Cold Steel GI Tanto?

[FOBOS]

Hello fellas,

I watched the video of Noss working over the inexpensive CS GI Tanto and the Scottish in my wants to buy one due to the high strength and low cost. Does anyone have an opinion these knives? They seem to be worth the $20 price tag and would go great for field/SHTF use.

Thanks for this site and thanks for those cool tests

[Gman1128]

Because of the test i bought one a while ago. Ive never taken it camping but I think it would do fine. I have used it for some chopping and some throwing. It is not a very good chopper at all because it is so thin and light, but for the size, its not bad. It does not hold the best edge (one time through a 2x6 and it has lost alot of its edge) but it is very easy to resharpen. It does a good job clearing light branches and vegetation. The handle is a bit small for me but i have fairly big hands.

My only main concern is the tip on it is very thin and I bent the last 1/8 inch of mine while I was throwing it. It bounced off the tree and landed hard, tip first on concrete (the steel is soft so it took only a few minutes to grind off the bent part and put a new, thicker tip on). The same thing happened to one of my friends who has a GI tanto, when his hit a nail in the wooden post that it was being thrown at.

I would definitely recommend it for a medium sized knife. For under $20, its a great deal and you won't be disappointed.

[FOBOS]

Thanks Gman, I was looking to get a couple to have around just in case, for that price, I could take them camping, use in the woods and not feel bad about dinging, bending or messing them up.

[Noss]

They are a good cheap work knife. And if you do break it (hard to do ) or loose it. They are only 15 to 20 bucks. They have the new one with handles instead of the cord wrap.


You can put a good edge on it also. It doesn't take much to get them very sharp. They are not ergonomic but they do function and it is one tough SOB.

[FOBOS]

Yup, that is why I want to own one, just to have, mess up and not worry about a two hundred dollar knive.

[kurodrago]

I just finished sharpening my and guys I was so impressed that I bought new one for kitchen use.
Damn this thing came extremely sharp!
Some photos of sharping proceedings.
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_1699.jpg
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_1708.jpg
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_1701.jpg
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_1700.jpg
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_1707.jpg
I used the stone made 1000/6000 g.... It took me 25 minute for a serious EDGE.
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_1719.jpg
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_1720-1.jpg
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_1715.jpg

[Noss]

That is a wicked looking edge. How long did you work on it ? Great looking cord wrap also. :thumb:

[kurodrago]

That is a wicked looking edge. How long did you work on it ? Great looking cord wrap also. :thumb:


Noss, It took me less than half an hour to sharpen the knife. I made it disappear the first edge.:thumb:
Because my hands are too big, I added some of paracord in the handle on top of what already had when I bought it. Now the feeling of the handle is excellent.:rockon:

[Thecarotidpulse]

this calls for a post from Richard on sharpening technique!

[Macgregor]

Scottish in me

Go on.......

What clan?

Highlander or lowlander?

[kurodrago]

The new one just arrived, this time with the handle plastic, in the hands the feeling is not bad... I guess that I can not complain on the price.
I'll show you some pic and soon I will try to work on it:)
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_1740.jpg
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_1741.jpg
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_1743.jpg
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_1745.jpg
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_1746.jpg
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_1759.jpg
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_1753.jpg

[Thecarotidpulse]

Neat pics, but why take off the scales?


Poop on screws btw... those will come loose soon.

[Macgregor]

Maybe he is whipping up some micarta.

[kurodrago]

I worked a little the new purchase!
I did two things,
* I made the handle a little big, adding 1.5 mm of plastic film for each side.
I enlarged the handle for a better grip...works well for me doesn't mean that will work for you as well!?
I don't think that the screws will come loose, I found them quite strong!
Yes I know I could put something different but I do not have the material:D
*The second thing I sharpened and I removed the primary edge;
Which makes this knife much better cutter:thumb:
Enjoy the terrible photos:D

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_1782.jpg
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_1783.jpg
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_1797.jpg
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_1800.jpg

[Noss]

That new one looks sweet. I really like the edge you put on those. :thumb::rockon:

[kurodrago]

That new one looks sweet. I really like the edge you put on those. :thumb::rockon:

Thanks Noss!
Some update pic:rockon:
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_2108.jpg
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_2110.jpg
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_2104.jpg
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_2102.jpg

Holy shit, I can't do no more night mission:D

[Sharp]

SWEET WORK!!!

Now, I really think you should get some green micarta. :D

Green micarta and red liners. WHOO!!!

