- Joined
- Feb 4, 2006
- Messages
- 562
Received this knife today, took it out and immediately noticed the thickness of the blade (5/16"). The next thickest knife I have is a Ka-Bar which is half as thick. There's just something I like about thick blades...I dunno what it is.
For the purposes of this review, I will be comparing it to a USMC Ka-Bar. This Scout is also an old one. I don't know how old, but it came with a cordura sheath which I believe came with the knife many years ago.
Minor issues with the knife:
The top swedge is ground very poorly. The point where the edge of the swedge begins is off center by about 1mm and looks very strange, probably because the thing is so thick and the angles are so different on each side. My other Cold Steel also exhibited some fit and finish problems, so I was not too surprised.
The edge also has what appears to be some rust spotting. I don't know how easily Carbon V rusts, but I have never had a problem with my 1095 Ka-bar rusting even though I never oil it and I leave it in its sheath. There is also a sizable chip in the coating from who knows what. The knife is supposedly unused and it does appear that way. Factory edge still intact and very smooth against my fingernail. The age of the knife could be a factor.
I don't have any special rust removers, so if anyone knows a way to remove rust with ordinary household items that would be great. Otherwise, I guess it's time to order some rust remover (recommendations anyone?).
Design:
Personally, I love the design. When I first saw the knife I knew I had to have one. A great looking, well designed blade profile. The full flat grind allows for a lower edge angle than the Ka-Bar without major reprofiling. Surprisingly, the thickness behind the edge of the Scout is thicker than that of the Ka-Bar. The angle is also similar. The guard is thick and a good size, not too big not too small. The handle is comfortable in any grip and very grippy, but the Kraton already shows some scratches. If Cold Steel ever makes one of these with a full tang and Micarta or G10 scales, I would buy it in an instant. Overall, I love the design. It looks great and is totally functional, too.
Cutting some cardboard:
I cut up a large USPS Priority Mail cardboard box with the Scout and a Ka-Bar. Both knives can push cut paper right next to my point of hold (I'd give the edge to the Scout) and neither can shave hair. This isn't really a test of edge retention, as I don't have enough cardboard to cut. I found that the Cold Steel cut through much easier even though the edge angles are very similar (~45 degrees). The Scout simply required much less force and did not bind at all (perhaps something to do with the full flat grind and heft). The Ka-Bar had a more controllable feel to it, but just did not cut through as smoothly.
After cutting, I ran the edge over my fingernail and both edges have bumps in them. From what I felt, both edges seem to have about the same amount of dings. I noted that the edge of the Scout is much more polished and feels smoother along my fingernail. It should also be noted that the Ka-Bar is 56-58HRC and the Scout is supposedly ~59. So it would seem that the durability of Carbon V is very similar to that of 1095 in a Ka-Bar, though my test is far from extensive. Neither blade showed any signs of dulling.
The coating on both blades show marks from the test, though the coating on the Scout has more and they are worse (the ka-bar has been used before too). Not pretty for cutting up half a box. I'm considering turning this knife into my first diy project and stripping the coating and giving it a nice satin (or even mirror) finish. Maybe even out the swedge, too.
In conclusion, another great functional blade from Cold Steel in my collection. The fit and finish on these are far below my other knives, which is a little disappointing. However, it is a big step up from my Ka-Bar. It feels much tougher and cuts better. Looks better too, in my opinion.
For the purposes of this review, I will be comparing it to a USMC Ka-Bar. This Scout is also an old one. I don't know how old, but it came with a cordura sheath which I believe came with the knife many years ago.
Minor issues with the knife:
The top swedge is ground very poorly. The point where the edge of the swedge begins is off center by about 1mm and looks very strange, probably because the thing is so thick and the angles are so different on each side. My other Cold Steel also exhibited some fit and finish problems, so I was not too surprised.
The edge also has what appears to be some rust spotting. I don't know how easily Carbon V rusts, but I have never had a problem with my 1095 Ka-bar rusting even though I never oil it and I leave it in its sheath. There is also a sizable chip in the coating from who knows what. The knife is supposedly unused and it does appear that way. Factory edge still intact and very smooth against my fingernail. The age of the knife could be a factor.
I don't have any special rust removers, so if anyone knows a way to remove rust with ordinary household items that would be great. Otherwise, I guess it's time to order some rust remover (recommendations anyone?).
Design:
Personally, I love the design. When I first saw the knife I knew I had to have one. A great looking, well designed blade profile. The full flat grind allows for a lower edge angle than the Ka-Bar without major reprofiling. Surprisingly, the thickness behind the edge of the Scout is thicker than that of the Ka-Bar. The angle is also similar. The guard is thick and a good size, not too big not too small. The handle is comfortable in any grip and very grippy, but the Kraton already shows some scratches. If Cold Steel ever makes one of these with a full tang and Micarta or G10 scales, I would buy it in an instant. Overall, I love the design. It looks great and is totally functional, too.
Cutting some cardboard:
I cut up a large USPS Priority Mail cardboard box with the Scout and a Ka-Bar. Both knives can push cut paper right next to my point of hold (I'd give the edge to the Scout) and neither can shave hair. This isn't really a test of edge retention, as I don't have enough cardboard to cut. I found that the Cold Steel cut through much easier even though the edge angles are very similar (~45 degrees). The Scout simply required much less force and did not bind at all (perhaps something to do with the full flat grind and heft). The Ka-Bar had a more controllable feel to it, but just did not cut through as smoothly.
After cutting, I ran the edge over my fingernail and both edges have bumps in them. From what I felt, both edges seem to have about the same amount of dings. I noted that the edge of the Scout is much more polished and feels smoother along my fingernail. It should also be noted that the Ka-Bar is 56-58HRC and the Scout is supposedly ~59. So it would seem that the durability of Carbon V is very similar to that of 1095 in a Ka-Bar, though my test is far from extensive. Neither blade showed any signs of dulling.
The coating on both blades show marks from the test, though the coating on the Scout has more and they are worse (the ka-bar has been used before too). Not pretty for cutting up half a box. I'm considering turning this knife into my first diy project and stripping the coating and giving it a nice satin (or even mirror) finish. Maybe even out the swedge, too.
In conclusion, another great functional blade from Cold Steel in my collection. The fit and finish on these are far below my other knives, which is a little disappointing. However, it is a big step up from my Ka-Bar. It feels much tougher and cuts better. Looks better too, in my opinion.