I just ordered the SRK and the Recon Tanto in SK5...thinking about buying them both in 3V or San Mai in the near future(after the holidays)...I think the rubber-like handles are comfortable in the hand but I would absolutely love to see these knives get versions with micarta or G-10 scales..would make for a nice upgraded version
I've had an Outdoorsman Lite for a couple of years, and they already switched over the handle and sheath. The new news is the blade steel, thickness, and grind angle. And if anyone is curious, their catalog shows a cutaway of the handle exposing the tang...it starts off as wide as the base of the blade and tapers to the narrow end you see in this vid. It's stout.
Looks like a good buy. Myself just got back from camping in our North Carolina Mountains. With my daughter her husband and his mother and father. His father was a operator in Iraq. Not going into too much of what he did. But he had the knife he carried over there and I thought it was kind of odd. It was a Cold Steel Recon Scout. With a desert tan handle. He said he carried it the whole time. And it was a leather sheath. I was told a long time ago that the military now are given knives to try out by knife companies .The outdoor lite looks like a good buy.
Cold Steel went back to the 4116 German Krupp steel, which is actually better than 4034. 4116 contains higher chromium (15%) than 4034 and offers excellent corrosion resistance. It also has a more elaborate composition of elements and will beat 4034 in terms of edge retention and toughness. At least for the Outdoorsman Lite I received, the blade is also held securely, but is easy to remove without a thumb ramp. Maybe CS addressed this and slightly modified the sheath?
My outdoorsman is sort of a halfway house in that everything looks like yours, but the steel is still 4116. I paid about $22 for mine on Amazon about 6 months ago. My grind was fine.
Very in-depth and helpful review! I really had to look around to find the new version, mostly the thin 4116 blades out there. Thanks a ton! FYI, you can add a thumb ramp to the sheath by heating the top edge with a hair dryer, and pushing it out a bit...easy to do.
I have the original full size outdoorsman, made in Japan. It’s been with me a long time and on countless adventures. My only complaint is that it’s quite heavy and really thick. Other then that it’s virtually rust proof. And I can get it hair poping sharp!
I heated the top end of the sheath of mine in hot water and bent the rim out to form a thumb ramp, it works ok but for Gods sake why didn't they put one on to begin with, duh! Mine came in 4116 but with the new sheath. I got it from Blademaster in NZ 2 years ago, it came really well ground and very sharp and holds an edge ok. I collect knives and know a little bit about blade steels; I wonder Is this new steel really an upgrade? the beauty of 4116 is it's corrosion resistance; as a saltwater fisherman this is a big plus for me. I like it for fishing but prefer the Roach Belly, I would like to see an improved Roach Belly 2 with better steel and a slightly thicker flat ground blade, with a proper Kydex tactical style sheath; if you're listening Lynn; the Roach Belly 1 is such a great shaped time proven knife design it deserves some updates like a G10 or Micarta handle.
I just picked up a 'newer' model of my outdoorsman lite. Bought my first one YEARS ago. I thought it odd that the new one felt 'heavier'. Well, son of a gun, the new one is Definitely THICKER, and overall weight of the knife is 1.6 oz heavier!
This is actually pretty exciting! I sidestepped this knife before over the sheath and steel, but they seem to have fixed both those issues. It's going in my fishing tackle box.
They did the sheath and the improved grinds on mine, but with the 4116 krup stainless instead, which I like way more than 4034!!! Even puma has used krup 4116 in Solingen made knives. It's all about the heat treat, but all things being equal on the treatment, if you actually did a scientifically based test, the 4116 will hold an edge longer on cuts like cardboard, and Manila rope!!! It's a fairly large difference, but most people don't notice it, because most people, even knife people never use their knives enough to notice the difference. Good example of the scientific test is what Cedric and Aida does, and they compared both the 4116, and the 4034, both from Cold Steel, and they were at the same degree of edge angle, and it wasn't even close!!!
I’ve opened like four of these over the years, I feel that the profits krupps blade steel performed better otherwise I agree with your assessment 100%. Cold steel’s Pendleton lite is definitely a great smaller/lighter alternative.
