Got mine today. Oh my god. . sharp as hell out of the box. Scary sharp in fact. Very well build, like a tank, awesome. Forget the Ka-Bar with its narrow weak tang. The Ka-Bar is a utility knife, the GI Tanto is a pure combat and intimidating knife. It is worth 3 times its selling price. It is even scary to hold in my hands... it strikes with deadly force. Selling such a great value at such a low price... ??? They must be crazy at Cold Steel.

@kadendookie178

Жыл бұрын

Atleast my ka-bar's tip isn't breaking under stress. Don't believe me? Watch joex's video on it

I've owed this knife for about eight years (or so). Over the years I have modified the blade, stapled the handle, stripped the finish, and made a rough kydex sheath. Most people wouldn't even recognize my finished product as a Tanto G.I. But it was fun and I love the knife even though it stays in a go-bag most of the time.

Nuggetnoggin, a well known metal detectorist here on youtube has been using one of these for i think, the last 4-5 years as a probe so he has been digging in mud and rocky soil and chopping roots with it all that time, for the price this needs to be in everyone's garage or truck or bugout bag as a back up.

@gideonstactical

7 жыл бұрын

Nice, great feed back!

@howiemandel8921

3 жыл бұрын

Arctic Gator just because it’s cheap doesn’t mean it’s automatically a backup knife bud, it’s an amazing knife!

@DA-fn4ss

2 жыл бұрын

Tell 'em Howie

I studied knives for years. The GI Tanto is one of the strongest blades out there. Significantly stronger than a KaBar USMC and a Glock field knife. It comes scary sharp out of the box. It's really mind blowing and should be the standard military field and combat knife. Also a very intimidating blade. Pulled out in a hand to hand fight, the enemy for sure would shit his pence.

@CadillacDriver

2 жыл бұрын

Wtf are you on about? I bet you have never even handled one of these

@happychappy2014

Жыл бұрын

Say what? You don't want a fighting knife over 350 grams or so, it would slow you down. While this almost twice as heavy at 600 grams!

@Timeshifter32

Жыл бұрын

Hell yeah, every time i pull mine from the sheath it startles me lol

@urbnctrl

Жыл бұрын

I'd take a Recon blade or a Bowie before this to be fair, it is a very nice knife but the weight man it feels like you're wielding a machete compared to knives the same size. It is a very sturdy and throwable knife tho I do carry it with me often.

@sigiligus

11 ай бұрын

Are you saying this GI Tanto is a better knife for less than half the price than Cold Steel's own Leatherneck (their version of a kabar)?

Not many better semi disposable blades out there than the GI tanto. Thanks for a great review

@jfilm7466

6 жыл бұрын

KillerDeegan Same here.

@alexcarter8807

4 жыл бұрын

I think I remember seeing ads for the GI Tanto going back to the 1980s.

My go to knife, but I reprofiled it into a drop point by taking the tanto chisel down into a sweep, and removing the bolster on the spine of the blade, I’d love to make up some micarta scales for it too. Absolute brute of a knife

One of the first knives I reviewed, I thought it might be junk but I love the thing now. Its awesome.

@gideonstactical

7 жыл бұрын

Iridium242 agreed!

Really great review, honest and accurate and THOROUGH. I have had this knife for 9 months and everything you have said about it is bang on. I have been throwing it at a target mounted on a tree for 6 months and it has taken a BEATING, I was learning to throw so it had many adventures bouncing off rocks, my neighbors' fence etc. and always came up smiling. It is an excellent throwing knife as it is built straight and has a nice balance. It sinks deeply into the target. I love the sheath, and even though I have a 'better' knife, I use this one all the time. I have modded it with great results Gone is the coating and the rear hilt has been ground down, and I took the edge off of the swedge. I have also put some ranger bands on the handle. There is something honest about 1055 steel. It will lose its edge after some hard use but it is so easy to put a razor sharp edge back on it that you don't worry about it. Its almost more of a tool than a knife in some ways. Keep up the nice work. I have enjoyed watching your channel from up here in Canada a lot. Take care.

I have used this as an edc, I have one in my bug out kit, I give it as gifts frequently. Another great thing pop the scales off & easily lash it to a pole for a spear or war hammer. I have been a fan of this knife for years. I stripped it& gave it a good 90 degree spine for bushcraft.

