Cold Steel SR1 Tanto Point 9 3/8in Folding Knife Review

Let’s Talk About Cold Steel SR1 Tanto Point 9 3/8in Folding Knife

The Cold Steel SR1 Tanto Point 9 3/8in Folding Knife is a robust, heavy-duty folder designed for serious use. From Cold Steel, a company renowned for its durable and practical designs, this knife features a CPM-S35VN steel blade and a G-10 handle, promising both excellent edge retention and a secure grip. It’s a knife that looks like it can handle just about anything you throw at it, and I was eager to see if it lived up to that impression.

My need for a knife like this stemmed from a recurring issue: flimsy folders that couldn’t stand up to the demands of outdoor work. I needed a reliable tool for tasks ranging from cutting rope and wood to preparing food while camping, and smaller knives simply weren’t cutting it. The Cold Steel SR1 Tanto Point 9 3/8in Folding Knife seemed like the perfect solution.

Upon unboxing, the knife immediately impressed me with its substantial feel and solid construction. The OD Green G-10 handle felt grippy and comfortable in my hand, and the blade deployed smoothly and locked up tight. The overall impression was one of quality and durability.

I considered a few other options, including the Benchmade Adamas and the Spyderco Paramilitary 2. I ultimately chose the Cold Steel SR1 Tanto Point 9 3/8in Folding Knife for its perceived strength and the aggressive design of the tanto blade, which I thought would be particularly useful for piercing and heavy-duty cutting tasks. Initial excitement was high, and I couldn’t wait to put it through its paces.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Cold Steel SR1 Tanto Point 9 3/8in Folding Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Cold Steel SR1 Tanto Point 9 3/8in Folding Knife during a weekend camping trip in the nearby mountains. The knife was used for various tasks, including cutting firewood, preparing food, and even some minor shelter building. The CPM-S35VN blade held its edge remarkably well through all of these tasks.

The knife performed admirably even in damp conditions. The G-10 handle provided a secure grip even when wet, and the blade’s corrosion resistance gave me confidence that it wouldn’t rust easily. There was a slight learning curve in getting used to the size and weight of the knife, but once I adjusted, it became a very capable tool.

One minor issue arose after the first day of use: the pocket clip felt a little too tight, making it somewhat difficult to draw the knife quickly. However, this was easily remedied by slightly bending the clip outwards.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Cold Steel SR1 Tanto Point 9 3/8in Folding Knife has proven to be an exceptionally durable and reliable tool. There are very few signs of wear and tear, despite its frequent use in demanding conditions. The blade has maintained its sharpness, requiring only occasional touch-ups.

Maintaining the knife has been straightforward. A simple cleaning with soap and water after each use, followed by a light oiling of the blade, has been sufficient to keep it in excellent condition. Compared to some of my previous knives, which required more frequent sharpening and were more prone to corrosion, the Cold Steel SR1 Tanto Point 9 3/8in Folding Knife is a clear winner.

It outperforms almost all other folding knives I have used in terms of pure strength and edge retention. This knife is designed to withstand more abuse than nearly all of the other folding knives that I own.

Breaking Down the Features of Cold Steel SR1 Tanto Point 9 3/8in Folding Knife

Specifications

• The Cold Steel SR1 Tanto Point 9 3/8in Folding Knife boasts a 4-inch long CPM-S35VN blade. This steel is known for its exceptional wear resistance and toughness, making it an ideal choice for a hard-use knife.
• The knife has an overall length of 9.38 inches, providing ample reach for various cutting tasks. Its closed length is 5.38 inches, making it relatively compact for carry.
• The handle is made from OD Green G-10, a composite material that offers excellent grip and durability. This provides a secure and comfortable hold even in wet conditions.
• The blade thickness is 4.8 mm, contributing to the knife’s overall strength and rigidity. The knife weighs in at 7.2 oz, which is substantial but not overly burdensome.
• It features Cold Steel‘s Blade-LockTM mechanism for secure blade lockup. This provides confidence that the blade will not close unintentionally during use.

These specifications combine to make the Cold Steel SR1 Tanto Point 9 3/8in Folding Knife a highly capable and reliable tool. The strong CPM-S35VN steel blade is ideal for cutting nearly anything that may present itself during hard use.

Performance & Functionality

The Cold Steel SR1 Tanto Point 9 3/8in Folding Knife performs exceptionally well in its intended role as a heavy-duty cutting tool. The tanto blade design excels at piercing and delivers powerful cuts, making it suitable for a wide range of tasks. It is comfortable to wield for extended periods of time.

The knife’s strengths lie in its robust construction, excellent edge retention, and secure grip. One area for potential improvement would be the pocket clip, which could be made slightly more flexible for easier deployment. Overall, this knife meets and exceeds expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Cold Steel SR1 Tanto Point 9 3/8in Folding Knife is outstanding. The materials used are of high quality, and the knife feels solid and well-balanced in the hand. It is designed with ergonomics in mind.

The OD Green G-10 handle provides a comfortable and secure grip, even during extended use. There is a slight learning curve due to the knife’s size and weight, but the intuitive design makes it easy to master quickly.

Durability & Maintenance

The Cold Steel SR1 Tanto Point 9 3/8in Folding Knife is built to last, using high quality CPM-S35VN steel. With proper care, it should provide many years of reliable service. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and oiling.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Cold Steel SR1 Tanto Point 9 3/8in Folding Knife comes with an ambidextrous pocket/belt clip. There are aftermarket options available, for enhanced carry options. It is also compatible with a variety of aftermarket lanyards.

Pros and Cons of Cold Steel SR1 Tanto Point 9 3/8in Folding Knife

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Who Should Buy Cold Steel SR1 Tanto Point 9 3/8in Folding Knife?

The Cold Steel SR1 Tanto Point 9 3/8in Folding Knife is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, survivalists, and anyone who needs a reliable and durable cutting tool for demanding tasks. It is suitable for hunters, campers, hikers, and those who work in physically demanding professions. Someone seeking a knife for everyday use and EDC might want to look elsewhere.

Those who prefer lightweight knives or those who prioritize concealability may want to skip this product.

Must-have accessories include a sharpening stone or system to maintain the CPM-S35VN blade, as well as a high-quality lanyard for added security and ease of retrieval.

Conclusion on Cold Steel SR1 Tanto Point 9 3/8in Folding Knife

The Cold Steel SR1 Tanto Point 9 3/8in Folding Knife is an exceptional knife that delivers on its promise of durability and reliability. The price of $148.56 is justified given the quality of materials and construction.

I would personally recommend this knife to anyone who needs a robust and dependable cutting tool for demanding tasks. The Cold Steel SR1 Tanto Point 9 3/8in Folding Knife is a true workhorse that will not let you down. If you need a knife that can handle anything you throw at it, look no further.