After 15 years I’ve accepted I will never find a better camp knife than my $16 Cold Steel

Lynn Thompson convinced me to buy this ~15 years ago when I drove over to their store wanting to buy a blowgun for fun, not realizing California’s convinced people are going to assassinate people using blowguns and cyanide or something. I almost bought a $200 pocket knife instead, but he was adamant if I walked into the store for something fun I’d be happier leaving with this.

The poor things been through hell, experienced things that would kill most knives, dug holes, split bricks, been mutilated and abused, and it just keeps swimming.

Despite the paracord grip it’s more ergonomic than any knife it’s size I’ve handled. Lightweight, perfectly balanced, and as easy to use as a pocket knife for fine tasks. Feels like you’re using a knife half the size. Can take a shaving sharp edge using a rock you just pried out of the dirt and are about to baton it with. No amount of torture seems to hurt it. It’s an amazing hunk of indestructible steel with a sharp edge.

After owning some of the most ranted and raved about outdoor knives, knives twenty times the price, and anything else you can imagine I always go straight back to it. My only regret is never buying a second now that it’s all but impossible to buy a replacement.