Cold Steel 12.75in Kris Dagger Review

First Impressions of Cold Steel 12.75in Kris Dagger

The Cold Steel 12.75in Kris Dagger immediately strikes you as more than just a knife; it’s a historical artifact reimagined for the modern collector and martial artist. Inspired by the wavy-bladed Kris swords of the Philippines, this dagger offers a unique blend of cutting power and piercing capability in a compact, easily wieldable package. This dagger is manufactured by Cold Steel, a brand known for its durable and combat-ready designs, this Kris Dagger promises to be a formidable addition to any blade collection.

As a long-time practitioner of Filipino martial arts, I was particularly drawn to this dagger due to its cultural significance and potential for training. I was seeking a blade that could authentically replicate the feel and function of a traditional Kris without sacrificing modern manufacturing standards. The Cold Steel 12.75in Kris Dagger seemed to offer exactly that.

The unboxing experience revealed a well-crafted dagger with a distinct presence. The weight felt substantial, hinting at the quality of the 1055 high carbon steel blade, while the satin finish gave it a sleek, yet functional appearance. The handle, crafted from Sal hardwood and wrapped with wire, felt secure and comfortable in hand, promising a solid grip even in demanding conditions.

Compared to other daggers in my collection, like a Gerber Mark II or a SOG Dagger, the Cold Steel 12.75in Kris Dagger stands out due to its unique blade shape and historical design. While the Gerber and SOG offer more tactical advantages, the Kris Dagger provides a more traditional and culturally rich experience, making it a compelling choice for collectors and practitioners of Filipino martial arts. I picked this over others to better understand the design that evolved to fit the various fighting styles of the Filipino Islands.

My initial impression was one of excitement. The Cold Steel 12.75in Kris Dagger is a blade with presence.

Real-World Testing: Putting Cold Steel 12.75in Kris Dagger to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience with the Cold Steel 12.75in Kris Dagger involved practicing basic Filipino martial arts drills in my backyard. The controlled environment allowed me to focus on the dagger’s handling, balance, and cutting ability. I tested the dagger in dry conditions to assess its grip and maneuverability.

The dagger performed admirably during these drills, the undulating blade shape allowing for a unique and surprisingly effective cutting action. I could feel the bite of the blade as it sliced through practice targets. The handle provided a secure grip, even when executing fast and intricate movements.

Initially, I felt a slight learning curve due to the unique blade shape of the Cold Steel 12.75in Kris Dagger. It required a different approach compared to more conventional dagger designs. However, after a short period of familiarization, I found it to be quite intuitive and responsive.

I did not experience any significant issues or surprises during my first use. The dagger performed as expected, delivering a solid and reliable experience.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the Cold Steel 12.75in Kris Dagger has proven to be a dependable and durable blade. The 1055 high carbon steel blade has held its edge well, requiring only occasional honing to maintain its sharpness. The hardwood handle remains secure and comfortable, showing no signs of wear or loosening.

Despite regular use, the dagger shows minimal signs of wear and tear. The satin finish has proven to be resistant to scratches and blemishes. The scabbard, while simple, has protected the blade effectively.

Maintaining the Cold Steel 12.75in Kris Dagger is relatively simple. I clean the blade after each use with a light oil to prevent rust and corrosion. The handle requires minimal maintenance, occasionally wiping it down with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or grime.

Compared to my previous experiences with other daggers, the Cold Steel 12.75in Kris Dagger offers a unique blend of historical design and modern functionality. It outperforms many similar blades in terms of cutting power and grip, while its durability and ease of maintenance make it a reliable choice for both collectors and martial artists.

Breaking Down the Features of Cold Steel 12.75in Kris Dagger

Specifications

The Cold Steel 12.75in Kris Dagger boasts several notable specifications. The 12.75-inch blade is crafted from 1055 high carbon steel, known for its durability and ability to hold a sharp edge. The overall length of the dagger is 18.25 inches, providing a substantial reach and presence.

The blade features an undulating shape with three concave curves and a descending spear point. The handle is made from Sal hardwood wrapped with wire, and the blade has a satin finish. The dagger comes with a black scabbard for safe storage and carry.

These specifications translate to a dagger that balances cutting power, piercing ability, and overall durability. The carbon steel blade ensures sharpness and edge retention, while the handle design offers a secure and comfortable grip.

Performance & Functionality

The Cold Steel 12.75in Kris Dagger excels in its intended role as both a collectible blade and a functional martial arts tool. The undulating blade shape allows for unique and effective cutting action, while the sharp spear point provides excellent piercing capability. The dagger’s balance and weight distribution make it easy to handle and maneuver.

One of the main strengths of the Cold Steel 12.75in Kris Dagger is its cutting power. The blade’s unique shape creates a shearing effect, allowing it to slice through targets with relative ease. One weakness is the steel selected, the 1055 is relatively easy to sharpen, but it will not hold an edge as long as a more expensive high carbon steel.

The Cold Steel 12.75in Kris Dagger meets my expectations in terms of both functionality and historical design.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Cold Steel 12.75in Kris Dagger is excellent, with high-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship. The weight feels substantial, giving the dagger a sense of durability and reliability. The handle is comfortable to hold, with the wire wrapping providing a secure grip.

The Cold Steel 12.75in Kris Dagger is user-friendly, although the unique blade shape may require a short period of adjustment. The handle design is intuitive and easy to grip, even for those with larger hands.

Durability & Maintenance

The Cold Steel 12.75in Kris Dagger is built to last, with a durable carbon steel blade and a sturdy hardwood handle. I expect it to withstand years of use with proper care and maintenance.

Maintaining the Cold Steel 12.75in Kris Dagger is relatively easy, requiring only occasional cleaning and oiling of the blade. The handle can be wiped down with a damp cloth as needed.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Cold Steel 12.75in Kris Dagger comes with a simple black scabbard. There are few customization options available for this dagger, although some users may choose to modify the handle or blade finish.

The Cold Steel 12.75in Kris Dagger is compatible with aftermarket sharpening stones and cleaning products.

Pros and Cons of Cold Steel 12.75in Kris Dagger

Who Should Buy Cold Steel 12.75in Kris Dagger?

The Cold Steel 12.75in Kris Dagger is perfect for collectors of historical weaponry. It’s also great for practitioners of Filipino martial arts, and anyone seeking a unique and functional dagger.

Those who prioritize tactical features or require a blade for heavy-duty use may want to skip this product. Those looking for stainless steel blades may want to consider something else.

A must-have accessory for the Cold Steel 12.75in Kris Dagger is a high-quality sharpening stone.

Conclusion on Cold Steel 12.75in Kris Dagger

The Cold Steel 12.75in Kris Dagger is a well-crafted and historically inspired blade that offers a unique blend of cutting power and piercing capability. Its durable construction, comfortable handle, and affordable price point make it an excellent value proposition for collectors and martial artists alike.

The price of $125.99 is definitely justified. You are getting a quality blade for the price.

I would personally recommend the Cold Steel 12.75in Kris Dagger to anyone seeking a unique and functional addition to their blade collection. Experience the history and power of the Kris Dagger for yourself!