Cold Steel FGX Cat Tanto Fixed Blade Knife Review

Let’s Dive into Cold Steel FGX Cat Tanto Fixed Blade Knife

The Cold Steel FGX Cat Tanto Fixed Blade Knife isn’t your typical steel blade. It’s a polymer-constructed training tool designed for realistic self-defense scenarios where carrying a metal knife might be impractical or illegal. Cold Steel, known for its innovative and sometimes unconventional approach to blade design, delivers a lightweight, durable, and surprisingly effective option for practicing knife-based martial arts or exploring edged-weapon defense techniques.

I initially sought out the Cold Steel FGX Cat Tanto Fixed Blade Knife as a safe and affordable alternative for practicing knife disarms and defenses. Steel training blades, while realistic, carry an inherent risk of injury during drills. This seemed like a viable solution to minimize those risks while maintaining a realistic size and feel.

My first impression upon unboxing was surprise at how incredibly light it is. The Grivory material, while feeling robust, contributes to a weight that’s almost negligible. The molded Kraton handle felt comfortable, though the overall aesthetic was understandably less refined than a traditionally crafted knife.

I considered other polymer training knives, including some from reputable martial arts suppliers. The Cold Steel FGX Cat Tanto Fixed Blade Knife’s appealing price point, combined with Cold Steel’s reputation for durability, ultimately swayed my decision. I also liked the Tanto blade shape, which I felt offered versatility in training.

I was initially skeptical but cautiously optimistic. It’s hard to get truly excited about a plastic knife, but I was intrigued by the possibilities it presented for safe and effective training.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Cold Steel FGX Cat Tanto Fixed Blade Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I primarily tested the Cold Steel FGX Cat Tanto Fixed Blade Knife in my home dojo during solo drills and partnered training sessions. We focused on practicing knife defenses, disarms, and basic striking techniques. The environment was a controlled indoor space with padded flooring.

The Cold Steel FGX Cat Tanto Fixed Blade Knife performed admirably even in some humid training conditions. The Kraton handle provided a secure grip even with sweaty hands. The Grivory material also showed no signs of being impacted by slight moisture.

It took almost no time to get used to it. The handle is ergonomically sound, and the balance is comparable to a lightweight steel tanto knife. The primary adjustment was mental – trusting that this plastic tool could withstand the rigors of training.

The biggest surprise was how well it held up to repeated impacts. Despite being plastic, the edge remained relatively intact, and the knife didn’t exhibit any significant flexing or bending during forceful strikes and blocks.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Cold Steel FGX Cat Tanto Fixed Blade Knife has proven to be surprisingly durable. I’ve used it at least twice a week for drills involving impact with training partners’ limbs, padded targets, and even light contact with wooden bokken (wooden swords).

There are some minor cosmetic scratches on the blade surface, but no structural damage. The edge, while not sharp, still retains its basic shape and hasn’t chipped or deformed significantly. The handle remains securely attached to the tang.

Maintenance is practically non-existent. I occasionally wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove sweat and grime. It does not require any oiling or sharpening.

It definitely outperforms my initial expectations. It’s not a substitute for a real knife in a self-defense situation, but as a training tool, it’s exceeded my needs. It is far more robust and durable than I initially imagined a plastic knife could be.