I'll never carry mine on my belt, so I cut off the belt loop and chamfered the edge, then I used a lighter to heat the spine side of the sheath and make a thumb ramp, and I carry it in a sleeve or pocket or pack. Any way you slice it, it's a better package after I modded the sheath.
For a $100 delivered I got the trail boss,bowie bushman,bowie machete and srk in sk5.They are great tools.Keep a mora heavy duty companion in carbon also and you can do any camping duties you need to do.If you use them correctly and take of them like you want them to take care you they will last as long as you need them.You can't buy a1060 steel headed tomahawk from some companies for 3× what I paid for my cold steel tools.Crazy.
I have the new version with the old 4116 steel. My edge grind was fantastic from the factory. Not the best bushcraft blade by any means, but it's a beast for 27$ Purchased a leather bps sheath off Amazon because I just couldn't deal with the factory crap one. Also just wanted another Cold steel Honerable mention that made me toss my Mora in the trash,the peacemaker 2. Has that same funky grind like mora cansibol but cheaper and I prefer it over the mora's. Also has 4116 steel but very thin blade but I prefer it as a bushcraft knife over this outdoorsman lite just because it's more versatile and slashy. Full tang, I baton with it kindling to start and feed fires all day. Just had to say that because all the reviews show it with different intentions in mind. I LOVE COLD STEEL. Never let me down for the $. Besides my (Not made by CS )Bk-16,my modified Drop Forged Survivalist is my #1 outdoor,(do it all,and then some) companion blade. Also by COLD STEEL!52100 steel and is a true HONERABLE MENTION. Check out Gideons review on it.
@@Wildwestwrangler Nice I have the 8 inch one. Came scary sharp and it's still close to scary sharp after I split 2 whole boxes of kindling with it and sent it through wood you shouldn't (torture test).... I like it
For 26$ I think it's the best budget option to bring in the woods for a day. I grab that before my mora HD. It does dull fast but sharpens easier then a scandi.
Liked the Cold Steel not as much for the alternatives apart from the Mora I'm always looking for budget knives for other locations, other packs and vehicles etc. Thanks Aaron
I just got this exact same model earlier in the mail today & I like a LOT. Though, I just wish it had a thumb ramp like you mentioned here & I would've preferred it without the bone breaker on the spine & it would be better if the exposed tang was a little bit more exposed for glass breaking or nut cracker. But other than that no cons. It's going to be my most carried knife, it's lightweight & lightning fast in hand.
I wonder if that second edge on top of the blade would be good to scale fish without cutting into the flesh? Fishing is a large part of my Bushcrafting because I live by a large lake. I always carry a pole and reel when I go out.
My research shows the steel to be related to 420HC. So, if the heat treat is on point, oughta be a decent knife. Thanks for the video, and all your hard work.
@gideonstactical - you often mention you have very large hands. I have 2XL wide hands, yet they're only XL in length. My palm circumference measures 10.5-11". Is it going to be difficult for me to grip this knife? It looks like you're gripping it just fine. I read a review that said this knife isn't for people with big hands.
Great video. It kinda keeps inline with your "redux" idea of video line. Speaking of which, I'd love to see you revisit, or "redux" of the esse 6. Do you still feel, after all these years and blades, that the esse 6 is your most recommended survival knife?
@@gideonstactical thanks! I've been trying to find something for hiking concealed carry. Either a lumbar pack or chest pack. It looks nice. Thanks for the quick reply!
The chest rig is an omission rig from 5.11 that offers a lot of capability. Video will be coming in a month or so. I have attached to it the two banger accessory set. But you can also put Molly or any other type of pouch onto it. So far really happy with it because you can carry it as a chest rig or more of a belly rig
In your opinion how is the quality control been in the cold steel knives with there move to having there stuff manufactured I'm Taiwan. Used to love there stuff, and there Pendleton mini hunter in VG1 has been my EDC for better than 10 years. Just always a little hesitant with Taiwan stuff
Aging Boy scout I’ve only ever had Taiwanese made cold steel’s, the quality control has always been super good out of their factories there. Is your VG1 version from Japan?
