Leatherneck®-Tanto, D2 tool steel blade with black powder coating

2017 model

The word Leatherneck (= leather collar) is a synonym of the famous American name. Marines since 1776, when the United States Congress decided to force all Marines to wear thick, high leather collars (popularly known as the staff at the time). This collar was supposed to serve two purposes: on the one hand, it was supposed to protect the neck from the blows of the cutlass and the sword, and on the other hand, it forced the soldier to keep his head straight at all times, in in order to show the military posture then established.

Cold Steel® dedicates this series of tough, battle-ready fixed knives to them, with two different iconic blade types. Both are very popular with the US Armed Forces:

- The Leatherneck®-SF (= Semper-Fidelis, Latin for ever faithful) has a beautiful hand-drawn clip-point blade with a saber cut.

- The Leatherneck®-Tanto is equipped with Cold Steels® own American Tanto blade, which has a strong, reinforced tip and is therefore even more stable.

Both blades are forged from D2 tool steel. D2 is a tough, tough air hardening tool steel with a high level of rust resistance. This steel has been used for decades by industrial knife makers as well as small knife makers and hobby knife makers to produce robust knives, for example for hunting and other outdoor activities.

The blades of the Leathernecks® are given the finishing touch by a matte black powder coating.

In order to prevent the fingers from slipping forward and entering the sharp edge, the Leathernecks® are equipped with first-class hand protection. The solid steel crossguard is slightly curved forward and provides excellent protection. In the daily work, the interference of the guard remains minimal.

The particularly wide and continuous tang is completely enveloped by a deeply grooved Kray-Ex ™ handle. Its oval, ergonomic cross-section and unique fingerprint guarantee unrivaled grip. The large handle cap is made from machined steel (not a cheap cast iron or plastic piece like many other models), so can also be used as a hammer if needed.

For safe and comfortable carrying in any situation, each knife comes with a sturdy and versatile military-style Secure-Ex® sheath, including a fully removable belt loop that can be used with two hands.