The 2013 Cold Steel catalog says the Laredo Bowie has been updated with O1 mar-tempered steel. Are these 2012 SK-5 models or the new O1 knives?
1493010
Probably the SK 5 blades as I don't believe that any of the O1 blades are out yet.
1493011
Aloha Gabe, I bought my Laredo in October of 2011. It is a SK-5 model. It did get 5 or 6 specs of rust on the surface, when I kept it too long in the leather sheath, but they came off with a little rubbing with a Scotch Brite. So now the Laredo gets out of the sheath, a couple times a week when I practice some basic Bowie techniques. Take care of yourself. Aloha, Rudy
813635
The one I returned was apparently the first version and did not resemble the model on their website. The area you're asking about was less than an inch on the nessmuk I handled. The handle on the returned knife narrowed more significantly and was smooth as glass, which was a criticism. This was not my favorite Condor knife.
2080132
My knife has the Randall adventure training triangle on it. It also says on the blade near the handle Model 1 AUS-8 The US -8 means stainless steel. It is Taiwan but a nice knife for the money. All I can tell you. I don't know what BRK means
474721
Hello Ryan, The Ontario Rat II with the black handle comes in two blade styles. A satin finish (OK8860) and the black finish (OK88601). The geometry of the blade is less important on how it holds an edge than what kind of steel it is made of. They are both made of AUS 8 steel. The AUS series stainless steel contains vanadium, unlike the 440 series steel, which increases its wear resistance and edge retention. The vanadium allows a sharper edge to be put on the blade. The hardness of the steel in the Rat II is HRC 55-56. I believe the description on Amazon is wrong. It says the hardness is 58-60. There is a tradeoff (inverse proportion) between hardness and toughness. The harder a blade is, the more brittle (less tough) it will be. A hard blade will hold an edge longer, but will be more susceptible to breaking. A blade with an Rc hardness less than 52 is considered soft. A blade with an Rc hardness greater than 60 is considered very hard (brittle). So the Rat II with a hardness of Rc 56-58 is a good mix of toughness and edge retention. You can checkout my article on knife blade steel at www.glenscampingtips.com/?page_id=42. The clip is pretty standard as far as folders with clips. I believe it sticks out about an eighth of an inch. Thanks, Glen from CampingStuff
1698818
I don't know what type of steel is in the Classic Number 1, but it is a carbon steel, not stainless. It has a Scandi grind without a micro bevel. It is a very fine knife that will do what you want it to do.
1086395
My Cold Steel is O1 tool steel. I don't know how similar they are. However anything can be broken with enough abuse. I think Cold Steel would warranty it unless it appeared intentional.
1130320
The biggest differences between the two are the steels and the sheaths. The Trailmaster is available in SK5 or a San Mai stainless (not sure if these are the same price). SK5 or stainless steel are harder than the 1085 of the Kabar, but does not sharpen as quickly. It really depends on what you're planning on using it for. If you're planning on using it just as a knife, I'd go Kabar. But I've also had the tip of the shorter version of this blade bend due to the softness of the steel. If you want a pry bar/hatchet/knife, I'd consider a harder steel. The sheath for the Kabar also leaves some to be desired. It's functional, but it's not the nicest looking and there are two clasps on the sheath that must be unfastened to draw the blade. Only fastening one clasp allows the cutting edge of the blade to become exposed depending on the position of the sheath. At the same time, for the price you're paying for the blade, not the sheath. If ergonomics is your concern, buy the Kabar. Also, before you go Cold Steel, I'd do some research to see if the Trailmaster is full tang. The Kabar is not full tang, and though it's still a great knife, and other knives that are not full tang, like Moras, are great, I wouldn't want to pay $127 for a partial tang personally. One other thought: if you're willing to spend $127, and want a blade that's 9"+, I'd consider the ESEE Junglas. You can find them for $130-$140 and ESEE stands behind their knives much more than either Kabar or Cold Steel; and the knives are of a higher quality in my opinion. They are also full tang and the drop point makes the tip of the blade much stronger than a clip point, though if you're dead set on a Bowie, you may not want a drop. I have an ESEE 6 and love it. Hope this helps.
1245415
Don't know a lot about the cold steel leatherneck series. They look like a K-bar upgrade and K-bar has been a well used and appreciated knife. I have read the SOG knife was chosen by a panel of military inspector types as the best of the best and the elite is an improved model.
935755
two different types of steel for the blades. the one you are looking at has aus 8a. the other one is san mai 3. the san mai 3 is supposedly a better steel. I have owned one of each. I loved the aus 8a, but wanted to try the san mai 3. That being said, I haven't had the san mai 3 long enough to tell you that it truly is better, but for the slight price difference I would recommend you go with the san mai 3. Did quite a bit of reading on it, and it appears to be the better blade. (I'm not sorry I upgraded so far)
184065
O-1 High Carbon. http://www.coldsteel.com/Category/2_3/Fixed_Blades.aspxYou may want to check out the Kukri knives made in Nepal. They are handmade from truck leaf springs; real heavy duty.
661523
The knife is made in Pakistan. The knife is Full tang. It's awesome for the price and will exceed your expectations. I have several Bowie style knives, a couple of which are American made and were well over $100.00. This knife is better than any of the others I own. The handle did have some minor cosmetic defects and the sheath is somewhat cheaply made. I could not believe the quality of the knife for the price. This is my favorite by far of all the large knives I have. I also have the Case Bowie knife and this knife has much better balance and is livelier in the hand.
1100549
I don't recall, it kept falling apart, so now I only carry Cold Steel. And mostly the Rajah 1. Favorite daily carry knife ever!
229591
The knife is designed by a guy named Becker and sold by Kabar. This knife is definitely the real deal. Basically a sharpened hunk of steel! I love mine.
944828
Yes, you got old stock. I got the non-serrated blade in February from Amazon. I'm not sure exactly when the switch was though.
2171378
Simon - The blade is lightly brushed AUS 8 steel. The Rat I purchased is the Model 1. If you go to YouTube, click on Prepared Mind 101's link. He gives a very good review of this particular knife. I think that it is a great value for the price. It is well constructed, has an adjustable spring clip and comes out of the box razor sharp. For the price, I bought 3.
1760125
"Cold Steel" is the maker. Kobun is the name for this particular line of tanto knife. They have others.
62596
I got this knife when it was still being made in taiwan, and at that point it was made in SK5. They probably changed to 1095 cro van when they started making them in America. I have a couple other knives made with SK5 and 1095 crovan and I can't tell the difference. I did a little research and discovered that these two steels are very similar.