Cold Steel Kopis Machete

I have been buying Cold Steel products since long before the internet was even around. In all this time I have seen some real winners and a lot of real stinkers come from Lynn Thompson's company, this one is a winner. I have one of the older versions (three actually) of what they called a "Kopis Machete" from years back and this one is a real improvement over those older models. If you look up in the images you can see a picture comparing the new vs the old versions of the Kopis Machetes. The current version is more like a classic Kopis style sword, right down to the handle/pommel. The curve of the blade gives a real advantage when chopping. This is faithful to the original blades this machete was styled after and gives me the feel for the sword when cutting mats and such. The steel that these are made of takes and holds an edge well. Like most machetes on the market, the edge out of the box is serviceable but hardly sharp. Since this seems to be something common to all machetes, it is hardly something to make into a complaint. If you are able to sharpen a blade, it isn't much of an ordeal to do so, in fact I prefer to get a blade that's just profiled so that I can put the final edge onto it. My edges are usually more to my liking and more useful to the way I will be using the blade after all. I have rather large hands, so the area left for the grip is OK but it could be a bit more snug for a surer grip. The second picture I have posted shows this machete in my hand. If the handle didn't curve to make your grip so sure, the plastic of the handle scales would be a complaint since they are slick when sweaty or otherwise moistened, even with the texturing. Since your grip is insured by the shape of the handle, the point becomes moot. Cold Steel has been making machetes in South Africa for some time now. The ones out of South Africa are superior to their Chinese models IMO though it would be nice if they'd find a way to make them all here in the U.S.A. The sheath, well this is a machete not a sword that costs me hundreds of dollars so, it is as serviceable as any other machete sheath and it is nice that they provide it without asking for extra as well. Overall, this is a nice bit of kit from Cold Steel. It is a huge improvement over the older version that bore the same name in both the solidness of the design and the overall feel of the blade in a cut. I see a lot of "in depth" reviews of these "sword/machetes" and all of the seem to have the same general feel and form to them. For me, each review comes out of an inspiration from each product I review. I always thought this was what a reviews was about so if you do take the time to read any of my other reviews, I hope you'd see that each one springs from original thoughts about the product in front of me as I see it. In any case, this is really a great machete/sword that allows people like myself who can't really afford to buy a lot of nice swords to at least buy a nice, sword shaped blade that still lets me use it like a sword... just in case the Zombies really do decide to rise. *wink*

An excellent value for the money, cold steel just get's it right! first things first, yes the edge is ragged as heck when it first comes out of the box, rather than bad qc i think it's actually a safety measure, if the edge is ragged it is less likely to puncture its container and slide all the way out, just my two cents, nothing 5-10 minutes with basic sharpening tools won't fix, the blade holds it's edge extremely well and the amount of chopping power it has may surprise you, on a hard swing i can halfway go through a 3" diameter limb with this despite the thin blade, it's a bit handle heavy but this makes the blade very fast in the hand and unfortunately you can blow through a lot of vegetation with this before you even realize how much you need to then clean up :P one thing to note is while the handle design is great, it is a bit wide for smaller hands, i may not have gotten it if i had known just how big the handle was, if you have larger hands this will probably be perfect though. Another thing to note is the sheath, you have to be really careful re-sheathing this, the tip tends to want to rock upwards out of the split right where the plastic protector part is on the end of the sheath. The sheath does have more than adequate retention as well with its double straps, all in all a great buy and perfect for trail clearing or clearing a campsite or light shelter building!

