I don't really understand why in the following reviews the CS Airlite is compared to the Bugout, which is a knife that bends in every direction for light tasks like opening a package with the CS Airlite, for example. Except that it will be its last use, because if you pick up any CS product, you'll forget about the Bugout immediately (I'm not talking about other Benchmade products, some are decent, but this Bugout...). CS Airlite is a great compromise between price and quality, it's a knife with the best lock on the market, a knife that can easily replace a fixed blade knife for many tasks, and there is no 'blade play', so once opened it is rigid. However, it is definitely not a toy for fidgeters, those who like to play with knives – it's hard to open it in one smooth move with the thumb stud (unless someone has "hands like shovels"); the bearing works with quite a lot of resistance – but that's the price you pay for legendary stiffness. I have no complaints about the steel – just watch Joe X's "review." For this price, I don't need anything more.
Cold Steel Air Lite Tanto AUS-10A Folding Knife
An Every Day Carry (EDC) folding knife with a Tanto-profile blade. The blade is made of Japanese AUS-10A steel, which offers excellent corrosion resistance. The blade has a satin finish, giving it a semi-matte appearance. The knife opens using a double-sided thumb stud. The Tri-Ad Lock secures the blade in the open position. The black G10 laminate handle provides a non-slip grip. A spring-loaded clip ensures comfortable everyday carry.
Japanese AUS-10A steel
The blade is made of high-quality Japanese AUS-10A steel, which is known for its high strength and resistance to corrosion and wear. Thanks to the hardening process, the steel achieves a hardness of 58–61 HRC, ensuring adequate durability and the ability to retain its sharpness for a long time.
Tanto profile blade, satined finish
The blade, with a Tanto profile, is 88 mm long and 3 mm thick. It features a smooth cutting edge, achieved through a high hollow grind. The blade is finished with a satin finish, which gives it a semi-matte surface, ensuring an attractive appearance and increasing scratch resistance. The spine of the blade features jimping, which provides a secure thumb rest and enhances control over the blade while making cuts.
non-slip G10 laminate handle
The handle is made of G10 laminate, which consists of layers of fiberglass bonded with epoxy resin. This material offers high strength, moisture resistance, and light weight. The grip has an ergonomic shape with a non-slip surface. The knife is equipped with a steel tip-up clip that can be moved to either side of the handle, suitable for both right- and left-handed users.
Tri-Ad Lock
The knife is equipped with the Tri-Ad Lock system, considered one of the strongest locking mechanisms in folding knives. The lock relies on a stop pin that absorbs pressure from the blade, distributing it to the handle and protecting it from wear. The mechanism self-adjusts over time, ensuring a reliable lock. The blade features a double-sided thumb stud, which allows for quick, one-handed opening of the knife.
Main features
- Tanto-profile blade with a high hollow grind
- made of Japanese AUS-10A steel
- satin-finished blade
- opens with a double-sided thumb stud
- jimping on the blade spine
- Tri-Ad Lock
- G10 laminate handle
- steel carrying clip
Militaria.pl is the official distributor of Cold Steel.
Cold Steel is a renowned American brand of knives, machetes and tactical tools, founded in 1980 in Irving, California. The company has gained popularity thanks to innovative solutions such as Kraton® handles and American Tanto blades, which are appreciated by uniformed services and military enthusiasts. It has also introduced its own steel alloys, such as San Mai III®, which ensures high strength and wear resistance. Cold Steel has patented the Tri-Ad™ Lock blade locking mechanism, which guarantees safe use. The brand cooperates with renowned knifemakers, including the company's founder Lynn C. Thompson and Andrew Demko, whose passion and experience contribute to the high quality of the products.
| Type | Folder |
|---|---|
| Style | Military-tactical |
| Blade length | 88 mm |
| Blade thickness | 3 mm |
| Blade profile | Tanto |
| Blade edge | Plain |
| Blunt resistance | Good |
| Corrosion resistance | Very good |
| Lock type | Tri-Ad Lock |
| Overall length | 203 mm |
| Main color | Black |
| Blade material | AUS-10 |
| Opening method | Thumb stud |
| Handle | G10 laminate |
| Clip for carrying | Yes |
| Holster included | No |
| Weight | 91 g |
| EAN | 705442019121 |
| Manufacturer code | CS-26WT |
| Brand | Cold Steel |
| EAN |
Reviews with photos
Review summary
Number of reviews: 30
-
-
Simply Cold Steel, as solid as usual. When it comes to the price, you have to pay for the brand. An interesting thing is the blade's thickness. Despite its slim shape, it fits very comfortably in the hand. Highly recommended.
-
Great knife for EDC.
-
Mega solid knife, also flat and light, solid stuff.
-
It's hard to find another knife that, with such a low weight, is such a solid tool. This is due to the materials it's made from and the excellent Tri Ad lock.
-
Great folder, light, well-made and sharp. The Japanese AUS10 steel is fully sufficient! Could be cheaper, but after all, it's Cold Steel. It sits in the pocket so nicely ;-)
-
The tanto blade has always interested me. I was only concerned whether the narrow grip - 9 mm would be ergonomic, but it turned out it is, given the 25 mm width. The knife is very light, flat, with a comfortable handle and a strong blade—perfect for me as an EDC while traveling.
-
It's hard to find a folding knife on the market in this price range whose construction offers a better ratio of size, weight, durability, and ergonomics. If you are looking for a full-size, solid folder that doesn't bulge out your pocket, this is the ideal option.
-
For me, the knife is cool, I wanted a tanto profile. Its advantages are definitely being lightweight, fitting nicely in my hand, and being thin. For longer work, the narrowness might get in the way, but for me, it's fine. It cut through paper with no problem, nice lock.
-
Perfect for carrying with you, fits great in the hand.
-
Very slim handle and aggressive material—because of this, it fits great in the hand.
-
Great EDC knife, very light, slim, but also VERY strong. I can't see any way something could happen to it, even with some light abuse.
-
A solid piece of steel. Highly recommended. Super fast shipping.
-
Good knife, but at this price, the steel could be better. I got it as a gift and I'm very happy with it. However, I wouldn't buy AUS 10 myself for this price.
-
The knife comes excellently sharpened. Very good workmanship. No flaws. Comfortable, I recommend it.
No reviews