Cold Steel OSS: "Ideal for CQB Backup" by Nutnfancy

Рет қаралды 103,079

Күн бұрын

If you're engaged in urban combat in Iraq or Afghanistan, the Cold Steel OSS will provide you with a wickedly effective defensive blade should you need one... and you just might. Don't underestimate the need for one: the history of even modern combat is replete with stories of how a large fixed blade saved troops' lives. At just 13.2 oz when configured with a Tek-Lok fastener, the OSS offers unparalleled reach and speed for a blade of this size. More importantly it won't kill your load out. The thermoplastic sheath retains well, the 420 (or AUS8) steel keeps an edge, and the kraton handle is grippy and will prevent forward slides during a plunge cut. The Tek-Lok is a necessary addition to make the extraction one-hand capable and to prevent sheath migration on your LBE. I wouldn't recommend this knife to mounted troops as it will interfere with vehicle dismount. Also it is more of a purpose built fighter with limited utility applications. However if you're pounding dirt and your propensity of having a deadly encounter is HIGH, then you should make an OSS your traveling companion. At this price AND weight, few knives can match its ferocity.//////////////Nutnfancy Likability Scale: 9 out of 10, 2011 flat ground San Mai III OSS: 10 out of 10

Пікірлер: 127

@cassiusclaynyc 12 жыл бұрын

I gave this knife to my brother prior to his Iraq deployment in 2009. He carried this for over a year there and is now in SF. It is still mounted to his plate carrier. He loves it. It still looks brand new and has yet to need a resharpening. What a great knife.

@FlyingTigersKMT 14 жыл бұрын

I love my OSS knife. It is the best looking knife in the Cold Steel collection.

@TaskForceSixTwoSix 10 жыл бұрын

I've heard that hand to hand fighting was actually somewhat common during the Iraq War and rare in the Afghanistan War. Which makes sense since the Iraq War saw a lot more urban combat.

@forkedroad 14 жыл бұрын

love the oss, my favorite fighting fixed knife, that long double edge is just perfect!

@nastang87xx 15 жыл бұрын

Great videos. I was looking at this knife for my brother who's in the Army. Your review convinced me this would be a great gift for his graduation.

@DennyRec 13 жыл бұрын

I know I like the Gerber knives, but after this review, I think it worth getting. Just hearing it's your top pick for the service personnel in the military that's good enough for me. Thank ya.

@SilverBazooka10 13 жыл бұрын

This is by far the best knife I ever owned.

@julesthurongi1223 10 жыл бұрын

I feel lucky to have my carbon V version... It is my go-to "under the bed" blade.

@nutnfancy 16 жыл бұрын

The Tek Lok comes with flush mount screws. I used two on one side then I zip tied it on the other with small black zip ties.

@JCTheSniper15 11 жыл бұрын

I plan on acquiring one of these before I deploy.

@SuperRip7 12 жыл бұрын

That knife means business.

@ElmortoSen 12 жыл бұрын

well, thanks for the heads up! ill try it myself!

@appletek 12 жыл бұрын

I have been looking at the OSI as well, and would love to see a review on it from nutn too. Seems like a more practical medium camp knife (than the OSS), with really great looks. These blades really hold a second kind of cool appeal to me.

@oceanbeach20111 12 жыл бұрын

TNP, I got this great knife from CS, for 66.00 ! In Aus8a..It came with 2 OSS rubber training knifes too. I really want to say thanks for your reviews..

@deathfromabove555 13 жыл бұрын

@nutnfancy Hey Nutn & Veri, I am happy to inform you that i just purchased the cold steel srk instead of the short kabar. Thanks for your suggestion nutn and thanks veri for responding to my comment. Happy 4th of july!

@TheBH21 12 жыл бұрын

Hey Nutn first off thanks for alllll the knife reviews you do as well as your infectious positive attitude towards big blades. In reference to the cold steel OSS you should think about doing a review on the latest cold steel OSI a real cool brother to the OSS its in a FFG with VG1 blade steel, not sure if you've tested that steel, but I think the OSI is a great thumper/big survival knife that can be just as vicious in a combat POU while staying super light weight. thanks for the consideration

@0Wheezy 12 жыл бұрын

yeah... i asked before i found it. i bought one, they work very well

@nutnfancy 16 жыл бұрын

Load Bearing Equipment ie the nylon harness assembly or vests used to carry combat loads.