[Thecarotidpulse]

Hmmm interesting.

I like your idea of getting rid of the coating... Works well. Also i applaud your descision of taking down the dge a bit! Let us know how it works for ya!


I may yet get one and do the same...

[lsutigers1010]

Damn that thing look mean how much $$

[Thecarotidpulse]

Like 20$ i think... It's a steel.


Get it ? Steel?


Oh brother.

[kurodrago]

http://www.survivalistboards.com/showthread.php?t=52213
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/GITanto.jpg
Interesting to see how this knife changes shape easily . Nice I must make one myself:D

[Noss]

Yeah I've seen a few cool mods done on them and for under 20 bucks. Why not experiment with them ? Post some photos when you do. :thumb:

[maddogg774]

the war head is great too. they are very versitle.

[kurodrago]

http://www.survivalistboards.com/showthread.php?t=52213
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/GITanto.jpg
Interesting to see how this knife changes shape easily . Nice I must make one myself:D


Inspired by this picture I am making some changes:o Man this knife and hard:mad:

[Noss]

Cool. There have been some cool mods on the GI tantos.

[xxo]

Looks good. I wish they made a flat ground drop or clip point version without the finger choil.

[Noss]

Yeah Me to. This would be a great addition to the line.

[G. Scott H.]

Yeah, CS should really REALLY expand this whole line. There's been some suggestions over at the CS Forum (in fact, mostly by xxo :cool:) to this effect, but it hasn't seemed to go anywhere so far. I'm keeping my fingers crossed, though. :rockon:

[jankerson]

A lot of us have given hints to CS. :D

[G. Scott H.]

That's true, I just hope they take the hints. :D It seems like a no brainer to me. A whole line of "GI" knives (1055, black coating, polypro handles) seems like it would sell like hotcakes. Aside from the tanto, add a drop point, a clip "bowie" style, and even some odd ones like a plain edge GI Desperado (I think that was an xxo suggestion, IIRC), etc. Like I said over at CSF, the possibilites are endless. :cool:

[jankerson]

That's true, I just hope they take the hints. :D It seems like a no brainer to me. A whole line of "GI" knives (1055, black coating, polypro handles) seems like it would sell like hotcakes. Aside from the tanto, add a drop point, a clip "bowie" style, and even some odd ones like a plain edge GI Desperado (I think that was an xxo suggestion, IIRC), etc. Like I said over at CSF, the possibilites are endless. :cool:

I think they would sell very well as cheap field knives for sure. :thumb:

[kurodrago]

And you go boys:rockon:
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_2102-1-1.jpg
From the pic above where the changes take place.
from that to this
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_3005.jpg

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_2989.jpg

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_3002.jpg

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_2993.jpg

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_3000.jpg

After a couple of months of use in the kitchen....
I realized what change would better for may hand.
All this work has been done using only hand tools.
I do not recommend the same to you because 1055 is hard as a diamond.:D
1055 steel holds and take very good sharp edge:thumb:

[G. Scott H.]

Damn, man! That's freakin' awesome! :rockon: Well done!

[Noss]

Looks fantastic. :rockon: If I ever get my hands on one I don't D-test :D I want to mod one also. Good job.

[kurodrago]

G. Scott H.
Thanks:)

Looks fantastic. :rockon: If I ever get my hands on one I don't D-test :D I want to mod one also. Good job.

I think you'll enjoy it, no difficult at all!
I did all the work in the balcony using only hands tool.:thumb:
You also so have the advantage of having garage.:p
Ya.. me the balcony, or work there or jump from there.
My wife don't give me much choice.:o
Yesterday after modification for the first time I use in the kitchen..man that thing cuts as hell.:thumb: Put a serious edge on it and then you'll see!:D

[gd1944]

I have a GI Tanto myself, which I bought just after watching Noss's D-Test. :)

Though its only $20 in the US, I had to spend about $70 to get one in China. Even though these knives are manufactured in China, our native knife dealers need to import (smuggle) them from the US. Moreover, selling and buying this kind of knife is forbidden by our law, all knife business have to go covertly, so the price is lift up.

And this is mine:

http://bbs.steamcn.com/attachments/ext_jpg/20090910_e65e9fc2878d01fff170kyjSQcl6EiIJ.jpg

http://bbs.steamcn.com/attachments/ext_jpg/20090914_36162756283af111ae13lVBS06kyDjqU.jpg

[dingyu1980]

cool man , you got a good one !

