Cold Steel Master Tanto San Mai – 6" Fixed Blade, Plain Edge, Satin Finish
VG-10 San Mai® Laminate Steel • Reinforced Tanto Tip • Black Textured/Oval Kray-Ex™ Handle • Secure-Ex® Sheath Included
Model: CS-35AB / CS35AB • UPC: 705442018049
When strength, control, and edge life matter most, the Cold Steel Master Tanto San Mai® (CS-35AB) sets the benchmark. The iconic 6-inch tanto blade is crafted from premium VG-10 San Mai® laminate steel—a hard, wear-resistant VG-10 core clad with tougher outer layers—delivering exceptional edge retention with added lateral toughness for demanding field work. A refined satin finish reduces drag and cleans up easily, while the black Kray-Ex™ handle—textured and oval-shaped for natural indexing—anchors the knife in hand for confident thrusts, controlled slices, and detailed utility cuts. Packaged with a rugged Secure-Ex® sheath for reliable carry, the Master Tanto is an elite fixed blade trusted by enthusiasts, professionals, and serious outdoorsmen.
Why the Master Tanto (San Mai®) Stands Out
VG-10 San Mai® Performance
Laminated steel construction places a hard VG-10 core at the edge for razor-holding sharpness, shielded by tougher outer layers that help resist shock and binding—ideal for a hard-use tanto.
Reinforced Tanto Geometry
The classic tanto point concentrates steel at the tip for excellent penetration and tip strength, while the long, flat primary edge delivers clean, predictable slicing.
Satin, Low-Drag Blade Finish
The satin polish helps reduce cutting friction, release sticky media, and simplify cleanup after field tasks or food prep.
Textured/Oval Kray-Ex™ Handle
The oval profile naturally aligns the edge in the hand and the aggressive texture provides all-weather grip, with or without gloves.
Secure-Ex® Sheath Included
Purpose-built sheath ensures positive retention, multiple mounting options, and fast, quiet access in camp, on the range, or around the homestead.
Use responsibly and follow local laws regarding transport and carry of fixed-blade knives.
Key Specifications
Brand / Series: Cold Steel — Master Tanto (San Mai®)
Model / UPC: CS-35AB / CS35AB • 705442018049
Blade Length: 6.0 inches
Blade Steel: VG-10 San Mai® laminate (VG-10 core with supportive outer layers)
Blade Finish: Satin
Edge: Plain (straight) edge
Blade Style: Reinforced tanto with prominent secondary point
Handle: Black Kray-Ex™, textured, oval cross-section for natural indexing
Sheath: Secure-Ex® (included)
Use: Field/utility, survival, camping/overlanding, preparedness, hunting support
Field Performance You’ll Notice
Confident Tip Strength
The tanto’s reinforced tip excels at tasks where point integrity matters—piercing dense materials, initiating cuts, and precise scoring—while maintaining exceptional durability.
Long-Lasting Sharpness
The VG-10 core keeps a hair-splitting edge through tough media like heavy cardboard, rope, webbing, and field processing—meaning fewer trips to the sharpening stones.
Control & Comfort
The oval Kray-Ex™ handle guides natural edge alignment, reducing hot spots and improving grip security during push cuts, pull cuts, and fine-detail work.
Ready-to-Deploy Carry
The Secure-Ex® sheath provides reliable retention and carry flexibility—on a belt, pack, or rig—so the Master Tanto stays accessible and protected.
Ideal Use Cases
Survival & Bushcraft: Notching, cordage work, kindling prep, controlled slicing.
Utility & Preparedness: Webbing/strap cuts, packaging, camp chores, general field duty.
Outdoor & Overlanding: Food packaging, tarp work, quick gear fixes (use a board to protect the edge).
Hunting Support: Game prep assistance, camp kitchen slicing; cleans up quickly thanks to the satin finish.
Pro Tips for Best Results
Edge Angle Discipline: Maintain ~20° per side to balance bite and durability on San Mai® blades.
Choke-Up Control: Use a forward pinch near the guard for precision scoring and feathering.
Cutting Surface: On food or camp prep, use wood or polymer boards—avoid stone and metal to preserve the edge.
Sheath Mounting: Experiment with belt height or lash points to find your fastest, safest draw stroke.
Care & Maintenance
Clean & Dry: After moisture, food acids, or gritty tasks, rinse and dry thoroughly.
Light Protection: Though stainless, VG-10 appreciates a thin coat of oil after prolonged wet or coastal exposure.
Sharpening: Touch up with ceramic or fine diamond stones; finish with a light strop to restore razor keenness.
Sheath Care: Keep the Secure-Ex® interior free of sand/debris to protect the finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is San Mai® and why does it matter?
A: San Mai® is a laminated blade—a hard VG-10 core provides excellent edge retention, while tough outer layers add durability. You get both sharpness and resilience in one blade.
Q: Is the edge serrated?
A: No—this configuration features a plain (non-serrated) edge for clean slicing and easier maintenance.
Q: How grippy is the handle when wet?
A: The textured Kray-Ex™ with an oval cross-section is designed for secure traction in rain, sweat, or with gloves.
Q: Can I baton with a tanto?
A: For light kindling, baton on the spine only and avoid twisting in knots or striking stone. The reinforced tip is strong, but proper technique preserves edge life.
Q: What sheath is included?
A: A Secure-Ex® sheath with positive retention for dependable field carry.
SEO Highlights (Quick Scan)
Cold Steel Master Tanto San Mai® CS-35AB / CS35AB
6" satin VG-10 San Mai® blade, plain edge, reinforced tanto tip
Black textured/oval Kray-Ex™ handle, Secure-Ex® sheath included
Premium fixed-blade for survival, utility, camping, and preparedness
UPC 705442018049 — durable, sharp, and field-ready
The Bottom Line
The Cold Steel Master Tanto San Mai® (CS-35AB) blends a 6" VG-10 San Mai® blade, reinforced tanto geometry, and a textured/oval Kray-Ex™ handle with a rugged Secure-Ex® sheath to deliver elite cutting performance, tip strength, and all-weather control. If you want a fixed blade that’s as sharp and reliable as it is tough, this Master Tanto is the standard to beat.
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