The historical Roach Belly knife was a short blade with a pronounced upswept curve and a sharp point. It was most likely named after the common Roach Fish, which had a similarly round curving belly. It was known in 17th century Britain and quite common in the American Colonies because it was inexpensive and versatile. Cold Steel’s interpretation of this knife is a nod to the Black Powder Community, which has continued to appreciate the Roach Belly’s economy, versatility and effectiveness. Our version retains the profile of the original but incorporates the latest in modern materials for its construction. The hollow ground blade is made of German 4116 Stainless, expertly heat treated to Rc 56-57, and given a fine sharp edge that’s easy to maintain. Instead of the traditional wood handle, ours is made of tough Polypropylene, so it’s impervious to the elements and won’t swell, shrink, rot or crack the way wood does. The Roach Belly comes with a deep pouch style black Cor-Ex sheath. It has a generously sized belt loop and also converts readily to being worn as a neck knife. Specifications: Blade Length: 4 1/2″ Overall Length: 8 1/2″ Steel: German 4116 Stainless Weight:2.6 oz Blade Thickness: 2.5 mm Handle:4″ Long High Impact Polypropylene Sheath:Cor-Ex™ Sheath
Cold Steel, Incorporated was founded in 1980, a company dedicated to making the strongest, sharpest knives in the world. Superblades has been a retailer of Cold steel’s for over 15 years now and we are convinced they are among the best knives and swords in the world.
Over the last three decades, Cold Steel has been at the forefront of the many innovations that have helped to define the knife industry as a whole. Progressive accomplishment, including the introduction of the checked Kraton® handles, and the tanto point blade styles have gone from curiously interesting features to industry-wide hallmarks of quality and sophistication. New ground was also broken with the introduction of unique new blade steels like San Mai III® and Tri-Ad™ Lock & locking mechanism for folding knives. Tri-Ad™ Lock for example, has never been equaled by any of Cold Steel's competitors and nothing they have produced yet has been proven to outperform it.
We have tested the Tri-Ad lock here as well and found it to be second to none in strength and durability.
Of course, Cold Steel will always look to the future, constantly striving to make the world's strongest, sharpest knives. That goal as elusive and difficult to achieve as it is, has been the same for the past thirty years. We here at Superblades will always continue to support and represent Cold Steel as a premium brand.
Shop all Cold Steel Knives and Cold Steel Swords
