Reviews and Ratings for Cold Steel 12DBST Safe Maker I Push Dagger 4.5" AUS-8 Blade, Kray-Ex Handle, Secure-Ex Sheath

Cold Steel 12DBST Safe Maker I Push Dagger 4.5" AUS-8 Blade, Kray-Ex Handle, Secure-Ex Sheathrated 4.72 stars out of 5 (25 reviews)
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Cold Steel 12DBST Safe Maker I Push Dagger 4.5 inch AUS-8 Blade, Kray-Ex Handle, Secure-Ex Sheath

 

Price: $44.95

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Cold Steel 12DBST Safe Maker I Push Dagger 4.5" AUS-8 Blade, Kray-Ex Handle, Secure-Ex Sheath
rated 5 stars out of 5
Joseph
Puerto Rico
Oct 06, 2023
Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Finish, Handle Material, Materials, Overall Quality, Sheath/Scabbard, Weight
Cons: None

Just bought another one

This is the second safe maker one that I have purchased from the knife center. It has a very good sheath and belt clip. And is one a he** of a weapon. I hope I never have to use it. I figured I had better get another one because you never know when you won't be able to get such a fine push dagger. Keep in mind it's a chisel grind. And keep in mind the blade is triangular shaped. It's flat on one side. Buy one while you can. The knife center is the best place to buy your knives.
Cold Steel 12DBST Safe Maker I Push Dagger 4.5" AUS-8 Blade, Kray-Ex Handle, Secure-Ex Sheath
rated 5 stars out of 5
Michael
Philippines
Aug 09, 2025
Pros: Blade Material, Finish, Handle Material, Materials, Overall Quality, Weight
Cons: Blade Sharpness

Just the Right Size

The handle is just the correct size for my small hands, and its rubberized material allows for a solid grip. As for the size and length of the dagger, it is best for everyday carry. The blade could have been angled like that of a razor blade to allow for excellent sharpness for daily multi-purpose use, but it other than that it is a good tool.
Cold Steel 12DBST Safe Maker I Push Dagger 4.5" AUS-8 Blade, Kray-Ex Handle, Secure-Ex Sheath
rated 5 stars out of 5
Wiljam
Coming to a neighborhood near you
Apr 25, 2018
Pros: Weight, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard, Blade Sharpness
Cons: None

Great customer service and exceptional value!

Cold steel produces solid knives. My push dagger is another tool that is readily available on my molle. Substantial weight provides easy thrust, with a fine blade. Secondary knife in a confrontation. If one is good, two is better.
Cold Steel 12DBST Safe Maker I Push Dagger 4.5" AUS-8 Blade, Kray-Ex Handle, Secure-Ex Sheath
rated 5 stars out of 5
Michael
Portage, Mi
Sep 24, 2022
Pros: None
Cons: None

Excellent

I had one of these when I was in Iraq in 2005 and just recently acquired a new one from Knife Center. I carried this inside the flap on my IBA as a hold-out, last ditch back up self defense weapon. Of course I never used it for that purpose, thank God, but I felt better having it. Cold Steel makes scary sharp, high performance knives you can count on that are reasonably priced. The Safe-Maker I lives up to its name in spades.
Cold Steel 12DBST Safe Maker I Push Dagger 4.5" AUS-8 Blade, Kray-Ex Handle, Secure-Ex Sheath
rated 5 stars out of 5
Gilberto D
Los Angeles CA.
May 08, 2018
Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness
Cons: Sheath/Scabbard

Amazing knife

As an amateur boxer this is the pefect self-defense tool for me. Everything about the knife is amazing even the price itself other push daggers are smaller less intimidating yet cost a lot more. The "Safe Maker 1" is more intimidating and less expensive. Perfect knife!
Cold Steel 12DBST Safe Maker I Push Dagger 4.5" AUS-8 Blade, Kray-Ex Handle, Secure-Ex Sheath
rated 5 stars out of 5
Gln
Norway
Feb 07, 2018
Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness
Cons: None

