Cold Steel CS97TKLZ Tactical Wakizashi 18" Carbon Steel Blade

The Cold Steel CS97TKLZ Tactical Wakizashi delivers exceptional cutting performance with its 18-inch 1055 carbon steel blade and tactical-grade construction. This modern interpretation of the traditional Japanese short sword combines historical blade geometry with contemporary materials for superior durability and functionality.

What Makes This Different

Unlike decorative replicas, this wakizashi features a differentially hardened 1055 carbon steel blade with a black matte baked-on anti-rust coating that maintains edge retention while resisting corrosion. The blade achieves a Rockwell hardness of 50-55 HRC through Cold Steel's heat treatment process, significantly outperforming most budget alternatives. The full-tang construction extends through the entire 7-inch polypropylene handle, creating a single-piece design that eliminates weak points common in traditional construction methods.

Key Features

• 18-inch differentially hardened 1055 carbon steel blade with superior edge retention
• Black matte baked-on anti-corrosion coating resists rust and reduces glare
• Full-tang construction with black polypropylene handle scales for maximum durability
• Overall length of 25 inches with optimal balance point for control
• Includes heavy-duty Cor-Ex sheath with secure retention system
• Traditional wakizashi geometry adapted for modern tactical applications
• Textured grip surface provides secure handling in all conditions

Field testing demonstrates the blade's ability to maintain sharpness through extended cutting tasks while the anti-rust coating withstands humid environments and saltwater exposure. The wakizashi excels in brush clearing, camp utility work, and tactical applications where a shorter blade offers advantages over full-length swords. The polypropylene handle material resists impact damage and temperature extremes from -40°F to 180°F.

Technical Specs

• Blade Length: 18 inches
• Overall Length: 25 inches
• Handle Length: 7 inches
• Blade Material: 1055 Carbon Steel
• Blade Thickness: 0.25 inches
• Handle Material: Black Polypropylene
• Weight: Approximately 1.5 pounds
• Finish: Black Matte Baked-On Anti-Rust Coating
• Construction: Full Tang
• Includes: Cor-Ex Sheath
• Country of Origin: Taiwan

Cold Steel's reputation for producing functional blades that withstand real-world use makes this wakizashi a practical choice for serious collectors and users. The combination of traditional blade geometry with modern materials creates a tool that honors the wakizashi's heritage while meeting contemporary performance standards.