What makes a survival knife different from an ordinary pocket knife? They both have the cutting part down, but the former typically offers an entire range of additional features. Gear Aid’s new Kotu gives the tanto blade shape an outdoorsy function set. The highlights include a quick-release sheath that attaches to belts and backpack straps (a useful blade should be easily accessible), a glass breaker, a lanyard hole and a bottle opener.
The core of the Kotu is well-built for the tasks of the wilderness too. Its blade is full tang titanium-coated 420 stainless steel forged into a tanto shape. Tanto knives, which draw their inspiration from the short swords that were worn by Samurai in feudal Japan, employ a tactical blade style that’s adept at piercing and carving. The shape improves its durability, which is a boon to those who will use the knife to process firewood, build a shelter or take on emergency situations.
The Kotu weighs 3.7 ounces, comes in either black or coyote and uses an acetal handle and sheath.
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