Big Blade

This is a big blade, but easy to conceal. Especially blade up. Comfortable handle, feeling safe carrying it. Racor sharp. The edges meet right at the tip. You can see where that extra 20$ went. A safe buy.
Cold Steel 12DBST Safe Maker I Push Dagger 4.5" AUS-8 Blade, Kray-Ex Handle, Secure-Ex Sheath
rated 5 stars out of 5
Christopher
SC
Mar 07, 2025
Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Finish, Handle Material, Materials, Overall Quality, Sheath/Scabbard, Weight
Cons: None

Excellent Knife

Quickly accessible. Great push-knife design by Lynn Thompson. Carry with confidence.
Cold Steel 12DBST Safe Maker I Push Dagger 4.5" AUS-8 Blade, Kray-Ex Handle, Secure-Ex Sheath
rated 5 stars out of 5
Joe
Springfield,Il.
Dec 25, 2017
Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness
Cons: None

Cold Steel Push Dagger

Very pleased with this product.
Cold Steel 12DBST Safe Maker I Push Dagger 4.5" AUS-8 Blade, Kray-Ex Handle, Secure-Ex Sheath
rated 5 stars out of 5
C.
NY
Mar 13, 2026
Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Finish, Handle Material, Materials, Overall Quality, Sheath/Scabbard, Weight
Cons: None

Safe maker 1

Safe maker is a good name, just keep it out of sight but feel safer Sturdy construction good sheath fits my hand properly.
Cold Steel 12DBST Safe Maker I Push Dagger 4.5" AUS-8 Blade, Kray-Ex Handle, Secure-Ex Sheath
rated 5 stars out of 5
Roy
San Antonio
Jan 02, 2018
Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness
Cons: None

The absolute best

Cold steel Safemaker 1. The 5 star standard of push daggers. Strong construction.attention to detail. Sharp! If you want a push dagger...look no farther.
Cold Steel 12DBST Safe Maker I Push Dagger 4.5" AUS-8 Blade, Kray-Ex Handle, Secure-Ex Sheath
rated 5 stars out of 5
Knife Boy
San Diego
Jul 23, 2021
Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness
Cons: None

AWESOME PUSH DAGGER

Wow this knife is awesome.super sharp excellent grip clips right on to my belt great defense weapon. Clicks into sheath. Quick delivery from Knife Center as usual. Get one these knives rock. Thank you Knife Center 👍
Cold Steel 12DBST Safe Maker I Push Dagger 4.5" AUS-8 Blade, Kray-Ex Handle, Secure-Ex Sheath
rated 5 stars out of 5
Jay
VA
Aug 07, 2017
Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Finish, Blade Sharpness
Cons: Sheath/Scabbard

Great

Carries easily, the quality seems good and penetrates objects with little force. The sheath is pretty good but gas trouble staying in me thicker EDC belt.
Cold Steel 12DBST Safe Maker I Push Dagger 4.5" AUS-8 Blade, Kray-Ex Handle, Secure-Ex Sheath
rated 5 stars out of 5
Puddyboy
Penna, U.S.A.
Feb 03, 2018
Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness
Cons: None

GREAT PURCHASE!!

Feels Great in My hand!! Sheath High Quality Impact Plastic..Shaves Hair out of the Box,,just a Class Knife!
Cold Steel 12DBST Safe Maker I Push Dagger 4.5" AUS-8 Blade, Kray-Ex Handle, Secure-Ex Sheath
rated 5 stars out of 5
Roy Robles
Texas
Aug 20, 2023
Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Finish, Handle Material, Materials, Overall Quality, Sheath/Scabbard, Weight
Cons: None

I like it so much I bought 2

Great push dagger...I like it so much I bought 2 of them...most cold steel products are great....I often carry a wide variety of knives usually 4 knives on any given day....2 of the four knives are the safemaker 1....I rotate the other 2 blades....as per my daily activities...buy it ! Do not hesitate....cause these things are made overseas and that means when the shtf...you will not be able to get them so easily anymore
Cold Steel 12DBST Safe Maker I Push Dagger 4.5" AUS-8 Blade, Kray-Ex Handle, Secure-Ex Sheath
rated 5 stars out of 5
Sofaking1337
USA
Nov 28, 2017
Pros: Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard, Blade Sharpness
Cons: None

