Knife Test Colt Steel Pendleton Lite Hunter

Cold Steel; first impressions are of a bunch of big guys hacking at all sorts of targets with massive knives, swords and other edged weapons. To an extent true, as this company is perhaps best known for its amazing selection of martial blades. However, big and sexy stuff aside they also offer a smaller range of more sensible items that have a practical use in the UK. 

Brand new and something that caught my eye from both price and ability viewpoints is the Pendleton Lite Hunter. Based on the original classic design from Lloyd Pendleton, Cold Steel offers a range of these compact hunting knives, with prices ranging from £352 for the Custom Classic to the Mini Hunter at £43.48. Not bad money but now they have introduced a budget-priced model - the Lite, which comes in at am amazing sub-£20.

Less is More?

Shape and dimension wise the Lite is the same as the standard Pendleton Hunter though is near half the weight at a mere 2.7 oz. The economy and reduction is achieved by using a lighter polypropylene handle instead of Kraton and the more economic Krupp 4116 steel. So let’s see what we’ve got!

The blade is a hollow-ground drop point and 3 5/8” long. The handle is directly moulded to the tang and shows a short, half guard underneath, which allows the index finger to be positioned in front or behind. The bolster area is hollowed out with vertical slots for a secure sideways hold. The shape is long, hand filling and flares at the rear into a stop with a lanyard hole. The material is textured to ensure a good grip in all conditions.

Functional

In use the tip of the blade is nicely shaped and allows easy access to tight areas like the anus to free waste pipes etc. Despite not being VG1 stainless the Krupp steel holds a decent edge and cuts well enough. Equally good is the fact the Lite can be used just as easily edge up or down with the short half guard offering an excellent thumb stop when in the former position. Overall there’s not a lot wrong with this knife.

The Sheath is basic but all that is required for a hunting knife. Made of heavy duty black nylon cloth with a blocked edge it envelopes the Lite to a third of the way up the handle. Retention is friction only, but the amount of knife inside ensures a secure carry. At the rear is a 1 ½” belt loop.

Overall this is an excellent design…

PRICE: £17.63
FOR - Cheap and effective
AGAINST - Not a lot
VERDICT - A near ideal and cost effective hunting knife