a budget option all around adventure knife

I'm trying to retire my CCC and China replica EDC's (Scorpion Claw Karambit and Replica Fox 449 Karambit). It kinda looks like a glorified kitchen knife and it came with a Cor-Ex Sheath instead of the updated plastic sheath, But make no mistake, it's sharp out of the box (you can use this knife for shaving LOL) I intend to use this as my EDC, together with my Beretta Tomcat 3032 and CRKT Pazoda2. I won't baton this knife, though and will have to buy a lanyard . A little to unnoticeable play on the handle But overall a bang for the buck

It's everything it's advertised to be. Hair-shaving sharp out of the box. Edge has a good "bite" for whittling all other cutting tasks.

I would have wanted a slightly chunkier, grippier handle for hard use. I'll probably wrap the handle with overgrip tape.

I wish it came with the updated hard plastic sheath with a belt clip instead of the closed loop.

Overall, excellent quality and value.

I bought this knife for defense. It is the perfect small size for concealed carry for a fixed blade weapon. Yes the secure ex sheath shortens the overall profile to make the knife's handle stick out less when sheathed. So it can fit in your pocket, sheath and all. Out of the box I stabbed the knife through boards and sliced paper. No problem. I also took some short stabs against my thick pants: the point penetrated easily. This is a very usable knife which can perform perfectly its tasks. Which brings me to my point: Cold Steel makes the best and most affordable knives for the money bar none. This is my first Cold Steel knife and it definitely will not be my last.