@N0tRe1aly

6 жыл бұрын

Lee McGann where do you live to edc this

@leemcgann6470

6 жыл бұрын

Greenman Bushcraft and survival I live in North Charleston SC. At my last job I had it in my belt daily... on this job I keep it in my briefcase... which is by my right hand 95% of the time. When I’m not working it’s in my belt.

Gave the first one I bought ten years ago to a buddy. Just picked up another one to keep in the truck. A must-have.

Great vid... Many great points mentioned here. I love this blade. Very under rated. Keep up the good work.

One of the best things you do when you test a knife is testing the tip of the blade. That's always helpful, keep up the good work!

@gideonstactical

7 жыл бұрын

Taylor Milton glad to hear it helps!

Thanks for a great review of a good, inexpensive knife. This knife fits several niches & is 100% mod-able. I curved the tanto corner & reduced some meat at the forward end and let me tell you--what a knife. I gave it to my son, who says he likes it for heavy use. Cold Steel has several inexpensive knives that work.

that review was phenomenal, your enthusiasm is unmatched!

@gideonstactical

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Kevin.

Just purchased a GI Tanto (787 ZAR, here is South Africa) and came across your review. Must say I'm really chuffed with this knife as well. I put two velcro straps on the Secure-Ex sheeth which enabled me to carry it concealed on my calf as an edc (handle side down for easy access and quick draw). It fits perfectly, and you can't notice it if you take the belt clip off as the knife sits very snug it's not really needed either. I've noticed a bit of edge dulling from removing and inserting the knife into the sheeth, but nothing too serious. It still keeps a decent hair popping edge at a 60° overall angle, even with the slight edge dulling. I think that the 1055 carbon steel with the spring temper is just perfect. Great ballance between being tough as nails and keeping a really good edge. I've seen some expensive metals not being treated correctly and really horrible performance from superior metal. Cold steel really hit the nail on the head with this combination. The best, cheap, self defense/outdoors knife that you can really rely on. Please keep em reviews coming. You're the best by far 👍

I paid 40$ for mine and it was a freaking steal all the way. The tantos are amazingly tough. I have had mine for some years now and have punished it hard, or at least ive tried to. Mostly it just laughs at me and calls me a Nancy.

Got one of these for about $23 as well. LOVE it. Got it for everything. Beating, batoning, spear, sheath, and it can take a SERIOUS beating. Love it. I was pleasantly surprised. I, too, added some paracord to the end, for those dicey moments that may come up. Plenty of room for loading up with paracord, sheath height options, and for under $25, CANNOT beat (well, yes, actually you can very well) that! Total bargain. Completely impressed. Sheath us very impressive itself. The handle looks simple, but it's actually very comfortable and quite gripable. This knife has so much potential for just about anything. Grinding, modding, maybe practice paracord braiding grips, and on and on. For under $25 including shipping, not only a deal, it's a steal.

I bought one this morning as I had read a few reveiws on it. Came home from work and did a search on KZread. Just watched your video very pleased I've purchased it now. Thanks. £35 UK price!!👍

@gideonstactical

7 жыл бұрын

phil ogden glad to hear it

I've modded mine(changed the cutting edge to rounded one(very similar to CS bushman), cut upper handguard and ditch that slippery handles) but LOVE IT. its really beast, nearly indestructable.Im using it almost every day and its still razor sharp.tnx for review.

I agree this knife can a great start in learning modification projects. I pair my knife with a Mora companion I changed the the velcro a teklock, along with some paracord and a fishing kit and ferro rod and a small multitool. This knife is for a great beginner camper.

Great review! I have one and I love it! I will buy another to modify like you said. Great video thanks !

@gideonstactical

7 жыл бұрын

Tony Navarro sweet!

this was my first good fixed blade, got it from sportsman's warehouse. both I and my dad have one and I made some ipe scales for it. love it!

@gideonstactical

7 жыл бұрын

Tyler Mcintyre nice!

I've played with it and I have the Strongarm, but I'm getting this one later this spring

I purchased this knife and trust me, its sharp! The knife and sheath is nice! Yes the sheath is super nice! Its worth the money definitely!

Have one - really like it - recommend it. GB 👍👍 Great Review.

Dam! That's the first hand that ever made the G.I. Tanto look smaller than it is! Thanks for the review brother!

