Colt Carbon Steel Large Moose Knife Review

Let’s Dive into Colt Carbon Steel Large Moose Knife

The Colt Carbon Steel Large Moose Knife, manufactured by Colt, is marketed as a versatile cutting tool designed for hunting and general outdoor tasks. It features two blades – a clip point and a skinner – made from titanium-coated carbon steel and a G10 handle for enhanced grip. At a price point of $14.99, it’s positioned as an affordable option for budget-conscious users.

I was looking for a backup knife for processing small game on my next deer hunt. My primary hunting knife is a fixed blade, but it can be cumbersome for detailed work. I wanted a folding knife with multiple blade options that wouldn’t break the bank.

Upon unboxing, the knife felt surprisingly solid for its price. The G10 handle offered a secure grip, and the blades seemed reasonably sharp out of the box. However, the overall fit and finish felt a bit rough around the edges compared to higher-end knives I’ve used.

I considered the Gerber Paraframe Mini and the CRKT Drifter. Both are similarly priced EDC knives, but neither offered the dual-blade functionality of the Colt Carbon Steel Large Moose Knife. Ultimately, the dual-blade design and low price of the Colt Carbon Steel Large Moose Knife swayed my decision.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. It seemed like a decent value for the money, but I remained skeptical about its long-term durability and edge retention. The real test would be how it performed in the field.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Colt Carbon Steel Large Moose Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Colt Carbon Steel Large Moose Knife during a weekend camping and fishing trip in the Allegheny National Forest. The wet conditions provided a good opportunity to assess the handle’s grip. I used the clip point blade for preparing kindling and the skinner blade for cleaning a few trout.

The G10 handle provided a surprisingly secure grip even when wet. The clip point blade handled basic wood processing adequately, though it required frequent sharpening. The skinner blade worked reasonably well for cleaning fish, but the titanium coating seemed to wear off quickly, exposing the carbon steel beneath.

The knife required some getting used to due to its size and the placement of the blades. Opening and closing the blades felt a bit stiff at first, and the lockup wasn’t as solid as I would have liked. I also found it challenging to switch between blades quickly with one hand.

One initial issue was that the pivot screw loosened after a few hours of use, requiring me to tighten it with a small screwdriver. Additionally, the edge on both blades dulled faster than I expected, even with relatively light use.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of sporadic use, the Colt Carbon Steel Large Moose Knife shows noticeable signs of wear and tear. The titanium coating on the blades is almost completely gone, and rust spots have started to appear despite my best efforts to keep it clean and oiled. The handles have also become slightly loose.

The durability has been underwhelming. The blades have lost their initial sharpness and require frequent sharpening to maintain a functional edge. The pivot screw continues to loosen regularly, and the overall construction feels less sturdy than when I first purchased it.

Cleaning and maintaining the knife is relatively easy, but preventing rust has been a constant challenge. I’ve used various rust inhibitors, but the carbon steel seems particularly susceptible to corrosion. The stiff opening and closing action persists, and I’ve had to apply lubricant to the pivot point regularly.

Compared to my previous experience with a Buck 110 Folding Hunter, the Colt Carbon Steel Large Moose Knife is a disappointment. The Buck 110 has held up much better over time, retains its edge longer, and has a more robust build quality, although it is significantly more expensive. The Colt Carbon Steel Large Moose Knife serves as a reminder that you often get what you pay for.

Breaking Down the Features of Colt Carbon Steel Large Moose Knife

Specifications

The Colt Carbon Steel Large Moose Knife has a closed length of 4 3/8 inches. The blade material is titanium-coated carbon steel. The handle is made of black G-10. It features grooved and pinched brushed nickel silver bolsters and a Colt script inlay shield.

These specifications influence the knife’s performance in several ways. The titanium-coated carbon steel is intended to provide a balance of edge retention and corrosion resistance, but my testing revealed that the coating wears quickly, and the carbon steel is prone to rust. The G10 handle offers a good grip, but the nickel silver bolsters add unnecessary weight.

Performance & Functionality

The Colt Carbon Steel Large Moose Knife performs adequately for basic cutting tasks, but its overall performance is limited by its materials and construction. The clip point blade is suitable for general utility work, while the skinner blade can be used for processing small game or fish. However, the edge retention is poor, requiring frequent sharpening.

The knife’s strengths include its low price and dual-blade functionality. Its weaknesses are its poor edge retention, susceptibility to rust, and relatively flimsy construction. It meets expectations for a $14.99 knife, but it falls short of being a reliable or durable tool for demanding tasks.

Design & Ergonomics

The Colt Carbon Steel Large Moose Knife has a classic folding knife design. The G10 handle provides a comfortable and secure grip, even in wet conditions. The weight is manageable, although the nickel silver bolsters add unnecessary heft.

The knife is reasonably user-friendly, although the stiff opening and closing action can be frustrating. There is a slight learning curve to effectively using both blades, but it is not overly complex. The blade lockup is adequate but not as solid as I would prefer.

Durability & Maintenance

The Colt Carbon Steel Large Moose Knife‘s long-term durability is questionable. The titanium coating wears off quickly, exposing the carbon steel to rust. The pivot screw loosens regularly, and the overall construction feels less sturdy over time.

Maintaining the knife requires frequent cleaning, oiling, and sharpening. Preventing rust is a constant challenge, and the stiff opening and closing action requires regular lubrication. Repairing the knife may be difficult due to the low-quality materials and construction.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Colt Carbon Steel Large Moose Knife does not come with any accessories. There are limited customization options available due to its design and construction. It is unlikely to be compatible with aftermarket blades or handles from other brands.

Pros and Cons of Colt Carbon Steel Large Moose Knife

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Who Should Buy Colt Carbon Steel Large Moose Knife?

The Colt Carbon Steel Large Moose Knife is perfect for casual campers or anglers who need a basic cutting tool for light tasks. It is also suitable for someone looking for an inexpensive backup knife or a starter knife to learn basic knife skills.

Those who require a reliable and durable knife for demanding tasks, such as serious hunters, survivalists, or frequent outdoorsmen, should skip this product. They should invest in a higher-quality knife with better edge retention and corrosion resistance.

A must-have accessory would be a quality knife sharpener. Additionally, a rust inhibitor and lubricating oil are essential for maintaining the blades and pivot point.

Conclusion on Colt Carbon Steel Large Moose Knife

The Colt Carbon Steel Large Moose Knife is an inexpensive folding knife that offers dual-blade functionality and a decent grip. However, its poor edge retention, susceptibility to rust, and questionable durability limit its overall value. It performs adequately for basic cutting tasks but falls short of being a reliable tool for demanding outdoor activities.

The price of $14.99 is justified for what you get. However, buyers should be aware of its limitations and be prepared to invest in frequent maintenance.

I would cautiously recommend it to someone looking for a very inexpensive backup knife or a starter knife for light tasks. However, I would strongly advise against relying on it as a primary cutting tool in a survival or hunting situation. For serious users, investing in a higher-quality knife is a far better long-term investment.