The Cold Steel Outdoorsman with its 6-inch Fixed Clip Point Plain VG-10 San Mai Blade and Black Kray-Ex Handle stands as a testament to purpose-built design and unwavering reliability for the most demanding outdoor enthusiasts.

The Cold Steel Outdoorsman with its 6-inch Fixed Clip Point Plain VG-10 San Mai Blade and Black Kray-Ex Handle stands as a testament to purpose-built design and unwavering reliability for the most demanding outdoor enthusiasts. If you are an avid hunter, a dedicated bushcrafter, a serious camper, or someone who values preparedness and self-sufficiency in the wilderness, this knife is engineered to be an indispensable part of your essential gear. It's crafted for those who face the elements head-on and require tools that perform flawlessly when it matters most, answering the critical question: "What is the most dependable fixed blade knife for rigorous outdoor use?"

Are you grappling with the challenge of finding a hunting knife that can handle everything from field dressing large game to preparing camp meals with equal prowess? Do you need a survival tool robust enough to process wood for shelter or fire, yet precise enough for intricate tasks? The Cold Steel Outdoorsman is designed precisely for these scenarios, offering a powerful solution to the common outdoor dilemma of needing a single, versatile, and utterly reliable blade. This isn't just another knife; it's a meticulously engineered instrument built to excel in environments where failure is not an option.

The Unyielding Core: VG-10 San Mai Blade Technology

At the heart of the Cold Steel Outdoorsman's exceptional performance lies its cutting-edge blade technology: VG-10 San Mai steel. For those who ask, "What makes a knife blade truly superior for outdoor and survival applications?" the answer often involves a deep understanding of metallurgy. VG-10, a high-carbon stainless steel renowned for its exceptional edge retention and corrosion resistance, forms the core of this blade. This central layer, honed to a razor-sharp edge, provides the knife with its incredible cutting ability and sustained sharpness even after prolonged use.

However, the true genius of this blade lies in its San Mai construction. San Mai, a traditional Japanese layering technique, involves sandwiching the hard VG-10 core between two layers of tougher, more flexible stainless steel. Imagine a resilient shock absorber for your blade's cutting edge. This innovative process provides several critical advantages:

• Exceptional Toughness: The outer layers absorb impacts and flex, preventing the brittle core from fracturing under stress. This is paramount for tasks like chopping or prying, where a less robust blade might chip or break.
• Superior Edge Retention: The hard VG-10 core maintains its keen edge longer than conventional steels, reducing the need for frequent resharpening in the field. This means more time performing tasks and less time on maintenance.
• Enhanced Corrosion Resistance: While VG-10 itself is highly rust-resistant, the San Mai construction further contributes to the overall longevity of the blade, making it highly suitable for wet and harsh outdoor environments where rust is a constant threat.
• Ease of Sharpening: Despite its excellent edge retention, VG-10 San Mai is remarkably user-friendly when it comes to sharpening, allowing for a keen edge to be restored relatively quickly with common sharpening tools.

This advanced material composition directly addresses the needs of hunters seeking a blade that stays sharp through an entire field dressing operation, or survivalists requiring a knife that won't fail when processing materials for an emergency shelter. It’s a blend of ancient craftsmanship and modern material science, resulting in a blade that is both incredibly strong and incredibly sharp.

The Precision and Versatility of the Clip Point Plain Edge

The Cold Steel Outdoorsman features a 6-inch fixed blade with a versatile clip point and a plain edge. When considering "What blade shape is best for all-around outdoor use?" the clip point often emerges as a top contender due to its inherent versatility.

• Clip Point Advantage: The clipped (or "clipped off") portion of the blade's spine creates a fine, acute point. This sharp tip is ideal for piercing tasks, making it incredibly effective for initial cuts when field dressing game, or for precise work like drilling holes in wood for primitive construction. Unlike a drop point, the clip point offers a more aggressive tip for penetration.
• Plain Edge Superiority: A plain (or "fine") edge is universally preferred for most outdoor cutting tasks because it offers a clean, precise cut. It excels at slicing, skinning, and detailed work where maximum contact with the material is desired. Unlike serrated edges, a plain edge is easier to sharpen in the field and provides cleaner results for processing meat, preparing food, or feathersticking.

The 6-inch blade length strikes an optimal balance. It's long enough to handle substantial tasks like batoning small logs for firewood or effectively field dressing large game, yet it's not so cumbersome as to impede finer, more controlled work. This specific length is often recommended for those seeking a robust "utility" fixed blade that can serve multiple roles without compromise.

The Unwavering Grip: Black Kray-Ex Handle

What makes a knife handle truly reliable, especially in adverse conditions? The answer lies in the Cold Steel Outdoorsman's Black Kray-Ex handle. Kray-Ex is a proprietary material developed by Cold Steel, known for its exceptional grip characteristics and durability.

