Cold Steel Kyoto 3.25" Durable Compact 8Cr13MoV Stainless Steel Fixed Blade Tanto Outdoor Hunting Utility Knife, 3 3/8" Textured Kray-Ex Handle, Sheath Included

This must be the cutest practical tanto knife in the market. Not many fixed blades can fit so comfortably in the pocket and still offer all the utility of an everyday carry. That's mostly thanks to a 9.55cm blade that on a folding knife would need at least an 11cm handle. The handle on the Kyoto I is just 8.7cm so it's about 3cm shorter than an equivalent folding knife. The small handle is a tight fit for a full finger grip with my hands (10cm across the palm) but is perfect for a 3/4 grip with the side of my pinky up against the end of the handle still aiding in fine control. The faux tsukamaki (Japanese handle wrap) pattern on the handle is a nice touch that enhances grip security.The Kyoto I comes with a Secure-Ex sheath but without any loops or belt clips. I suppose that's fine given the price. Retention is good; I haven't been able to shake the knife out of the sheath.Given the Kyoto I's size it would work well as a neck knife or boot knife, but I think I'll add loops or a clip to the sheath for horizontal belt carry.The blade was very sharp but not quite razor sharp out of the box. I've used it for some light cutting and package opening tasks and don't currently see the need to further sharpen at the moment.Overall an interesting, useful, and fun knife that's a great value at the current price (bought at $22.29).

It's small and compact, which is great as I personally don't like carrying around a bigger blade as it usually draws too much attention from people around you. It's sharp as hell right out the box, which is good because knowing the quality of cold steel metals, you most likely won't have to sharpen this puppy for a while. Because of the length of it, I feel as though it's mainly just a flashier take on a pocket knife; a very beautiful knife nonetheless. For the price it's definitely worth it and I personally, once again, do prefer a fixed blade as I feel they perform a little sturdier in comparison to their flip counterparts. Only con to this is the need to get an additional clip but that's nitpicking. Knife won't let you down.

It coms sharp. Very cool mini katana looking knife lol. Very sturdy light weight. Handle is a little short for big hands but you just learn how to use it. Does not have a belt clip but I use zip ties and run it sideways on my belt in the front for easy access. Ok as for what kind of work I use it for......... I work as a landscaper........ I cut grass in cemeteries and apartment buildings. I use my knife for almost everything.... I pry crap with it (within reason) cut all the debris that get wrapped around my blades. Cut branches from under trees I have to cut under. Cut whip string ........ Use it to clean around grave stones, I mean dirt rocks ...... Everything. I have had it for about four months and I carry it everyday.... I also work at a restaurant and I use it breakdown boxes and stuff of that nature. Small, quick to deploy, easy to carry, sturdy and I have only sharpened it twice........ All around good blade.

Okay, I'm very impressed with the quality of this "little knife", but...I'm not to happy with the lack of attachment options.The holes in the sheath are absolutely worthless, unless you like to tie small diameter para cord around your belt or using small zip ties. You can't use a typical snap-on or clip fastening system.The screws are too big with these systems.I zip tied it to the belt loop of my jeans after actually sliding the sheath under the loop. This works pretty good, but every time I wash my jeans, I'll have to cut it loose and fasten it again. I went around the belt loop to make it more secure and slide resistant than going around the belt itself.Mounted in this fashion, it blends right in with my belt and you don't really notice it. It's very quick to draw, sitting right between my belt buckle and right hand pocket.Though this works quite well, I would prefer a snap over the belt system that was sized to the scale of the sheath. As far as I know, nothing exists. Just flimsy plastic clips.They could at least make the sheath lashing holes a normal size instead of miniature. They are hardly big enough to get a bead chain through them. It didn't even come with that!As far as the retention goes, it seems secure enough. When violently shaken, the knife won't come out, but a good brush up against anything would surely pull the knife from the sheath. Could be a bit stronger.The knife itself is very well made, razor sharp and the grip is a bit rubbery providing plenty of friction, especially with it's katana knotted design.Will it get sticky from age as many Asian rubbers do? Lol!Playstation controller joysticks commonly do this. Old Star Wars swords do this. The Asian rubber oxidizes and gets sticky or gooey over time.I hope this particular grip material is resistant to oxidization. Only time will tell...But hey, I got it on sale for $20, so I guess it really doesn't matter!Still, I do wish they had used G10.Size? It's true. Size does matter.This is really more of a utility knife or a conversation piece than a knife for defensive purposes.Come on! Where do these guys get off promoting this thing as a defensive weapon?I can only get 3 fingers on it, and if I plunged with it and hit bone, my index finger would be in serious trouble? Slashing? Not enough grip.You need leverage with any defensive or offensive blade. You also need better finger protection, as with a good finger guard (tsuba).The finger guard (tsuba) isn't big enough.Summary:For $20, it's a buy!Just use it for utility, or as a cute conversation piece.If you want more, don't expect it from this one.I would have given it 5 stars if it had come with a decent snap-on belt mounting system.At bare minimum, 2 pinch clips.For a comparison to the Cold Steel Mini Tac, see that review.

Nice tanto style small blade. Very sharp and has a nice neck sheath. The price is right and it's been a useful knife so far.