---
product_id: 45471257
title: "COLD STEEL COUNTER TAC I 5\" Japanese AUS8A w/ Stonewash Finish Spear Point Fixed Blade Multi-Purpose Tactical Game Hunting Boot Knife, 4-1/2\" Kray-Ex Handle, Weather-Resistant Secure-Ex Sheath"
brand: "cold steel"
price: "$149"
currency: NZD
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 13
category: "Cold Steel"
url: https://www.desertcart.nz/products/45471257-cold-steel-counter-tac-i-5-japanese-aus8a-w-stonewash
store_origin: NZ
region: New Zealand
---

# 4.5" textured Kray-Ex ergonomic handle 5" Japanese AUS8A steel blade Vacuum heat-treated & sub-zero quenched COLD STEEL COUNTER TAC I 5" Japanese AUS8A w/ Stonewash Finish Spear Point Fixed Blade Multi-Purpose Tactical Game Hunting Boot Knife, 4-1/2" Kray-Ex Handle, Weather-Resistant Secure-Ex Sheath

**Brand:** cold steel
**Price:** $149
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🗡️ Own the Edge: Tactical Precision Meets Everyday Power

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** COLD STEEL COUNTER TAC I 5" Japanese AUS8A w/ Stonewash Finish Spear Point Fixed Blade Multi-Purpose Tactical Game Hunting Boot Knife, 4-1/2" Kray-Ex Handle, Weather-Resistant Secure-Ex Sheath by cold steel
- **How much does it cost?** $149 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.nz](https://www.desertcart.nz/products/45471257-cold-steel-counter-tac-i-5-japanese-aus8a-w-stonewash)

## Best For

- cold steel enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted cold steel brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Built for the Bold:** Vacuum heat-treated and sub-zero quenched blade engineered for durability and peak performance in tactical, hunting, and outdoor scenarios.
- • **Grip That Won't Quit:** Ergonomic Kray-Ex handle with deep texture and double guard ensures a secure hold in any condition—no slips, no compromises.
- • **Lightweight Powerhouse:** At just 4.6 oz, this full-tang fixed blade packs serious punch without weighing you down on the go.
- • **Razor-Sharp Tactical Edge:** 5-inch spear point AUS8A blade with stonewash finish delivers unmatched strength and precision for every mission.
- • **Versatile Carry, Instant Access:** Secure-Ex sheath with removable boot/belt clip and lashing slots offers customizable, ready-when-you-are portability.

## Overview

The Cold Steel Counter Tac I is a 5-inch fixed blade knife crafted from Japanese AUS8A steel with a rugged stonewash finish. Vacuum heat-treated and sub-zero quenched for superior strength, it features a textured 4.5-inch Kray-Ex handle designed for a secure grip in all conditions. Weighing only 4.6 ounces, this spear point blade is housed in a versatile Secure-Ex sheath with removable clips and lashing slots, making it an ideal tactical, hunting, and self-defense tool for professionals and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

## Description

COLD STEEL COUNTER TAC I KNIFE (CS-10BCTL): Our Counter Tac boot knives were designed with one simple philosophy in mind. Functionality. Quite simply - they work, and they excel at what they do! Their sharp, AUS 8A full-tang blades are vacuum heat treated, and sub-zero quenched for strength and durability. The ergonomic design of the Kray-Ex handle is comfortable and adaptable to any grip, and the deeply textured surface and double guard will insure that the knife is not likely to slip from your hand under any circumstances. Finally, each Counter Tac is shipped with a state of the art Secure-Ex sheath, complete with a removable boot/belt clip and lashing slots so you can carry it anywhere. SPECS: - Weight: 4.6oz; - Blade Thickness: 5mm; - Blade Length: 5"; - Blade Steel: Japanese AUS8A w/ Stonewash Finish; - Handle Length/Material: 4-1/2" Kray-Ex; - Overall Length: 9-1/2"; - Knife Type: Fixed; - Blade Shape: Spear Point. ABOUT COLD STEEL Cold Steel is a company dedicated to making the strongest, sharpest knives in the world. Over the last three decades, Cold Steel has been at the forefront of the many innovations that have helped to define the knife industry.

