Cold Steel Finn Hawk outdoor knife
Description
Cold Steel Finn Hawk® Outdoor Knife 20NPK / 20NPKZ
The Cold Steel Finn Hawk® is a lightweight, practical fixed-blade knife developed for bushcraft, camping, food preparation and general outdoor utility work. Created through a design collaboration between Andrew Demko and Lynn C. Thompson, it combines traditional Nordic-inspired blade geometry with modern, weather-resistant materials.
Its approximately 10.2 cm German 4116 stainless steel blade features a Scandi grind, a functional curved belly and a sub-zero cryogenic treatment intended to improve the steel’s consistency, hardness and edge-holding potential. The compact blade is suitable for controlled carving, slicing, campsite preparation and lawful game-processing tasks.
The dual-material handle combines a strong polypropylene core with a textured TPR outer layer for a comfortable and secure grip in wet, cold or demanding conditions. A slim Secure-Ex® polymer sheath with an integrated belt loop is included.
Key Features
- Compact fixed-blade bushcraft and outdoor knife
- Designed by Andrew Demko and Lynn C. Thompson
- Traditional Nordic-inspired blade profile
- Scandi-ground German 4116 stainless steel blade
- Sub-zero cryogenic heat treatment
- Approximate 7.5 mm primary blade bevel
- Curved cutting belly for controlled slicing tasks
- Dual-material injection-moulded handle
- Durable polypropylene inner layer
- Textured thermoplastic rubber outer grip
- Food-contact-compatible handle material as specified by the manufacturer
- Secure-Ex® polymer sheath included
- Integrated sheath belt loop
- Approximate overall length of 21.6 cm
- Approximate weight of 99 g
- Cold Steel product numbers 20NPK and 20NPKZ
Nordic-Inspired Scandi-Ground Blade
The Finn Hawk® uses a traditional Nordic-style blade with a Scandi grind. This geometry creates a broad primary bevel that runs directly towards the cutting edge, making the knife well suited to controlled carving, wood preparation and general outdoor cutting.
The approximately 7.5 mm blade bevel provides clear contact with the material during carving and can be maintained using appropriate flat sharpening equipment. The curved belly adds useful cutting length for slicing and lawful game-processing tasks.
German 4116 Stainless Steel
The blade is made from German 4116 stainless steel, a fine-grained steel valued for corrosion resistance, edge quality and straightforward sharpening.
Its balanced carbon and chromium content makes it suitable for outdoor utility knives, hunting applications and food-preparation tools. Although stainless steel is more corrosion resistant than carbon steel, the blade should still be cleaned and dried after use.
Sub-Zero Cryogenic Treatment
Cold Steel applies a sub-zero cryogenic treatment to the 4116 steel blade. This additional stage of heat treatment is intended to improve the consistency, hardness and durability of the steel.
Actual edge retention depends on the material being cut, sharpening angle, cutting technique and maintenance.
Functional Curved Belly
The blade’s gently curved belly provides a practical cutting surface for slicing strokes. This makes the Finn Hawk® useful for campsite food preparation, trimming materials and lawful game-processing tasks.
The compact 10.2 cm blade remains easy to control during detailed work while providing sufficient cutting length for most routine outdoor tasks.
Dual-Material Outdoor Handle
The approximately 11.4 cm handle is manufactured using a two-stage injection-moulding process. A high-impact polypropylene core provides rigidity and structural strength, while the outer TPR layer creates a softer, higher-friction gripping surface.
The TPR exterior features a whorled spiral texture designed to improve control in wet, cold or muddy conditions. The synthetic materials resist moisture and require very little maintenance.
Secure-Ex® Sheath
The Finn Hawk® is supplied with a slim Secure-Ex® polymer sheath. It protects the cutting edge during storage and transport and includes an integrated belt loop for convenient attachment where lawful.
Always ensure that the knife is fully seated and securely retained before carrying it. Inspect the sheath regularly for cracks, deformation, looseness or damage around the retention area.
Recommended Use
- Bushcraft and campsite utility work
- Controlled wood carving and feather-stick preparation
- Cutting rope, cordage and suitable natural materials
- Food preparation in outdoor environments
- Lawful game-processing tasks
- Hiking and general outdoor equipment use
- Household, workshop and garden utility tasks
- Emergency preparedness kits
The knife is not designed for prying, chopping heavy hardwood, hammering, throwing or use as a screwdriver.
Technical Specifications
| Product Name | Cold Steel Finn Hawk® |
| Product Type | Fixed-blade bushcraft and outdoor knife |
| Product Number | 20NPK / 20NPKZ |
| Designers | Andrew Demko and Lynn C. Thompson |
| Blade Material | German 4116 stainless steel |
| Heat Treatment | Sub-zero cryogenic treatment |
| Blade Grind | Scandi grind |
| Approximate Blade Bevel | 7.5 mm |
| Overall Length | Approx. 21.6 cm |
| Blade Length | Approx. 10.2 cm |
| Blade Thickness | Approx. 2.7 mm |
| Handle Length | Approx. 11.4 cm |
| Handle Material | Polypropylene core with TPR outer layer |
| Handle Texture | Whorled spiral pattern |
| Weight | Approx. 99 g |
| Sheath | Secure-Ex® polymer sheath |
| Belt Attachment | Integrated belt loop |
| Sharpened Edge | Yes |
Why Choose the Cold Steel Finn Hawk®?
The Finn Hawk® combines traditional outdoor-knife geometry with modern low-maintenance materials. Its Scandi-ground blade is practical for carving and campsite tasks, while the corrosion-resistant 4116 stainless steel is easy to maintain in changing outdoor conditions.
