![]() Meticulously fashioned from 300 series stainless steel, the traditional style tsuba and bolster offer both added safety and beauty. Over time, this material and handle shape have proven ideal for preventing the knife from shifting or turning in the hand even under the worst circumstances. With a balance point just behind the guard, the Tai Pan has subtle handle heavy feel making it ideal for insertions yet remaining lively in the hand.Īs with the Tanto, the Tai Pan features a tapered black Kray-Ex handle with a unique flattened oval cross section. When used with skill, the Tai Pan can cut a 180° arc up or down or from side to side with devastating effect. The razor sharp twin edges offer twice the potential cuts, slashes, and locks of a single edge knife. In contrast, the Tai Pan features a sturdy spear point which is wide and thick enough to resist breaking without compromising its ability to offer deep, effortless penetration. Most daggers are notorious for having thin, fragile points that are easily broken. Thompson in the distinctive Tanto style, the Tai Pan embodies all the best features of a classic dagger while minimizing its shortcomings. Like its serpent namesake, the Tai Pan is aggressively fast and deadly. ![]() “Several months later a deal was reached, and Lynn sold the company.Cold Steel Tai Pan Dagger VG-1 San Mai 13D “We flew out to Ventura and met with and his team, and were immediately impressed with the passion and knowledge that is very much in line with our philosophy,” Mann elaborates. The company, which owns multiple outdoors-centric brands, planned an entry into the knife world with the acquisition of an existing brand. “The team at GSM is comprised of avid outdoorsmen many of whom already carried a Cold Steel knife,” he says. We also asked Mann if he could tell us a little bit more about GSM itself. “We are committed to maintaining the level of quality and performance that Cold Steel’s hard-earned reputation was built upon.” “It’s important to note that there are no plans to change the steels used in the knives,” Mann responds. There’s understandable worry that the new ownership won’t have the same priorities in this department. The community has watched Cold Steel move from entry-level and budget stainlesses into some very capable, high-performance steel at their behest. “That being said, Lynn opted to keep some of the niche categories for himself such as blowguns and spears, hence why they are notably absent on the new Cold Steel website.”Ī corollary concern to potential discontinuations was the future of Cold Steel’s material choices. The Future of Cold Steel’s Models and Materialsīut what about discontinuations? Does GSM intend to trim the catalog down now that they’re in control? “There are no plans to discontinue or halt production of any models at this time,” Mann says. “GSM brings the financial foundation to keep inventory levels in line with customer demand.” “Cold Steel’s devoted following may have noticed a lot of items were out of stock prior to the sale of the company,” Mann says. Over the last few years, certain Cold Steel knives – particularly headliners like the AD-10 – went through periods of restricted availability. ![]() “Two things that everyone has most likely already noticed are a new website and updated logo.” The second change is something that was important to Thompson when considering GSM as a prospective buyer: the ability to produce and maintain consistent stock of products. Cold Steel’s branding has been given a refresh. Mann points out that there will be some immediate major changes on the consumer end. “Andrew Demko will continue to do what he has done for Cold Steel for years by bringing cutting edge knife designs to the table.” More than 20 new products were in the pipeline prior to the sale, and those are still expected to be revealed in the coming months. “Lynn Thompson is still on board and is currently working to finalize the 2021 new items and will be working with our team on new designs for the future,” Mann says. Mann also told us what Thompson himself already confirmed: that both he and Andrew Demko are staying with the company. Unfortunately some positions were eliminated.” The lead sharpener and designer were among those that have either relocated or accepted new jobs with the company. “Employment offers were extended to several people, some accepted while others did not. He goes on to say that some personnel was retained. “Operations were relocated to our headquarters in Irving, TX,” Mann explains. This means that, yes, Cold Steel employees lost their jobs. First and foremost, the GSM deal means that Cold Steel’s California-based operation has been shut down. ![]()
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