William B.
Nacogdoches, Texas

Oct 13, 2012

Pros: Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: Sheath/Scabbard

Good Knife

The knife is long and light weight but is well made. I was a little surprized that it had Taiwan stamped on the blade but it seems to be everything that it was advertized to be. The sheath is composit and light. I'm a little concerned that the sheath might not stand up to really rough treatment but I could be wrong. It was sharp enough to shave hair out of the box. The sheath has a tight fit but I think you could grind down the protrusions inside the sheath with a dremel tool and make it just right. Good knife for the price.

David
Mid Atlantic

Sep 22, 2013

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

A great addition to my collection .

I am seeing too many people talking about this knife as though it were a utility knife . It is not designed with that in mind . This knife is designed to be a weapon . A utility knife will have a safe side , an unsharpened side . This does not have a safe side putting this knife in the weapons category . The balance is very good . The sub-hilt handle is very secure , no one will take this from you , unless you are unconscious . All in all an excellent example of a purpose built knife . This should be on your short list to take with you if you go into harms way regularly .

Edge Wizard
Arlington,Tx.

Oct 29, 2010

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Blade Sharpness

Cons: Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Blade Sharpness

Another Excellent knife from Cold Steel....

An outstandng heavy duty knife that will cut through even bone joints on hunting kills... Very sharp edge and retains it's edge after even heavy cutting jobs...Grip is outstanding in all weather and conditions....A real worker..An excellent outdoor kife....

William
Green Spring, WV.

Nov 07, 2020

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

Finally!

After many years of watching and wanting this knife I bought one. This thing is scary sharp on both sides. It rides well on my belt. I wish I had bought this when I first saw them.

Joel M.
Jackson, NJ

Nov 06, 2014

Pros: Weight, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Finish, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

Unbelievable knife for the money!

The OSS is very light and maneuverable for a knife this large. The injection-molded handle has me concerned about durability, but feels great in the hand and masterfully fitted. The knife is very sharp out of the box, but not hair-shaving sharp. I imagine just a small touch-up with a barber strap would bring it there, if that's what you need. The sheath compliments the knife perfectly, but the friction fit alone will not hold the knife in place for inverted carry. For that, the convenient snap strap should be engaged. You MUST be very careful handling the OSS, the point is wicked and the double edge blade will remove a finger without much effort at all. Cold Steel stays true to its quality pledge with the OSS, HIGHLY recommended as a combat fighter, not many better than this!

Blademan
,

Sep 30, 2019

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Sheath/Scabbard, Finish, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

Words aren't enough

I got this knife as an addition to a collection of combat knives. I have Ka-Bars, Bucks, and a few Schroders, but this knife is truly a masterpiece, the grip as well as the sub hilt ensure that if things got messy, your grip would still be solid. The blade has an awesome frosted/satin finish. Now normally I'm a mirror finish guy myself, but on this blade, it works. The dual hollow grin creates a fine tip, edges, and reduces the weight to the point that, for a knife of this size, the blade feels weightless and effortless to use. The blade was paper cutting sharp out of the box, and the sheath holds the knife securely, even with the clasp undone. The only thing I will say about this blade is that it looks like many of my other clip points I use to whittle, so my thumb instinctively wants to touch the spine, and I repeat this thing is SHARP. The guard thankfully stops me from filleting my own thumb, and does well to stop the hand in general on the thrust, overall, great knife! 10/10 would buy again, and likely will on my next paycheck.

Rodger S.
New Orleans, LA

Jun 02, 2010

Pros: Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Finish, Blade Sharpness, Weight

Cons: Sheath/Scabbard

Magnificent Knife

I am most impressed with this knife. I have a significant number of combat related knives and this is by far my favorite. There was some concern with the sub-hilt design, but I have found that it increases the knife's stability and control. You will be pleased as well.

Dan
Missouri

Sep 01, 2008

Pros: Materials, Handle Material, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Weight, Blade Sharpness, Finish

Cons: Sheath/Scabbard

Great combat knife

This is a great sub-hilt fighter. Being lighter and having a more secure grip, it is actually more practical than the Black Bear, which is more of a show knife in that it looks pretty but doesn't actually handle as well, plus it is a lot more expensive. The only thing I don't like is the extremely tight snap-fit of the handle into the sheath so that almost takes two hands to draw this knife, one to hold the sheath in place while the other draws the blade out.

