Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.


Swords of the East, Inc. offers a large selection of functional Japanese Samurai swords and authentic, functional katana for collectors and practicing martial artists. They also offer a selection of knives, American War Swords, and much much more.

You'll also find premium Japanese swords from Cold Steel, Paul Chen swords by Hanwei, authentic Samurai swords hand-forged from Imperial Forge and Thaitsuki Nihonto, and competition-grade katana swords from
Generation 2 and Last Legend.

For this review, I was sent a wonderful knife, Cold Steel Kudu, from Swords of the East ~ http://www.swordsoftheeast.com/

The Cold Steel Kudu, has a Krupp 4116 Stainless steel flat ground blade, heat treated to Rc 56-57 for better edge holding ability and ease of re-sharpening, and a thin razor sharp edge. For safety, it has a thoroughly tested  locking mechanism and will hold the blade rigidly open until you decide to close it by pulling up on the ring attached to the back spring.

The handle of the Kudu also reflects our dedication to making an effective and affordable folder. It’s made of 43% glass reinforced Zytel®. This material has proven to be extremely strong, and is stiff enough to compliment the blade and spring when locked open. Plus, the gripping surface has a wood grain texture for traction and features an attractive polished steel Kudu horn emblem for a little extra flair! It makes a wonderful work knife, utility knife, bait knife, or hunting knife.


My Review:
I have to agree with everything in the description except for one small issue.  To fold the blade back down, I
have to pull very hard on the attached ring, while pushing on the knife handle and blade at the same time.  It is not easy to do and often hurts my fingers a bit to do it.  Yet, I like that it is not easy to fold, because then I know it will remain strong and secure until I choose to close it.  So it is both annoying and good at the same time.

The blade is strong and cuts through anything I try it on.  Naturally I did not try it on concrete or anything, just food, paper, cardboard and a small stick in the backyard.  But it stays sharp and strong with every use.  I can not see it being used as a pocket knife as it is too long to comfortably be carried in a pocket, but my husband and son have both decided it will make a great knife for Boy Scout Camping Trips.  So, since there is only 1 knife and 2 of them, they will have to figure out who gets it when - lol.  Maybe I'll buy them another one from SOTE - I'd love to get this one for them:  Bear Grylls Scout Knife



Both the Kudo and the Bear Grillis would make great Father's Day or Birthday Gifts - or a Great gift for a Boy Scout who just earned a new level!!  Have a collector in the family?  Check out SOTE's HUGE selection of swords as well!