Love mine. I had to modify the handle and give it more grip, but overall it’s the best budget fixed blade on any market.

Best 20 bucks (Midway USA sale!) I ever spent! I've had that knife in my backpack for almost 2 years, going everywhere I go! Truly, my fixed blade EDC... Oh, and I sharpened that swedge, an easy mod.

Very nice Aaron I like this great knife for that price

Awesome knife for the money, I've owned two for about 6 years now and customized one, I dremeled the scales and cut the top guard off, it's virtually indestructible.

I own this knife. It’s amazing. Yeah, like you say...just go buy one. You will be stunned at what it can do. Glad you reviewed this knife.

I'd love for coldsteel to make a GI bowie or drop point version of this one and I'm sure it will be a hit!

@jeremiahkindel9301

Жыл бұрын

I have seen people online reprofile the tip to a bowie.

Excellent video! Just got the G.I. Tanto and SRK. Tonight I stripped the SRK and put a mustard patina on it! Next is the G.I. Tanto. Thanks man!

i was checking that thing out last week in bass pro shop. almost bought it. great vid. will have to order it

@gideonstactical

7 жыл бұрын

Michael Froelich heck ya!

This is one of my all time favorites. I have three of them and carry one on both of my backpacks. For the price, I don't think it can be beaten

@gideonstactical

7 жыл бұрын

Luke Sparks agreed!

thank you for the review, im a low budget person so this knife will be nice

It is absolutely, one of the best knife's. I got in a 30+ collection. And the price is well worth the money !! 🙂

Bought mine couple of years ago,did some paracord rapping the handle,and now its time for the blade!Thanks for the video,gave me some new ideas,greetings from Holland!

@gideonstactical

7 жыл бұрын

bouke dijkstra sweet! Thanks for watching

@stevanoutdoor

6 жыл бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/q3mYqceQca2uaag.html

I bought a Morakniv Companion thinking it would be this kind of knife but it isn't really. Still a really nice $20 knife to keep in my tool box, but this looks like what I'm after.

thanks much for everything you do sir!! blessings 😇😇😇

@gideonstactical

7 жыл бұрын

MrSIXGUNZ thanks for watching

Great knife for people who want to learn how to sharpen a knife too. Nice job on the video.

@gideonstactical

7 жыл бұрын

Banditgriot totally so easy a caveman can do it

Thanks for the review. I had originally dismissed this blade at my local shop. I'm reconsidering it now.

@gideonstactical

7 жыл бұрын

Will Allan yeah it's a great back up beater blade, definitely not my first choice, but if I'm on a really tight budget, and I need a bug out bag blade and make some lot more sense than trying to come up with money for a BK seven to keep in my car.

@willallan6653

7 жыл бұрын

gideonstactical - and I love your suggestion about using it to practice / perfect my mod skills, which are non-existent. It's $52 at my local shop in Canada, but that's life here. Better off trying things at 50 vs than at $128 for the BK7.

Fantastic! I have looking for a beater knife that is big enough! Thanks Aaron! Gonna order one!

@gideonstactical

7 жыл бұрын

Glad to help.

I own this and think it's great. The sheath is perfect and no worries beating the crap out of it to get through hard, knotty wood. There are some imperfections too, but it's to be expected at this price.

Love that knife👌

Aaron. Please post some videos after you do some mods to this blade. Thanks!

I loved playing with and modding mine.

Ordered this on a whim the other day,hasn't arrived yet.Now I'm glad I did.

@gideonstactical

7 жыл бұрын

Shaun Grant its fun

@liamireland7381

7 жыл бұрын

Shaun Grant You will be beyond happy.

I like mine. I've had it for years. Stripped and re profiled the blade and removed the back quillon. It's less tactical but more functional.

My first Cold Steel knife. I love it and had fun beating the crap out of it. Accidentally broke the tip but reprofiled and all good. It's now a six foot spear and walking staff.

I love beater reviews! I have some very high end blades,guns and gear but it is just too cool to have kit that rocks for very little $. Stuff one can use with no worries!!!

would you consider this to be an ideal knife for combat? any recomendations that would be better?

Can you reverse the webbing for left hand carry?

Dec 2020- got one on the way shortly after hearing that Cold Steel was sold. It’s bittersweet

Great knife 👍

bought it great review

Oops! 6:52 sneaky dog! Nice review Aaron, I love my G.I Tanto. It's very good beater.