Jo
Nagnao, Other

May 29, 2014

Pros: None

Cons: None

It's a great knife

It's a great knife:)

Kenro
NORCO, LA.

Nov 09, 2009

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Materials, Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard, Overall Quality, Finish

Cons: Blade Sharpness

PROFESSIONAL DEFENSE

KEPT BETWEEN SEAT AND CONSOLE "JUST IN CASE". MOST PEOPLE ARE IMPESSED WITH IT'S "SCARINESS" AND DON'T LIKE TO HOLD IT. "ONE SLEEK, MEAN LOOKING WEAPON". THE "FINGER GUARD" TAKES SOME ADJUSTMENT AND ALMOST INTERFERES WITH SOME DEFENSIVE AND OFFENSE HAND POSITIONS.

Iy
CNJ

Jan 17, 2019

Pros: Weight, Overall Quality

Cons: None

OSS

Great knife and great service!!!

Jerome H
Mississauga, ON, Canada

Mar 23, 2017

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

Review of Cold Steel 12RTKJ1 Recon Tanto

Presently used for show. I especially love the feather light handling of this knife. Excellent handle. I sit and admire it quite often with all my other Cold Steel Knives. Buying Cold Steel is like knowing you are going to be pleased with your purchase.

Steve
Maine

Aug 22, 2011

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

A Terrific Knife

I couldn't be happier with this knife and the service at Knife Center is great. I have absolutely nothing negative to say about this purchase.

Bones
So Cal

Apr 15, 2012

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness

Cons: Sheath/Scabbard

Only one problem.

I like the knife immensely and the sheat is excellent except for the snap on the strap. I simply cannot use it as it is not long enough. Just a matter of quality control.

Tunguska
Colorado

Jan 09, 2019

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Blade Material, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

Best Tactical Fighter

Had this knife for about a year. It’s a beast and my best one thrust penetrator - the dual side blade is strong and goes through the toughest fabric and leather with ease. What amazed me was what a quality slasher it was in addition to its piercing capability. I one a lot of knife but this would be my hands down go to knife if my life depended on it in a fight.

Woodsman Turley
handley wv

Oct 21, 2012

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

dosent get no better

One excellent knive I've had it for about 4 years now absolutely love it u can't beat a coldsteel wish they were made in the usa but all well if I lost it I would defently replace it

Judge
North Central USA

Oct 05, 2009

Pros: Blade Sharpness, Blade Material, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Weight

Cons: Sheath/Scabbard, Finish

OSS Sub-Hilt Fighter

From what I know, a good fighting knife should fit the hand naturally (perfect balance), have a non-slip grip surface, maximized deployment, be as light as possible without sacrificing tactical length. The OSS sub-hilt pretty much meets my standards. The double-edge blade gives great deployment potential. The Kraton grip is not going to leave your hand under most rigorous action, but could additionally be secured with thong from the end of the grip. Oddly enough, I'm not sure how I feel about the sub-hilt. I heard of some people who actually cut it from the knife. I suppose if you found it caught between ribs and your hand was slick with blood, then then the sub-hilt would facilitate withdrawal. But at the same time, it somewhat limits changing grip on the knife as it is deployed. I like the sheath, but would suggest a small drain hole near the tip to keep rain off the blade. That bright, shiny blade is fun to look at, but I don't necessarily want everyone to notice it, depending on the circumstances. All in all, that double, razor-edged blade, combined with the other mentioned features and the characteristic strength of Cold Steel products makes this a good weapon to have when one goes into harm's way.

Andy
Michigan

Apr 10, 2013

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

OSS (San Mai)

Just got this knife after very long waiting. Waiting was worthwhile because the knife is beautiful ! Best knife I ever had! Excellent quality! Well balanced. Blade is shaver sharp ,shiny and perfect! Want to buy another one !

Rich P.
Orangevale, CA

Dec 28, 2011

Pros: None

Cons: None

Cold Steel OSS Subhilt Fighter

I have been using knives since I grew up in the swamps of S.C. Nobody combines form and function like Cold Steel, but this OSS is something special. The subhilt handle means a take-away is out of the equation. The double edge blade means double trouble to anything opposite it. The sheath allows infininite wear arrangements, which gives me a lot of flexiibility placing it anywhere on my person. This is one great knife!