[Noss]

gd1944: Great photos. I like the new plastic handles on the GI tanto over the cord wrap. Nice watch also. :rockon:

[G. Scott H.]

Speaking of the plastic handles, how do they attach? Are there 4 seperate screws that thread into the tang or are the screws more like two sets of nuts and bolts that go clear through the tang? :confused:

[culpeper]

Probably the less expensive route. Nut and bolt.

[Noss]

Speaking of the plastic handles, how do they attach? Are there 4 seperate screws that thread into the tang or are the screws more like two sets of nuts and bolts that go clear through the tang? :confused:

They are attached with a screw and nut with an Allen wrench head on both sides. The tang is not threaded.

[G. Scott H.]

Cool. Thanks, man. :rockon:

[Noss]

No Problem.

[gd1944]

Anyone know the exact HRC of GI Tanto? Some say it's only 50-52, hard to believe.

[wildjim]

Anyone know the exact HRC of GI Tanto? Some say it's only 50-52, hard to believe.

http://www.coldsteel.com/faqs.html#1055

What is 1055 Carbon Steel?

[gd1944]

Thanks again, wildjim!
Don't know you are here too. :)

[wildjim]

Thanks again, wildjim!
Don't know you are here too. :)

I get around some ; ) But this is my home away from home.

[Noss]

gd1944: From testing it I would guess it's no harder than about 55 rc.

[G. Scott H.]

The numbers given on Cold Steel's site are "as quenched", meaning prior to tempering. Without somebody putting one on a Rockwell tester, it's impossible to say exactly what the HRC is on these, but I wouldn't be surprised if the low to mid 50s numbers were accurate, given the toughness of the ones Noss has tested, and based upon tmy own experience sharpening one.

[Noss]

It's easy to cut the edge and the spine with a mill file. It resits bending well but does take good denting on the spine during hammer impacts.

[gd1944]

Thanks Noss! I now know better. ;)

[Noss]

Not a problem.

[dingyu1980]

i think the hardness is not important,
i do use a knife ,does not use hardness!
60+ , it is not my style!

[Noss]

dingyu1980: I agree . For hard use knives I'm not into the hardest is the best thing deal. I prefer tough, easy to sharpen knives. My Douk Douk is in the low 50s ( 50-53) and it works just fine at cutting. About 10 passes on a DMT stone and it's sharp again.

[kurodrago]

GI Tanto more modding on!:)
First of all, note the differences.
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/tantos1-1.jpg
Depite the difference on the GI tanto on the false edge on the top of blade
which added more penetration: but make the tip more weak:mad: Acceptable because I can't do anything about it:D
The beginning of blade on the GI tanto that thing Really get on the way:mad:

Noss, he get it right on first place....

Mark 8:30
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-ldsITACzE

My advice is... if you are serious about some change on this knife...put the edge all the way:thumb:
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_3067.jpg
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_3068.jpg
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_3073.jpg
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_3074.jpg
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_3076.jpg

It takes 30 minutes.....and one of thesehttp://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_3059.jpg

[dingyu1980]

cool , but what is the improvement of your labor?

[kurodrago]

cool , but what is the improvement of your labor?



It does't take rocket science for understand this.
The improvement of my labor is... improve my skill and how to shape a piece of steel.
I hope that you understand what talking about and the improvement on the knife!?_?

[dingyu1980]

:rockon:
nice!

[gd1944]

That's some neat work! ;)

[kurodrago]

That's some neat work! ;)

Thanks:)
You will feel the difference only if use it a lot:)

[dingyu1980]

i got my GI TANTO and cheap than dirt at noon, cool.
very good , but GI is thinner than what i expected ! just 3mm.
the ctd is little bit thicker , with 4mm on the spine .
http://www.huanuosword.com/bbs/attachments/month_0911/20091101_17b5ad37015af171270eSxbSoGGkBZ2u.jpg

http://www.huanuosword.com/bbs/attachments/month_0911/20091101_05f27e7e4a9b2aa8817aYNmamDNOwRXx.jpg

http://www.huanuosword.com/bbs/attachments/month_0911/20091101_de73e2863b79e19475e334YBEi8rLnQV.jpg

these pics is soooo bad , cause i only have NET CAM in hand.

[xxo]

Nice haul Dingyu!


Please let us know how they work out for you.


