Renato
Europe

Dec 06, 2016

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

Cons: None

The Mora among the fighters

I like this knife so much I have several of it. The edges and tip are sharp, and are also very easy to sharpen (couple of swipes with the ceramic stick). The handle is very comfortable. No sharp angles etc. I wrapped tennis racket grip around it for extreme sticky grip. Now you have the combo of a grippy handle and also durability and strength of the polypropylene scales . Much better than the Kraton handles around the tang which tend to deteriorate at time and use. This knife is very light and fast in hand. The steel is tough. I have used one in a destruction test. Stabbed the tip deep into wood, bend it sideways. The tip didn't break. It did bend. But no breaking. And it was a strong bending force . So. Very good in my opinion.

Wing Zero
Temecula, CA

Aug 12, 2011

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

Cons: None

A Cold Steel Must Have

This knife is WICKED sharp. The blade is thin and holds an edge that beats every knife I own. The knife is well balanced and lightly sits in your belt. It doubles as a throwing knife as well as a combat knife

3Y3ece
Olympia Washington

Aug 08, 2014

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

Cons: Sheath/Scabbard

Outstanding.

Got this knife to test Cold Steels 1055 Carbon Steel. It's super resilient. I do mostly backyard cutting stuff (similar to, but not exactly like) the back yard cutters guild. One gallon water jugs, throwing targets, and I did the hammer fist through the cinder block thing the Cold Steel Video on the knife shows. Very solid. I really like the handle, as it is allen wrench screws, and easy to tighten or remove for maintenance, not that you will need to do that often, if ever, with this knife. It's got a nice weight to it, and I have large hands, and it still fits in my grip several different ways. This knife is a no-regret kind of deal. I never consider the quality of the sheath, or scabbard of a knife that comes with it when purchased, because I do my own leather work, and make my own stuff to my specs to get it the way I want it. That being said, this scabbard is very nice for the knife. It's a bit loud on the draw and re-sheathing, but generally noise isn't so much a factor... right? Decent quality, nothing special about the case. I like the velcro-button snap fixture on the main belt loop, easy to attach to a belt you are already wearing, or remove from a belt without dropping trow...

Andrew B
Naples, Fl

Oct 20, 2012

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

Cons: Blade Material

Expendables on steroids

Best sharp edged thrower I've owned. Very light and very sharp. Still safely throwable by the blade if you know what you're doing. Also very good for no spin toss at shorter distances. Definitely a soft target blade. Haven't done it, but a miss-hit on a hard target or hitting another knife would probably do some damage. Also doubles well as a light use utility knife.

Will M
Abilene, Tx

Jun 30, 2015

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

Cons: None

good value

The sheath fits perfectly with no rattle at all, plenty of paracord or strap options.good potential to have lots of memories with this knife.

Will M
Abilene, Tx

Jun 30, 2015

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

Cons: None

good value

The sheath fits perfectly with no rattle at all, plenty of paracord or strap options.good potential to have lots of memories with this knife.

Tom H
Illinois

Mar 25, 2019

Pros: Weight, Overall Quality, Sheath/Scabbard, Finish

Cons: None

A Spork Fighter

Nice design, but tries to be too, much; and ends up being not quite enough. It is like a Spork, or, a Scanoe: designed to do multiple tasks, but does nothing really well. If it is supposed to be a dagger, give it a better edge holding steel. If it is supposed to be a thrower, thicken up the point and edges. The SK5 tool steel of Cold Steel’s, Shanghai Warrior would have been a better choice for edge holding, in my opinion (still has good toughness). >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> The index finger rings seems like an afterthought on the Shadow; not like the integral, ergonomic handle designed index finger ring of TOPS Knive’s, excellent, C.U.T. 4.0 (available @ KnifeCenter.com). The Shadow’s finger ring is not comfortable, or ergonomic; and I’m definitely not holding the Shadow by the ring to get an extra 4” of reach. I’m of the same mind as, Renato, below, and have given the handle a wrap in black athletic tape (tennis racket tape sounds good, too). >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> For all my criticism, I really like these Cold Steel, Shanghai Series Knives (Warrior & Shadow). The index finger ring makes a great oversized pommel. Well balanced and agile in the hand. They could have put a bottle opener in the center of the ring, and it would have served me better. I even like the Secure-Ex sheath; quiet/secure (you can’t beat them for the price). I can’t deduct a star from Shanghai Shadow at this price point. This is a great budget priced tac tool (sharpen as needed). And, let’s face it: It just looks cool. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> P.S. Pick up a Hewlet-JewelStik Professional 1-2-3, 10” Diamond Sharpening Steel (part# HW123K), available @ KnifeCenter.com. As, Renato points out, below, “a couple of swipes with the ceramic stick,” or, in this case, on the diamond steel, and this soft, tough steel will be razor sharp, again. This professional butcher steel has perhaps, the most consecutive 5 star ratings (10 @ this writing) of any product @ KnifeCenter.com. Costs a little more than this knife, but I think you’ll like the fast/easy sharpening convenience on many of your bladed tools and kitchen cutlery.