@horrorfan13666 13 жыл бұрын

Regarding the sheath, when it is fully locked in, it can be extracted fairly easily by pressing the thumb against the back-edge side of the sheath. Also, the sheath offers pretty diverse customization, and the handle-strap could come in handy if the user prefers to keep the handle looser, which could be a legitimate placement depending on the intended use and handle configuration. For anything less than a user moving around vigorously, this should be fine. The locked sheath is bomb-proof :P

@nutnfancy 16 жыл бұрын

Good for hacking brush and/or bad guys. Used with great effect along those lines in WWII by our Allies.

@grantloan 13 жыл бұрын

@Tux3d0 I agree. That knife is sick!

@R6Dave11 14 жыл бұрын

Hey Nutnfancy, what do you think of the San Mai 3 OSS ? I have one and it's the lightest large knife I own. Seems like it would be a great fighter but not something I would want to use for much else for fear of trashing that beautiful blade !

@Gego01 12 жыл бұрын

Do you think this knife is a good choice for selfdefense in the outdoors? (In the unlikely but possible case of an animal attack where fighting back is the only option, more specifically bears and the likes) or do you have better suggestions for this situation? Also, do you think the 25 degree sharpening is the best option for this use of the knife?

@smolkafilip 11 жыл бұрын

is more than enough blade to kill by stabbing with it and that large belly makes it a good slasher. Obviously a 7 inch dagger would be better, but you may want to carry a 7 inch blade that can do one thing only. I have used my SSP a lot, even on a boat trip. It is a great to have utility blade and it does not rust at all (in fresh water, we dont have a sea where i live). Sogs aus 8 is a great steel, it takes on a good edge and holds it well.

@nutnfancy 13 жыл бұрын

@45calibermedic Good eye, thanks medic! -- Veri

@jeeping32810 14 жыл бұрын

I greatly appreciate your reviews. I am a backpacker and just got a wood stove. This knife would more than handle any needs on the trail and breaking down wood for fires? That is all I want it for. But I am pretty sure that I will go with the OSI. Sound possible?

@smolkafilip 11 жыл бұрын

In modern military practice, combat knife is considered a last resort desperate self defence when you get in a close combat and dont have/cant fire your main rifle or your sidearm. Other possible application is sentry removal, of course that doesnt happen often even if you are special forces. For last ditch defence, the most important thing is that you can draw it real fast. And that sheath is sufficient for that. For sentry removal, it has to be 7 inch or longer and double edged. Check.

@deathfromabove555 13 жыл бұрын

@nutnfancy Hey veri, I have one more question for nutn can you please ask him what he uses to oil his knives? Thanks!

@deathfromabove555 13 жыл бұрын

@nutnfancy Hey Veri, can you ask nutn if he recomends the 5.25 short version kabar. Thanks alot!

@busansanai 12 жыл бұрын

since this knife is primarily for self defence against thick armor (i.e. 'skin' that is thicker than human's skin - armor vest, animal skin/fur/etc), i have a question for steel people. for combat purpose, is AUS8 a good (enough) steel to withstand another blade's strike during knife fights or is VG-1 san mai far superior? (so question is, how better is VG-1 san mai compared to AUS8)? thanks y'all

@nkzbigtuna 13 жыл бұрын

great vid. do you have any experience with the cold steel boar hunter? im thinking of ordering one and wanted to know if it is worth the cash

@TheBH21 12 жыл бұрын

MrDarkwolf1995 you must be another one of those catalog warriors who doesn't ever do any real tests, but think they know how the universe works and just lambasts anyone with a different opinion. That being said, everyday I process fire/cooking wood, a lot of which is solid hickory, and my Cold Steel OSI in san mai 3 is one of my favorite tools for the job. The width, grind, and blade shape all work in harmony to provide incredible ease of wood splitting that I don't find in knives twice as big

@nastang87xx 15 жыл бұрын

How well the edge wore out as in how fast it wore out or how well it stood up to punishment? Sorry, it was a little confusing, great video though.

