Cold Steel Tactical Katana machete

A... Review confirmed by purchase

100%

02.06.2025

Review for model:

The katana-machete makes a big impression right after being unpacked from the factory package. It's not particularly sharp from the factory, but after proper sharpening it can cut high grass like a scythe :-O. The set also includes a sheath, which does its job. The biggest plus is, of course, the price-to-quality ratio. Probably the only downside is the plastic handle, which really hurts your hands and transmits all vibrations to them. This can be mitigated by wearing gloves and/or wrapping the handle with paracord. For me, 5m of paracord wasn't enough for the whole handle, but it still helped a lot. You need about 8-10m for the whole handle.

A nice piece of metal, too bad the handle is not made from soft ribbed rubber but hard ribbed plastic, making it slippery with any moisture. I don't know why people talk nonsense about a dull blade—mine came sharp, edge finished to about 7mm width. For a one-time contact with one or several opponents, it will crack a few skulls. For working in the field, this steel probably isn't suitable. I bought it as a weapon just in case and for kenjutsu training. For fencing practice, it's perfect.

Cool thing, it's just a shame it arrived relatively dull and the first 10cm of the blade is completely deformed and chipped. Still, at this price, I expected at least no defects.

Average quality of workmanship, the machete arrived completely blunt, without a proper edge. For this price, I expected better quality. The sheath is a bit loose. Still, it's a 'katana.'

In my opinion, it will indeed be a fully functional machete, it's a pity I received mine unsharpened. But maybe that's for transport safety reasons. Anyway, after sharpening it will be great.

For me, it's great! It could just be a bit sharper.

A solid machete. The picture doesn't reflect the size, so I suggest checking the dimensions and grabbing something with similar proportions and weight, because it's not something you can take into town under your jacket, unless you want to look like a witcher. The long handle makes it instinctively better to use with both hands, especially as the center of gravity makes it feel odd to swing with one hand. The handle material is a bit too synthetic (makes your hand sweat). Overall, I recommend it. Those trained in kendo will have a broad smile.

I was a bit afraid it would be a toy, but it's simply a big machete styled after a Japanese katana. It arrived decently sharpened, passed the first tests on acacia wood and I am satisfied :)

A solid machete, which is quite a cheap alternative to an expensive katana. I recommend it.

A solid piece of good steel, it doesn't dull easily, it takes a bit long to sharpen but the result is worth it.

An interesting alternative to a katana. Very carefully crafted machete. The sheath is a bit 'too big.' I recommend it.