My measurements: Blade length: ~19" Cutting edge: ~17.5" Handle length: ~6.75" Graspable length: ~4.5" Blade thickness: 2 mm (NOTE: Amazon description on 7-30-12 is incorrect) Lanyard hole diameter: ~5/16" The Cold Steel 2012 Kopis Machete is another one of Cold Steel's machete-swords, which seem to be affordable, yet reliable versions of real swords. Like all Cold Steel machetes, they are made in South Africa with 1055 carbon steel. As with other Cold Steel machetes I've handled (Kukri, Gladius, and Two-Handed Katana machetes), they come from the factory with imperfections. I ordered two of these Kopis machetes, so I'm certain I didn't receive lemons. Keep in mind that my opinion on some matters may differ from otherpeople's personal preferences. Personally, I like the kopis-styled blade shape, with a weight-forward balance similar to that of a kukri. I don't mean to sound malevolent, but the tip of the blade is particularly murderous, coming to a pretty narrow point, especially for a machete. It'll go through your shoe and sock pretty easily if you're careless (I learned that the hard way). However, thrust cutting into materials such as wood or anything harder will break or bend the tip. The blade came with a black baked-on finish to resist rust, which is a nice addition, since I find that 1055 carbon steel rusts very easily. The finish should be durable enough to withstand outdoor use. The blade itself is tough enough for chopping at 2x4s (didn't want to test it on live trees) without shattering or getting damaged. Since it is thinner than other Cold Steel machetes I've purchased, it has lighter weight (except for the Kukri machete) and more flex. However, I'm disappointed by the factory sharpening. Some Cold Steel machetes come pretty much unsharpened with the baked-on finish covering the edge. This one, however, has been sharpened, but with, in my opinion, a very poorly done job. There are massive burrs along the edge, the largest I've ever seen. In addition to looking unsightly, these burrs also catch on the inside of the nylon sheath with light contact. In addition, I find that the factory edge on Cold Steel machetes requires some sharpening to be done before the machete can even chop a water jug or bottle in half. The same is to be said of the Kopis Machete. However, the factory edge is adequate for rough work on bushes and firm plants. In addition, the rough sharpening job is still a step up from the Kukri Machete's factory unsharpened edge covered in the black finish. I find that Cold Steel's 1055 carbon steel will not take a good edge. This comes from my experiences in their G.I. Tanto and their machetes that I mentioned earlier. Cold Steel claims that, "Each Cold Steel® machete comes with a good utility edge which, with just a little work, can be made hair shaving sharp." I admit that I'm not a great sharpener, but I have not seen any machetes hair-shaving sharp, with the exception of a machete sharpened by Cold Steel in a demonstration video. The best edge that I have gotten is an edge that can roughly draw-cut paper. Most of us don't need or want razor sharp machetes, but it would be nice to have that option, especially if Cold Steel claims that option exists. It could be due to my incompetence at sharpening, though. I will try re-profiling the bevel and resharpening the blade to see if I can get better results. The polypropylene handle with the semi-D ring guard is comfortable enough to use. The polypropylene has some mild texturing to provide an adequate grip, and the semi-D guard helps keep the machete from flying out of your hand. The graspable portion is a bit thick, so those with smaller hands like me may have a little discomfort in keeping a tight grip. It comes with a small depression for your fingertips to grasp, which does help provide a more secure and comfortable grip. The lanyard hole is definitely large enough to easily thread some 550 paracord through and make a lanyard. Some imperfections on the Kopis machetes I received include the aforementioned burrs, traces of black finish on the poorly sharpened edge, and a small burr-like protrusion on one of the polypropylene handles. The spine of the machete is also a bit rough, although I'm not really miffed about that issue. The sheath is simple and functional. It provides protection to and from the blade and comes with three button-snap retention straps for security. The belt loop is placed so that much of the handle will be above the waist, although for such a long machete, that may be necessary. The area near the tip has a plastic reinforcement, likely to prevent stabbing through the sheath. All in all, I'm pleased with my purchase. For $30-$35, you'll get a machete-sword that's a capable chopper. But that rather low price comes with some flaws, such as the factory's poor grinding job that leaves massive burrs and a messy edge, along with some minor blemishes. If you want a very affordable and practical machete-sword with that unique kopis-styled blade, but you don't care if it has imperfections, then the Cold Steel 2012 Kopis Machete might be right for you. I hope this review was useful in your consideration of the 2012 Kopis Machete.