@gideonstactical

7 жыл бұрын

j3o300 yep! Tommy the Trail dog

Cool blade. How long was lanyard?

I decided to test the tip of mine mercilessly. I hammered it to half an inch in hardwood and then just pried it until whatever would happen. It got out and the tip was bent straight to a 60-70 degree angle. I bent it back pretty decently in place and it is fine.

I've upgraded since but this was my go to camp/bug out/survival knife. Great knife and a great review! Slightly surprised you didn't review this earlier.

@gideonstactical

7 жыл бұрын

I know! Should have years ago.

@liamireland7381

7 жыл бұрын

Better late than never brother.

@stevanoutdoor

6 жыл бұрын

Slightly surprised you did wait for a review. They have been out there for a long time now. The blade and the reviews are all over the internet

I have the Schrade SCHF9 and 10 plus other knives like the Gerber Coyote Tan Plain Edge Prodigy, USMC Kabars, etc., which are "nicer" in terms of handles and styling, but I gave in and bought one of these on sale/clearance. I don't see it as a piece of junk, but a low cost, good value blade. I wish I had bought the other one. Good review.

Yeah for the price these are freakin great!!

Gideonstactical, did you ever review the cold steel outdoorsman lite?

Got to love a cold steel

Aaron, as always I enjoy your informative videos. Question-how do I get one of your gideonstactical morale patch?

@gideonstactical

7 жыл бұрын

Stanley Elliott working on a new batch now! Hope to have them soon!

@stanleyelliott3827

7 жыл бұрын

gideonstactical Thank you. Will what to hear from you

Love this knife. I wish cold steel would make a compact version of this. 4 1/2 inches. Same profile, same budget steel or un AUS 10

I removed the handle scales and use it as a throwing knife. Works perfectly in that role aswell.

if you look up the destruction video on this knife, you'll realize just how great a value this is. couldn't break it, except for the tip. I threw mine in my toolbag and used it to cut a battery cable and n half with a hammer, like a press.

I had to reprofile mine after I missed the target and hit the only rock in the garden. Still does the job even though it is no longer a Tanto.

I have costumes mine so much this kinfe is some you get to make you're own

Can someone tell me, if i were to grind off the top guard, how do i repaint it? What do i need to get it looking black again?

The guard keeps the whole knife from going completely into someone's body during a stab.

Very impressive for the money!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks!!

@gideonstactical

7 жыл бұрын

Charles Larson ya pretty sweet!

You know, I see another use for that knife. Say you're a Youth Minister at a Church Camp, and every week you get a new group of kids who will spend the week in the woods. The Camp could have a stash of those Blades, and the Adults could teach the kids (High Schoolers, I'd think would be the age group to get the knives ) what Knives can and can't do for one out in the Woods. Remember, a LOT of kids haven't been through Scouting, or come from a "Country Family". Trust me, we used to do that in the 60s/70s, and I learned most of my "Woods Skills" back then at good old Camp Wanake in Ohio. Same with some Moras, BTW. Stencil the Handle of the Blade to the Sheath, then Issue them to the Campers. Just something to think about. Oh, and a simple Hack for that knife. Take off the scales, grab a quarter, scribe a curve on the Handle side of Guard, Top and Bottom where it ramps up, then just Dremel away the Material within the Scribe Line to make nice smooth curves. Much more comfortable, and it'll still lock up in the sheath. Take Care.

@stevanoutdoor

6 жыл бұрын

I would use the Hultafors GK for that. In fact I do.

i sprayed my gi tanto handle with linex spray, works great

@mistersmith3986

7 жыл бұрын

Awesome!

Great review. A $25 dollar steal of a deal.

Just saw your video and gotta say very informative. I was wanting to know what you would prefer between GI Tanto or SRK?

@gideonstactical

Жыл бұрын

SRK is a more all around knife, but the GI tanto is also capable. But if I only had one it would be the SRK

@kristonkonos544

Жыл бұрын

Thank you sook much for your input! I enjoy watching your videos

On your recommendation I have ordered this beater beast. It's just the ticket for a truck knife. Thanks !

@gideonstactical

7 жыл бұрын

Sweet, hope it serves you well.

Knife is easily customizable. I cut the top finger guard off. Makes it much better for finer wood work. Filed grooves into handle scales used textured heat shrink over them.