@@gideonstactical yes. I've had it for little over 10 year . But with all the new ones seeming to be made in Taiwan I was curious. I've tended avoid Taiwan knives as a general rule. But I've always been a fan if my cold steels so was curious how there quality was. I appreciate tje quick response
Great video Gideon, as always. I have the same but in german 1.4116 steel and after few chopping and battoning its blade is completely scratched... poor harness I think. Is it better now??
Cold Steel always seems to change up the steel they use in their knives..they will make their knives in a certain steel for several years and then they are switching it up to something else...no telling how many different steels have been used in some of their most popular models like the SRK,Recon Tanto and TrailMaster...I had the SRK and the Recon Tanto in AUS8 several years ago but they were stolen several years back...the other day I was missing them and ended up ordering the SRK and Recon Tanto in SK5..I’m not familiar with SK5 as I’ve never personally used it but from what I’ve read it is a high carbon tool steel comparable to 1095..so it seems they will be tougher than the knives that were stolen but not nearly as rust resistant..a trade off I’m ok with..I’m considering buying them both in 3V or San Mai III in the future...at around $40 a pop I figured I couldn’t go wrong with the SK5
Cold Steel please do NOT use 4116 Krupp steel never ever again in blades. I own and been using it in few knives, 2 made by Cold Steel included. While CS seemed nicely heat treated you can't do miracles with it. The low grade composition of the alloy itself and low overall performance in the knife application just doesn't fit the designs, and quality Cold Steel is known for.
What is the compass on your watch band? Been thinking of upgrading from the one I bought on eBay that needed super glue since it fell out of the case thing (hasn't fallen out since) but just want a better one. Is it pretty big?
Great video man, thanks for sharing! This is a great budget alternative to our San Mai model.
Are you switching all of your fixed blade 4116 knives over to 4034?
I just ordered the SRK and the Recon Tanto in SK5...thinking about buying them both in 3V or San Mai in the near future(after the holidays)...I think the rubber-like handles are comfortable in the hand but I would absolutely love to see these knives get versions with micarta or G-10 scales..would make for a nice upgraded version
I wish we can get a tai pan lite 😔 that would be a great budget dagger as well.
@@NotTodayJezushe Shanghai Shadow makes for a good budget alternative
I've had an Outdoorsman Lite for a couple of years, and they already switched over the handle and sheath. The new news is the blade steel, thickness, and grind angle. And if anyone is curious, their catalog shows a cutaway of the handle exposing the tang...it starts off as wide as the base of the blade and tapers to the narrow end you see in this vid. It's stout.
Looks like a good buy. Myself just got back from camping in our North Carolina Mountains. With my daughter her husband and his mother and father. His father was a operator in Iraq. Not going into too much of what he did. But he had the knife he carried over there and I thought it was kind of odd. It was a Cold Steel Recon Scout. With a desert tan handle. He said he carried it the whole time. And it was a leather sheath. I was told a long time ago that the military now are given knives to try out by knife companies .The outdoor lite looks like a good buy.
Thinking about sheathing Cold Steel's Big Folders..Code4, Spartan and getting 4max too.
you didnt have to tell us about your boyfriend in iraq.
Cold Steel went back to the 4116 German Krupp steel, which is actually better than 4034. 4116 contains higher chromium (15%) than 4034 and offers excellent corrosion resistance. It also has a more elaborate composition of elements and will beat 4034 in terms of edge retention and toughness. At least for the Outdoorsman Lite I received, the blade is also held securely, but is easy to remove without a thumb ramp. Maybe CS addressed this and slightly modified the sheath?
Thank you for the update!
My outdoorsman is sort of a halfway house in that everything looks like yours, but the steel is still 4116. I paid about $22 for mine on Amazon about 6 months ago. My grind was fine.
Very in-depth and helpful review! I really had to look around to find the new version, mostly the thin 4116 blades out there. Thanks a ton!
FYI, you can add a thumb ramp to the sheath by heating the top edge with a hair dryer, and pushing it out a bit...easy to do.
I have the original full size outdoorsman, made in Japan. It’s been with me a long time and on countless adventures. My only complaint is that it’s quite heavy and really thick. Other then that it’s virtually rust proof. And I can get it hair poping sharp!