The CS site says the GI tanto is supposed to be 4 mm....maybe they are making them thinner now?

http://www.coldsteel.com/gitanto.html

[jankerson]

i got my GI TANTO and cheap than dirt at noon, cool.
very good , but GI is thinner than what i expected ! just 3mm.
the ctd is little bit thicker , with 4mm on the spine .
http://www.huanuosword.com/bbs/attachments/month_0911/20091101_17b5ad37015af171270eSxbSoGGkBZ2u.jpg

http://www.huanuosword.com/bbs/attachments/month_0911/20091101_05f27e7e4a9b2aa8817aYNmamDNOwRXx.jpg

http://www.huanuosword.com/bbs/attachments/month_0911/20091101_de73e2863b79e19475e334YBEi8rLnQV.jpg

these pics is soooo bad , cause i only have NET CAM in hand.


Looks like yopu will be spending some real time sharpening today. :D

[dingyu1980]

Looks like yopu will be spending some real time sharpening today. :D

the edge on CTD is not good , need lots of work :D
coating , handle , gard , no complain about here , just cool.

the slabs on my GI TANTO is loose a little bit , but not a big prob to me :D

[kurodrago]

Congratulations:rockon:
After a very good sharpening tell us.......what's the improvement of your labor:D:D:rockon:

[jankerson]

the edge on CTD is not good , need lots of work :D
coating , handle , gard , no complain about here , just cool.

the slabs on my GI TANTO is loose a little bit , but not a big prob to me :D

That will give you a workout. :D

But hey it will be sharp after you are done. :)

[Noss]

i got my GI TANTO and cheap than dirt at noon, cool.
very good , but GI is thinner than what i expected ! just 3mm.
the ctd is little bit thicker , with 4mm on the spine .
http://www.huanuosword.com/bbs/attachments/month_0911/20091101_17b5ad37015af171270eSxbSoGGkBZ2u.jpg

http://www.huanuosword.com/bbs/attachments/month_0911/20091101_05f27e7e4a9b2aa8817aYNmamDNOwRXx.jpg

http://www.huanuosword.com/bbs/attachments/month_0911/20091101_de73e2863b79e19475e334YBEi8rLnQV.jpg

these pics is soooo bad , cause i only have NET CAM in hand.

Congrats on your score.

[dingyu1980]

Congratulations:rockon:
After a very good sharpening tell us.......what's the improvement of your labor:D:D:rockon:

it is hard to say , but you have a good memory .cool.:D

[kurodrago]

Bringing up-to-date:thumb:

I must say that after 6 months or more of use in the kitchen, this is the result of inside the handle! Handle with strong vinegar patina;
Well after all this time on the kitchen and be use almost every day, I'm impress that the rust did not go far off inside the metal.
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_3259.jpg

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_3257.jpg

So I decided to bluing it, just to see if bluing is more rust resistant!?

It's how looks now:D the fighter come next:thumb:
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_3271.jpg
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_3272-1.jpg
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_3275.jpg
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_3276.jpg

[Madnumforce]

Blued finish is more resistant, but is you put the slabs back in place, it will keep moisture between blade and handle and you won't see any difference. Good old carbon steel is often under-rated, but it can be quite rust resistant, if it's kept dry and clean. Our grand-father only had carbon knives, and they often kept them till the blade was so ground out by years and years of sharpening it becomes almost two time narrower than it was when they bought it. Everyday use put a patina on the blade, just like yours, I don't know how it work precisely chimically, but it prevents further rusting.

[kurodrago]

Blued finish is more resistant, but is you put the slabs back in place, it will keep moisture between blade and handle and you won't see any difference. Good old carbon steel is often under-rated, but it can be quite rust resistant, if it's kept dry and clean. Our grand-father only had carbon knives, and they often kept them till the blade was so ground out by years and years of sharpening it becomes almost two time narrower than it was when they bought it. Everyday use put a patina on the blade, just like yours, I don't know how it work precisely chimically, but it prevents further rusting.

Absolutely true:) anyway will take decades before thr rust will giving a serious problem:thumb:

[kurodrago]

My exclusive fighter pic:rockon:
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_3610.jpg
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_3609.jpg
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_3614.jpg
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_3612.jpg

[Madnumforce]

Vinegar blueing?

[kurodrago]

Vinegar blueing?

A bit blueing:D

[kurodrago]

last experiment up date:D
my leather handle, made by me whic is the best feel until now... very good feel the use in hands:thumb:
Much better than the plastic an paracord for sure:thumb::D
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_4634.jpg
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_4635.jpg
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_4637.jpg
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_4642.jpg
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_4643.jpg
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s307/kurodrago/IMG_4644.jpg