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Post by Deleted on Jul 4, 2010 20:52:27 GMT
[glow=red,2,300]Cold Steel Sub-Hilt Fighter Double Edge Knife Review[/glow] By Sébastien B., Montréal, Québec This is of my most recent acquisition and one of the meanest fixed blade knife that I own. It took me some time to succumb to Cold Steel hype-pumping, chest-beating and testosterone-generating clips before buying this knife of theirs , but I finally did. Is it as badass as Lynn C. Thompson claims it is ? Let's find out ... IntroductionI bough this knife alongside a few others, a few months ago. Like almost all my other knives, I bought this knife at www.knifecenter.com, one of the best-priced knife seller that I know of. Quick, affordable shipping as always. Here's a few numbers, taken from knifecenter.com ... •Weight: 9 oz. •Thick: 3/16" •Blade: 8 1/4" •Handle: 5 1/8" Kraton® •Steel: Japanese AUS 8A Stainless •Overall: 13 3/8" •Secure-Ex® Sheath •Made in Taiwan I have always been a bit distrustful toward arrogant people, which I think include CS's Lynn C. Thompson, who isn't the most humble knife seller that I can think of ... Also, I was a bit uneasy spending 60 $ on a fixed-blade knife (the highest amount so far I paid for such a knife). So, why did I take the plunge ? Well, because NutnFancy made me do it (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v63THk4pKzk) and because I finally fell for CS's promo' clips. And I have no regrets FittingsThe blade is made of AUS8 stainless steel, it comes in a satin finish. It is double-edged, both edges are slightly curved (although the curve is slightly different, when comparing both edges). Both edges are very, very sharp ; both can quite easily cut paper and sliced through water-filled bottles with ease. The lines of the blade are very pure, precise, it feels like a product made with high production standards. The grip and the hilt are made of Kraton, an half-hard/half-soft rubber-like substance. The hilt covers both fingers. Some have claimed that it won't protect the user's fingers from an incoming blade strike. I think this is partly true ; the Kraton doesn't seem hard enough to completely stop a strong blade swing. However, from my current knowledge and training in knife fighting (which are both limited, but not non-existent...), a knife-fighter shouldn't try to block incoming blows with his blade and should rather try to counter-strike on the hand and arm that hold the incoming weapon. Also, a full-metal hilt would make this knife more costly and heavier (see, for example, the Cold Steel Black Bear Classic, sold for more than 300 $ ...). The handle itself is made of textured Kraton and has a sub-hilt. The pommel is slightly forward-curved and has a lanyard hole. It offers a strong, confortable grip. However, I think that this handle is a bit small, it fits my hand perfectly but I think that anybody with larger hands than me may be unconfortable. The sheath is made of zytel (or something else ...) ... a black rigid plastic-like substance. It holds the knife very securely, if completely tucked inside, the knife is impossible to draw without clutching and pulling it very hard (it won't fall off even if shaken). It is possible to put the knife inside the sheath in a less secure way, which will make the blade easier to draw but it will also allow the blade to fall is the sheath is held upside-down and shaken. It also comes with a belt-loop. Overall, this is a practical, good quality sheath, in my honest opinion. Handling and cuttingThis knife feels very light in hand. Plus, its handle gives a very secure grip which inspires confidence and power. Swings, cuts, jabs, in any grip, from any side were very easy to do. Although the blade is a bit light, its stellar handling and its great sharpness give the impression it would be a very vicious fighting weapon. I had one cutting session with this knife. I cutted a small bunch of water-filled bottles with a friend, to see how well this knife cuts. At first, it was a bit frustrating, since I am used to cutting with 10'' and more blades, I often missed my target, but after that, I was surprised by how well this knife slice through its targets. Plus, the knife didn't take a single scratch, dent, anything, from our cuts. Here is a clip of our cutting session : ConclusionOverall, I think this is a very cool knife, it exudes badassness and oozes quality. It clear, elegant lines and its handling makes it a very fun knife to just hold and fool around with. It would also make a very mean fighting knife, for its cost, in my opinion. My only criticism is that the blade lightness and shape makes it less useful for working tasks, which may decrease this knife's value for someone who needs a working/hunting blade. Also, its size and obvious purpose (fighting, killing) makes it a very poor EDC blade. Pros -Very sharp, well-made, sexy, double-edged knife -Very secure, confortable handle -High quality sheath Cons -A bit light for working tasks -Mostly made for fighting, not for work
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SlayerofDarkness
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Post by SlayerofDarkness on Jul 4, 2010 22:50:43 GMT
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I would say that I loved you, but well, that'd be weird, so I'll just say instead 'Thanks for the review, man. ' That's everything that I hoped the OSS would be; a purpose built high quality fighting knife, light, fast, sharp, and tough. It sounds like my dream knife for under $100.... I like the SMIII Tanto line that CS offers, as well as the Black Bear Classis more, but those are around 5x the cost, so the OSS sounds like a winner. +1 when I recharge, to start off that spree of karmalization I promised you back in that other review. Good job, and good knife! -Slayer
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Post by Deleted on Jul 5, 2010 0:43:15 GMT
Good review, so + 1 from me. I own the Black Bear Classic and have owned the OSS Subhilt before. I prefer the Black Bear, even at more alot cost, because the constuction is just way more durable than the kraton stuff, the blade more substantial, anf the knife itself is heartier. I suppose the OSS is an ok entry level knife for the money, but when comparing it to the Black Bear - the differences are vast. The subhilt may not need to block another knife, but it can be used for punching, and I'd rather have steel that the more flexible composite material. Here is the Black Bear Classic:
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Post by Deleted on Jul 5, 2010 0:49:24 GMT
Hello Odingaard
Thanks for the comment and the karma. With this picture, the Black Bear sure looks like an even more mean and dangerous knife than the OSS (which, by itself and for its price, is still a fairly good knife IMO).
