Is this blade awesome, or is it another overpriced showpiece?
Cold Steel took the same concepts from Japanese sword-smithing into making their brand new tanto blade, the Magnum Tanto II. At a distance, it even looks like a small katana.
The blade really is the Magnum Tanto II’s biggest boast because it’s made from San Mai III(r) steel. The San Mai process of forging a blade is specifically geared to perfect the knife’s sharpness and durability without making it so hard that it turns brittle.
It means the blade features three different layers of steel. The core of the full-tang blade is made from sharpened AUS 8A steel, while the top laminations are made from standard 440 stainless steel.
The handle consists of black rubber, and displays a round guard reminiscent of a Japanese tsuba near the end of the grip. A genuine leather sheath is included with the knife as well.
The extensive blade treatment process (along with the Cold Steel logo) is likely where the Magnum Tanto II gets its price tag. But if you can stomach the price tag, it’s pretty darn cool!
