The Cold Steel CS20KPL Kiridashi 2.50" Folding Sheepsfoot Plain 4116 Stainless Steel Blade/Black Griv-Ex Handle with Pocket Clip represents a masterful fusion of ancient Japanese utility and modern, robust folding knife technology.

This exceptional tool is designed for individuals who demand precision, durability, and versatility in their everyday carry (EDC) or specialized work knives. For anyone seeking a reliable, compact cutting instrument that bridges the gap between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary engineering, this folding Kiridashi stands out as a prime choice.

Unpacking the Legacy: What is a Kiridashi?

At its heart, the Kiridashi is the quintessential Japanese utility knife. Historically, it was not merely a tool but an indispensable companion for people from all walks of life, from the revered Samurai warriors to diligent peasants. Traditionally nestled within the sleeve pocket of a kimono, its ubiquitous presence in Japanese society highlights its innate practicality and adaptability. Children would use it for simple tasks, while master craftsmen employed it for intricate, precise work. In many ways, it serves as the fixed-blade counterpart to the Western pocket knife, excelling in a multitude of cutting chores from detailed whittling and delicate carving to precise paring and general utility. Cold Steel has respectfully and innovatively updated this famous classic, transforming it into a highly functional and portable folding knife version, maintaining its spirit while enhancing its modern utility.

Why Choose a Folding Kiridashi for Your Everyday Carry?

The decision to opt for a folding Kiridashi, particularly the Cold Steel CS20KPL, often stems from a desire for a versatile, robust, and supremely portable cutting tool. Users frequently ask, "What is the best compact utility knife for everyday tasks?" or "I need a reliable knife for crafts and light outdoor use – what do you recommend?" This folding Kiridashi directly answers these questions by offering the unparalleled precision and control of the traditional design combined with the convenience and safety of a modern folding mechanism. It’s ideal for:

• Professionals and Hobbyists: Whether you're a carpenter, artist, package handler, or simply enjoy DIY projects, the controlled Sheepsfoot blade is perfect for scoring, marking, and opening.
• Everyday Carry Enthusiasts: Its compact size (6.50" OAL, 4" closed) and light weight (2.40 oz) make it an unobtrusive addition to any pocket, ready for immediate use.
• Outdoor and Preparedness: While not a heavy-duty survival knife, it excels at light camp tasks, fire prep (feather sticks), cord cutting, and general utility in a compact setup.
• Anyone Valuing Precision and Safety: The Sheepsfoot blade design significantly reduces the risk of accidental punctures, making it safer for tasks that involve cutting towards oneself or working in confined spaces.

Deep Dive into Superior Design and Materials

The Blade: A Foundation of Functionality

• Sheepsfoot Profile: The 2.50-inch Sheepsfoot blade is the defining feature of this Kiridashi. Unlike pointed blades, the Sheepsfoot design features a straight edge and a dull, rounded spine that curves down to meet the edge at the tip. This design is paramount for safety, minimizing the risk of accidental piercing, which is crucial for precision work, opening packages, or cutting towards oneself. The straight edge also ensures maximum contact with the cutting surface, making it exceptionally efficient for slicing, push cuts, and shaving tasks.
• 4116 Stainless Steel: The blade is crafted from 4116 Stainless Steel, a material renowned for its excellent corrosion resistance and ability to take and hold a very sharp edge. This German-made steel is a fine-grain, highly polished material that is easy to resharpen, ensuring that your knife remains consistently effective with minimal effort. It offers a good balance of hardness and toughness, making it reliable for a wide range of cutting applications without being overly brittle. The plain edge further enhances its cutting efficiency and ease of maintenance.
• Optimal Thickness: At 3mm (approximately 0.118 inches) thick, the blade strikes a perfect balance between robustness and slicing capability. It's thick enough to handle demanding tasks without flexing, yet thin enough to glide through materials with minimal resistance.

The Handle: Unyielding Grip and Ergonomics

• Griv-Ex Construction: The handle is constructed from Griv-Ex, a proprietary Cold Steel material known for its exceptional strength, durability, and resistance to impact, chemicals, and extreme temperatures. Griv-Ex provides a secure, non-slip grip, even in wet conditions, contributing significantly to user safety and control. The black finish gives the knife a sleek, understated aesthetic.
• Ergonomic Design: Despite its compact size, the handle is thoughtfully designed to provide a comfortable and secure grip for ambidextrous users. Its contours fit naturally in the hand, reducing fatigue during prolonged use and enhancing precision for detailed tasks.
• Integrated Pocket Clip: A crucial feature for EDC, the included pocket clip ensures the knife remains securely attached to your pocket or gear, providing quick and easy access when needed. Its design allows for discreet carry, making it an ideal companion for daily chores.

