REVIEW: Cold Steel Urban Pal

After we were able to introduce you to a fun, albeit somewhat pointless knife last time, we thought we would show you a less gimmicky, yet more useful blade this time, one that you can actually carry with you all the time. Specifically, this is the "Urban Pal," or its smaller brother, the "Mini Pal" from Cold Steel. Both knives have been on the market for a while now, the author alone has owned and used them for just over ten years. For those who are familiar with Cold Steel's usual products, they know that they are designed more along the lines of "go big or go home" - typically American. Which is why it may be surprising that this manufacturer also offers knives that may not immediately overdo it for European tastes.

The name of the knife series is aptly chosen, as friends may not always be perfect, but they stand by you in emergencies no matter what. Uncompromisingly. And that's exactly what these little steel companions deliver. It's no wonder, as they are more designed as a tactical blade to save those in need rather than for whittling spoons in scout camp. Although designed as a push knife, but with only a one-sided edge, it is easily carried in Austria without any problems and is not considered a weapon.

By the way, if you are reminded of "Platoon" or "Total Recall" when you see it, you are right, as the Defender I shown there is the prominent cousin of the PAL series. The Urban Pal, with its total length of about 8cm, fits in almost any pocket and, thanks to its slim design, even fits in women's jeans. This makes it the ideal daily and nightly companion.

However, even among the biggest EDC enthusiasts in our region, there are situations where no knife is within reach. The most classic of these is: during sports. Most knives are too heavy to stay in your pocket while running or tug at the elastic waistband, rub the skin, or other inconveniences. Not so with our lightweight. Due to its low weight and flat shape, it does not disturb or hinder in the pocket. But that is not the place where we want our helpers.

Because when we find ourselves in a precarious situation due to interval and company, with 195PPM, tunnel vision, and the like, we need something rugged and robust, not fair weather Qi-Gong. How appropriate that the included Secure-Ex sheath (Note: not Kydex, but simple plastic!) literally plays into our hands with its holes. This allows the knife to be carried almost anywhere.

Whether hung as a neck knife, threaded into the running shoe, or simply woven into the waistband, the individual choice depends on IQ. It even has its place while swimming, as it should theoretically be threadable even into a triangle bikini. However, this has not been tested due to the lack of a bikini (model). So, sports is taken care of.

But what about everyday usability? Both the Urban Pal and Mini Pal are discreet and small enough not to attract attention on a keychain. The latter is particularly well-suited for this. The ordinary bouncer usually doesn't notice anything, even when he has the armed keychain right in front of his eyes and next to his hands. "Hidden in plain sight" works seamlessly with the right audience. The decision making is also discreet and possible even with gloves on. If the polished steel is a bit too prominent for some (- which is understandable), simply use a file and chemical bluing or similar. After all, you don't want to show off with a Jab-Cross. That would be impolite and unnecessary to third parties.

CONCLUSION: Therefore, the Urban and Mini Pal fit philosophically into the category of "Last Ditch" representatives like Ka-Bar's TDI, ShivWorks Clinch Pick, and the like. So basically "Reker approved." In conclusion, it can be said that having the Urban Pal is a truly user-friendly tool to have in unpleasant situations, which, when woven into a Paracord bracelet, can even make its way to the sauna for fans of "Eastern Promises." And you can also open packages with it.

You can purchase the Urban Pal and Mini Pal from Cold Steel directly at your local knife dealer. Price around: ~30.00 Also new in the Pal family: the "Best Pal" with a dagger edge.

COLD STEEL on the web: www.coldsteel.com