Cold Steel CS21ST Spartan 4.5" Folding Knife AUS-10A Steel

The Cold Steel CS21ST Spartan delivers reliable cutting performance with its 4.5-inch Japanese AUS-10A stainless steel blade and robust locking mechanism. This folding knife combines traditional strength with modern materials for demanding cutting tasks. The stone-washed finish provides corrosion resistance while reducing glare during use.

What Makes This Different

The Spartan features Japanese AUS-10A stainless steel, which offers superior edge retention compared to standard 420HC or 440C steels commonly found in this price range. The steel liners reinforcing the Griv-Ex handle provide structural integrity that plastic-handled folders lack. Cold Steel's Tri-Ad lock system creates a lockup strength that exceeds most liner locks by distributing stress across multiple contact points.

Key Features

• 4.5-inch Japanese AUS-10A stainless steel blade with 58-60 HRC hardness
• Stone-washed finish reduces reflectivity and enhances corrosion resistance
• Black Griv-Ex handle with steel liner reinforcement for durability
• Tri-Ad lock mechanism provides secure blade lockup under heavy use
• Removable pocket clip for tip-up or tip-down carry options
• Full-flat grind blade geometry optimizes cutting efficiency
• Textured handle scales ensure positive grip in wet conditions

Field testing demonstrates the AUS-10A steel maintains sharpness through extended cutting sessions while remaining easy to resharpen. The blade geometry handles both precision tasks and heavy-duty cutting applications effectively. The reinforced handle construction withstands the lateral stress that can cause failure in unreinforced polymer handles. Weather resistance testing shows the materials perform consistently in humid and wet environments.

Technical Specs

• Overall length: 10.5 inches open, 6 inches closed
• Blade length: 4.5 inches
• Blade thickness: 0.125 inches
• Weight: 5.2 ounces
• Handle material: Black Griv-Ex with steel liners
• Blade steel: Japanese AUS-10A stainless steel
• Lock type: Tri-Ad lock mechanism
• Pocket clip: Reversible for tip-up/tip-down carry
• Country of origin: Taiwan

The CS21ST Spartan represents Cold Steel's commitment to producing functional tools that perform under stress. The combination of premium Japanese steel and reinforced construction delivers long-term reliability for users who demand consistent performance from their cutting tools.