Hogzilla
ID

Feb 09, 2011

Pros: Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: Sheath/Scabbard

PIG STICKER

Just stuck 3 hogs in south TX with the OSS. Knife performed great. Razor sharp and the perfect length. This lil piggy is goin to the butcher!!!

Dwain
Georgia

Sep 07, 2008

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Blade Sharpness, Materials, Overall Quality, Finish, Blade Material

Cons: Sheath/Scabbard

It is well crafted and balanced

I have had this knife for 6 months now. It is well crafted and balanced. I have really put in some serious work as far as hacking with this blade on my numerous fishing trips. I fell in love with the sharp double blade edges. I think the quality outweighs the price hands down. Like Dan mention, the sheath is a two hand job. Overall, I am sold on cold steel.

Ari D
Evanston, WY

Mar 30, 2011

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

Great sub-hilt knife!

THIS KNIFE IS EFFN AWESOME!

Crazyhorse
, Owensboro Ky

Mar 28, 2021

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Blade Material, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

Crazyhorse

Good blade, Very lite, for swinging and slinging I like it. Going in the vault for grandkids.

Azi D
Tartarus

Sep 28, 2016

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard, Materials, Blade Sharpness

Cons: Finish

Best bang for your bucks you are likely to find in this price range.

Just received my OSS and it exceeded my expectations for such a cheap knife. Both sides of the blade are razor sharp. The blade somehow feels even lighter than advertised, and the sub-hilt kraton handle feels extremely ergonomic and secure in the hand. The kraton is highly frictional and waterproof, vibration damping, impact resistant, insulated from heat and electricity, as well as cushioning for improved ergonomics. I highly suggest paracord-ing the sheath to allow for rapid one-handed draws from any horizontal carry position. As with all cold steel sheaths, if the sheath is too tight for you all you have to do is throw your OSS in the washing machine with your laundry. Remove it before you put your clothes in the dryer, then wipe your knife off and let your knife and sheath dry in the sun. This will expand the sheath by a millimeter or two, making your draw effortless without compromising the sheath's ability to retain the weapon. I also highly recommend adding an adjustable paracord lanyard to the handle because although the sub-hilt handle feature is great, there is a whole there for a reason. Was going to order another one but decided I will order two in order to get that free shipping. The only thing that I don't like is that the finish is almost a mirror finish and therefore reflects light. It would be awesome if it came in black but you cannot win them all. Sincerely, an unkown but active operator.

Inham Raja
Oslo, Norway

May 18, 2011

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Finish, Blade Sharpness

Cons: Sheath/Scabbard

One hell of a sexy knife

I wanted one good knife which i could use for everything, fishing, hunting, combat ore just for a tool. This knife is all that and more, a really best friend which look really good as well. Cant find anything bad to say about the knife though, i just love this one. A lightweight, extremely sharp and shiny knife.

Mike
Burbank, Il

Jun 30, 2017

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

Great blade

Great knife,size,balance & sheath is perfect.The only fix I need is a tec-lock for horizontal carry,I stroped on leather & it's razor sharp.Love it.

Sebaste1111
Montreal, QC

Apr 30, 2010

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Sheath/Scabbard, Finish, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

I wanted to add this knife to my collection, I don't intend to use it for anything else than having a nice, tough looking knife in it. This knife feels lively in hand and its large blade feels like it could easily deliver strong, devastating cuts. Both edges come very sharp. The handle is confortable. The sheath seems okay, since I never go in the woods, I can't say if it is useful or not, but I have to say the knife will fall if you put it in the sheath, then put the sheath upside-down and shake it just a little.

Jp
Cape Town

Apr 11, 2009

Pros: Blade Material, Finish, Blade Sharpness, Weight, Overall Quality, Materials, Handle Material

Cons: Sheath/Scabbard

Excellent double edged knife

Excellent double edged knife for any price. Yes, the sheath needs to be tied down or needs another hand to get the blade out quickly, but at least you know it won't get dislodged too easily. Surprisingly light for its size. Handle grips incredibly well & blade is super sharp. Explains why I keep buying Cold Steel.

Thechriszone
Reno, NV

Mar 19, 2010

Pros: Blade Material, Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness

Cons: Sheath/Scabbard

A Great Knife!