@MabuhayMD 12 жыл бұрын

diggin that mod

@Tux3d0 13 жыл бұрын

Another good CQB knife is the Gerber LHR he should really do a tabletop review on it it is also pretty cool plus it has a pommel and a part is serrated and it is 420HC :D

@nutnfancy 16 жыл бұрын

Very nice knife but don't like the rigid sub hilt portion and the price (too much for me for that knife). The kraton subhilt of this OSS flexes against the hand and is more comfortable.

@smolkafilip 11 жыл бұрын

Well, I dont know how often they actually use them, however they do carry knives. IMHO the sog seal pup elite is the most common personal blade (non issued). Assuming that soldiers are not stupid and they carry a knife that fits their POU, it seem that most frequently they use their knives in light cutting/utility tasks. Rope cutting, package opening and also as alast ditch defensive use. I do own a SP elite myself and I would like it for that use. 5 inches...

@Pwinklebottom 14 жыл бұрын

Would the osi version work well for chopping limbs, battoning through medium sized logs and similar camp tasks while also being an effective last defense against animals? because that is what i am looking for, and the price is right. Get back to me when you can, thanks.

@Rasenkrieger 14 жыл бұрын

Hi It is not a finger guard in that sense, it is made for you not to slip, and if used as intended in this video not in knife to knife combat, that is just fine. And an advantage in weight.

@k123332 11 жыл бұрын

go watch the CS video for the OSS. there is a guy that kills a cape buffalo with it, granted the animal was already shot but it was attaching the guys dad. the guy runs up to the cape buffalo and just goes to pig sticking it like three or four times,lol....pretty cool.

@soldier715 12 жыл бұрын

I'm not sure if I would trust those guards, it may but it still creeps me out.

@Kylef7735 13 жыл бұрын

@xxdandan123 Yes it is good, Nutnfancys highest reccomended medium survival knife " THE cold steel SRK" is in AUS8.

@Kylef7735 12 жыл бұрын

@HunterKiller308 They were accounting for every possible angle, like if you were shooting through as much flesh as possible before reaching vitals. Fighting with a knife is a TOTALLY different proposition.

@marksmanman96 13 жыл бұрын

@driftworld86 This is the backup, and the "main" would be a tactical carbine, for example.

@GrizzlyPanda347 13 жыл бұрын

@LaughingFlame Thanks...Seriously, the BBC is my favorite knife

@CatcherInTheFry 12 жыл бұрын

@armedtetrapod very good point. although i have heard more stories of succesfull self defense of knife VS open hand then knife VS knife.

@steeltimberwolf 14 жыл бұрын

how do you sharpen your knives to get such a razor edge??

@jacobninja25 15 жыл бұрын

how tough is the tip of the blade? do you think i should go with the srk if i want a tougher knive?

@ZombieTestLabs 11 жыл бұрын

in my country you get a high quality knive if you join the army

@horrorfan13666 13 жыл бұрын

All of the knife fighting information and training I know dictates that a hand guard should not be used as a defense against another knife - it's debatable whether any hand guard will consistently defend against a knife strike. Instead, the defender should employ a counter-strike to the attacker's hand, then redirect the knife and follow with a body strike. You're playing Russian roulette with your fingers if you try to defend yourself with anything less than a Bowie hand-guard, IMO.

@Nicholas1350 12 жыл бұрын

@anticannoneer don't worry double edged knives are not only legal, but preferred in a humanitarian sense. the geneva conventions outlaw sawback or serrated knives for combat use because it causes unnecessary suffering to the poor chap being stabbed/cut i.e. torn flesh and bone. double or single edged combat knives are legal. however this is not a legal concern for people operating in regions not under the geneva conventions

@DoritoMonk 15 жыл бұрын

Anyone know if this knife has through-tang or full-tang construction? It looks like a nice knife, but the website doesn't say whether they use a good tang or the 'rat-tail' tang found on cheaper knives.

