For several years I’ve been using the Cold Steel Voyager folding knife on most of my hiking and backpacking trips.
I’ve been impressed with its durability and sharpness. Recently I’ve been testing a new model from Cold Steel, the AK-47 Mini.
Cold Steel is known for their quality manufacturing, and this one is named after the legendary Russian assault rifle, the AK-47, which was known for it’s ruggedness and reliability. Does this knife deserve such a name? We’ve been using it on and off the trail to find out!
Pros:
- Lightweight. The AK-47 Mini weighs a mere 2.9 ounces, which is surprisingly lightweight for a blade of this size and quality.
- Amazing grip! This knife is designed with a special finely grooved grip known as the G-10, which proved to be the best grip of any knife we’ve used. It is better than the grip on my old Cold Steel Voyager and easy to grab onto in wet and dry conditions. The handle has placeholders for each finger (see picture below).
- Quality blade. The 2 3/4 inch blade is a little smaller than other blades I’ve taken along on the trail, but still was an adequate size for cutting through small tree branches, slicing an apple, and cutting rope and cord.
- Telfon coating helps reduce corrosion. Since I often am using my knife in both wet and dry conditions, I like to prevent rust and corrosion. The Teflon coating on the AK-47 mini definitely helps with this.
- Good value. High quality knives can get pricey, and the AK-47 Mini retails for $89.99. For a blade of this quality to retail below $100 is impressive.
Cons:
- Only straight edges available. The AK-47 model comes in a range of blade shapes, but they are all straight edges. Some hikers may prefer a choice of serrated blade.
- Does the name confuse you? You likely figured out that the Cold Steel AK-47 is not the famous Russian assault rifle of the same name. But if you’re out on the trail, just don’t shout to your buddies: “Can you hand me my AK-47!” That might scare some park rangers!
Specs:
- Overall Length: 7 1/8 inches
- Blade Length: 2 3/4 inches
- Blade Thickness: 3mm
- Blade Style: Straight edge.
- Weight: 2.9 ounces
- Blade Type: Japanese AUS-8A Stainless with Black Teflon Coating
- Price: MSRP $89.99
- Other features: Stainless Pocket / Belt Clip.
The AK-47 Mini is an excellent choice for hikers and achieves the 3 key items I look for: very lightweight, one handed opening, and a quality blade. With an AK-47, you won’t have to rifle through your backpack looking for the right gear when you’re on the trail! 😉
Happy trails!
Great to hear it Chris! Very funny “a cut above the rest”! Thanks for reading HikingLady.com
i have had this knife for 3 months now and it hasnt left my pocket..that is how much i like it.the ak47 mini is built like a tank,and is an ideal choice for hiking or biking.it will do what you expect from it and ask for more.the ak47 mini accompanies me when i go mountainbiking on rugged trails,and for that i need a rugged knife thats liteweight,when i need to make a cut,thats definetely a cut above the rest!i would love to get the full size ak47 too..
definitely a strange name for a knife. I guess guys like stuff like that though!