Wonderful balance and feel. However, while the sheath is well made and a safe carry, it would have been better if all the holes were aligned to fit the belt loop to allow for a variety of carry options. As always, KnifeCenter is a good company to do business with.

Johnny Reb.
sweden

Mar 31, 2010

Pros: Overall Quality, Materials, Finish

Cons: Sheath/Scabbard

not as sharp as i hoped for

Vicarious Reality
Zlopa

Apr 16, 2009

Pros: Weight, Blade Material, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Sheath/Scabbard, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

500ml

I modified my handle, i cut off the top guard and the second guard, but i kinda wish i hadn't. There needs to be steel in the guards. Reason i can remember why i cut off my top guard; it was poking my hand as it it curved backwards.

Dan S
Modesto, California

Mar 21, 2022

Pros: Blade Sharpness, Overall Quality, Materials

Cons: Weight

Great knife for the money

I have collected knives for many decades and can say for the money this blade is pretty tight. Yeah, as others have said it is razor sharp no matter what version of this blade from Cold Steel that you purchased. Yes, made in Taiwan and this is literally one of the only fixed blade Taiwanese blades that I have kept in my collection, but will state it is a very tough and light blade. The secure-ex sheath is a little tight, so it takes a little force to get it out of the sheath initially but over time if you wear in the sheath it will loosen up a little which is preferred. SK5 is a very nice carbon steel which is in-between 1095 and 52100 carbon steels with a slightly lower carbon content (between .80 & .90) which is fine for a blade like this. I would prefer the blade to be slightly heavier but overall this is a great blade to have. The handles have a great grip to them and overall it's just a well rounded field and combat blade.

William B
Nacogdoches, Texas

Oct 26, 2012

Pros: Handle Material, Overall Quality, Finish, Blade Sharpness

Cons: Weight, Sheath/Scabbard

Good Knife

This knife is good for one thing above all others. It's a self defense knife. Too light for heavy chopping. A little too long for legal street carry. Taiwan is stamped on the blade so I assume it was made there. That's not so bad in this day and age. AUS8A is the steel used. A good combination of strength, rust resistance and sharpening ease. The sheath is a little cheap but does the job. Hard to draw the knife. must hold the sheath tightly to withdraw the knife. The hilt and finger extension are all molded together of one materal. Not sure if the hilt would hold up to a sharp blade attack. It is good for protecting your hand from slipping onto the blade. Overall a good bladed for the money, which you could depend on for self defense.

Saberian
Austin, TX

Mar 06, 2014

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness

Cons: Sheath/Scabbard

Scary knife

Let me say, for the price, this is probably one of the scariest and effective combat knives around. It's light, long, double edged, and chilling razor sharp for Japanese AUS-8 stainless steel. It's a dual hollow ground blade and very effective in any type of combat situation. If you want to kill something, this is truly the knife for you. Or to have in any collection. I would easily replace this with my standard Tanto as a sidearm knife. The sheath perfectly fit's the scabbard but it is very snug and one must be very cautious about pulling this blade out. If you get one, you will know what I mean. Other than that, the sheath is pretty sweet and works in many fashions adding it to the battle dress Uniform. but seriously Cold Steel has a thing about quality that they had adhered to for just about every product that I have ever owned of theirs. Very well made blade otherwise and worth the investment for any serious collector.

Vengance R.
Bryan, Texas

Aug 11, 2014

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

extremely happy

Love the knife....

Jason
Long island, ny

Jun 03, 2011

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

Fantastic knife at a great price point

I have several knives and this double edged knife is one of my favorites. Sharp steel and very secure grip from the kraton and the sub hilt. Definitely could do some damage to an intruder. This knife is kept next to my bed at night and I feel safer knowing that. Knife is light but I like that for combat.

Igor
CNJ

Aug 04, 2017

Pros: Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: Sheath/Scabbard

Do Not But This Knife!

I would give this rating a 0 if I could. I really was excited to buy this knife. It was exactly what I was looking for. Good price, good design (I thought). However, you need to read the fine print. The hilt and sub hilt are made of the same rubberized material that the handle is made of of. The hilts are flexible and offer NO protection. I returned the knife promptly. Very discouraging. I am surprised that Knife Center even sells this knife. It is junk, it is NOT a fighting blade.