I've had this knife for a while now but wasn't using it as much as I wanted because of the handle. I fixed it by filing the hollows with flexseal. Now it has full handles like any other knife and I don't have to worry about paracord slipping or homemade grips breaking.
That is a surprise, but then again, maybe not so much. The Bushman blades are also sort of crude/unfinished in terms of lacking thermal protection on the handles, but they too are excellent performers and outstanding value for money. Cold Steel is a quirky company, but a bunch of their products are real winners.
You got to figure with the 52 100 steel that Spyderco has used it in their paramilitary 2 and 3 in their Sprint run series. So that should give you a good idea it's a very robust deal is mainly used to make ball bearings.
There are plenty of other carbon steels that can be forged, but they went with 52100, and to me, that says a lot about Cold Steel and the value of their knives. You usually find this steel on custom fixed blades, sometimes even large choppers. The edge retention is excellent, and better than something like 1095 (always variables to consider) but its a great steel. On a 40 dollar knife, its unheard of.
Arron, try using renfrew tape on the handle. It will still fit back with the snap in the case, but renfrew tape is water proof. Its used by hockey players to tape their hockey stick blades...durable as well. Mine has an awesome feel w/ that tape.
I got a kukri which is made of 52100 steel by a local knife maker. I've used it for a year now and I find the durability of this steel (with the right heat treatment ) is amazingly impressive.
This is actually the first knife I owned and this video had a lot to do with my purchase, so thanks for the confidence to make the buy. I also got the axe gang hatchet and I'd love to see you do a video on that too, love the content man hope you and you're family are keeping well and safe in these mad times.
That's a awesome price point for a knife in 52100... and a good sheath to boot... there are custom knife makers who use this steel... it's absolutely good to go.
On both my cold steel bowie and hunter with a little effort you can also carve some wood pieces for an increased swell for the handle, then wrap it works great as to the knives there both beasts . Happy Trails
As some comments stated before, 52100 can be thought as an improvement over 1095 in the fact that it can be hardened to higher numbers without losing a lot of tenacity. It's still a high carbon steel, and the fact that they save up money on the whole hande machining process makes it so they can put it up in a production line. Also I think 59-60 is a pretty nice notch above the regular 56-58 HRC in terms of edge retention. I've had knives in 6150 at 57HRC and the edge retention was a step above my BK-2. I really don't care for this line as outdoor knives, but for EDC urban stuff? Put some jimping on that suckers, glove up and start busting out doors. If it were available here where I live I'd get it for my bug out or EDC bag, truck, car, etc. $40, 52100 and that plastic sheath is a pretty nice combo for us guys who like to pile up gear and throw it in bags.
Man that is at a friggin awesome price point!! Also if you wanted to grind down some of that handle, lighten and balance it and put some grips on it that would make a great project for a bladesmith!!
Thanks for reviewing this. I'd been looking at this for awhile as a potential edc blade. I think it might be heavier and thicker than I expected though; not something that would disappear on my belt.
I've been eying this knife for a while. Not only did you convince me, but you just gained a subscriber. Looking forward to checking out all your other vids!
Well if you look at a knife as a cutting tool then all of a sudden the weight/thickness plays against the reason you have a knife! Most useful cutting tools tend to be slender an lighter, people that actually use a knife can contest to it. Do you actually think that a stiff thick knife helps in dressing game??? Yet, many on youtube think that the "One Tool Option" is actually a OPTION, how stupid!
@@oldmanstoner4153 I dropped the relief edge back and thinned it a little on my drop forged hunter, and it's a damn fine cutter. I have skinned a lot of animals, and I would use this just fine.
@@gideonstactical I find that there is a ridge on the one side of the spine that sparks a ferro rod. If I remember correctly the knife must be in the left hand.
Looks like a blade I’d wrap with bankline to get the snap to work easier but would also probably send it to Country Prepper for a custom kydex sheath. Awesome find sir thank you!
So you've heard of Truck Guns? Looks like it'd be a good Truck Knife to me. Wrap the Handle, oil it, toss it in the Glove box, Bob's your Uncle. Thanks again for the Video.
