I'm a sucker for knives. Im getting ready to go on a trip where corrosion is an issue due to some salty air. I have kinda been looking at a new self defense fixed blade. I had a weak Amazon moment the other evening and went ahead and bought a knife that I have had my eye on for over a decade.
The totally "impractical" Cold Steel Tai Pan in San Mai. VG10 layered in mystery stainless yields a very tough and nimble dagger that should be nearly impossible to rust yet hold a reasonable edge. In full honesty, I dont really need a knife with high edge retention. Its a weapon. Even with a 7.5" blade, the knife feels lively in hand. It feels like the kind of knife that would incredibly effective when deployed by a skilled fighter as well as someone just in fight or flight mode. It certainly makes one much longer in claw than nature intended.
I do like the Secure Ex sheath as well. Its a nice set up that lends itself to hold itself close to the body and can be held inverted in a shoulder holster. I've been looking at this line of daggers for a long time. Its pretty neutral in hand and light enough that I packs well on my belt. I was fortunate enough to get my hands on some James Keating videos once upon a time, and I went ahead and bought a polymer version of the Tai Pan to use for practice some of the techniques I learned. I feel like this knife could bite you on accident in pretty short order, so im trying to work my familiarity up a bit before I start practicing any drills with a live blade. The FGX polymer of the plastic Tai Pan is sharp and pointy enough to give you a couple warning kisses without chancing a love bite from the real deal.
Long story short, it's a formidable weapon that I hope to get to know better in the coming weeks. While there is an upgraded 3V version, I prefer the polished look and feel of the VG10 sandwich and have a very good knowledge of what I can expect from the knife given how many blades I own in that steel. $150 impulse that was money well spent.
Scale here is my Combat Troodon. A rather large and intimidating OTF with a 3.75" blade. Cute lil bug next to the Tai Pan.