COLD STEEL Tai Pan VG-10 San Mai

Yep, this is the real thing. I wuz worried at first 'cuz the price was so right for me, I thought I was taking a chance on getting stuck -- pun intended. But yeah, this is the real thing. It ain't a super steel, but I don't care 'bout that kinda thing. The VG-10 San Mai is good enough for anything I'm gonna do with this blade. Not that there's anything wrong with CPM 3V, but c'mon, the price is crazy and if you're honest about it, you won't know the difference. This is a fighter, not an all around hunting utility survival blade. IMHO, of course. And yeah, it's from Taiwan, but frankly, I've compared it to my Seiki City, Japan blades and it looks good. I've several vintage (to you ... I bought'em new back in the day lol) Cold Steel tanto and Bowie knives make in Seiki City and except for "Taiwan" on the blade you couldn't tell the difference. Everything is symmetrical, fit and finish is first rate and the Kraton (rubber) handle is rock solid. What. A. Deal. If I have a complaint (or quibbling, as it were) it's the edge wasn't as sharp as it could be or as sharp as most of the CS blades I've purchased since the late 1980s. No worries, a bit of polishing on some 1500 grit sandpaper and some stropping on leather and it's scary scary sharp, not just scary sharp. If you're in the market for this kind of blade -- and to be honest, you should be! lol -- BUY. THIS. KNIFE. As Stan Lee used to say, 'Nuff said! ;)

This is one beautiful double edge dagger, some reviewers have complained about symmetry, or knife not sharp out of the box but the example I received is none of that. I've got absolutely nothing to complain about..ZERo gripes! i shopped around online and didn't find any offers that matched or even came close to Amazon's price, a great deal on this fantastic knife from Cold Steel that you won't find anywhere else! Don't delay, buy it today!

Great knife, great price

Double edge daggers of this size and quality are a rarity. Well balanced and sharp enough out of the box. Not a fan of plastic sheath but that seems standard now. Been carrying all summer and not disappointed.

When it arrived, the packaging was rock solid. It would have to be run over by 10 semi trucks to damage the knife. When i first opened it up, i was impressed from the moment I saw it iut of its plastic wrapper. I put it under a light and was extremely impressed with the entire knife. Not a single blemis to be found. Both edges were EXTREMELY sharp. Im talking being very, very careful with handling it at all times. Just for grins i tool it to my dad’s 68 year old leather belt for 40 swipes on each edge. If you’re used to a single edged knife, be EXTREMELY careful as Both edges will easily cut your finger to the bone without ANY effort, it’s that sharp. I have’nt cut through any hemp rope with it, yet. Going to slice up some cardboard going back and forth between each edge. I did stab 8 pieces of cardboard with it. Took absolutely zero effort to do so! Can’t imagine having to use this knife in a fight! The slashing and stabbing power is by far the most lethal of any knife I’ve carried. Double that of my ancient Master Tanto. Thats saying alot! My ONLY gripe is the Kydex sheathe. The fit is extremely tight. To the pount that it’s dangerous to draw the knife out. I about sliced my stomach attempting to draw it. I’m going to find a leather craftsman and have him fabricate a leather sheath similar to the one I have for my 35 year old Master Tanto. That is my only complaint and from a safety standpoint a good one. I would have essily paid the same price for the knife without a sheathe. If you want a true fighting/survival knife, this should be your first choice! It’s tough, extremely sharp and with 2 edges as lethal as any weapon to be found. Another fantastic knife from Cold Steel! Wish I would have bought one a decade ago. You WILL NOT be disappointed with this knife and the price! Guaranteed!!!

This knife came amazingly sharp out of the box. The tip is shaving sharp, not quite as sharp near the hilt but still respectable. I've seen complaints about the sheath not being ideal for edge retention, but I haven't had any issues. It weighs about as much as you would expect, no surprises there. The grip is very comfortable, I have other weapons with "modern" grips that dont feel as great when I hold them bare handed. I dont know a whole lot about the resiliency of the steel this is made out of, dont see many weapons out of San Mai steel. I've put it through a decent amount of use and I haven't had to sharpen at all. I'm curious what an arming sword or a falchion made of of this steel would be like.

This blade is an absolute stunner. So sharp and perfectly balanced. You can actually balance it on 1 finger just below the guard. San Mai blade is beautiful. Probably a show piece and not something I'll use much but for less than 200 bucks it's a bargain and will be a nice decoration on my wall somewhere and to play around with.

I've wanted this knife for years and finally pulled the trigger. Its the coolest knife ever. It feels great in the hand, perfect balance, and what a large razor sharp intimidating blade. You can see the layering on the edges where its ground and that makes it cooler than just about everything out there. Its something that everyone should have in their collection, I don't think anyone else makes a dagger that is even close to this perfection in shape and form.

Great Quality! First I was not sure about the plastik handle but even this has great Quality, worth the price

According to the logo on the box and the knife blade this seems to be the older version dating back before the sale of Cold Steel. This is a collector's item IMO. Very high quality and quite sharp out of the box but it could use a stropping. The sheath is a bit tight so it doesn't wiggle around but it will probably loosen up as time goes on. The logo on the other knife in the photo is the new company that bought out Cold Steel.

Un excelente cuchillo que tenía tiempo de echarle el ojo, bueno acabados y excelente filo muy recomendable

Un increible cuchillo, sin duda de los mejores de mi coleccion, el diseño, la forma, los acabados, el material... no es un cuchillo para bushcrafing o supervivencia, cabe aclarar que su forma de daga de doble filo lo hace un cuchillo de combate purista de escelente calidad y material, si sabes de este tema y te gusta la cuchilleria este cuchillo le hace honor a su nombre

This thing is so beautifully made that I would never use it for any cutting, just take it out once in a while to marvel over it and oil it, otherwise I see no other way it could be used, perhaps a last stand against a hungry bear keen on eating you alive lol. The sheath it came with doesn't scratch the knife and is as well made as the knife itself, nice positive click when inserted. Expensive, but well worth the price if you want to own something that your grand-kids could inherit (and their kids too lol).