Glad to see this knife performs so well...I've been thinking about it for a while. Next time I see it on sale I'm going to get it! Keep up the great work!
No. He wrapped his in paracord, but I wrapped mine in black hockey tape which dramatically improved the grip, temperature transfer, and retention in the sheath with the snap undone. Some people use tennis racquet tape or shrink tube. Find what works for you, and you’ll love this little blade.
52100 steel is what ball bearings are made of, so you know it is tough, and with .1% carbon, it will take an edge and retain it long enough. Good choice of steel for this knife as you can beat on it. I do not like paracord handle wraps much though. Thanks for showing it.
I always overlooked this because of the colour of them (kind of creamy gold) when they were first released, but it looks great in this grey and it's half price on the site i buy most of my knives and gear from. Winner winner chicken dinner. Thanks for sharing this, you've totally changed my mind about this one.🙏🏼👍🏼
When they first brought it out (came with a nice pouch style leather sheath), I think it was just bead blasted, which really promoted rust. They switched to this basic coating and Secure-Ex sheath for this version...the other Drop Forged series have a bronze colored coating of some sort.
Je cherche depuis longtemps un fixe compact, bodybuildé , mais pas hors de prix. J aimais bien le Tops Xcest, mais trop cher. Je n avais jamais pensé a ce Cold Steel. Je crains un peu que le manche soit glissant,et froid en Hiver, mais un peu d adhésif et le problème sera résolu. J en ai commandé un , j attend maintenant avec impatience de pouvoir le tester lors de mes futures sorties! Et j adore le look de ce couteau, je l ai choisi en noir.
It’s GREAT for processing game. It strips bare, and can be washed clean after. But it’s NOT a survival tool. It’s heavy, too short to baton with, too brittle to flat hammer, and it gets COLD without a grip wrap... HOWEVER, it makes a good bearing block for fires, and holds a nice edge 🤷🏻♂️
Great review. Love my hunter! Surprisingly low shock when batoning. I’m considering the 8” survivalist next, Is a review possible? Not bad for $60, jus a bit more than the hunter, but so much more blade 😍
£44 in the UK, yet with sheath £115. What a rip of for a cheap leather sheath. Secure ex is far better. Make your own leather with tools you need for £30! Bought one and made micarta scales which cost £7 !
VAT in my country is 21%, in the US the highest is 8,25% in California, most states is lower and some even is 0%. Also, much less people buy this stuff than in the US. Laws are more strict here. You can get a big fine for having a knife like that, on top of having it taken away. That means it cannot be shipped in massive amounts, and that raises the price too.
the hollows on both sides of the handle can carry two backup fire steels wrapped with gorilla tape and the para cord wrap over top
I was thinking the same thing yesterday.
"I love it when I find"
Bro, we all love it when you just...post videos. Doesn't really matter about WHAT. Keep on keepin on
fill the handles, wrap in hockey tape = no more cold bite
or drill 2 holes in it and give it wood scales
I've had this knife for a while now but wasn't using it as much as I wanted because of the handle. I fixed it by filing the hollows with flexseal. Now it has full handles like any other knife and I don't have to worry about paracord slipping or homemade grips breaking.
That sounds like a really good idea. I'd like to see the end result.
That is a surprise, but then again, maybe not so much. The Bushman blades are also sort of crude/unfinished in terms of lacking thermal protection on the handles, but they too are excellent performers and outstanding value for money. Cold Steel is a quirky company, but a bunch of their products are real winners.
You got to figure with the 52 100 steel that Spyderco has used it in their paramilitary 2 and 3 in their Sprint run series. So that should give you a good idea it's a very robust deal is mainly used to make ball bearings.
Iv been using it for hunting. Superb results. I also love that at camp I can batton with it and throw it at trees. Bullet proof brilliance!
There are plenty of other carbon steels that can be forged, but they went with 52100, and to me, that says a lot about Cold Steel and the value of their knives. You usually find this steel on custom fixed blades, sometimes even large choppers. The edge retention is excellent, and better than something like 1095 (always variables to consider) but its a great steel. On a 40 dollar knife, its unheard of.
