Cold Steel Outdoorsman San Mai Fixed Blade 18

Very expensive for a lacklustre knife, while made very well I find it hard to find a role for this knife, and the grind to the back of the blade I would consider to be abuse of a great stainless steel blade. Shame Cold steel had to include a plastic and not leather sheath.

It’s been a few years since I have purchased a CS knife but I liked the look of this one and to have it in San Mai steel is a” no brainer” What a superbly designed knife! The main edge comes quite sharp straight from the box but can be brought up to my standard easily with either a diamond hone or ceramic rod and that’s when this steel comes to life ! It’s edge retention is outstanding for a production knife- in the woods it will build shelters and traps etc all day and not require any attention, in extreme conditions it will cut through the side of a helicopter fuselage, it’s penetrating capabilities are almost as good as it’s Tanto tipped stablemates and the false edge on the spine of the blade is both robust and useful. If you don’t have one of these knives then get one, if you already have one get another as you can never have too much of a good thing ! Would easily have got five stars if were not for the sheath which is OK but could be much better, but don’t let this put you off.

Everything about this knife exudes quality. A truly brilliant design that feels like an extension to your hand. I love the heft, which is counteracted by perfect balance, and the grippy handle provides the confidence to really wield the knife for heavy duty tasks. Also, I’ve found the chopping edge on the top of the blade extremely useful. You could dress this knife up with a beautiful exotic wood handle or similar, but it would detract from the function. That said, I’d be first in the queue for a high end Snakewood version! So, all in all bordering on perfect, but we all have our preferences and must haves. I always like a lanyard on my knife. It gives me a chance to personalise it a bit without altering the knife, and it’s a little extra safety because it won’t fly off and decapitate one of mates when you get over enthusiastic with the chopping, and it can’t be taken away from you easily with a lanyard round your wrist. Where’s my lanyard hole! There’s no way I’m dropping a star for that though because this knife is worth every penny in my opinion. One more thing, whatever happened to beautifully crafted leather scabbards? I hate these kydex/plastic things. At least give me an option for a quality leather sheath, and yeah, I am old, but sometimes the old fashioned Hand made feel of a good leather sheath can’t be beaten. It grows old and soft and wrinkly along with you, and just becomes part of you... Knife makers take note! Oh, and while we’re at it let’s got to make it obligatory to supply a pouch with our folding knives. It’s a pig to find a decent quality one and an even bigger pig to get one the right size!

Good weight size and grip, been on my list for years, literally ! Have been waiting for the san mai version Brilliant service and communication from HH UPS delivered it with all the end of the box damaged, the knife was fine but not impressed with them ! Also like the fact they make the sheath left or right handed,