I feel my commentary is tilted against the Cold Steel Kopis Machete by my previous experience with the Cold Steel Magnum Kukri. Both sport roughly the same blade shape, but I feel like that both CS Kukri Machetes is more functional, due to a thicker stiffer blade. Also, the grip of the Kopis Machete may prove too large for comfort if you have medium or smaller hands. The Good: The weapon came well sharpened, good enough for brush work. A little work would render it razor sharp. I have not tested it, but it feels solid and I would assume the 1055 carbon is as tough on the Kopis as it is on other Cold Steel machetes. The historical handle design is well executed and the grip texture is quite, well, grippy. This is one CS machete I could use without wrapping the handle in grip tape-IF the handle were not awkwardly big for me, more on that later. The semi-D guard locks the hand in, preventing one from either losing the blade or having it slide forward in a thrust, and would provide a greater measure of hand protection than most machetes provide if it was used to parry during an emergency self-defense situation. The guard design and the fact that the blade was 2'' longer than that of the Magnum Kukri were my reasons for purchase of the Kopis. The Not So Good: The Amazon specifications are wrong on the Kopis blade thickness, although the catalog gets it right, the blade is only 2mm thick. This is nearly a third thinner than the 2.75-2.8mm than either Kukri machete or the Gladius machete. Although the Kopis is two inches longer and has the more complex handle, it is roughly the same weight. The thinner blade works against the kopis purpose as a chopper. It also renders the blade less rigid in thrusts-by comparison, the Magnum Kukri has no problems in this regards, I have thrust it through many tough targets, including wild pigs. The Personal Quibble Regarding Grip Size: I don't have large hands, and the grip of the Kopis machete is simply too big around for my comfort. By comparison, the grip of the Mag Kuk, wrapped in batting tape, is just right. If you have larger hands you may find the Kopis handle very nice. I have a large-handed friend, and I am giving this blade to him. I like this design, especially the greater length and handle/guard shape and if Cold Steel releases another version of the Kopis machete with a thicker blade and more reasonable-sized grip, I will certainly purchase it.

I was looking very closely at the reviews before I bought this and It's a great purchase for 37 bucks. First of all, there is some burring on the blade and it is not razor sharp. The way I see it, if you don't know how to sharpen a blade then maybe you should not have a machete in the first place. Besides, machetes are not made for impressing your friends by cutting paper they are made for hacking your way through brush and as a self defense item when need be (although I couldn't help but to slice a manilla folder after I sharpened it and It sliced smoothy though it like butter!) .The balance and weight on this thing is perfect in my point of view. Not so heavy that it would tire you arm out when clearing a path or whatever. I've heard that this type of metal will indeed rust so obviously try to keep it dry when possible and keep a thin layer of oil on it when storing, no big deal. I was a little wary of the plastic handle but it is very sturdy and secure. The blade definitely will not dislodge from the handle at all. And the hooked handle is great because it will not easily slip out of your hand when hacking and slashing even it it were moist with sweat or water. Im assuming that this design of the handle mimics the ancient type because in a war, slippery blood would get on it while the soldier would keep doing his thing with a confident grip. The sheath is basic and I'll have to modify it to strap on without taking my belt on and off off but it's OK. All in all, I'm very happy.

Got one the older models with no edge.

I have been collecting swords and large daggers for at least 30 years. I have collected all over the states as well as numerous assignments overseas and in unfriendly places. I have many 'shiny' weapons as well as a number of 'real combat' blades. I admit in advance that I have been a fan of Cold Steel ever since I saw them in the San Diego Gun Show in the 1980s and drove by their store going up to play against Temecula for Football games for about 10 years running, but I have had very few products of theirs. Once I saw this new machete series they put out, I could not resist any longer. I bought a number of different kinds, but I digress... The Kopis just looks beautiful. A period piece with a modern use. The forward weight blade is fantastic for chopping, the 1055 steel is about as strong and useful as it gets (minus the rusting issues, which they compensate for by putting this awesome black, anti-corrosive finish on them). A fantastic handle--admittedly, I own some good blades that have crappy handles--these seem to be actually 'dip-molded' onto the blade with this hard plastic material that can take a serious beating. I really like the handle, because whether swinging a sword or a machete, with or without gloves, my hand will eventually slip (even when I am not sweating... and I sweat like it rains). When I combine this handle with a simple rope loop through the provided hole in the handle, I know that I basically cannot let go of this blade at the wrong time. The Kopis handle actually provides some extra protection to the hand, but I have to admit, that gap in the handle guard still lets a lot of 'damage' through. I used mine to chop the heck out of a tree that had so many branches that a chain saw was too heavy and ridiculous. I have used it twice for a couple hours a piece and was amazed at the chopping/cutting power of this blade. I can chop through all the branches, even those just over 2 inches thick... in winter(it wasn't freezing, but was nearing 50F in the day and 20F at night). I wrapped the handles in some cloth tape (think hockey sticks) and it worked even better. When I was done with my yard work, I took a common, finger-held sharpener and touched up the edges. I really like the sheath, but it is utilitarian, not combat useful. Truthfully, with the bend of the blade, the sheath is about as practical as it gets and I really like that they put the extra snap over the handle. This blade is a truly beautiful weapon and useful tool. The price is phenomenal and if you are parent looking to get a kid a sword (no judging here) I would never buy a stainless steel blade bigger than around 12 inches... just google that on youtube and you can see videos of stainless steel swords breaking. These are fully functional, lifetime pieces, that look and feel awesome... for about $30. Yes, they are more expensive than a cruddy machete from Harbor Freight... but do you really want to have a 'bug out blade' or a functional defense weapon that cannot be relied upon to do even the lightest of chores? Bottom line: You cannot go wrong with this blade and I cannot stress enough how much I love this product.