Jormungand
NC

Apr 18, 2021

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

Cons: None

Fantastic Tactical On-Duty Blade, surprisingly perfect kunai

I keep mine as a spare tactical blade for on-duty work. That said, it has been an economical method of dispatching that stubborn Bambi that people hit, not dead yet. On the more light-hearted note, found it throws really darn well. In fact, I have put it to more abuse throwing it into stuff than work. My only gripes are that Cold Steel stopped making the larger Warrior version. I want a Man-At-Arms sword version of this thing. No fancy grips etc, just make it bigger! But other than that, I will be getting another one soon...

Michael J P
Goose Creek, Sc

Nov 26, 2015

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

Cons: None

Exceptional value

An incredible edge, the width shows its effectiveness as a weapon, the edge easily touches up to razor sharpness, and the steel is solid. The sheath is quite adequate, and the price is extraordinary! A great tool and value.

Efrain
Los Angeles ca

Oct 03, 2013

Pros: Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard, Blade Sharpness

Cons: Handle Material, Overall Quality, Materials, Finish

nice blade

good thrower and nice dagger

Marshall
Jacksonville fl

Feb 06, 2012

Pros: Weight, Finish

Cons: Handle Material, Overall Quality, Sheath/Scabbard

Slasher. Nice and light with a good feel in the hand. The blade needed a touch up but was very workable. Cuts like a razor now on a pig carcass. Could use a better grip handle but the ring helps. Too bad it's made in China...

Jesse
SC

Jul 02, 2014

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

Cons: Blade Sharpness

Bada** Knife for the Money

sturdy, full tang, good weight and decent size for my large hands. sheath is a perfect snug fit, but doesnt snag or hang up when pulling it out. not the sharpest edge from the factory but amazing quality for the money.

Charles P
Statesville, Nc

Apr 24, 2015

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

Cons: Weight, Sheath/Scabbard

Do not hold knives while checking emails!!!

Yes I know everyone is looking for light steel, but I'm a little guy and need slightly heavy blades. Got this to be a left handed supplement for dual wielding with Chaos trench dagger. Didn't know it was a "thrower" till later. The minute I saw the steel type and price - I jumped on it. It came with a Secure-ex sheath which will dull your blade as you sheath and un-sheath for a couple of friends. Replace with leather, or do like I do...oil it and hang it up where the cat can't reach it. Me and a friend were able to put a horrifying edge on this dagger. I tend to choke up - right on the hilt of the blade. The circle is just a pommel or a lanyard hole for conversion into Chinese throwing dagger. Hence the name Shanghai Shadow, which i'll admit sounds cliché - but perhaps I'm understating the "TERRIFYING EDGE" this thing gets. Used Smiths stone, and I use a course/fine diamond portable smith's for quick fixes. Do not forget this is in your hand! I don't think I've ever felt such a large/lightweight weapon that actually works. I was reading my email, and I reached for a milk-dud...all I did was touch the blade...Gush Gush Gush!! Please beware - and respect that 2" wide-leaf design. Little correction in stats...the blade is 6.5" and the length from hilt to pommel is 6.75." Great thrusting, decent hacking, and impeccable slicing. Will be wrapping with cord over handles for increased grip and weight. Sacrificing Stealth for strength.

Woodsman Turley
somewhere in WV

Feb 28, 2013

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

Cons: Blade Material

cool throwing knive

I got mainly for my collection steel is a little soft or brittle throws good i threw it form about 10 ft

Jeff
Pa

Aug 10, 2015

Pros: Blade Material, Finish, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

Great deal for the money. Knife is much bigger than I expected lots of wow factor with this one! Would definitely recomend this knife .

Zaekyras
Jacksonville FL

Mar 30, 2012

Pros: Weight, Sheath/Scabbard

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

expect what you get from china

This would be a great product if it was a quality product. It was ok sharp not razor as described, dulls very quickly with use. Good for slashing. But the tip is very weak, as above stated no throwing or prying.It will leave the tip in bone if bent while retracting. Handle could be improved for grip but there is the ring...you decide. Over all ok for the money. If your life depends on the knife in a fight buy something else.

Phil
The Projects

Aug 11, 2011

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Finish, Blade Sharpness

Cons: Blade Material, Materials

Cold Steel Shanghai Shadow

This is a really good knife for the money. The blade is shaving sharp out of the box. Its a no nonsense knife. But unfortunately, the Secure-Ex sheath dulls the blade very fast. This dagger should be made out of a more durable steel than 1055.

Cannon B.
Lexington, KY

Feb 01, 2012

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Finish, Blade Sharpness

Cons: Overall Quality, Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard, Materials

decent knife

When I bought this knife it came really sharp. I'm not an expert at the art of knife throwing but I broke the tip of the blade off quite easily. But overall pretty decent knife especially if you are looking for a combat knife.