I heated the top end of the sheath of mine in hot water and bent the rim out to form a thumb ramp, it works ok but for Gods sake why didn't they put one on to begin with, duh!
Mine came in 4116 but with the new sheath. I got it from Blademaster in NZ 2 years ago, it came really well ground and very sharp and holds an edge ok.
I collect knives and know a little bit about blade steels; I wonder Is this new steel really an upgrade? the beauty of 4116 is it's corrosion resistance; as a saltwater fisherman this is a big plus for me.
I like it for fishing but prefer the Roach Belly, I would like to see an improved Roach Belly 2 with better steel and a slightly thicker flat ground blade, with a proper Kydex tactical style sheath; if you're listening Lynn; the Roach Belly 1 is such a great shaped time proven knife design it deserves some updates like a G10 or Micarta handle.
i just love Cold Steel!
I just picked up a 'newer' model of my outdoorsman lite. Bought my first one YEARS ago. I thought it odd that the new one felt 'heavier'. Well, son of a gun, the new one is Definitely THICKER, and overall weight of the knife is 1.6 oz heavier!
This is actually pretty exciting! I sidestepped this knife before over the sheath and steel, but they seem to have fixed both those issues. It's going in my fishing tackle box.
Nice!
They did the sheath and the improved grinds on mine, but with the 4116 krup stainless instead, which I like way more than 4034!!! Even puma has used krup 4116 in Solingen made knives. It's all about the heat treat, but all things being equal on the treatment, if you actually did a scientifically based test, the 4116 will hold an edge longer on cuts like cardboard, and Manila rope!!! It's a fairly large difference, but most people don't notice it, because most people, even knife people never use their knives enough to notice the difference. Good example of the scientific test is what Cedric and Aida does, and they compared both the 4116, and the 4034, both from Cold Steel, and they were at the same degree of edge angle, and it wasn't even close!!!
I’ve opened like four of these over the years, I feel that the profits krupps blade steel performed better otherwise I agree with your assessment 100%. Cold steel’s Pendleton lite is definitely a great smaller/lighter alternative.
Try hitting the pin on the old hickory with a hammer and having a metal surface underneath. Might fix the handle it's worked for me in the past.
Trev I will have to try that!
It's easy to pry apart the Old Hick handles and epoxy them back on with the original pins. Modders do it all the time.
I'll never carry mine on my belt, so I cut off the belt loop and chamfered the edge, then I used a lighter to heat the spine side of the sheath and make a thumb ramp, and I carry it in a sleeve or pocket or pack. Any way you slice it, it's a better package after I modded the sheath.
In abrasive cuts. 4034 will lose it's edge faster than 4116
For a $100 delivered I got the trail boss,bowie bushman,bowie machete and srk in sk5.They are great tools.Keep a mora heavy duty companion in carbon also and you can do any camping duties you need to do.If you use them correctly and take of them like you want them to take care you they will last as long as you need them.You can't buy a1060 steel headed tomahawk from some companies for 3× what I paid for my cold steel tools.Crazy.
I have the new version with the old 4116 steel. My edge grind was fantastic from the factory. Not the best bushcraft blade by any means, but it's a beast for 27$ Purchased a leather bps sheath off Amazon because I just couldn't deal with the factory crap one. Also just wanted another Cold steel Honerable mention that made me toss my Mora in the trash,the peacemaker 2. Has that same funky grind like mora cansibol but cheaper and I prefer it over the mora's. Also has 4116 steel but very thin blade but I prefer it as a bushcraft knife over this outdoorsman lite just because it's more versatile and slashy. Full tang, I baton with it kindling to start and feed fires all day. Just had to say that because all the reviews show it with different intentions in mind. I LOVE COLD STEEL. Never let me down for the $. Besides my (Not made by CS )Bk-16,my modified Drop Forged Survivalist is my #1 outdoor,(do it all,and then some) companion blade. Also by COLD STEEL!52100 steel and is a true HONERABLE MENTION. Check out Gideons review on it.
My biggest drop forged is the drop forged bowie with the faux stag handles and the 9.5 inch blade!!! Absolutely love it!!!