The Tri-Ad Lock: Unmatched Security and Strength

One of the most significant advantages of any Cold Steel folding knife is its proprietary Tri-Ad Lock mechanism. Widely regarded as one of the strongest and safest folding knife locks in the world, the Tri-Ad Lock virtually eliminates blade play and provides an unparalleled level of security. It works by having a stop pin that absorbs stress from impacts, ensuring the blade remains locked open even under extreme pressure. This robust locking system gives users immense confidence, knowing their blade will not accidentally close during use, even during demanding tasks. It's a testament to Cold Steel's commitment to building reliable, safe tools.

Portability and Convenience

With an overall length of 6.50 inches when open and a mere 4 inches when closed, the CS20KPL is engineered for ultimate portability. Weighing in at just 2.40 ounces, it's light enough to carry all day without notice, yet substantial enough to feel capable in hand. The thumb stud opening mechanism allows for quick and effortless one-handed deployment, a key feature for practical everyday use.

Real-World Applications and Benefits

The Cold Steel CS20KPL Kiridashi is more than just a knife; it's a multi-purpose tool that excels in countless scenarios:

• Package Opening: The blunt tip and straight edge make it the ultimate tool for safely opening cardboard boxes, plastic clamshells, and taped packages without damaging contents.
• Craft and Hobby Work: Ideal for model building, leatherwork, detailed wood carving, linoleum cutting, and general craft projects requiring fine control.
• Office and Workshop Tasks: Perfect for cutting paper, opening envelopes, scoring materials, stripping light wire, or precise trimming.
• Outdoor Utility: Handy for preparing tinder, cutting fishing line, opening food packages, or minor repairs during camping or hiking trips.
• Emergency Preparedness: A valuable tool for cutting seatbelts, cordage, or opening emergency rations.

The benefits to the user are manifold: you gain a highly versatile tool that is incredibly safe to use due to its Sheepsfoot blade and Tri-Ad Lock. Its compact size ensures it’s always with you, and the robust materials mean it will withstand years of regular use. It offers exceptional value for its performance, making it a smart investment for anyone needing a reliable cutting solution.

The Cold Steel Difference

Cold Steel has built a formidable reputation for producing knives and tools that are incredibly strong, reliable, and perform far beyond expectations. Their commitment to rigorous testing and innovative design, such as the Tri-Ad Lock, sets them apart in the knife industry. When you choose a Cold Steel product, you're not just buying a knife; you're investing in a tool designed for serious use and built to last. The CS20KPL Kiridashi embodies this ethos, offering a modern interpretation of a classic utility knife with Cold Steel's signature toughness and dependability.

For the user asking "What knife brand can I trust for durability and innovation?", Cold Steel consistently emerges as a top answer. Their meticulous design process ensures that each product, including this folding Kiridashi, meets high standards of performance and reliability.

Maintaining Your Cold Steel Kiridashi

To ensure your Cold Steel CS20KPL Kiridashi serves you faithfully for years, a few simple maintenance steps are recommended:

• Cleaning: After use, especially with corrosive materials, wipe the blade clean with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly. For deeper cleaning, a mild soap and water solution followed by complete drying is sufficient.
• Lubrication: Periodically apply a drop of light oil (such as mineral oil or a knife-specific lubricant) to the pivot area to ensure smooth opening and closing.
• Sharpening: While 4116 Stainless Steel is easy to sharpen, consistent use will eventually dull any edge. Use a quality sharpening stone or system to maintain the plain edge. The straight edge of the Sheepsfoot blade makes sharpening relatively straightforward.

By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure your Kiridashi remains a sharp, reliable, and indispensable tool.

Where to Find Your Cold Steel Kiridashi

The Cold Steel CS20KPL Kiridashi 2.50" Folding Sheepsfoot Plain 4116 Stainless Steel Blade/Black Griv-Ex Handle with Pocket Clip is readily available for those looking to add this exceptional utility knife to their collection or everyday carry rotation. These products are all available at DEGuns, ensuring you can acquire this high-quality, versatile tool from a reputable source. Visit DEGuns.com to explore the full range and make this remarkable knife your next essential companion.

Feature	Description
Brand	Cold Steel
Model	Kiridashi
Blade Length	2.50"
Overall Length	6.50"
Closed Length	4"
Blade Type	Sheepsfoot
Edge Type	Plain
Blade Material	4116 Stainless Steel
Blade Thickness	3mm
Handle Material	Griv-Ex
Handle Color	Black
Lock Type	Tri-Ad
Open Type	Thumb Stud
Weight	2.40 oz
Hand	Ambidextrous
Includes	Pocket Clip
Sheath	None
SKU	132850
MPN	CS20KPL
UPC	705442019091