@lsutigers1010 16 жыл бұрын

awsome

@Hobbes0331 13 жыл бұрын

Have any of you seen the video of the OSI in AUS 8 being snapped. I was wondering if anyone else has hurd about the AUS 8 not bending like they show in those tests? I like my OSI but I am thinking about springing for a San Mai III blade. And what does that say on the left hand?

@mojothemigo 12 жыл бұрын

@CatcherInTheFry The most difficult ability to learn for a real fight is to defend with bare hands against somebody who has a practical weapon and some ability to use it. This is from martial arts instructors that I have met. Even if you are a black belt and facing a guy with a big knife, I think having a big knife as well would do some good. (insert smartass remark of carrying a gun)

@Hobbes0331 13 жыл бұрын

@Tux3d0 13 жыл бұрын

Can you think about doing a Review on the Gerber LHR really it is better then the OSS except for the 420 Steel...

@Kylef7735 13 жыл бұрын

@Alyxcz Only problem with the Steel tiger, is you cant stab, and stabbing is a very important ability for fighting with knives, especially if you want lethal wounds.

@Elvirth24 13 жыл бұрын

have they changed the steel since '08, or did you just get it wrong? The Cold Steel website says they use AUS8A.

@QRFCombatVET 12 жыл бұрын

@anticannoneer I don't know if double bladed knives are illegal in the military, but I have used a double bladed boot knife on more than 6 combat operations.

@fredjustsucks 14 жыл бұрын

does it come with the bead-blast finish?

@superassassin47 15 жыл бұрын

OOH-RAH

@MrDarkwolf1995 12 жыл бұрын

The OSI is a fighting knife, not a camp knife, the blade is much to thin and the tip is far to fine.

@shoangore 15 жыл бұрын

I am trying to find a reliable site to purchase them from, however I see in their photos that the blade has "CHINA" stamped on it. I was wondering if yours has that same stamp, or if the box it came in had it...

@LaughingFlame 14 жыл бұрын

Oh, also, the more expensive one is NOT called the "Sub Hilt Fighter." The OSS is a sub-hilt fighter. The more expensive one is called the "Black Bear Classic."

@stridingshadow 14 жыл бұрын

A note to the author: Kraton isn't exactly rubber, but a copolymer containing rubber and polystyrene. I happen to own a knife with a rubber handle, and the grip is somewhere between mediocre and awful, even plastic handles of an M7 bayonet provide better grip in my opinion (than rubber, not kraton). BTW: since you own this knife, I've got a question to ask you: doesn't the underhilt hamper the ability to change the knife's grip from standard 'sabre' grip to reverse grip?

@Tux3d0 13 жыл бұрын

@lndrymtthw Hmmm you probably did shut me up, i ment for Utility purposes but it can still do pretty decent as a fighting knife plus it has a pommel, nd the back clip can be sharpened if necessary. The only other reason why i think it is more expenseive is because of the Retention system, but it isn't for lefties. It just came out this year to the Cold Steel OSS's about 5 year now? Gerber might improve it and make it better steels but for now it is just a baby compared to the cold steel OSS.

@InsertGun 13 жыл бұрын

now its made of AUS 8

@0Wheezy 12 жыл бұрын

horizontal carry options?

@GoHopewell 14 жыл бұрын

I haven't heard good things about VG1 for hard use (the VG steels chip easily). I would go with AUS 8, or whatever other steel is offered for it, and save yourself $40 whileyou're at it. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong. :)

@itxploded 15 жыл бұрын

he SAID 420

@nutnfancy 13 жыл бұрын

@deathfromabove555 Happy 4th to you too! -- Veri

@nutnfancy 14 жыл бұрын

He's got a couple of knife sharpening videos, but he also takes knives to John Fitzen (search "fitzenknives" here on KZfaq) if he wants them profiled. He doesn't feel like he's the best knife sharpener and likes for John work his magic. -- Veri (Nutn's sister)

@Awesome_1789 16 жыл бұрын

But what do u think abut BLACK BEAR CLASSIC ??

@Alyxcz 13 жыл бұрын

Yea great on self defence but i think Steel tiger would be maybe even better.