Hearing the differences between a sub-100$ knife and a 200+ $ one makes me want to one day take the plunge with the higher-priced product.
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SlayerofDarkness
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Post by SlayerofDarkness on Jul 5, 2010 1:31:52 GMT
^Agreed, Sebastian... the BBC has been begging for me to buy it ever since I first saw it. Sometime when I have some money saved up, I'm going to call Cold Steel before one of their parking lot sales and see if I can pick one up at a discount then. The prices at those things are CRAZY low, but, well, they're also 3000+ miles away from me. ;D However, until then, the OSS shall suit me perfectly. ;D I already have one CS Kraton-handled knife that I have put through hell, hades, the depths of doom, and some extra seriously horrid treatment, and yet it's still in GREAT condition, considering all that. It just really needs to be sharpened... lol. Thanks again for your review! ;D P.S. Odingaard, do you think you could be persuaded to review the BBC anytime soon? -Slayer
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kurokaze
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Post by kurokaze on Jul 5, 2010 2:54:19 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 5, 2010 4:13:39 GMT
^Agreed, Sebastian... the BBC has been begging for me to buy it ever since I first saw it. Sometime when I have some money saved up, I'm going to call Cold Steel before one of their parking lot sales and see if I can pick one up at a discount then. The prices at those things are CRAZY low, but, well, they're also 3000+ miles away from me. ;D -Slayer I went to parking lot sale in 2008 and 2009 but did not see the Black Bear classic there or at least the one that mark down very low (when I see price tag of item more than $300 I will mentally block the image and pretend I never see that item 'cause it hurt ) I saw bunch of Trail Master and Laredo bowie at very low price . May be next year if I go there I can get one for you (as long as it doesn't cost $300) hey let day dream that I come across couple of this for $75 each ,one for you and I keep one for myself Sebastian Cool review , the subhilt is my favoite because it was feature prominently in Japanese anime title "Crying Freeman " the main character only use Subhilt fighter that look like Black Bear classic (it was design by Loveless -famous custom knife maker ) . In the comic book the subhilt was use to withdraw a knife after stabbing ,it make sense because you rest your index finger on the subhilt to gain leverage during withdraw .
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Post by Deleted on Jul 5, 2010 4:19:22 GMT
Thanks for the comments and karma people. I really like this knife and I am happy to see that I am not the only one . Kurokaze ; that is a very cool-looking knife, if you get one, please share the joy by posting at least a few pictures here
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kurokaze
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Post by kurokaze on Jul 5, 2010 4:22:18 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 5, 2010 14:31:58 GMT
Nice review!
In addition to the OSS, I have both the S&W and the Schrade subhilts. I prefer the OSS of all three. The S&W is nicer looking with it's horn grips but the grips (as a natural material) shrink exposing the tang for a slightly uncomfortable grip. The Schrade is just a monster knife and a little too large and heavy for the subtle moves of the average practical knife fighter.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 6, 2010 19:38:45 GMT
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Avery
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Post by Avery on Jul 6, 2010 20:07:42 GMT
Cool review Seb! I admit I like my BBC better that this one, but it is great blade for a decent price.
+1
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SlayerofDarkness
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Post by SlayerofDarkness on Jul 6, 2010 23:24:07 GMT
Personally, I don't see how anyone would like a OSS over a BBC, but it's price diff that makes this one so appealing, I agree... I didn't know that you have a BBC, though, Ave. Care to post some pics? ;D Thanks again Sebastian, this is a great review. -Slayer
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Post by Deleted on Jul 7, 2010 0:48:44 GMT
Great review, mate. Makes me want to commission a subhilt knife from John at Odinblades even more +1 to you
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SlayerofDarkness
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Post by SlayerofDarkness on Jul 7, 2010 0:51:59 GMT
^LOL, I've had the same idea for awhile.... brilliant, I must say. Great minds think alike? ;D He's unbelievably priced, too... I bet you could get a full custom Odinblade knife for around the MSRP, or less, of the BBC, lol. -Slayer
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Post by Deleted on Jul 7, 2010 1:28:36 GMT
Thanks for the comments and karma everyone Although I don't always like Cold Steel arrogance, they sure make good knives, whatever their prices. Demonskull ; thanks for the pics of your sub-hilt knives. The Schrade one looks like an overbuilt tacticool gadget, but the S&W looks great.
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Avery
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Post by Avery on Jul 7, 2010 22:58:39 GMT
Yep, thats one of the reasons I don't care for CS. Their arrogance. The do indeed make good blades, and great knives, but it's the hype that surrounds them that I don't care for. If I make something, I'd rather have all the people who handle it proclaim it to be the best they ever held then say it myself.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 9, 2010 1:48:43 GMT
Great review Sebastian! I agree 100% with everything you say about the knife (I have one), and Lynn.., I mean Cold Steels arrogance. I do like what I've purchase from them so far. I do think in a knife fight the BBC would be the way to go but for that price, I can get another sword, and learn to deal with the guards shortcomings with a change in technique. +1!
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Post by Deleted on Jul 9, 2010 7:19:53 GMT
good review +1 from me. that looks and is a purely fighting knife (and I like it ) by the way, the sheath material is kydex AFAIK....
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Post by Deleted on Jul 9, 2010 14:36:01 GMT
KARMA !!! I'LL OUT-KARMA U ALL LOLZ BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA Eeeerrr sorry forgot to take my pills again, those that make the voices go away ... Thanks for the karma and comments folks
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