of being notorious; the state of being generally or publicly known; -- commonly used in an unfavorable sense. The condition of being infamous or notorious.