I just got the drop forged survivalist today in 52100 and I love it 👍
Arron, try using renfrew tape on the handle. It will still fit back with the snap in the case, but renfrew tape is water proof. Its used by hockey players to tape their hockey stick blades...durable as well. Mine has an awesome feel w/ that tape.
I got a kukri which is made of 52100 steel by a local knife maker. I've used it for a year now and I find the durability of this steel (with the right heat treatment ) is amazingly impressive.
This is actually the first knife I owned and this video had a lot to do with my purchase, so thanks for the confidence to make the buy. I also got the axe gang hatchet and I'd love to see you do a video on that too, love the content man hope you and you're family are keeping well and safe in these mad times.
Really appreciate, and glad you are enjoying the tool.
That's a awesome price point for a knife in 52100... and a good sheath to boot... there are custom knife makers who use this steel... it's absolutely good to go.
On both my cold steel bowie and hunter with a little effort you can also carve some wood pieces for an increased swell for the handle, then wrap it works great as to the knives there both beasts . Happy Trails
As some comments stated before, 52100 can be thought as an improvement over 1095 in the fact that it can be hardened to higher numbers without losing a lot of tenacity. It's still a high carbon steel, and the fact that they save up money on the whole hande machining process makes it so they can put it up in a production line. Also I think 59-60 is a pretty nice notch above the regular 56-58 HRC in terms of edge retention. I've had knives in 6150 at 57HRC and the edge retention was a step above my BK-2.
I really don't care for this line as outdoor knives, but for EDC urban stuff? Put some jimping on that suckers, glove up and start busting out doors. If it were available here where I live I'd get it for my bug out or EDC bag, truck, car, etc. $40, 52100 and that plastic sheath is a pretty nice combo for us guys who like to pile up gear and throw it in bags.
Didn't realize anyone made a knife commercially with ball bearing steel! Thank you so much for sharing!👍👍👍
Just ordered one. Thanks for the review on this. Been wanting a solid beat around field knife.
The price makes it tempting. It would be a good knife to put in my bugout
Do you think drilling holes in the handle to lighten it up would effect the strength?
I was thinking the same thing. However I've had a hard time in the past drilling through hardened steel.
I just got mine last week, another high value tough as nails knife from Cold Steel!
They do offer it with a leather sheath as well.
That's the one I got. It's a good production leather sheath.
Nice, I like 52100 steel. I have steel in 3 spyderco knives. Very easy to sharpen.
52100 blows 5160 out of the water on edge retention, but toughness is similar on both steels
Ugh yet another knife I want and have no need for
@Old Luke Flu boogaloo lmao
Same here😉
Man that is at a friggin awesome price point!! Also if you wanted to grind down some of that handle, lighten and balance it and put some grips on it that would make a great project for a bladesmith!!
or even make custom inserts.
I will check it out, when I go to SMKW in Tennessee
Thanks for reviewing this. I'd been looking at this for awhile as a potential edc blade. I think it might be heavier and thicker than I expected though; not something that would disappear on my belt.
David Volsky ya you might look at the Kabar Globetrotter
Other than weight it disappears on my belt. Very low profile in the leather sheath option.
Iv had this one for a few months now and it is a great knife
There's just something inexplicably badass about a guy casually pointing at you with a knife.
I've been eying this knife for a while. Not only did you convince me, but you just gained a subscriber. Looking forward to checking out all your other vids!
You know which one I'd like to see in action? I'd like to see the Sanrenmu S745 it seems like it's a good knife but I've never seen it put to use.
So you're saying in the rockies if you don't wrap it it will literally be cold steel? Lol
Im jealous, I would love a heavy knife. Most people look at weight as a con but when you stab/chop something the inertia will help you out a lot.
Michael #999999 buy a Tracker I love mine. It really is a great knife.
Well if you look at a knife as a cutting tool then all of a sudden the weight/thickness plays against the reason you have a knife! Most useful cutting tools tend to be slender an lighter, people that actually use a knife can contest to it. Do you actually think that a stiff thick knife helps in dressing game??? Yet, many on youtube think that the "One Tool Option" is actually a OPTION, how stupid!