Breaking Down the Features of Cold Steel FGX Cat Tanto Fixed Blade Knife

Specifications

• The Cold Steel FGX Cat Tanto Fixed Blade Knife features a 6-inch Blade Length, offering a substantial reach for training purposes. This length closely mimics the size of many common tanto-style knives used in self-defense.
• It has an Overall Length of 11.5 inches, providing a comfortable grip and sufficient leverage for various techniques. The overall size contributes to a realistic training experience.
• The blade material is Griv-Ex, a fiberglass-reinforced plastic known for its high strength-to-weight ratio. This material choice makes it both durable and safe for training, minimizing the risk of serious injury.
• The handle material is also Griv-Ex, molded directly to the blade tang for a secure and durable grip. This construction method ensures that the handle won’t separate from the blade during rigorous use.
• The handle length is 5.5 inches, offering enough space for a full and secure grip, even for larger hands. The handle is designed for ergonomic comfort and control.
• The blade thickness is 8 mm, providing substantial rigidity and impact resistance for a plastic blade. This thickness helps to prevent excessive flexing or bending during training.
• The Cold Steel FGX Cat Tanto Fixed Blade Knife weighs in at only 3.1 oz, making it extremely lightweight and easy to handle for extended training sessions. This low weight reduces fatigue and allows for faster, more fluid movements.
• The Cold Steel FGX Cat Tanto Fixed Blade Knife has a Black color. The blade and handle are black, providing a tactical appearance.

These specifications are significant because they contribute to the Cold Steel FGX Cat Tanto Fixed Blade Knife’s effectiveness as a training tool. The size, weight, and material choices were carefully considered to balance safety, durability, and realistic feel.

Performance & Functionality

The Cold Steel FGX Cat Tanto Fixed Blade Knife excels as a training tool for knife-based martial arts and self-defense. It allows practitioners to safely drill techniques without the risk of serious cuts or punctures associated with metal blades. Its light weight facilitates rapid movements and reduces fatigue, promoting better learning and retention.

The primary strength is its safety. It is virtually impossible to seriously injure a training partner with this knife when used responsibly. A minor weakness is that the lack of a sharp edge makes it less effective for practicing certain techniques, such as slicing or trapping.

The Cold Steel FGX Cat Tanto Fixed Blade Knife meets my expectations as a training tool. It may even exceed them in terms of its durability and resistance to wear and tear.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is surprisingly good for a plastic knife. The Griv-Ex material feels robust, and the molded Kraton handle provides a comfortable and secure grip. The overall design is simple but functional.

The handle is ergonomic and easy to grip, even with sweaty hands. The knife is well-balanced, making it easy to manipulate and control. There’s virtually no learning curve involved.

Durability & Maintenance

The Cold Steel FGX Cat Tanto Fixed Blade Knife is designed to last for a significant amount of time, even with regular use. The Griv-Ex material is resistant to impact, abrasion, and UV damage. The Kraton handle is also durable and resistant to wear and tear.

Maintenance is minimal. Simply wipe it down with a damp cloth as needed to remove sweat and grime.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Cold Steel FGX Cat Tanto Fixed Blade Knife does not come with any additional accessories. There are no customization options available.
Due to the nature of the material, aftermarket customization is not possible.

Pros and Cons of Cold Steel FGX Cat Tanto Fixed Blade Knife

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy Cold Steel FGX Cat Tanto Fixed Blade Knife?

The Cold Steel FGX Cat Tanto Fixed Blade Knife is perfect for martial arts practitioners, particularly those studying knife-based systems like Kali, Escrima, or Arnis. It’s also ideal for law enforcement and security personnel who want to practice knife defense techniques in a safe and controlled environment. Anyone interested in learning self-defense tactics involving edged weapons can benefit from using this training tool.

Those seeking a realistic simulation of a live blade should skip this product. This is a training tool and doesn’t offer the same experience as a real knife.

A basic training dummy or padded target would enhance the usefulness of this product.

Conclusion on Cold Steel FGX Cat Tanto Fixed Blade Knife

The Cold Steel FGX Cat Tanto Fixed Blade Knife is a surprisingly effective and exceptionally safe training tool. It’s not a substitute for the real thing, but it’s an excellent way to develop skills and practice techniques without the risk of serious injury. Its durability, affordability, and realistic size make it a valuable addition to any martial artist’s training arsenal.

The price is definitely justified given its durability and intended use. A metal trainer would cost significantly more, and carry more inherent risk.

I would absolutely recommend the Cold Steel FGX Cat Tanto Fixed Blade Knife to anyone looking for a safe and effective training tool for knife-based martial arts or self-defense. Its a low-cost way to develop essential skills. Train safely and responsibly, and unlock your full potential!