@PyroXiphos 12 жыл бұрын

@soldier715 I purchased one... probably just going to replace the guards with steel

@Elvirth24 13 жыл бұрын

@InsertGun I meant did they change it from 420 Cold Quench... I wasn't thinking. :P

@Bananafish606 16 жыл бұрын

What does LBE stand for?

@partykrew666 9 жыл бұрын

what does LBE mean?

@n8tex254 15 жыл бұрын

it is a nice looking blade i admit. Yet a bit on the pricey side. I will stick to my Marine Corps bayonete. It is without a doubt the toughest blade a common man can buy. Also out of the box it can cut through a standard kevlar vest like butter. A knife is a poor wepon if you do not have the advantage of surprise.

@busansanai 13 жыл бұрын

if this is a "backup" knife.... i wonder what kind of knife is the "main" lol

@Kylef7735 13 жыл бұрын

@kayak17 For a fighter (which this one is) , san mai 3, cause it holds its edge better than the AUS8A, But for a woods craft blade (You would never use this one for that) i would say AUS8A

@45calibermedic 13 жыл бұрын

@nutnfancy Hey, nutn you had a type in your description. You said "More importantly it won't kill you load out." Change that 'you' to your.

@TheBH21 12 жыл бұрын

Anyone looking into a CS OSI vg1 I say GO FOR IT. IMO for $100-$120 its a steal! but like all things you'll ever know until you try. Everyone has different strokes and the OSI works great for me (in no way am i comparing to the oss). Im just not quick to discount an item because a few people say it "sucks". Go on make a fire and baton some wood THEN youll find what works for you. TNP 4 LIFE.

@snipersquirrelninja 14 жыл бұрын

Are you sure its 420 and not 4116 krupp?

@Kylef7735 13 жыл бұрын

@kayak17 You are welcome.

@goatkiller68 13 жыл бұрын

The new ones now are made of vg10 san mai steel. If you see cold steels video you see a man get attacked by a buffalo and he kills the buffalo in an african hunt after he got shot with a gun ofcourse but still thats crazy.

@UnluckyVoyager 14 жыл бұрын

were can i get one

@nutnfancy 13 жыл бұрын

@deathfromabove555 He uses Rem oil. -- Veri

@InsertGun 13 жыл бұрын

@Elvirth24 it is still AUS 8

@nutnfancy 14 жыл бұрын

@fallendude01 Nutn says he thinks he paid about $45 for this knife, but its gone up. He loves it. -- Veri

@cootrienman 15 жыл бұрын

i have gotan oss but i really want masters of defense CQD MKV ATAC

@ElmortoSen 12 жыл бұрын

cool to know, thanks. but why ask then?

@Raziel_Hijikata 14 жыл бұрын

mine broke in the house so I don't know how I feel about this knife...it fell on the floor.

@Kylef7735 12 жыл бұрын

@HunterKiller308 You do not know much about knife fighting. In knife fighting, because you cannot reach the CNS (Brain or spine) the most effective Instant stop targets are actually joints and major muscle groups (forearms, biceps, behind the calf and knee, front of thighs, back of thighs) because when you slice someones tendons and ligaments, their use of that arm or leg is instantly gone, even with the most devastating wounds to vital organs, when its done with a blade, it is not instant.

@CivilBrigands 11 жыл бұрын

You could really quickly solve the blade vs. blade "problem" for the cross guard by just cutting some sheet metal to the right shape and attaching it... Keeps a knife from cutting through, and avoids much weight.

@CivilBrigands 11 жыл бұрын

Recently soldiers use fixed blades more utility. But I'm sure if we were in the middle of a war like WWII or Vietnam you'd want to carry a fighting knife with you. There isn't much CQC in the middle east unless you clear buildings...

@MrDarkwolf1995 12 жыл бұрын

the OSI would be a horrible survival knife, the blade is way to thin, making it a bad for batoning and the tip is far to fine for hard field work. its a fighting knife, that being said the OSS is the better option

@nutnfancy 13 жыл бұрын

@deathfromabove555 Nutn says that he its a good knife, but he prefers the Cold Steel SRK or SOG Northwest Ranger over it. Hope that helps. -- Veri