@@oldmanstoner4153 I dropped the relief edge back and thinned it a little on my drop forged hunter, and it's a damn fine cutter. I have skinned a lot of animals, and I would use this just fine.
Well it is 4 yrs later and here in Australia, it is $100.
From the USA, Let's Go Brandon‼️
You can't bet the bang for your buck, when you buy a Cold Steel product. Great price for a full tang blade !!!
never had any problems with CS products, and i use them (almost) daily :D .
Gideonstactcal are u going to do a review on the esee jg5
tjf gaming possibly
I like your review, but does it have a 90° spine on it?
Just a Florida man from 75th RR it does not.
@@gideonstactical I find that there is a ridge on the one side of the spine that sparks a ferro rod.
If I remember correctly the knife must be in the left hand.
Looks like a blade I’d wrap with bankline to get the snap to work easier but would also probably send it to Country Prepper for a custom kydex sheath. Awesome find sir thank you!
Can you include a link with your sunglasses price in it? And where to get them? :-)
Love the overall look of this knife.
How do you paracord wrap this knife ?
Wish they wud have made it w holes in handle for pins/bolts
So you've heard of Truck Guns? Looks like it'd be a good Truck Knife to me. Wrap the Handle, oil it, toss it in the Glove box, Bob's your Uncle. Thanks again for the Video.
😂😂😂🤘🏻
Nice little blade, It would be a good one to EDC I'd def Kydex it and have a ulticlip attachment . Thanks Aaron I may just have to pick this up
Are you using la grange with zz top
I finally pulled the trigger on the Strongarm(highly recommended by yourself) .....I don't see a place for this one in my systems.
Ed Baxter totally understand! Strongarm is a great option.
what is the hardness of this steel, particulary on this knife , please?
58 to 60 hrc.
Great Video!
Maybe it is possible to drill a few large holes in a handle to make it lighter ...
It will make it lighter but also weaker
Like the name eludes to, I think the design is so hunters can easily clean blood & guts from the knife.
Thanks for all the effort. I appreciate your hard work. Your really helping folks make good decisions.
Is this one hollow or flat grind?
Hey Aaron, what technique did you use to wrap the handle on your Hunter?
in my experience 52100 is far better than 1095 or 5160 better than d2 and 52100 can be rockwelled up to 64 also it is ball bearing steel
Better than D2?
52100 is really good steel Busse knives uses a slight variant of it plus these blades are forged and yes I have experience with both as blade steels
Glad to see this knife performs so well...I've been thinking about it for a while. Next time I see it on sale I'm going to get it! Keep up the great work!
Very nice revieuw again Arron !
would it be too cold even with the paracord?
No. He wrapped his in paracord, but I wrapped mine in black hockey tape which dramatically improved the grip, temperature transfer, and retention in the sheath with the snap undone. Some people use tennis racquet tape or shrink tube. Find what works for you, and you’ll love this little blade.
Aaron, any chance you'll do the survival version o this one?
Man, I'm going to get one. Thank you Arron for the review. Looks like a great tool.Tennessee
Jeff Carter nice!!!
Is this for self defense ?
52100 steel is what ball bearings are made of, so you know it is tough, and with .1% carbon, it will take an edge and retain it long enough. Good choice of steel for this knife as you can beat on it. I do not like paracord handle wraps much though. Thanks for showing it.
What's the weight comparison? Thinking about it for backpacking.
I think he said about 8.5 oz for the Cold Steel and about 7 oz for the EESE?
Dave Mack Traveler Esee 7oz/cold steel 8.6oz/Schrade 9oz
Thanks! I watched again and don't know how I missed that part. Sorry for the question already answered in the video.
Awesome! I was considering this very blade.
Just got mine today and you were spot on. Highly recommend.
I always overlooked this because of the colour of them (kind of creamy gold) when they were first released, but it looks great in this grey and it's half price on the site i buy most of my knives and gear from. Winner winner chicken dinner. Thanks for sharing this, you've totally changed my mind about this one.🙏🏼👍🏼
When they first brought it out (came with a nice pouch style leather sheath), I think it was just bead blasted, which really promoted rust. They switched to this basic coating and Secure-Ex sheath for this version...the other Drop Forged series have a bronze colored coating of some sort.
