--- product_id: 625785930 title: "Cold Steel CS-97TKMS: Tactical Katana Machete / 36.25\" Overall / 24\" Blade / 2.8Mm Thick" brand: "cold steel" price: "R2224" currency: ZAR in_stock: true reviews_count: 10 category: "Cold Steel" url: https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/625785930-cold-steel-cs-97tkms-tactical-katana-machete-36-25-overall store_origin: ZA region: South Africa --- # 12.25" anti-slip polypropylene handle 24" razor-sharp 1055 carbon steel blade Black baked-on anti-rust matte finish Cold Steel CS-97TKMS: Tactical Katana Machete / 36.25" Overall / 24" Blade / 2.8Mm Thick **Brand:** cold steel **Price:** R2224 **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Summary > 🗡️ Own the edge: Cut through the ordinary with tactical precision! ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Cold Steel CS-97TKMS: Tactical Katana Machete / 36.25" Overall / 24" Blade / 2.8Mm Thick by cold steel - **How much does it cost?** R2224 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.za](https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/625785930-cold-steel-cs-97tkms-tactical-katana-machete-36-25-overall) ## 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 - • **Ready-to-Use Sharpness:** Factory-sharpened blade arrives combat-ready, perfect for clearing heavy growth or tactical applications. - • **Ergonomic Tactical Grip:** Generous 12.25-inch polypropylene handle designed for maximum leverage and anti-slip control during heavy-duty use. - • **Broad Full Tang Construction:** Solid steel tsuba and full tang design ensure superior balance and strength for power chopping. - • **Durable Cor-Ex Sheath Included:** High-quality sheath protects both the blade and your gear, making carry and storage effortless and safe. - • **Precision-Crafted Carbon Steel:** 24-inch 1055 carbon steel blade with a tough anti-rust matte finish for unmatched durability and edge retention. ## Overview The Cold Steel CS-97TKMS Tactical Katana Machete features a 24-inch 1055 carbon steel blade with a black baked-on anti-rust matte finish, paired with a 12.25-inch polypropylene handle for superior grip and leverage. Its broad full tang construction and solid steel tsuba deliver exceptional balance and durability. Complete with a protective Cor-Ex sheath, this machete is factory-sharpened and ready for heavy-duty outdoor or tactical use, offering professional-grade performance at an unbeatable price. ## Description Weight: 35.2 oz. Overall length: 36.25” Blade Length: 24” Blade Thickness: 2.8mm Steel: 1055 Carbon Steel w/ Black Baked-On Anti-Rust Matte Finish Handle Length: 12.25” Handle Material: Polypropylene Cor-Ex™ Sheath Review: Quality tool, excellent value, zero complaints - Martial artist and landscaper here, familiar with swords, tools, machetes, axes, etc. I also have an older, straight-bladed TKM model from Cold Steel, with which I have cut 2” green bamboo and 1.5” mulberry and black locust. The curved blade of this model is superior, though further testing will be done at which time this review will be updated. (Update: After several more tests it’s clear this model is superior to the straight-blade. Looking forward to putting it to heavier testing and reporting here.) Multiple reviews mention the bad handle design. This is only a problem if your hands are more used to keyboards and tissue paper than tools and handles. The handle by itself is fine from a practical standpoint: it’s very anti-slip and has no sharp corners. Wrap it with some sports wrap or wear gloves when using it if it hurts your hands. When I’m actually using a machete to clear land or blaze a trail I would typically be wearing gloves anyway to protect from briars and poison ivy. Several other reviews mentioned a dull blade and crappy sheath. This one came perfectly sharp for its intended use and the sheath appears to be high quality and protects things around the machete from getting damaged. This isn’t intended for iaijutsu practice after all. Draw it, drop the sheath and go to work. Now for the elephant in the room: the price. This isn’t a beautifully made heirloom, but it is one heck of a deal for under $100. It’s well-made using quality materials by a company that knows what they’re doing. And it’s badass. Great balance and weight for powering through heavy growth combined with a generous handle length for maximum leverage will make you question ever using a 1-handed machete again. Review: good display piece - comes very sharp out of the box, looks