Johan
South Africa

May 25, 2013

Pros: None

Cons: None

This knife is awesome. I carry it around my neck on a daily basis as a back up knife. This new spike has a much better grip than the other models and there is no chance of it slipping through your hand when stabbing. Came super sharp and ready to carry. I like it so much I am going to buy three more for the rest of the family. Regards Johan/South Africa

Antonio
California

Nov 27, 2013

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

Cons: None

Perfect for a MOLLE vest/rig

I'll be honest. I love this thing. It goes on my support side behind my rifle mag on my chest rig for that "get off me" type shank/shiv. All I needed was some 550 cord (or zip-ties for temporary purposes) Rather than have a huge, ka-bar styled combat fixed blade on my vest, this blends in easier and looks more low-key and still allows me plenty of real estate for other pouches.

Kevinb
Elk Grove, CA

May 20, 2013

Pros: None

Cons: None

Tanto Spike

Great little knife! I wish I bought more than one especially for the price. Full-tang construction, very solid, yet light enough I can wear it around comfortably. It is a little smaller than the average fixed-blade knife but keep in mind it is designed to be a neck knife so they are supposed to be more on the small side for concealment and ease of carry. The sheath is great too - the knife fits perfect and comes out with a good tug.

Greg
Phelan, Ca

Sep 16, 2023

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

Cons: None

Steak knife?

Works great as a steak knife!

Eric C.
Fort Smith, AR

Mar 26, 2015

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

Cons: None

Great Knife

I have been actively carrying my CS Tanto Spike for a few months now. I am so impressed with the quality and edge holding ability of this knife that I am considering going with CS knives exclusively. I am no novice by any stretch. I have many brands. Schrade, Uncle Henry, and Gerber to name a few. I have been handling knives since I was a boy. My dad taught me to sharpen with an Arkansas stone by the time I was 12. That has been a few decades ago. All that said, the CS knives are the best knives it has ever been my pleasure to own. Great quality and workmanship. Easy to sharpen.

Jake
Somewhere in western U.S.

May 23, 2013

Pros: None

Cons: None

GREAT BACKUP/UTILITY NECK KNIFE

As soon as I saw Cold steel had redesigned their spike series I knew I wanted the Tanto Spike. And I must say the new design is excellent. Pros: The faux G10 handle gives good traction, the design also includes an integral guard. The blade has a decent thickness and is full tang. Also at 4" the (very sharp) blade is longer than many folders. It is also lighter than many folders, even if you were to weigh it in the sheath. Which btw, it's great, super light and fits like a glove. As for edge wear the Scandi grind will keep it sharp longer on the softer steel. Which brings me to the cons: Now I think for the money the 4116 german steel is a good choice. However it is on the softer side so if this Is going to be something you'll use for everyday utility then expect to strop/sharpen it at some point. Avoid using this as a prying tool, 4116 is not a spring steel and it will snap under improper use. I do think that for under $25 if your looking for a compact, light, fixed blade you certainly can't go wrong. And if you don't like the tanto blade then your in luck because CS produced them in several different blade designs. So your still reading? What are you waiting for? Pick one up, you won't be disappointed.

Gary
New South Wales

Aug 07, 2021

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

Cons: None

Identity crisis

This is a great lightweight full tang fixed blade knife. It has good edge retention and is easy to sharpen and the secured sheath works well. Unfortunately the knife has an identity crisis! It doesn’t know what it’s purpose is. It is not compatible with the mini Teklok, as the rivet holes in the sheath are too small for the teklok hardware so it cannot be carried either vertically nor horizontally on your belt. At 8 inches overall it is too long to conceal well as a neck knife and will be obvious under anything but the thickest clothing. So how do you carry it? damned if I know. But it is a great knife with many potential uses

Long Time Collector
Connecticut

Mar 13, 2026

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

Cons: Materials, Overall Quality, Sheath/Scabbard

Nice Knife - Crappy Sheath

I bought the Tanto because I already own the drop point and the bowie. I didn't pay attention to the images because it clearly shows the tanto knife with a drop point sheath, a cheap plastic Secure Ex sheath that standard fasteners and clips just won't fit. So... do I complain about the failure of putting a decent piece of steel into a cheap piece of plastic and just let it slide... or do I recognize an opportunity???