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
The Folding EDC knife (Every Day Carry) features a Tanto-shaped blade. Crafted from Japanese AUS-10A steel, the blade delivers outstanding corrosion resistance. Its surface is treated with the satined finish, resulting in a refined semi-matte appearance. Deployment is facilitated by a double-sided thumb stud, while the robust Tri-Ad Lock ensures secure lockup when open. The handle, made from black G10 laminate, is engineered for a firm, slip-resistant grip. Carrying the knife is made easy with a spring clip for practical everyday use.
Japanese AUS-10A steel
Forged from premium Japanese AUS-10A steel, the blade boasts exceptional strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and impressive wear resistance. Thanks to an advanced hardening process, the steel attains a hardness rating of 58-61 HRC, guaranteeing outstanding durability and enduring sharpness.
Tanto profile blade, satined finish
The Tanto-style blade measures 88 mm in length and 3 mm in thickness. A high hollow grind delivers a smooth cutting edge for efficient slicing. The blade surface is finished using the satined technique, which provides a semi-matte appearance for enhanced aesthetics and greater resistance to scratches. Along the spine, jimping is present, offering a reliable thumb rest to improve grip and control during precision cutting.
non-slip G10 laminate handle
The handle is crafted from G10 laminate, which consists of layers of fiberglass compressed with epoxy resin. Renowned for its exceptional strength, low weight, and resistance to moisture, this material ensures reliability in demanding environments. An ergonomically shaped, non-slip grip enhances handling and control. A steel tip-up clip is included, allowing for easy repositioning to either side of the handle and accommodating both right- and left-handed users.
Tri-Ad Lock
Featuring the Tri-Ad Lock system, recognized as one of the most robust mechanisms found in folding knives, this knife uses a stop pin to absorb blade pressure, transferring the force to the handle and minimizing wear. The locking system self-adjusts with use, ensuring ongoing reliability. A double-sided thumb stud on the blade enables fast, one-handed deployment.
Main features
- High hollow grind blade in a Tanto profile
- Crafted from Japanese AUS-10A steel
- Blade features a satin finish
- Deploys via ambidextrous thumb stud
- Jimping present along the spine for enhanced grip
- Equipped with Tri-Ad Lock mechanism
- Handle constructed from G10 laminate
- Includes a steel pocket clip for convenient carry
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
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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.
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Great knife for EDC.
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Mega solid knife, also flat and light, solid stuff.
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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.
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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 ;-)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Perfect for carrying with you, fits great in the hand.
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Very slim handle and aggressive material—because of this, it fits great in the hand.
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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.
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A solid piece of steel. Highly recommended. Super fast shipping.
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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.
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The knife comes excellently sharpened. Very good workmanship. No flaws. Comfortable, I recommend it.
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