The hawkbill shaped blade like those found in karambits and other curved knives are extremely effective weapons. The shape mimics a claw of a huge predator. The shape of this claw can be found on anything from big cats to bears to velociraptors.
“The new Velociraptor from Cold Steel!”
It produces devastating slashes on soft tissue that dig deep and eviscerate the victim. Cold Steel loves martial ability and the Tiger Claw just perpetuates their ideology.
USE: The Tiger Claw is a folding tactical knife. It isn’t made for EDC and would function poorly as an EDC blade.
DURABILITY AND STEEL: This knife uses a .13 inch thick piece of steel and a triad locking system from Cold Steel. It is a stout design that will not fail when you need it. It utilizes Cold Steel’s new favorite alloy, CTS-XHP. Most of what I can find on this steel says that it is very comparable to S30V and less prone to chipping.
4.5/5
ERGONOMICS AND TEXTURING: The ergos on the Tiger Claw are pretty good. It fills the hand well and feels great in both forward and reverse grip. The ring at the bottom makes it easy to grab out of the pocket. The traction plan is well thought out. It has grippy G10 and adequate amounts of gimping in the right spots.
5/5
ACTION AND LOCKUP: The blade deploys with an ambidextrous thumb disk that doubles as an “Emerson Style” wave that can deploy the blade as it is being pulled out of the pocket. It takes some practice to use effectively but it can be mastered and thus becomes deadly fast. The triad locking system locks up like a vault with no vertical or horizontal play.
4/5
COST: The Cold Steel Tiger Claw can be yours for only 115-130 dollars. It is a well made knife with high quality materials. However, it is made in Taiwan. I would say the price is fair with the quality of knife that Cold Steel produces.
4/5
FINAL THOUGHTS: This knife screams martial blade. It looks menacing and it is probably one of the best karambit style knives on the market right now. That being said, karambits/hawkbills aren’t really my thing. They only have one function and the user must develop a specific set of skills to use them to their full potential. I would much rather carry a standard knife that can fill multiple roles, not just a disembowler/wrist locking throat slasher.
OVERALL RATING: 4.5/5 Badass
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