Best Tanto Blade in Folder?

[Confederate]

Given the same blade material (AUS8A), who makes the stronger tanto, Cold Steel or CRKT? I may have to do some light prying and some puncturing.

 

[vic2367]

id go with the crkt,,,if its good enough for our troops use,,,i would think it would be a pretty good blade for your use,,

 

[GarageBoy]

Voyager (same thing as the gunsite)
Nice and light, available in a few sizes and a reliable lock..though the m16 ain't bad at all

 

[Bladescanada]

I'd go with the Cold Steel Tanto, but I'd choose the Recon 1 tanto over the Voyager or Gunsite.

 

[T.K.C.]

I would choose a NICA Tanto Sebenza, over any of those knives.

 

[GarageBoy]

I would choose Elishewitz's or Crawford's tanto over the NICA Seb =p

 

[Shoki]

The CS has a nicer blade (said Blais grudgingly). The M16 blade is certainly not bad but the CS comes pretty darn sharp out of box and seems to hold it's edge better than CRKT. However, in my opinion, the handles on the CS voyager and gunsight are too light, thin, and crappy-feeling. I like that the M-16 feels like a substantial knife in the hand but many favor the CS handles over the CRKT. As far as puncture strength, etc. I wouldn't know. I never prescribed to the american-tanto style propaganda about it being extra-tough and hard to snap the tips off. If I buy them it's because I like the way the knife looks, not for extra strenght. I'd say go to a brick and mortar and heft them for yourself. When I sold them, people usually prefered the CRKT models over the CS. Hope that helps.

 

[james_bond]

I like my CS voyager (4 inch) it is also a great knife for the $$$$ I gon't have much knolage of the M-16 series, but I like CRKT.

 

[sharp-k]

Cold Steel Gunsite 4" all the way !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[ginshun]

don't buy either of those, buy an Emerson.

 

[Redguy]

Maybe you should take a look at the Ka-Bar Mule Tanto too.

I used to have the clip point version, and it looked a bit heftier than the CS or the CRKT.

 

[Redguy]

I would choose a NICA Tanto Sebenza, over any of those knives.

Why do you think that a 3.175 millimeter thick S30V blade with tapered point and high hollow grind will be stronger than a low saber-hollow ground one with non-tapered point made from AUS8 in 3.2-3.3 millimeter thickness?

I also can't understand, why do you recommend a 400$ knife for someone, who is obviously in the market for something under 50 bucks.

 

[Lone Hunter]

Years back I carried a Tanto Voyager on the job ( fire LT.) I did the very tasks you mention it was fine. The handle I agree is a little slim, but it worked ok.

 

[cutlerylover]

WHAT!!!!!!!!!!! NEVER PRY ANYTHING WITH A KNIFE....get a widgy bar from countycomm for $5...knives are used for cuttign thigns, and sometimes stabbing...but please...dont pry with your knives...

 

[marthinus]

CRKT. I have the M16-14LE. Good knife for the money.

 

[Confederate]

I don't know why it's so difficult to find carbon steel folders with teflon coating. People who want really great steel have to pay an arm and a leg for a good grade of stainless, when they could get a carbon steel blade for a fraction of the price and it would hold a better edge.

About the CRKT not holding an edge as well as a Cold Steel, YES, I agree. About the handles being crappy, I disagree. You can throw an open Voyager to an ape and it won't be able to break it. The Voyagers are incredibly light and space age materials may seem flimsy, but they aren't. Surefire's littl G2 tactical light is made out of a similar polymer and they, too, are almost indestructable.

 

[flipe8]

I would choose a NICA Tanto Sebenza, over any of those knives.

I'd agree, but the knives mentioned are just a wee bit less pricey . I've had a few CRKTs without any problems. Can't comment on the CS.

 

[Cyanide Ride]

I'd go with the Cold Steel Tanto, but I'd choose the Recon 1 tanto over the Voyager or Gunsite.

I have one of these Recon 1's, I'd definitely choose one over a CS Voyager or gunsite.

The Recon uses steel slabs in the handles to make a more solid balanced knife, the Voyager or Gunsite always felt a tad tip heavy for me.

 

[diamdave]

I was given a gift of a Cold Steel UltraLock Tanto, circa 1990 or so, by a very generous, venerable member of this site..although used and a touch gritty in opening and closing, this knife cuts beautifully through whatever medium I present to it. While not a huge fan of tantos nor Cold Steel, I have to say this knife is one hell of a performer.

 

[Nick Hyle]

Of the two choices, I'd take the Cold Steel - I've had MUCH better luck with Cold Steel lockbacks than CRKT linerlocks. And, like a Spyderco, when you break one of their FRN handles, you let the rest of us know, OK? It's not impossible, but it's a lot harder than you might think.

I do agree with Redguy that in that same price range, I'd go with the Kabar Mule Tanto. The only downside to the Kabar is it's heavier than the Cold Steel, and probably heavier than the CRKT (don't have one that size to hand). But it's heavy because it is an overbuilt, tank-solid beast - full scales over full liners. Looking at it now, I think the liners are fully as thick as those on my Chinook!!!

For an inexpensive folding tanto to abuse, I'd rank them Kabar, Cold Steel, CRKT.

For a few bucks more (about $20) I would definitely think about the Benchmade Griptilian tanto, but then I'm an Axis lock addict.