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!

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’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!

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.

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.

It looks beautiful, 10/10 would recommend

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

This is a great knife - aesthetically pleasing and feels great in your hand. The build quality is second to none, grip is solid and secure and the edge is extremely sharp. My only issue, and this is a huge one, is the Secure-Ex sheath is anything but secure. I purchased this knife/sheath for myself several years ago and when you place the blade into the sheath, it locks in place. You can tip the sheath upside down and the knife won't fall out. I recently purchased this knife twice as a gift to my son and had to send both back because of the non-locking sheath. I wrote the USA distributor and was told there are no issues and I should purchase a third one - no thanks! It would be 5 stars if not for the currently poor sheath design.