I bought this Kopis Machete because I wanted a kopis, not a machete. And it's carbon steel, which in the world of swords, that's real steel. This is my second Cold Steel product. I got the Gladius Machete first. I love that thing. It's absolutely perfect. But this Kopis is definitely a machete first, kopis second. It's very flimsy and thin like a machete. Not thick and sturdy like the Gladius. I was a little disappointed in that but it does function well. That and the fact that it IS a machete, I did not demote any stars from this product. If you're looking for a good cutter for hiking through the brush or whatnot, this is perfect. Much better for chopping than the Gladius Machete. But if you're looking for a carbon steel sword with a poly handle, get the Gladius. I believe it's just an inch or two shorter but much sturdier and just as sharp. Cold steel does a great job designing weapons and tools, but they sure rush the sharpening. This one came with a flaky edge. VERY flaky. I just hit it with my whetstone and it was good. But my Gladius was not like that. This one has a cheaper feel all together. But again, great beat-around machete.

I wanted a strong blade that I could learn the techniques of sharpening with and to use in the bush. This is exactly what I wanted :). Light, strong and sharp. Had some burr's along the blade. Came off with a quick sharpening. Brought is oustide to test. Chopped through a pallet with ease. Nothing wrong with the edge at all !!! Sticker on the blade came off easy enough with a little patient's. Backed finish is OK. Got a little bit on the lower blade. And there is one or two dime like areas where is came off. All in all its what I expected and wanted. It's a machete not a show piece. So as long as the blade holds a good edge and the handle is sturdy I'm happy :) Thank you Cold Steel !! This is a beast :)

Ich habe bereits mehrere Macheten von Cold Steel um Büsche und Bäume zu kürzen und zu zerkleinern. Die Kopis-Machete ist bis jetzt die Beste. Der Griff ist auch bei stärksten Schlägen leicht zu halten. Aus der Hand rutschen ist durch den offenen D-Griff fast unmöglich. Das spart Kraft bei längerem Arbeiten. Der Griff ist für mittlere bis große Hände gut geeignet. Für kleine Hände ist der Umfang vom Griff etwas groß. Die Klinge hat eine gute Balance zwischen Gewicht und Länge. Viel Kraft im Schlag, aber leicht genug um lange damit zu Arbeiten. Ich konnte oft Äste bis 4 cm Durchmesser mit einem Schlag trennen. Das Abschlagen von flexiblen kleineren Ästen wird durch die Länge erleichtert. Die Machete kam bereits scharf an. Das Abrasieren einzelner Haare vom Unterarm war möglich. Die Klinge behielt die Schärfe deutlich länger als alle anderen von mir bisher verwendeten Macheten. Nach 7 Stunden Holz zerkleinern war die Restschärfe noch völlig ausreichend zum Arbeiten. Ein paar mal durch den Fiskars Axt und Messerschärfer gezogen, und ich konnte wieder Haare entfernen. Besonders durch den speziellen Griff bietet diese Machete für mich einen echten Mehrwert.

Ich freue mich jedes mal wie ein kleines Kind wenn ich wieder eine neue Klinge bekomme. Nach dem Gladius von Cold Steel ist nun auch dieses Baby mein Eigen. Die Serie der Antiken Schwerter mag ich besonders, denn die Produkte sind: +robust +scharf +werktauglich (ja sogar Einsatzbereit fürs Schlachtfeld) +historisch (nach antiken Schwertern nachempfungen)

It's made by Cold Steel.. so that means it is AWESOME!

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