This Is One of the Most Refined EDC Knives Cold Steel Has Ever Made

More well-known for hardcore tactical designs, the time-tested knifemaking brand rolls out a stunning Persian folder.

Cold Steel Black Sable EDC Knife on coffee mug on wood desk with watch, glasses, pen, etc. closeup

Published May 28, 2025

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If you’re familiar with Cold Steel, it’s likely either because you’ve become acquainted with the brand’s portfolio of tactical folding knives or you’ve seen their wildly entertaining product demos.

The point here is that the brand isn’t exactly known for refinement. But that doesn’t mean they can’t nail it, as seen in the Cold Steel Black Sable EDC knife. This Persian-inspired folding knife is one of the most sophisticated designs the brand has ever launched.

Cold Steel Black Sable EDC Knife on coffee mug on wood desk with watch, glasses, pen, etc. — While Cold Steel is no stranger to odd blade designs, this Persian folder definitely stands out in its catalog.

Like a Persian

While a blacked-out folding knife is anything but surprising for Cold Steel, the Black Sable’s style is certainly more novel (at least for a folder). With its equally curved blade and handle, this knife’s inspiration dates back hundreds of years.

This style of folding blade is typically called a Persian knife. It is a pared-down take on a sword called a Shamshir, a kind of curved sabre which dates back to between the 12th and 16th centuries. (Coincidentally, Cold Steel offers its own take on a full-sized Shamshir.)

Although somewhat strange when compared to more contemporary styles, the shape of this knife’s blade and handle both offer some excellent utility.

Due to its long cutting belly, the blade is a great all-purpose cutter, especially for jobs where long, steady slices are required, like preparing food or (everyone’s favorite) opening packages. The curve of the handle also offers good ergonomics and helps prevent slips.

Dangerous curves ahead

Style is one thing, but making a good EDC knife takes a lot more. Thankfully, interested parties will be happy to know Cold Steel didn’t skimp on materials, either.

The Black Sable’s curved blade — technically a tanto, which is somewhat unusual — is XHP steel, which is kind of like D2 on steroids. It offers excellent hardness, wear resistance and solid edge retention. Plus, it gets a PVC coating that adds even more durability and corrosion resistance.

The handle, however, might be the most interesting part of the knife. It has a steel bolster and, below it, scales made from forged carbon fiber. This material offers excellent grip and durability while remaining lightweight, and it also adds some depth and character to the knife’s appearance.

The Black Sable is a bit of a beast at 10.0 inches long (with a 4.2-inch blade) and weighing 10.2 ounces. However, it’s also one of the more interesting, unique launches Cold Steel has had recently.