Cold Steel Lites: "Keeping It Light, Fast" by Nutnfancy

Published on December 24, 2011
Duration: 16:32

This review focuses on two value-oriented fixed blade knives from Cold Steel: the Outdoorsman Light and the Tanto Light. The reviewer, Nutnfancy, emphasizes their utility as lightweight fighters for integration into loadbearing equipment or bugout systems. He highlights their affordability, 4116 German Krupp steel construction, sharp out-of-the-box edge, and comfortable Kraton handles, while noting the basic polypropylene sheaths as a drawback. The knives are presented as functional tools rather than collectibles, suitable for hard use due to their low cost.

Quick Summary

The Cold Steel Outdoorsman Light and Tanto Light are excellent value fixed blade knives designed as lightweight fighters for loadbearing equipment and bugout systems. They feature 4116 German Krupp steel, are very sharp out of the box, and have grippy Kraton handles with full tang construction, all at an affordable price point.

Chapters

  1. 00:59Introduction: Cold Steel Lite Series
  2. 01:48Philosophies of Use: Soldier & Bugout Blades
  3. 03:36Weight, Balance, and Feel
  4. 05:01Blade Design and Steel: 4116 Krupp
  5. 07:39Handle and Guard Design
  6. 09:19Sheath Quality and Functionality
  7. 11:05Competitive Options
  8. 14:43Overall Quality and Value
  9. 15:13Conclusion: Two Kinds of Cool

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Cold Steel Outdoorsman Light and Tanto Light best suited for?

These knives are best suited as lightweight fighters for integration into loadbearing equipment or bugout systems. They are designed for speed and utility rather than heavy-duty survival tasks, offering excellent value for their price.

What type of steel do the Cold Steel Outdoorsman Light and Tanto Light use?

Both knives are made from 4116 German Krupp steel. This is considered a lower-middle quality steel that offers adequate rust resistance and can be sharpened to an extremely keen edge, making them very sharp out of the box.

How do the Cold Steel Outdoorsman Light and Tanto Light compare to their full-sized counterparts?

The Outdoorsman Light (6.8 oz) and Tanto Light (7 oz) are significantly lighter than their full-sized versions (around 10 oz for the regular Outdoorsman). This reduced weight contributes to their speed and ease of carry, making them more practical for loadbearing.

What are the main advantages and disadvantages of the Cold Steel Outdoorsman Light and Tanto Light?

Advantages include their low cost, light weight, sharp out-of-the-box edge, full tang construction, and grippy Kraton handles. The main disadvantage is the basic polypropylene-lined cordura sheath, which lacks advanced attachment options and may loosen over time.

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