COLD STEEL OSS 8.25" Japanese AUS8A Clip Point Blade 5.125" Kray-Ex Handle Tactical Outdoor Hunting Fixed Blade Knife w/Secure-Ex Sheath

I own an absurd number of CS knives. I had been curious about this knife for a while. I grabbed it on a sale recently for about $50. I have a bunch of AUS8 knives from CS that have been great for many years. A recon-1 from 2013 is still in my pocket every day. This knife arrived with perfect grinds and was shaving sharp out of the box. I took it to a fine ceramic rod and a strop right away. Both edges are now light sabers. Amazing out of the box and so quick to make even better. This is a great addition to my truck bugout kit. It is a ridiculously good fighting knife. Super light, perfect handling and grip lockup with the sub-hilt. I am keeping this blade.

I had the handle X rayed and the tongue is wide and extends past the lanyard hole, then it ends in a round shape - very strong design.

Grip indexes easy, with a mild "pistol" style. The edges were sharp out of the box. Seems reasonably well made - no glaring, bothersome flaws. Well balanced and nice length for thrusting, as this sticker was designed for. Steel holds the edge well enough to get a job done.

I have an extensive collection and this is my favorite knife. When you pick it up you can tell it's purpose. It is lethal. Specifically designed for fighting. It dances in your hand and points like a laser.It is not a clunky survival knife.It is not a simple utility knife.It is not a showy fantasy knife.It has reach, double edges, a fine piercing tip, thin yet strong blade, strong hilt and grip to stop your hand from slipping and keep it where it needs to be. Simple design, everything it should and nothing it doesn't need.The sheath is decent quality too. The locking mechanism will eventually wear down after many, many draws, but that's likely after years of use.

For the price you’re getting a great knife and deal. Was very surprised at how light and how sharp it was out of the box. WARNING: Both edges are extremely sharp, out of the box. I oiled it up with my special lube, a combination of Mobil1 and Lucas Heavy Duty Oil Stabilizer, followed by a coating of Frog Lube. I came up with this recipe when I was stationed in Sitka, Alaska. It gets 140 inches of rain a year and can play heck with blued OR stainless steel weapons.I then took it to my leather strap that gave it a razor sharp edge. Applied another coat of the lubes to the edge.Took some old towels and hung them up for some slicing practice. I was using a figure 8 pattern, then stabbing the towels in vital areas. The sharpened edge sliced it with ease, not so for the duller edge. Took some old couch pillows and placed cardboard in between the pillows, then taped them together for 3 pillows and 2 pieces of thick cardboard. With very little effort the knife went through all 5 pieces with ease. I then replaced the cardboard with some old paneling. Once again the blade went through with ease. Last try was thrusting the knife into the rig, then gave it a good rip and it did enough damage to be lethal. Not a scientific drill, but it gave me trust into the knife that I would feel comfortable using it for SD.

This knife is just built different. Very lightweight because of the AUS8A. At first I didn't think I would trust it, because I'm a high carbon blade kinda guy and generally dislike stainless. I was wrong. Whenever I get a new knife I take it out in the woods and beat the crap out of it. This knife really took some abuse, and was still quite sharp afterwards. Since then I've found that the blade does not dull easily and is easy to sharpen. AUS8A seems to be quite comparable to high carbon, if not exceeding it in edge retention. This blade does a surprisingly good job of chopping and the finger loop makes this thing impossible to slip out of your hand and doesn't get in the way as I've seen other people saying. I'm 6'1, 190lbs with large hands, and the grip is perfectly sized for me. The sheath is great, don't know why people hate 'em. Cold Steel is kind of a bad company but their products speak for themselves. 10/10 Great knifeBTW, this knife basically serves no utility purpose, it is for self defense. Wouldn't wanna rob the guy that has one of these on his belt.

This is a good purchase; the length of the blade is perfect and of good quality. The only flimsy detail is the trigger-like pull which diminishes the overall satisfaction of the purchase. Now, this is a serious knife. There is nothing that contradicts the ominous purpose of it.

Loved the knife but the double edge scares me. Definitely a pig sticker. Had to return it for I have no need for such a badass pig sticker.