One of my favorites

I believe Cold Steel is really the pioneer of the modern push dagger. I mean the "Defender 1" was featured in the movie Platoon. They no longer make that blade however this is a great substitute. The only difference from the original was that is was double blood welled. I believe this caused legal issues in certain states so this knife only has one blood well, the other side of the knife is pretty basic with no concave, just a flat blade. I also believe the steel is better and more modern than the old series. However this is a solid knife, the price was great, its sharp and the new scarab is much better than the hold leather sheath. Just remember when you order this it may take 2-4 weeks to have Knife Center obtain them from Cold Steel. I waited about 3 weeks but still very worth it. I bought two of these one for me and one for the girl. It is a knife I don't have to worry about someone taking it away from me.
Cold Steel 12DBST Safe Maker I Push Dagger 4.5" AUS-8 Blade, Kray-Ex Handle, Secure-Ex Sheath
rated 5 stars out of 5
Jd 0001
MN
Apr 13, 2024
Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Finish, Handle Material, Materials, Overall Quality, Sheath/Scabbard, Weight
Cons: None

Superior design

The concave side is a design feature that enhances this blade's primary purpose. The sheath on my Safe Maker 1 has thirteen and three quarters pounds of retention. As this is a different design than most knives and the sheath has way more retention than most sheaths use caution when removing the safe Maker from the sheath. It may be best to have the sheath firmly secured to gear or a stationary object when removing the blade.
Cold Steel 12DBST Safe Maker I Push Dagger 4.5" AUS-8 Blade, Kray-Ex Handle, Secure-Ex Sheath
rated 5 stars out of 5
Sweatt111
Alabama
Feb 12, 2018
Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness
Cons: Sheath/Scabbard

Safer Maker l

I use it as a primary concealed carry opposite my side arm. Ultra light,quick draw. The sheath does not accept Tec loc without some modification. I use it as a side carry .
Cold Steel 12DBST Safe Maker I Push Dagger 4.5" AUS-8 Blade, Kray-Ex Handle, Secure-Ex Sheath
rated 5 stars out of 5
Chef
Virginia
Apr 29, 2025
Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Finish, Handle Material, Materials, Overall Quality, Sheath/Scabbard, Weight
Cons: None

A well designed knife

I use this as an all around knife. I am a farmer it’s used from cleaning animals to cutting feed bags. I had one in the military many years ago loved to then I love it now. Cold Steel is a mark of quality never go wrong there.
Cold Steel 12DBST Safe Maker I Push Dagger 4.5" AUS-8 Blade, Kray-Ex Handle, Secure-Ex Sheath
rated 5 stars out of 5
Robert
West Virginia
Dec 26, 2025
Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Finish, Handle Material, Materials, Overall Quality, Sheath/Scabbard, Weight
Cons: None

Push Knife

Excellent little knife, high quality. Fast shipping.
Cold Steel 12DBST Safe Maker I Push Dagger 4.5" AUS-8 Blade, Kray-Ex Handle, Secure-Ex Sheath
rated 5 stars out of 5
Bill
Wyoming
May 26, 2017
Pros: Handle Material, Overall Quality, Sheath/Scabbard
Cons: None

Probably the best

When I consider the biggest danger of using a push dagger for self-defense, my biggest concern is hitting something hard and the blade stopping. If that happens and my fingers slip forward, I could receive severe cuts from touching the blade. Another concern is that if the back of the blade catches my fingers, I could break a finger. The feature I want most in a push dagger is a handle that will catch my palm in a way that my fingers aren't going to slip forward. This push dagger from Cold Steel has a great handle for keeping fingers from slipping forward. If I had to use a push dagger to defend myself against man or beast, I would feel most confident with this one. I could punch forward with the most confidence that I wouldn't hit something and hurt my own fingers or hand. With a 4.5" blade, this push dagger could inflict tremendous puncture wounds. The triangular cross-section of the blade should make a wound that would be difficult to close. This weapon is extremely serious. Obviously, the larger blade makes this dagger less concealable than other knives or push daggers. The longer blade necessarily means that this knife will weigh more than the smaller models will. Hanging this model as a neck knife is going to be less comfortable than using the smaller push daggers in the same way. If one wants a serious push dagger for self-defense, this tool is an excellent choice.
Cold Steel 12DBST Safe Maker I Push Dagger 4.5" AUS-8 Blade, Kray-Ex Handle, Secure-Ex Sheath
rated 5 stars out of 5
Rick
Nevada
Jan 02, 2018
Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness
Cons: None