@gideonstactical

7 жыл бұрын

Bradley Gregg sweet!

Thanks Aaron, yep I'll be picking one up....

@gideonstactical

7 жыл бұрын

Kevin Carver you will dig it

How dare you sir, make me go and buy a knife I absolutely love :)) thank for the recommendation and Awesome content

Do you have any plans to review one of the UTC knives? I'm really curious to how they stack up to the OKC RAT and ESEE knives.

@gideonstactical

7 жыл бұрын

MooCowManHG have been testing them for a few weeks, review coming in the end of march

@MooCowManHG

7 жыл бұрын

Awesome! I'm excited to see that!

@sawdust6968

7 жыл бұрын

awsome! i was thinking the same:-D

Wrapped the handle with wilson wrap (for tennis), and removed the back guard. Pretty decent honestly. I like it more than my Esee 5 😓

I wish it was USA, but it still looks awesome!

Great beater knife, I call it the Orc knife cause it looks like something from LoTR

@gideonstactical

7 жыл бұрын

dece74 haha totally

Since everyone already said what I planned to comment then I’ll say something no one’s said and to those who play games, this is the knife in Call Of Duty:Modern Warfare 2 that was used to stab Soap in the end of the campaign, I just thought it was a fun fact lol.

I'd like to see what's under the hand scales, this would look cool with a paracord wrap if its possible

@ApocGuy

6 жыл бұрын

sry for late replay; its full tang knife , so you'll get plain stell under scales.i've wrapped mine with paracord, but if you have bigger jands it might be a bit to thin.

@stevanoutdoor

6 жыл бұрын

Full tang. No skeleton tang. Good for wrapping paracord.

impressive......most impressive

Just bought one and ordered one today!

@gideonstactical

7 жыл бұрын

American Spartan101 sweet!

@gideonstactical

7 жыл бұрын

Sweet!

@dynamicbassin7956

7 жыл бұрын

gideonstactical one day shipping and they said it will be here tomorrow so I'll let you know what I think of it! Thank you for the inspiration to buy it. I think and know I'm gonna like it or love it!

Fun fact:this is the same knife used in mw when soap throws it at shepherd eye

The handles on mine came loose after a couple weeks of work I used some super glue and problem gone.

@gideonstactical

7 жыл бұрын

joel Velazquez look into lock tight. Same thing you can unscrew it if you need to

@stevanoutdoor

6 жыл бұрын

I superglued the h*** out of it. It works great.

I would get this as a good gift/starter knife but I've noticed a lot of ppl can't keep rust off their blades. Sadly this would be perfect for a non-knife/gear person who typically can't take care of their gear and abuse it. Or thoose who require something that can take a beating

I just destroyed mine. a quarter of an inche of the tip. It just bent like hell. It didn't snap though

I love my cold steel gi tanto fore the prize it's unbeatable I have made boning trap shallow one foot trap one and work cut the spike really sharped enough to do job right and light fore combat knife training jack of al trade knife indeed 1055 steel sometime like 50 to 70 buck in some store the handle a little smooth but take hot iron you could put checking to style handle but it workable knife I love it

Ever hear of anyone doing slashing tests between tanto style knives vs. traditional curve style? I find the tanto to be the ultimate in slashing, that point where the edges meet is vicious when used swinging.

Froyd would have something to say about the repetitive"large size hands". Lol. Good review as usual

Very good video Aaron! You found some interesting ideas and perspectives on a knife that has been reviewed quite a bit.

@gideonstactical

7 жыл бұрын

Charles Collier glad you enjoyed it

@stevanoutdoor

6 жыл бұрын

I like the review but it was nothing new from what is already out there. There are tons of reviews of all sort of modifications since years and years.

nice review! best under 25? What about the cold steel hunter lite?

@jimzee6954

7 жыл бұрын

Josh Fields, thanks. I haven't seen a review on the CS Hunter Lite. would like to know how it stands up.

@stevanoutdoor

6 жыл бұрын

Don't think you can really compare. Different blades. But my guess would be that I would not do with the Hinter lite all the things I do with my GI Tanto or it will break

It's an awkwardly shaped knife with weird angles and the choil is strange too but for the money it's a great choice

You should try out the coldsteel trueflight thrower, its so much than a throwing knife