Cold Steel Kudu 4.25" 5Cr15MoV Steel Clip Point Razor-Sharp Blade 5.75" Zy-Ex Handle Everyday Carry Folding Knife w/Ring Lock

So, the story from Cold Steel is that they wanted to make a better version of the Okapi, which has dropped in quality over time. As of this generation of Okapi knives, I don't know if that's entirely true, but it's also really hard to find a good one that's not at an inflated price. At the price point of this knife, it's just stupid good. I was skeptical of the steel, but I've also become less of a steel snob over time, and it's sufficient for the job. The ring lock works great. I have two copies of this - one I ordered from a different place, one known for being a place where you can buy mall ninja gear, ammo, and outdoor activity supplies all from the same vendor. It came in a simple plastic bag with a hang tag. The second one I got (because I immediately wanted a second to keep in the car) I ordered from here, and it came in a box. Both are authentic, AFAICT (make damned sure you actually order from Amazon or a reputable vendor), the one I ordered from here has a spring that's a touch lighter, but also seems to engage a bit more firmly. Both well within the tolerances I would expect at a knife priced higher than this. While I was very skeptical that Cold Steel would make a "better" version, I have to say that this is a damned good knife, and the only way it wouldn't count as better is if you really want a wooden handle. It's better put together than the Okapi I have. I've been on a bit of a cold steel kick lately - I'm late to the game, I only recently started indulging my inner mall ninja. This knife is definitely not in that category, it's closer to their "historical reproductions" when it comes down to it - and that's something that they are damned good at, based on the foot long dagger I also ordered from them for way too cheap. If you are looking at this and thinking 'but I want a REAL okapi' - honestly, get one of these anyways, no matter if you get a "real" one or not. It's way too good to pass up, and hits above its price point. You will not find a better knife of this size this cheap, and there aren't a lot of contenders for the style of lock it uses. To put it in perspective, I paid 6 times as much for a "palm knife" manufactured in France, with sandvik steel... with a ring lock that hardly engages, a lot of blade play, and just feels cheaper overall, despite being made from bone + steel. And it was the only other comparable thing I have found at a "reasonable" price.

The quality is great for this price-point, so I bought three of them in total. It's not hard to learn to close the knife. As a senior citizen I feel that this is a safe knife because of the little "stops" on opening and closing; still be careful though. I use around the house and yard primarily. All of them were sharp upon receipt.

I haven't yet found a comparable value to this model of knife - you get a great bargain for a ten dollar knife. I've kept one close for years now, as my everyday beater and I have no complaints, only praise. The blade is inexpensive, true, but it is effective and adequate quality - it resharpens back to a razor's edge quicker and easier than more expensive blades will. I have zero rust on mine, considering all the care it usually gets is a slick wipe down. The (ring) lockup is different but solid, and the knife weighs under three ounces. The Kudu is pretty well constructed, for the low price - it is assembled with a minimal number of decent quality, weather resistant materials. For the cost and value reasons, slim size and light weight, it isn't difficult to keep one tucked away in every drawer. I prefer this particular design over any other folding (slip joint) pocketknife due to the solid lockup - I have no desire to recreate any folding knife related injury.. Is the Kudu strange and tricky to learn? Yeah, sure, maybe, but I think it is well worth the effort in the end. I prefer this ring-lock design over the Kudu Lite, but they are both decent, inexpensive folding knives. Some Kudu ring-lock knives open easily, and some don't - the ones that "don't" are doomed to stay that way. I haven't (yet) found a decent way of relaxing this without weakening the material strength of the knife. I attached a $4 thumb stud that helps open it safely and quickly. The ring works as a finger guard that prevents my hand from getting too close to the blade edge. I keep my index finger inside the ring at all times - it helps me open and close the knife very safely, quickly and efficiently. That ring works as a leverage point, to anchor against the thumb stud - this allows the Kudu to be opened very quickly. A technique will develop pretty fast that allows a (relatively) safe and rapid opening. And the ring also allows for a "relatively safe" and cheap parlor trick of swinging the (CLOSED) knife around your finger.. Anything that reflects light (and moves fast) can work this way, I guess.. I keep my Kudu handy for all the jobs I'd rather not do with my pricier EDC knife. The Kudu isn't too proud for the dirty tasks that can abuse or destroy your Case or Marbles brand gentleman's folding pocketknife. A Kudu ring-lock will shrug off most harsh treatment that will absolutely ruin your high-dollar folder.. I believe that every self-respecting knife enthusiast should keep a drawer full of these things..

Big.... You are getting a lot of knife for the price. Very light and sharp. I have been using it in the kitchen mostly. Works great. It would be a perfect knife for camp tasks like, Cooking, cutting rope and even cleaning your quarry. Really easy to clean and it's put together very well. I don't think it will fail while completing everyday task. I also have the non-locking Kudu. I have never owned a Rachet/ring style lock, but I feel pretty safe with it. It's a little awkward to close. Be Careful, especially if you buy the non-locking kudu.

This is a really cool knife and a really cool lock but it's not the knife it used to be. Back when these was made in the steel 4116 Krupp steel these was a far nicer made product. The new 5cr China made models are no where near the quality they used to be, the injection molded plastic handles feel much less quality than they used to on the 4116 steel models and the lock and pivot aren't nearly as solid and nicely done on the new models as they was on the older models. Still a cool knife and can be picked up for like 8-9 bucks but the quality has dropped off so much that it's crazy. The Pre GSM buy out Kudu and Kudu lite are absolutely awesome knives for the money and these new post GSM buy out models aren't nearly the knife they used to be sadly. I mean it's not a bad knife and it's certainly useable it's just not done nearly as well as it used to be and the 4116 steel performs WAYYY better than the current 5cr15mov does, it holds an edge much longer, it sharpens much nicer and it strops back much nicer than the 5cr does because it's just a better alloy and the heat treatment that was done on the 4116 steel was much better than the heat treatment on this 5cr. I'm kinda bummed because I really loved the 4116 steel Kudu and Kudu lite and both of mine have been used for many years and sharpened many many times so it was getting time for new ones because half the blades have been sharpened away over the years so I'm bummed with the new ones and really have to go find me two mint condition or new 4116 models on the 2nd hand market. Also on the older models the lock on the Kudu is done out of a much better alloy as these new ones are prone to breaking off where the ring attaches to the back spring/lock and the old pre GSM never had that issue.. mine has been opened and closed probably 15k times over the years and it's still as solid today as it was when I bought it 10 years ago. Come on cold steel even if you have to charge 20 bucks for it bring back the same quality as it was when it was made from 4116 Krupp stainless. I would happily pay 20 for it if it was the exact same knife as it was 10 years ago. These new ones aren't nearly the quality they used to be and that's sad because it makes for an excellent and very capable and lightweight design to just slip in the pocket. For anyone wondering, the ring lock is different and takes a little getting used to but as soon as you play with it a little and figure it out it becomes very intuitive and easy to open and close and it's a very very strong lock design.

I love this knife, I have many of them and have put them to the test. Are the best looking knife? No, but for the price they cut well and hold up to some hard use. I have them stashed in all over in cars and bags. And I like the old school look

Want to stab yourself in the hand while trying to close the knife? Sharp? Yep! Blade quality? Good. Lock/unlock mechanism? The worst ever!! Way too much effort to pull on ring to unlock knife... and yes, I stabbed myself attempting to unlock it.

Neat little knife for the price, strong lock, blade steel is its weak point but i didnt buy this knife expecting wonder steel, im a craftsman and will prolly craft a new blade, i think this knife is aborable... At the moment its going with my fishing tackle...