@@Wildwestwrangler Nice I have the 8 inch one. Came scary sharp and it's still close to scary sharp after I split 2 whole boxes of kindling with it and sent it through wood you shouldn't (torture test)....
I like it
I have a pretty old old hickory and it's a great knife. It only took a few minutes to get it shaving sharp.
For 26$ I think it's the best budget option to bring in the woods for a day. I grab that before my mora HD. It does dull fast but sharpens easier then a scandi.
Great review as always! I really like the sheath!
Thank you very much.
Liked the Cold Steel not as much for the alternatives apart from the Mora I'm always looking for budget knives for other locations, other packs and vehicles etc. Thanks Aaron
I’m getting one!
I just got this exact same model earlier in the mail today & I like a LOT. Though, I just wish it had a thumb ramp like you mentioned here & I would've preferred it without the bone breaker on the spine & it would be better if the exposed tang was a little bit more exposed for glass breaking or nut cracker. But other than that no cons. It's going to be my most carried knife, it's lightweight & lightning fast in hand.
Great Job , love the Cold Steel line of knifes and offer a Great Value line of knifes 😎👍
Yikes. 4034 is German for 420hc. Mostly comes in 54 hrc and dulls quik.
58 is Good to hear.
Yep sounds like CS has gone backwards with the steel upgrade
I'd bet they aren't actually hitting 58
Got the 4116 version, 👍
I wonder if that second edge on top of the blade would be good to scale fish without cutting into the flesh? Fishing is a large part of my Bushcrafting because I live by a large lake. I always carry a pole and reel when I go out.
I use the top edge of mine for scaling and cutting bait it even cuts mono and braid no problem, I've never sharpened the top edge
I use it to scale fish. Works great at that.
Gideon tactical you're awesome dude you make one of the greatest videos on CZcams love you thank you for sharing Cold steel that's a great product 👍
And now you have new version. 4mm thick they said but mine is 3.75mm(still much better than 3mm), saber grind and again 4116 steel.
It would be cool to see a review on the vg10 sanmai version of the cs outdoorsman
I had to look at the date of this video, because the current Outdoorsman Lite is now made of 4116 Krupp again.
The old hickory is not 1095, they switched the to 1075hc years ago, Long with the sp line, and several other models.
The old versions a tad cheaper so I went with it since it didn't seem to be much of an upgrade.
Isn’t 7cr7mov recycled Budweiser cans?
& here I was hoping for BD1N! 😭
Good review.
A Much stronger build now 🤔
My research shows the steel to be related to 420HC. So, if the heat treat is on point, oughta be a decent knife. Thanks for the video, and all your hard work.
I like that. I'm going to order a few
I would like to know how thick the blade of this knife is. Unfortunately, there are two data in many places, 3 and 4 mm. Which one could be real?
@gideonstactical - you often mention you have very large hands. I have 2XL wide hands, yet they're only XL in length. My palm circumference measures 10.5-11". Is it going to be difficult for me to grip this knife? It looks like you're gripping it just fine. I read a review that said this knife isn't for people with big hands.
THUMB RAMP ADD ONE SIMPLE
Hate the sheath. If I wanted a mora, I would buy one.
What is the difference between model 20PH and 20PHL? Is one the old version and one the new?
I just bought a leather sheath for $12 on Amazon for mine
Aaron, it's not like kydex so you couldn't hear it yo and make a ramp?
Sorry spell check is on, I ment heat it up to make a ramp?
@@johnwest4492 I heated mine in hot water and bent the rim out to form a thumb ramp
Take a shot everytime he says “today”
Great video. It kinda keeps inline with your "redux" idea of video line. Speaking of which, I'd love to see you revisit, or "redux" of the esse 6. Do you still feel, after all these years and blades, that the esse 6 is your most recommended survival knife?
what happens when you baton the knife
Does it chew up the biton because of the back being sharp
Great vid! May I ask what chest pack you are wearing around the 6:45 mark?
Cool Breeze it’s a 511 all mission rig. Check it out.