I was the same way! The original color was not desirable at all.
Just ordered and didn't know about this one
Great quick review dude. Appreciate it!
Currently at $51 through your link. I’ll wait a bit for a sale. Thanks for the great video.
Great review and see family is too!
Need some advice. This or the Finn wolf?
This all the way
Je cherche depuis longtemps un fixe compact, bodybuildé , mais pas hors de prix.
J aimais bien le Tops Xcest, mais trop cher.
Je n avais jamais pensé a ce Cold Steel.
Je crains un peu que le manche soit glissant,et froid en Hiver, mais un peu d adhésif et le problème sera résolu.
J en ai commandé un , j attend maintenant avec impatience de pouvoir le tester lors de mes futures sorties!
Et j adore le look de ce couteau, je l ai choisi en noir.
It’s GREAT for processing game. It strips bare, and can be washed clean after. But it’s NOT a survival tool. It’s heavy, too short to baton with, too brittle to flat hammer, and it gets COLD without a grip wrap... HOWEVER, it makes a good bearing block for fires, and holds a nice edge 🤷🏻♂️
Would like to see cold steel release a 6.5 inch hunter.
I like it! I’m ordering one today!
David Rogers awesome! Thanks for using the links!!
Wow, I was interested in this but since the review the price has doubled
CHECK OUT THE COLD STEEL BUSH RANGER!!!!
as always Gideon you bring everything down to earth and Jr. is such an addition👍
rad roofer the man's name is Aaron. Gideon's is the name of the channel.
Whispy Woods I don't care what his name is he knew who I was talking to
@@radroofer 😁😁🖒🖒
Great video, awesome knife !
As Always a good review but the knife on it's own is OK because it Needs the Paracord because you never show it on it's "As Is".
I like Coldsteel knives
Great review. Love my hunter! Surprisingly low shock when batoning. I’m considering the 8” survivalist next, Is a review possible? Not bad for $60, jus a bit more than the hunter, but so much more blade 😍
los lentes de sol, opacan cualquier cosa que trates de mostrar.
They are pretty cool
Great review!
Sold! Great review
Put a new handle on it, bro. Make a sheath for your favorite carry amd rock it.
you should throw your knifes to test how good the balance/weight is..just dont go crazy with it lol
52100 is a higher quality steel. Custom makers started using it in the 90s.
Ha 😂 GT Jr is so much fun, I read down in the comments "truck knife"! This would be great for that, thanks GT!
When I hear someone use a made up word like "comfortability", my seriousability drops bigly.
I really appreciate your sharablity of your viewishness 👍
I bought one today (August 26th) for $34.39.
this coating they have ... wrecked in a day :D
Thanks for the look-see. If I decide to get one, I'll u$e your links!
£44 in the UK, yet with sheath £115. What a rip of for a cheap leather sheath. Secure ex is far better. Make your own leather with tools you need for £30! Bought one and made micarta scales which cost £7 !
Nice! I like itm
Just ordered it for $35 … even if I dislike it , $35 come on!!
This knife worth 65 € in Europe ! Why the hell knives are so expensive EU countries?
Because of all the added taxes
David S. Taxes added in products in America too And this is not an American product so why they cost more that the double money ? That's stealing !
VAT in my country is 21%, in the US the highest is 8,25% in California, most states is lower and some even is 0%.
Also, much less people buy this stuff than in the US. Laws are more strict here. You can get a big fine for having a knife like that, on top of having it taken away. That means it cannot be shipped in massive amounts, and that raises the price too.
Socialism.
I like it!
Cold Steel = Over Powered Steel
Now $60-$70 bucks.
It's now...$87
I love seeing another reviewer who is constantly interrupted by his kids.
How many words can you say in 1 minutes ?
That's a damn good deal on that knife!. 52100 is good stuff.
www.astmsteel.com/product/52100-bearing-steel-aisi/