Review: Cold Steel Counter TAC One Counter TAC I - I bought this knife for self defense only as I don't believe a "dagger point" will be much good for anything else. The knife came razor sharp on both edges with a wicked point. It has a full tang and feels quite sturdy. The shape and length of the handle fit my hand perfectly. I was worried about all the nubs on the handle, perhaps being made of soft rubber or something else that would not be durable. The handle material is quite firm yet very "grippy". I have read some reviews where a buyer has complained that one side of the knife is flat while the other side has the normal raise triangle shape associated with daggers. It's true that the top of the knife has beveled edges and the bottom is actually concave. But I personally see this as an advantage. I don't think that a true "diamond" shaped dagger would slash as well or as deeply as this knife will. The blade says that it is made of AUS 8A steel which as I understand it, is considered an upper mid-range steel. It is marked as made in Taiwan, which I don't find to be a deal breaker. The blade is straight, the edges are well ground and sharpened. There're no tooling marks or defects that are visible. The "Secure-Ex" sheath is black plastic material and holds the knife firmly in place. It has a removable belt loop if you're going to secure to your Molle with straps. This isn't a high end fighting dagger, but then you're not paying high end prices for it either. Overall, I am very happy with this knife purchase and feel that I won't be disappointed at all.
Review: Weird grind for the blade but good for its purpose, good Handel and good sheath - The knife for the price is quite good. It’s a decent steel and a strong full tang. However the grind pattern is unorthodox making it not really a good slicer. It will be able to slice but not as good as other knives. This is primarily a self defense knife specialized in puncturing and it should do the job quite well but not really versatile for utility because of the grind. The grid however makes the tip stronger and more durable. The sheath and clip are also quite good providing good retention for both the knife and when clipped to your belt. I don’t need to use my thumb to deploy the knife. The Handel is contoured and fits my hands rather well with good grip. For context I’m 6 feet tall.

## Features

- RUGGED BLADE - The Counter Tac I 5" boot knife is crafted for functionality; Its Japanese AUS8A full-tang blade with a rugged stonewash finish excels at all tasks; Vacuum heat-treated and sub-zero quenched, it offers exceptional strength & sharpness
- SUPERIOR GRIP - With an ergonomic Kray-Ex handle, this self-defense knife is built to stay in your hand; The deeply textured surface and double guard add security, ensuring a steady grip that won't slip even in tough conditions, perfect for any grip style
- PRECISION & POWER - Lightweight yet powerful, the Counter Tac I fixed blade utility boot knife weighs only 4.6 oz with a spear point blade, making it ideal for outdoor adventures, hunting, and tactical needs; This compact blade is built to handle it all
- SECURE-EX SHEATH - Equipped with a high-tech Secure-Ex sheath, this game hunting field knife includes a removable boot or belt clip and lashing slots for versatile carrying options; Reliable, portable, and ready to go wherever you need it
- SPECS - Weight: 4.6oz; Blade Thickness: 5mm; Blade Length: 5"; Blade Steel: Japanese AUS8A w/ Stonewash Finish; Handle Length/Material: 4-1/2" Kray-Ex; Overall Length: 9-1/2"; Knife Type: Fixed; Steel Family: AUS; Blade Shape: Spear Point

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B0716JTX7Y |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Best Sellers Rank | #54,979 in Sports & Outdoors ( See Top 100 in Sports & Outdoors ) #105 in Fixed Blade Hunting Knives |
| Blade Edge | V-Grind |
| Blade Length | 5 Inches |
| Blade Material | AUS 8A |
| Blade Shape | Spear Point |
| Brand | Cold Steel |
| Brand Name | Cold Steel |
| Color | Counter TAC I |
| Customer Package Type | Protective Box with Secure-Ex Sheath |
| Customer Reviews | 4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars (351) |
| Date First Available | May 3, 2017 |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00705442016274 |
| Hand Orientation | Ambidextrous |
| Handle Material | Synthetic material (Kray-Ex) |
| Included Components | Counter Tac One |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 11 x 3 x 2 inches |
| Item Length | 5 Inches |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 10.59 x 2.56 x 1.46 inches |
| Item Weight | 4.8 ounces |
| Manufacturer | GSM LLC |
| Material | Plastic |
| Model Name | Japanese AUS8A w/ Stonewash Finish Spear Point Fixed Blade |
| Model Year | 2018 |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Package Weight | 0.2 Kilograms |
| Part Number | 10BCTL |
| Power Source | Manual |
| Product Care Instructions | Hand Wash Only |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Camping |
| Reusability | Reusable |
| Shape | Rectangular |
| Size | 5" |
| Special Feature | Manual |
| Style | Modern |
| Suggested Users | unisex-adult |
| UPC | 705442016274 |
| Warranty Description | 2 Year Manufacturer |

## Product Details

- **Age Range (Description):** Adult
- **Blade Material:** AUS 8A
- **Brand:** Cold Steel
- **Color:** Counter TAC I
- **Handle Material:** Synthetic material (Kray-Ex)
- **Included Components:** Counter Tac One
- **Model Name:** Japanese AUS8A w/ Stonewash Finish Spear Point Fixed Blade
- **Recommended Uses For Product:** Camping
- **Special Feature:** Manual
- **Style:** Modern

## Images

![COLD STEEL COUNTER TAC I 5" Japanese AUS8A w/ Stonewash Finish Spear Point Fixed Blade Multi-Purpose Tactical Game Hunting Boot Knife, 4-1/2" Kray-Ex Handle, Weather-Resistant Secure-Ex Sheath - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/616sboq8FBL.jpg)

## Questions & Answers

**Q: How wide are the side slots in the sheath for straps? I need to know what width of velcro to order.**
A: 1 inch, the clip is removable.

