Cold Steel Trail Master

Reviewed 07/10/2013 by Chris

-Price Paid: $180.00
-Used for Outdoor/Survival
-Owned for 1 year

Comments:

After researching and reading knife reviews I finally purchased the Trail Master. Loved it - at first. It absolutely holds up to its reputation for durability and keeping an edge. The weight distribution through the blade makes chopping motions more efficient than other large knives I have used. The downside to this knife is the length, the sheath, and putting an edge on it after the factory edge has been diminished. I knew how big the knife was before I bought it but after much it became cumbersome and bulky. Not the knife's fault just my preference. As an amateur knife sharpener I found it impossible to put a "razor" sharp edge on it while all my other knives including an ESEE 6 I can always put that edge back on. Worst is the sheath. It is flimsy and doesn't hold tight.

Reviewed 09/15/2012 by Dragan

-Price Paid: N/A
-Used for Outdoor/Survival
-Owned for Greater than 1 year

Comments:

Trail Master Bowie of steel laminated San Mai III I received as a gift three years ago. On several occasions I have used it on a camping trip and while in nature. Extremely strong knife, practically indestructible, very well designed. The great advantage of the convex blade that Brushed extremely well proven and cutting, choping off and slicing any material you can think of tough nylon rope, hard wood, game meat to store vegetables for a meal ...
The balance is good but for my needs knife is to big. I wish it was handle made ??of micarta and a slightly larger scale. Also, Kydex sheath with Tek-Loc system would be a better solution for bivouack where equipment must carries a number of ways. In brief, terrifying knife!

Reviewed 01/09/2011 by Dragonram7

-Price Paid: $220.00
-Used for Outdoor/Survival
-Owned for Greater than 1 year

Comments:

I guess this would be considered a very long term review. The price paid is a guess because I received it for a gift. I have seen many custom pieces on the market that can't hold up to this knife. I have had this knife for 15-18 years. I have used it for camp outs, wilderness survival merit badge (I'm scoutmaster and counselor), etc. This knife is tough and can adapt to any chore.

This is one of my knives I'd want if the chips are down and I'll have to survive long term. I have prepared food, chopped wood, built shelters, built fires, traps, snares, firewalls, and never had a problem. This knife holds an edge forever and sharpens easily.

The Kraton handle is easy to grip even when wet. The carbon V steel doesn't chip. If you whip down the blade with a tuff cloth, rust isn't an issue. My sheath is a thick high quality leather. Due to the bowie style blade, it can chop as well as a hatchet without destroying your hands. It's a knife that will be passed to your grand children.

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