@@gideonstactical thanks! I've been trying to find something for hiking concealed carry. Either a lumbar pack or chest pack. It looks nice. Thanks for the quick reply!
thanks for asking was gonna ask as well... home boy likes his chest rigs like i do ;)
@@Athreehourtour I think he has a 5.11 2 banger attached to it.
The chest rig is an omission rig from 5.11 that offers a lot of capability. Video will be coming in a month or so. I have attached to it the two banger accessory set. But you can also put Molly or any other type of pouch onto it. So far really happy with it because you can carry it as a chest rig or more of a belly rig
In your opinion how is the quality control been in the cold steel knives with there move to having there stuff manufactured I'm Taiwan. Used to love there stuff, and there Pendleton mini hunter in VG1 has been my EDC for better than 10 years. Just always a little hesitant with Taiwan stuff
Aging Boy scout I’ve only ever had Taiwanese made cold steel’s, the quality control has always been super good out of their factories there. Is your VG1 version from Japan?
@@gideonstactical yes. I've had it for little over 10 year . But with all the new ones seeming to be made in Taiwan I was curious. I've tended avoid Taiwan knives as a general rule. But I've always been a fan if my cold steels so was curious how there quality was. I appreciate tje quick response
I am buying both outdoorsman 1 in san mai and this one to beat to death.
This knife fits inside a Kabar short leather sheath ($20).
Great video Gideon, as always. I have the same but in german 1.4116 steel and after few chopping and battoning its blade is completely scratched... poor harness I think. Is it better now??
Sugru will fix that thumb ramp problem
Another great review!
Why did cold steel move away from 4116? You know? Money is always my first thought.
Gruggs possibility or availability?
Cold Steel always seems to change up the steel they use in their knives..they will make their knives in a certain steel for several years and then they are switching it up to something else...no telling how many different steels have been used in some of their most popular models like the SRK,Recon Tanto and TrailMaster...I had the SRK and the Recon Tanto in AUS8 several years ago but they were stolen several years back...the other day I was missing them and ended up ordering the SRK and Recon Tanto in SK5..I’m not familiar with SK5 as I’ve never personally used it but from what I’ve read it is a high carbon tool steel comparable to 1095..so it seems they will be tougher than the knives that were stolen but not nearly as rust resistant..a trade off I’m ok with..I’m considering buying them both in 3V or San Mai III in the future...at around $40 a pop I figured I couldn’t go wrong with the SK5
I'm torn between this and the Tonto lite 🤔
could u please review Aaron Gough Resolute MKIII knife???
The Websites still list it as 4116 steel
They have both. The 4116 seems to be a tad cheaper
Cool cheap blade but I’d rather it be $50 and have the steel a little better vg10 ,BD-1 ,154cm ,14c28n etc
Cold Steel please do NOT use 4116 Krupp steel never ever again in blades. I own and been using it in few knives, 2 made by Cold Steel included. While CS seemed nicely heat treated you can't do miracles with it. The low grade composition of the alloy itself and low overall performance in the knife application just doesn't fit the designs, and quality Cold Steel is known for.
Does Amazon prime carry this new version?
What is the compass on your watch band? Been thinking of upgrading from the one I bought on eBay that needed super glue since it fell out of the case thing (hasn't fallen out since) but just want a better one. Is it pretty big?
Mine came with a hollowgrind
i bought one of these 2 months ago. im in canada. i have the one with the old 4116 stainless. which is better?
4116 is better
Is that satin or stonewash? Maybe do the closeups before your jack up the blade
A curved tanto esque blade for survival bushcraft. Lol till I cant breathe, (then inhale) and lol some more. Also sheath blows
I wanted one of the originals....varusteleka has something better for me. X
Instead of a Mora, how about a much better Marttiini knife from Finland?
Mora kansbol or cold steel outdoorsman?
for what?
@@LXT43 bushcraft
@@vcrcrbybj9872
Kansbol.
The Mora 748MG is a better knife.
Not a bushcraft nor camping blade. That's not the Outdoorsman Lite's primary purpose. This is just silly review.
Whats the primary purpose then?
looks like garbage. great vid tho.
First yaaa😁😁
could u please review Aaron Gough Resolute MKIII knife???