Cold SteelOSS 8.25" Japanese AUS8A Clip Point Blade 5.125" Kray-Ex Handle Tactical Outdoor Hunting Fixed Blade Knife w/Secure-Ex Sheath

This is an exceptional knife. I wanted something that I could use to defend myself against dogs, and looked at some of the Dbad bowies and other cold steel knives. Everyone loves massive mini-swords until they have to carry it all day, every day, pulling their pants down and slapping their knees with every step.This knife is incredibly lightweight, you barely even notice it’s there. I got some of the clips that cold steel makes and they hold it securely on my belt.The handle profile resembles the lozenge shape of the fairbairn sykes dagger which helps if you’re grasping it like an ice pick, screwdriver, or saber grip. I was a little apprehensive about the hand guard being rubber and the little half guard, but they’re sturdy and don’t interfere with maneuvering the handle or drawing it. People who have never used knives in combat have a wealth of opinions about how it wouldn’t stop a massive chop from another blade. Knife fights usually don’t look like the 3 musketeers fencing.I know cold steel likes to use the same blade for multiple different styles of knife, this has the stereotypical Bowie knife clip point, but it’s fully double edged so it being grabbed isn’t an issue and the thrust penetrating is incredible.This isn’t a camping knife, a butcher knife, or anything like that. It’s really for just one thing and I think it’s the best I’ve found for that. It has enough mass for a slicing cut and great for thrusting, the original use of the Bowie knife.Very reasonable price too.

I own an absurd number of CS knives. I had been curious about this knife for a while. I grabbed it on a sale recently for about $50. I have a bunch of AUS8 knives from CS that have been great for many years. A recon-1 from 2013 is still in my pocket every day. This knife arrived with perfect grinds and was shaving sharp out of the box. I took it to a fine ceramic rod and a strop right away. Both edges are now light sabers. Amazing out of the box and so quick to make even better. This is a great addition to my truck bugout kit. It is a ridiculously good fighting knife. Super light, perfect handling and grip lockup with the sub-hilt. I am keeping this blade.

I had the handle X rayed and the tongue is wide and extends past the lanyard hole, then it ends in a round shape - very strong design.

Grip indexes easy, with a mild "pistol" style. The edges were sharp out of the box. Seems reasonably well made - no glaring, bothersome flaws. Well balanced and nice length for thrusting, as this sticker was designed for. Steel holds the edge well enough to get a job done.

I have an extensive collection and this is my favorite knife. When you pick it up you can tell it's purpose. It is lethal. Specifically designed for fighting. It dances in your hand and points like a laser.It is not a clunky survival knife.It is not a simple utility knife.It is not a showy fantasy knife.It has reach, double edges, a fine piercing tip, thin yet strong blade, strong hilt and grip to stop your hand from slipping and keep it where it needs to be. Simple design, everything it should and nothing it doesn't need.The sheath is decent quality too. The locking mechanism will eventually wear down after many, many draws, but that's likely after years of use.

This knife is just built different. Very lightweight because of the AUS8A. At first I didn't think I would trust it, because I'm a high carbon blade kinda guy and generally dislike stainless. I was wrong. Whenever I get a new knife I take it out in the woods and beat the crap out of it. This knife really took some abuse, and was still quite sharp afterwards. Since then I've found that the blade does not dull easily and is easy to sharpen. AUS8A seems to be quite comparable to high carbon, if not exceeding it in edge retention. This blade does a surprisingly good job of chopping and the finger loop makes this thing impossible to slip out of your hand and doesn't get in the way as I've seen other people saying. I'm 6'1, 190lbs with large hands, and the grip is perfectly sized for me. The sheath is great, don't know why people hate 'em. Cold Steel is kind of a bad company but their products speak for themselves. 10/10 Great knifeBTW, this knife basically serves no utility purpose, it is for self defense. Wouldn't wanna rob the guy that has one of these on his belt.

This is a good purchase; the length of the blade is perfect and of good quality. The only flimsy detail is the trigger-like pull which diminishes the overall satisfaction of the purchase. Now, this is a serious knife. There is nothing that contradicts the ominous purpose of it.

For the price you’re getting a great knife and deal. Was very surprised at how light and how sharp it was out of the box. WARNING: Both edges are extremely sharp, out of the box. I oiled it up with my special lube, a combination of Mobil1 and Lucas Heavy Duty Oil Stabilizer, followed by a coating of Frog Lube. I came up with this recipe when I was stationed in Sitka, Alaska. It gets 140 inches of rain a year and can play heck with blued OR stainless steel weapons.I then took it to my leather strap that gave it a razor sharp edge. Applied another coat of the lubes to the edge.Took some old towels and hung them up for some slicing practice. I was using a figure 8 pattern, then stabbing the towels in vital areas. The sharpened edge sliced it with ease, not so for the duller edge. Took some old couch pillows and placed cardboard in between the pillows, then taped them together for 3 pillows and 2 pieces of thick cardboard. With very little effort the knife went through all 5 pieces with ease. I then replaced the cardboard with some old paneling. Once again the blade went through with ease. Last try was thrusting the knife into the rig, then gave it a good rip and it did enough damage to be lethal. Not a scientific drill, but it gave me trust into the knife that I would feel comfortable using it for SD.