Cold Steel 12DBST Safe Maker

The push dagger is probably the easiest knife to use for armatures ever invented. Cols Steels Safe Maker is an example that is perfect for bad breath distance self defense. Very little training is required to use it effectively and it is so easy to conceal. At 4.5 inches the blade length is near perfect and the blade its self comes razor sharp; its double edge is well designed and gives new meaning to the phrase " cuts both ways". Unfortunately, a lot of excellent knives come with a sheath that is sub standard and practically useless. NOT SO! with Cold Steels Secure-Ex sheath; it is very minimal in its design and keeps the blade secured no matter how it is carried until needed. It can be easily drawn with one hand from under the shirt when carried in the blade up position. The handle is non slip and offers cushion to the hand that can't be beat. Overall materials and finish is excellent. If your looking for a top quality push dagger at a reasonable price and very easy to carry and use, this is it.
Cold Steel 12DBST Safe Maker I Push Dagger 4.5" AUS-8 Blade, Kray-Ex Handle, Secure-Ex Sheath
rated 4 stars out of 5
67Rabbit
California
Apr 25, 2018
Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness
Cons: Sheath/Scabbard

Cold Steel Safe Maker 1 push knife

Bought this with the intent to have a back up blade. Wanted the knife to be low maintenance, put it in my boot and forget about it. This fit the bill perfectly, and at the price, if lost, is not a heart break! I bought it knowing it wasn’t techlok ready, still wish it had that option out of the box. Would have a lot more carry options.
Cold Steel 12DBST Safe Maker I Push Dagger 4.5" AUS-8 Blade, Kray-Ex Handle, Secure-Ex Sheath
rated 3 stars out of 5
Kevin S
Norton Ohio
Jul 01, 2017
Pros: Handle Material, Materials
Cons: Blade Sharpness

Too thick for cutting or slicing

This model does meet my standards for carry and use. The push knife is too thick toward the point to support a keen or sharp edge. This has been the problem with many daggers of by-gone days. The "Rondel" is a stabbing only classification of knife. Expect this to come "dull" and with "dull edges" that cannot be sharpened without a complete "regrind" to the fuller. Think of this as a rondel or poinard and then you will be satisfied with the product. If you are looking for a slashing edge, look elsewhere. Strangely, the Safe-Maker II is excellent as a stabbing and slashing weapon. This means that with some alteration, this blade could have a "design tweak" of a few degrees and do the same also. Sadly, my purchase cannot. I now have to decide whether to do a complete "regrind" or to sell or discard it.
Cold Steel 12DBST Safe Maker I Push Dagger 4.5" AUS-8 Blade, Kray-Ex Handle, Secure-Ex Sheath
rated 3 stars out of 5
Gary
Gastonia, NC
Jan 21, 2020
Pros: Handle Material
Cons: Overall Quality, Sheath/Scabbard

Not what I expected

When I was searching for a push dagger I saw this product and the picture with it. The reviews was good and the price point was right. When I recieved it though the picture did not show both sides. The front is what I expected to be on both sides but the back was what seems to me to be unfinished. To me it just looked really cheap and that I could have just paid 20 and got the same thing. I would not recommend this. The Sheath was also cheap.
Cold Steel 12DBST Safe Maker I Push Dagger 4.5" AUS-8 Blade, Kray-Ex Handle, Secure-Ex Sheath
rated 3 stars out of 5
Eddie G.
Long Beach, Ca
Apr 29, 2021
Pros: Handle Material, Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard
Cons: Overall Quality

Saddened

I have to agree with Gary. I have in my possession the original Urban Skinner and Urban Terminator... which I will NEVER use, having bought them when they first hit the market, but when I saw the SafeMaker I and II I assumed that they would be similar. I actually like the sheath, as it's a bit more on the "tactical" side when I compare them to the old (but still good) leather sheaths from the originals... but when it comes to the blade itself... I felt a bit... CHEATED! Where's the REST of it?!?! It's like I only got HALF my knife!! I feel that, if CS showed BOTH SIDES of this piece that their sales would not be what they are, if anything NOW! A great pity! CS, why have you done this?!?! :-(