COLD STEEL Drop Forged Wasp Dagger

Dang. This is impressive. Blade didn’t come super sharp, but the edge was there, symmetrical, and the tip is perfect. The machining is exquisite, the sheath is very secure, and the coating is excellent. The balance is stunning and the grip is excellent. My only criticisms are the “unrefined” edge, and the included nylon belt loop and grip-strap. But I enjoy honing/edge-refining, and for the price, the loop and strap are more than adequate. Maybe I could complain about the logo on the hilt, but that’ll be easy to subdue with a paint-pen. This is definitely a “working blade,” so superficial aesthetics aren’t important to me. The steel is superb. Took a “shaving edge” and held it as desired through my trials. I could barely be happier with it. It’s longer than I expected it to be, but only by about an inch (2.54cm). I’ll be keeping an eye out for a slightly smaller one, but this might be my new favorite. Definitely combat ready. Strong, durable, reliable… Bummer about the apparent QC issues that others encountered, but that’s expected with this price point. I got a really good one, so that’s what I’m reviewing.

I’ve had Fairbairn–Sykes and various analogs for years. Leaving out their historicity, this length is perfect, and the Cold Steel #52100 steel is superior to most other iterations. No, the Cold Steel WASP isn’t as elegant as the originals, or limited run collectors versions. The WASP is a well built and executed weapon, one that could last for years of faithful work. The Kydex sheath is wall made, but for “serious social difficulties,” I’d recommend supple leather sheathes, able to conform to forearm or calf. Obviously, water resistant analogs would be necessary for water or high humidity operational environments. In such cases, sheaths would cost more than the blades. All inall, the CS WASP is well worth the cost, providing upgrades in carriage, and offering QUALITY entry level, serious steel for high need, limited budgets, If for EDC, you’ll want to spend serious time and effort to sharpen your blade. Yes, it’s a dagger, not for “slice, dice, julienne fry- GINSU!” There are other blades for that. This is an elegant, brutal tool designed for ending an enemy. Surreptitious, covert, perhaps even unexpected. A last chance… The CS WASP is well worth its modest investment. Get it, and a training blade, learn to use properly, and as Spock said, “Live long, and prosper…”

Bought this specifically for the 52100 steel. Quality FAR above the price point! Not a razor-sharp edge, but solid blade, good thickness, needle-point tip, and the handle gives the user a solid-lock grip. Not a fan of Kydex sheaths, but that appears to be the way of things these days. Aside from that - get one!

This is my 3rd purchase of the drop forged series. This one arrived quite dull but is easy to sharpen. The other knives were very sharp. It is well built and comfortable in the hand. It's a good purchase. Thank you all.

NICE KNIFE. Will suit my needs exceedingly

This is not a field knife, or a hunting knife, or a utility knife, or a bush craft knife. If you are caught carrying this knife illegally (check your local laws) you will have a hard time arguing you were doing anything innocent. This is a knife designed to be used to stab things, and it shows in it's design. The "leaf blade" shape makes the edge impractical for any sort of bushcraft work, and while the weight would make it a decent chopping knife, the shape of the blade, again, is not designed for that sort of work. Other then that, there is not a lot to be said about it, that the picture wont show you. It's a solid hunk of steel, pointy and sharp. Mine came with an edge geometry and sharpness appropriate for intended use and price point. The sheath holds the knife securely, and the only time I could make it rattle was when I shook it like a maraca. The gray coating on the metal portions of the knife seems reasonably durable, but I wouldn't expect it to hold up after repeated use. Again, however, this isn't a repeated use field knife. If you are looking for a "cool looking" knife for everyday use or for use while camping, etc. look elsewhere. If you are looking for a knife designed to stab into objects, this is a good choice for the price.

This knife is sharp. Great lines and the edges of the blade are fantastic. The point is needle sharp. The quillon or cross guard could be longer but it’s adequate. If you stab something and hit a bone, your hand could slip and you’d get a nasty cut in your hand if you aren’t gripping it really tightly. It has good weight and the grip is a little aggressive but not enough to really complain about. That aggressiveness is needed to prevent hand slipping down to the blade. I’m impressed. The cutting edges are not razor sharp but it can shave hair off your arm. It appears to be built as a fighting knife/dagger. Main use would be stabbing. That won’t be a problem. I have no need to stab anything but nice to have a tool and not need it than needing it and not having it. Scabbard is very adequate too. Overall I’m highly satisfied with this purchase.

Wrong color knife, listing said black. Color received was a grey color knife. Also grind on tip was way off centered. Very uneven grind.