awesome, good value and seems sturdy. however the grip is not very good as it can be quite uncomfortable while swinging ## Features - 1055 Carbon Steel with Black Baked-On Anti Rust Matte Finish - 12-1/4in Long Polypropylene handle - Deeply curved blade - Broad full tang, solid steel tsuba - Comes complete with a Cor-Ex sheath for carry and storage ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | ASIN | B0BXLM7W6B | | Best Sellers Rank | #73,434 in Sports & Outdoors ( See Top 100 in Sports & Outdoors ) #40 in Martial Arts Swords | | Blade Length | 24 Inches | | Blade Material Type | 1055 Carbon Steel with Black Baked-On Anti Rust Matte Finish | | Brand Name | Cold Steel | | Customer Reviews | 4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars (70) | | Hand Orientation | Right | | Handle Material | Polypropylene Handle,Steel | | Included Components | Cold Steel CS-97TKMS: Tactical Katana Machete / 36.25" Overall / 24" Blade / 2.8Mm Thick | | Item Type Name | Cold Steel CS-97TKMS: Tactical Katana Machete / 36.25" Overall / 24" Blade / 2.8Mm Thick | | Item Weight | 850 Grams | | Manufacturer | GSM Outdoors | | Product Style | Modern | | UPC | 888151038246 | | Unit Count | 1.0 Count | | Warranty Description | See Manufacturer | ## Product Details - **Blade Length:** 24 Inches - **Blade Material:** 1055 Carbon Steel with Black Baked-On Anti Rust Matte Finish - **Brand:** Cold Steel - **Handle Material:** Polypropylene Handle,Steel - **Style:** Modern ## Images ![Cold Steel CS-97TKMS: Tactical Katana Machete / 36.25" Overall / 24" Blade / 2.8Mm Thick - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41UHxePzaAL.jpg) ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Quality tool, excellent value, zero complaints *by M***N on August 21, 2025* Martial artist and landscaper here, familiar with swords, tools, machetes, axes, etc. I also have an older, straight-bladed TKM model from Cold Steel, with which I have cut 2” green bamboo and 1.5” mulberry and black locust. The curved blade of this model is superior, though further testing will be done at which time this review will be updated. (Update: After several more tests it’s clear this model is superior to the straight-blade. Looking forward to putting it to heavier testing and reporting here.) Multiple reviews mention the bad handle design. This is only a problem if your hands are more used to keyboards and tissue paper than tools and handles. The handle by itself is fine from a practical standpoint: it’s very anti-slip and has no sharp corners. Wrap it with some sports wrap or wear gloves when using it if it hurts your hands. When I’m actually using a machete to clear land or blaze a trail I would typically be wearing gloves anyway to protect from briars and poison ivy. Several other reviews mentioned a dull blade and crappy sheath. This one came perfectly sharp for its intended use and the sheath appears to be high quality and protects things around the machete from getting damaged. This isn’t intended for iaijutsu practice after all. Draw it, drop the sheath and go to work. Now for the elephant in the room: the price. This isn’t a beautifully made heirloom, but it is one heck of a deal for under $100. It’s well-made using quality materials by a company that knows what they’re doing. And it’s badass. Great balance and weight for powering through heavy growth combined with a generous handle length for maximum leverage will make you question ever using a 1-handed machete again. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ good display piece *by G***A on April 2, 2025* comes very sharp out of the box, looks awesome, good value and seems sturdy. however the grip is not very good as it can be quite uncomfortable while swinging ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Awesome! *by T***E on March 8, 2026* Way better than a regular machete. ## Frequently Bought Together - Cold Steel CS-97TKMS: Tactical Katana Machete / 36.25" Overall / 24" Blade / 2.8Mm Thick - Cold Steel Tactical Tanto Machete 19-3/8" Length, Black, 13", One Size - Cold Steel Tactical Wakizashi Machete 25" Length, Black, 18", One Size --- ## 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.co.za/products/625785930-cold-steel-cs-97tkms-tactical-katana-machete-36-25-overall](https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/625785930-cold-steel-cs-97tkms-tactical-katana-machete-36-25-overall) --- *Product available on Desertcart South Africa* *Store origin: ZA* *Last updated: 2026-04-24*