Master Tanto 6" VG-10 San Mai Razor-Sharp Blade 5.5" Kray-Ex Handle Military Tactical Fixed Blade Knife w/Secure-Ex Sheath

The Cold Steel San Mai Master Tanto is an amazing knife. First, the fit of the handle to the pommel and hilt is as precise as one could hope for. The handle itself provides a very secure grip under a vast array of conditions. The finish is uniform through and through. The lines, bevels and angles are equally nice. Clearly, a lot of attention to detail was given this knife's construction. I'm sure some professional complainer will find something to gripe about, but all things considered, this is an exceptionally nice piece. What's even more amazing is the price. For $100 or so, you get way more than your money's worth. I've seen knives costing a lot more than this that were not as well crafted. This is a working tool, not a safe-queen show piece. The Master Tanto is nicely balanced and feels comfortable and secure in the hand. With its full tang, it's rock-solid to boot. Just as the package says, use caution when handling because it is scary sharp. The sheath has a belt provision, and it rides high and tight against the body. There is absolutely no tension on the blade when sheathed. If you invert a sheathed knife, it will easily and quickly fall out. For rapid deployment while worn on a belt, this may well be a good thing. If you need additional security while in the field, then the handle strap will keep the knife in place. While not military-grade tough (in my opinion), the sheath seems adequate. I'm one of those guys who has been there and done that, so it takes a lot to impress me, and the Master Tanto certainly does. What an awesome piece for the money!

I’m Happy with my purchase. Razor sharp out of the box, with typical very clean blade geometry. They must have improved their sheath issues because mine easily snaps in place, holds knife when inverted even without using the strap! When using strap there is a tiny bit of rattle when I shake it, but none when I wear it on my belt. Knife deploys out cleanly and fairly quiet without excessive dragging inside the sheath, but still never as smooth as from their original leather sheaths that I miss. The balance in my hand feels perfect with every Cold Steel Tanto model I own!

Great knife had been wanting one for quite awhile and found a great deal on amazon. The knife is razor sharp, well balanced and high quality. The only negative i have is not about the knife but the sheath is very loose. It does have a web fastener that goes around handle, but it would be better if it locked in place like a kydex sheath, but that’s just my opinion.

This is the quintesential fighting knife,its been around for over 30 years, Lynn Thompson single handedly introduced the western world to the tanto, super sharp so well made highly recommend it!

I have a well used standard Cold Steel Tanto made in Japan from the late ‘80’s. This one (made in Taiwan) seems as good or better than my O/G model. The model I purchased is the #35AB Master Tanto. It has a 6” blade and an overall length of 11 1/4”. The blade is inscribed Cold Steel San Mai Taiwan on one side and Master Tanto on the other. The blade arrived very sharp and did not appear to have any noticeable flaws. The rubber like grip appears and feels the same as my 1980’s model. Many have complained about problems with the sheath. Mine did not have any issues. The blade fit well and was held securely. It has a nylon upper that has a thumb snap for extra security and a 3” loop with a snap and Velcro to attach to a belt. This part is attached to the polymer sheath with 2 crosshead screws so it is removable. The polymer sheath is molded to the blade shape with 2 1/2’ slots for a leg strap. It also has 4 pass through grommets at the bottom (pointy end of the knife) for a leg tie down or to lash to a pack. Wrap Up: Overall very well constructed; Very sharp factory edge; good price; and a solid sheath that did not have any of the problems many of the reviewers have mentioned. 4 stars because nothing is 5 stars for me.

My very first Cold Steel knife was a Master Tanto I purchased in the 1980’s. It was almost identical looking but with a brass hilt instead of the current edition’s stainless steel and a leather sheath instead of the plastic ones of today. I loved the knife but sold it to a roommate. They were originally made in the USA, then made in Japan until recently, but the current ones are made in Taiwan. Amazon had an amazing sale and I decided it was time to repurchase one of my all-time favorite knives. The first one delivered to me did not have an even blade grind and I could tell by how uneven the 3 layers of steel appeared. I returned it and promptly had another sent which was much better. The quality appears on par with the USA or Japanese made one I had before, and I prefer the steel hilt of the newer ones. I also think the VG-10 steel may be better than whatever I had before and the VG-1 of recent ones made in Japan. The edge seems to stay sharp longer. The Tanto Lite has the same handle dimensions, although the weight and balance are different. If you are curious to try it out to see if you like the handle shape and texture, you could get the Tanto Lite first. The knife is well balanced and fits the sheath well. If you like Japanese style Tanto knives then I highly recommend the Cold Steel Master Tanto.

I would run out of positive adjectives, trying to accurately describe what I think of the Master Tanto. What needs to be addressed are the negative comments on the sheath that are all over the Internet. At the opening of the sheath are two retention bumps or nubs. My knife was very difficult to fully insert and close to impossible to remove. When I was finally able to remove the knife I gradually filed the bumps down until I achieved the insertion force I wanted.

Honestly the best knife I've bought yet, from amazon it came a bit cheaper and much faster. Thanks!

The best knife in my collection. Extremely sharp and well balanced.

mto boa

Ein wunderschönes Tanto Messer, kommt in die Vitrine zum Angucken! Für etwas anderes einfach zu Schön meiner Meinung nach. : )

El cuchillo es excepcional en calidad y estética. Compraré otro para mi esposa. Es un cuchillo de defensa personal no para andar picando o tallando madera. Lo mantendré en su funda, lo sacaré para entrenamiento, espero nunca tener que utilizarlo. Una belleza.

Muito robusta e bonita!