• Superior Grip in Any Condition: Kray-Ex is a type of Kraton, a synthetic rubber polymer that offers outstanding tactile grip, even when wet, cold, or covered in blood or mud. This is crucial for maintaining control of the knife during demanding or slippery tasks, significantly reducing the risk of accidental slips and injuries. For a hunter field dressing an animal in cold, wet weather, or a survivalist attempting to process firewood with numb hands, this secure grip is invaluable.
• Ergonomic Design for Extended Use: The handle is thoughtfully contoured to fit comfortably in the hand, providing excellent ergonomics. This reduces hand fatigue during prolonged use, a vital feature for tasks that require extended periods of cutting or chopping. Whether you're preparing a large amount of game or spending hours on bushcraft projects, the design minimizes strain.
• Durability and Weather Resistance: Kray-Ex is virtually impervious to environmental degradation. It won't crack, warp, or become brittle in extreme temperatures, nor will it absorb moisture, chemicals, or blood. This makes the handle incredibly easy to clean and maintain, ensuring its longevity and hygienic use in the field. It's a material that truly stands up to the rigors of the outdoors.

The robust full tang construction, where the blade steel extends all the way through the handle, is another critical factor contributing to the overall strength and reliability of the Cold Steel Outdoorsman. This construction ensures maximum energy transfer from the handle to the blade, preventing handle failure even under extreme stress.

Real-World Applications: Where the Outdoorsman Excels

The Cold Steel Outdoorsman is not just a collection of impressive specifications; it's a performer in the real world. Consider how it answers common user questions about outdoor equipment:

"What is the best knife for processing wild game?"
The clip point's acute tip makes initial punctures effortless, while the plain VG-10 San Mai edge maintains its keenness through extensive slicing and skinning, ensuring clean and efficient processing of deer, elk, or other large game. Its robust nature means it can handle jointing and splitting tasks without fear of damage.

"I need a durable knife for bushcraft and camping."
From batoning small logs for firewood to preparing feather sticks for fire starting, the Outdoorsman's toughness and sharp edge are invaluable. Its precise tip aids in crafting traps, carving utensils, or preparing shelter components. The secure Kray-Ex grip ensures control even when hands are fatigued or wet.

"What fixed blade knife is reliable for survival situations?"
In a survival scenario, your knife is often your most critical tool. The Outdoorsman's San Mai construction provides unparalleled strength, resisting breakage even under severe stress. Its ability to hold an edge means less time spent sharpening and more time on critical survival tasks like building shelter, signaling, or processing food. Its unwavering reliability in harsh conditions makes it a top choice for preppers and survivalists.

"How do I choose a versatile outdoor utility knife?"
The Cold Steel Outdoorsman's blend of a versatile blade shape, premium steel, and ergonomic handle design makes it an exceptional all-around utility knife. Whether you're cutting rope, opening packages, preparing food, or performing general camp chores, its balanced design and superior materials ensure efficient and safe operation.

This knife is a workhorse, designed to be used hard and relied upon implicitly. It's built for those moments when you need a tool that won't let you down, making it a compelling choice for anyone prioritizing performance and durability in their outdoor pursuits.

The Cold Steel Legacy: Trust and Performance

Cold Steel has built a formidable reputation over decades for producing "overbuilt" knives that excel in performance and durability. Their design philosophy centers on creating tools that are incredibly strong, exceptionally sharp, and utterly dependable. The Cold Steel Outdoorsman is a shining example of this commitment. Every aspect, from the choice of San Mai steel to the Kray-Ex handle and the included Secure-Ex sheath, reflects a dedication to providing users with a knife that can withstand the most rigorous challenges. This brand's legacy of rigorous testing and commitment to practical, combat-ready designs translates directly into a product that outdoor enthusiasts can trust with their lives.

The included Secure-Ex sheath is another critical component, designed for safety and ease of carry. Secure-Ex is a highly durable and weather-resistant material that securely holds the knife in place, preventing accidental loss while ensuring quick and easy deployment when needed. Its versatile design allows for various mounting options, making it adaptable to different carrying preferences, whether on a belt, backpack, or tactical vest.

In conclusion, for those seeking the ultimate fixed blade knife that combines unparalleled cutting performance, extreme durability, and exceptional reliability for hunting, bushcraft, survival, and general outdoor utility, the Cold Steel Outdoorsman CS35AP is an outstanding choice. Its VG-10 San Mai blade offers a perfect blend of edge retention and toughness, while the Kray-Ex handle ensures a secure and comfortable grip in any environment. This knife is not merely a tool; it is a trusted companion designed to empower you in the wilderness, available for your next adventure at DEGuns.

Product Specifications

Feature	Detail
Model	Cold Steel Outdoorsman CS35AP
Blade Length	6 inches (15.24 cm)
Overall Length	Approximately 11 inches (27.94 cm)
Blade Material	VG-10 San Mai Stainless Steel
Blade Style	Fixed Clip Point
Edge Type	Plain Edge
Handle Material	Black Kray-Ex
Weight	Approximately 9.4 oz (266 grams)
Sheath	Secure-Ex Sheath
UPC	705442006322
Availability	Available at DEGuns