The dual-material handle offers secure control without adding unnecessary weight, and the included Secure-Ex® sheath makes the knife easy to organise within hiking, camping or bushcraft equipment.
At approximately 99 g, it is particularly suitable for users seeking a lightweight fixed blade that remains large enough for routine outdoor cutting tasks.
Care and Maintenance
- Clean the blade after every use.
- Remove moisture, food residue, sap and dirt promptly.
- Dry the knife thoroughly before returning it to the sheath.
- Use a light protective oil for extended storage.
- Use food-safe oil if the blade will be used for food preparation.
- Wash the handle with mild soap and lukewarm water when necessary.
- Do not use aggressive solvents or abrasive cleaning products.
- Inspect the edge for chips, rolling or deformation.
- Inspect the handle for cracks, separation or excessive wear.
- Inspect the sheath for damage and secure retention.
- Sharpen the Scandi bevel evenly using appropriate flat sharpening equipment.
- Avoid creating an unintended secondary bevel unless deliberately changing the edge geometry.
- Do not place the knife or sheath in a dishwasher.
- Store securely in a dry location away from children and unauthorised persons.
Safety Information
- This is a sharpened fixed-blade knife and may cause serious or fatal injury.
- Keep fingers and hands away from the cutting edge and point.
- Cut away from the body and other people.
- Use a stable working surface whenever possible.
- Maintain a secure grip, especially in wet or cold conditions.
- Do not use excessive force.
- Do not use the knife for prying, twisting, hammering or heavy impact work.
- Do not throw the knife.
- Stop using it if the blade, handle or sheath is damaged.
- Keep the knife fully sheathed whenever it is not in use.
- Confirm secure sheath retention before transport.
- Carry and transport the knife only where lawful.
- Store securely and out of reach of children and unauthorised persons.
Legal and Responsible Use Notice
This product must be purchased, possessed, carried, transported and used only in accordance with the laws and regulations applicable in the customer’s country, region and municipality.
The customer is responsible for determining whether the purchase, possession, carriage, transport or use of this knife is lawful in their location and for using it safely, responsibly and only for lawful purposes. The seller does not encourage, recommend or authorise unlawful, threatening, offensive or harmful use.
Classification of this product within an outdoor, bushcraft, hunting, survival, tactical or self-defence category does not constitute legal advice, confirmation that it may legally be carried in public or for self-defence, or a recommendation to use it against another person.
Applicable laws may differ according to blade length, fixed-blade construction, intended use, location, manner of transport and surrounding circumstances. Misuse may cause serious injury, death, property damage or legal consequences.
The knife must be transported securely, kept sheathed when not in use and stored away from children and unauthorised persons.
This notice does not exclude or limit any statutory consumer rights or legal obligations that cannot lawfully be excluded.
FAQ
What steel is used for the Cold Steel Finn Hawk®?
The blade is made from German 4116 stainless steel.
Is 4116 stainless steel corrosion resistant?
Yes. It offers good corrosion resistance, although the blade should still be cleaned and dried after use.
What is a Scandi grind?
A Scandi grind uses a broad primary bevel that runs directly to the cutting edge. It is commonly used on Nordic-style outdoor and carving knives.
Is the Finn Hawk® suitable for bushcraft?
Yes. Its Scandi-ground blade, compact dimensions and weather-resistant handle make it suitable for controlled carving, cordage cutting and routine campsite tasks.
Can it be used for food preparation?
Yes. The stainless steel blade and food-contact-compatible handle materials make it suitable for outdoor food preparation when kept clean and hygienic.
Is it suitable for game processing?
Yes. Its curved belly and approximately 10.2 cm blade can be used for lawful game-processing tasks by experienced users.
What is the handle made from?
The handle has a high-impact polypropylene core with a textured TPR outer layer.
Does the handle remain secure when wet?
The textured TPR exterior is designed to provide a high-friction grip in wet, cold and demanding conditions. Users must still maintain careful control.
How long is the blade?
The blade length is approximately 10.2 cm.
How long is the knife overall?
The overall length is approximately 21.6 cm.
How thick is the blade?
The blade is approximately 2.7 mm thick.
How much does the Finn Hawk® weigh?
The knife weighs approximately 99 g.
Is a sheath included?
Yes. The knife includes a slim Secure-Ex® polymer sheath with an integrated belt loop.
Can it legally be carried in public?
This depends on applicable local law, the reason for carrying it and the surrounding circumstances. The included belt loop does not confirm that public carry is lawful.
What are the Cold Steel product numbers?
The product numbers are 20NPK and 20NPKZ.
Glossary
- Scandi Grind: Broad primary blade bevel running directly to the cutting edge, commonly used on Nordic outdoor knives.
- 4116 Stainless Steel: Fine-grained German stainless steel valued for corrosion resistance, edge quality and ease of sharpening.
- Cryogenic Treatment: Sub-zero stage of heat treatment intended to improve steel consistency and performance.
- Blade Belly: Curved section of the cutting edge that provides additional slicing surface.
- Polypropylene: Lightweight, durable and moisture-resistant thermoplastic used for the handle core.
- TPR: Thermoplastic rubber used to provide a softer, higher-friction gripping surface.
- Secure-Ex®: Cold Steel moulded polymer sheath material designed for durability and secure blade retention.
- Fixed Blade: Knife with a blade permanently fixed in the open position rather than folding into the handle.
Manufacturer & GPSR Information
Manufacturer:
GSM Outdoors, LLC
5250 Frye Road
Irving, TX 75061
United States
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Responsible Person in the EU:
Battle-Merchant Wacken GmbH & Co. KG
Gehrn 4
25596 Wacken
Germany

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