**Q: How do you sharpen this blade?**
A: Easy, just use a ceramic sharpener. Light touch ups is all it takes for this knife.

**Q: Is the sheath designed for belt use?**
A: I wear it on the inside of the waist belt with the clip on the outside. The thread through slots might be a bit narrow for a belt. 
Oren Peri answered on October 1, 2017

**Q: How do i sharpen this?**
A: Recommend that this knife be sharpened by a professional blade smith.

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Cold Steel Counter TAC One Counter TAC I
*by A***E on January 9, 2019*

I bought this knife for self defense only as I don't believe a "dagger point" will be much good for anything else. The knife came razor sharp on both edges with a wicked point. It has a full tang and feels quite sturdy. The shape and length of the handle fit my hand perfectly. I was worried about all the nubs on the handle, perhaps being made of soft rubber or something else that would not be durable. The handle material is quite firm yet very "grippy". I have read some reviews where a buyer has complained that one side of the knife is flat while the other side has the normal raise triangle shape associated with daggers. It's true that the top of the knife has beveled edges and the bottom is actually concave. But I personally see this as an advantage. I don't think that a true "diamond" shaped dagger would slash as well or as deeply as this knife will. The blade says that it is made of AUS 8A steel which as I understand it, is considered an upper mid-range steel. It is marked as made in Taiwan, which I don't find to be a deal breaker. The blade is straight, the edges are well ground and sharpened. There're no tooling marks or defects that are visible. The "Secure-Ex" sheath is black plastic material and holds the knife firmly in place. It has a removable belt loop if you're going to secure to your Molle with straps. This isn't a high end fighting dagger, but then you're not paying high end prices for it either. Overall, I am very happy with this knife purchase and feel that I won't be disappointed at all.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Weird grind for the blade but good for its purpose, good Handel and good sheath
*by E***A on February 5, 2021*

The knife for the price is quite good. It’s a decent steel and a strong full tang. However the grind pattern is unorthodox making it not really a good slicer. It will be able to slice but not as good as other knives. This is primarily a self defense knife specialized in puncturing and it should do the job quite well but not really versatile for utility because of the grind. The grid however makes the tip stronger and more durable. The sheath and clip are also quite good providing good retention for both the knife and when clipped to your belt. I don’t need to use my thumb to deploy the knife. The Handel is contoured and fits my hands rather well with good grip. For context I’m 6 feet tall.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Cold steel success in a sticking blade.
*by J***K on November 29, 2019*

Perfect fit for my hand. This knofe is a bit big for a concealed carry situation, however for a defensive blade I don't think you can do much better than this. Triangular wound channel that would be created by this blade would be very hard to repair. 40% of stab wounds are fatal, this blade would qualify if it needed to be deployed in that manner. I found however that it is just a bit big for an EDC situation. Still a good blade and I do personally like Cold Steel products, I think they are a great value for money, often times with good steel that is easily sharpened and holding a good edge. If you need a good sticking blade this will do nicely.

## Frequently Bought Together

- COLD STEEL COUNTER TAC I 5" Japanese AUS8A w/ Stonewash Finish Spear Point Fixed Blade Multi-Purpose Tactical Game Hunting Boot Knife, 4-1/2" Kray-Ex Handle, Weather-Resistant Secure-Ex Sheath
- Cold Steel Counter TAC II 3-3/8" Japanese AUS8A w/Stonewash Finish Spear Point Fixed Blade Multi-Purpose Tactical Game Hunting Boot Knife, Kray-Ex Handle, Weather-Resistant Secure-Ex Sheath
- Cold Steel C-Clip Small (Pack of 2), Black

---

## Why Shop on Desertcart?

- 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016
- 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories
- 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price
- 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members)
- 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection
- ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews

**Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.nz/products/45471257-cold-steel-counter-tac-i-5-japanese-aus8a-w-stonewash](https://www.desertcart.nz/products/45471257-cold-steel-counter-tac-i-5-japanese-aus8a-w-stonewash)

---

*Product available on Desertcart New Zealand*
*Store origin: NZ*
*Last updated: 2026-01-25*