Cold Steel Folders

S

Seb

Joined
Oct 1, 2000
Messages
188
Can you give me some Impressions from your Cold Steel folders? such things like are they sharp (maybe some RC-values?), is the lock ok, overall quality, personal judgement, etc.

thank you
Seb
 
My medium Voyager is one of the sharpest knives I own. I know that most steels can be sharpened but the blade grind on these knives is quite thin, allowing for the "scary sharp" condition that I strive for. I'm not sure if it is the thin grind or the steel (AUS-8), or the heat treatment, but this knife also has very good edge retention. As far as the lockup is concerned, there is a very positive "snap" when the lock engages, giving me the impression of a strong lock-up. I don't think you will go wrong with any of the Voyager series. I did try the El Lobo, sight unseen, through a mail order dealer and I was disappointed with the flimsy, thin blade on it (and I promptly returned it), but my Voyager tanto is quite strong and thick along the spine. You can also check out their website, which will give you more information on any specific model you are interested in.

JK
 
Probably the best folders for the money(unless you just have to have stainless steel), are the Twistmaster folders. CarbonV steel that takes and holds a wicked edge. I dont care if they are blatant Opinel copies, for under $20, they are awesome!

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Danbo, soul brother of Rambo
 
I've got a Vaquero Grande, a 5" Voyager clip point, a 4" Voyager Tanto, and the Scimitar. I have loved them all, but no longer carry any of them. They get scary sharp and all feel good in the hand, but they've all developed the same problem. After a short while of practicing inertial openings, each one has developed vertical play to varying degrees with the Vaquero being the worst. Go figure. The VG can be opened by hand a good 1/16" in the locked position, it rattles.

None of my Spyderco's have had this problem to any degree, and I've opened them much more the the CS folders. BTW my Spyderco carries are the G10 Civilian, Military, Endura 98 and Goddard.

I have replaced the Vaquero Grande with a Sifu, but will keep the VG for practice. REKAT considers inertial openings as abuse. They may not be the same but it will work for me.



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All you need is love... a sharp blade and a full clip
 
I like 'em. I have 2 Voyagers,an El Hombre and a Vaquero.Good working knives,I would like to see a little more choice and higher grade materials added to the line.
 
Hmm... anyone else noticed the problem with the developing play? that would be a serious drawback imho

seb
 
One of the best values for the money, IMHO. My 4" Voyagers (1 clip, 1 tanto) open as easy as a well broken in Zippo, lock up solid and hold a very good edge. The Twistmasters are even stronger, and the Carbon V holds a better edge than the AUS-8. I just wish Lynn T. would offer a Voyager clip in Carbon V; I carried a big Case sliplock for years with a carbon steel blade and never had a problem with rust.

[This message has been edited by Alberta Ed (edited 10-16-2000).]
 
I have 2 Ex-Large Gunsites (I'm looking to trade one of 'em for a 4 inch Gunsite II), 1 Ex-Large Tanto plain Voyager, 1 Large 50/50 Tanto Voyager, one Medium 50/50 Tanto Voyager, and 1 plain El Hombre.

NONE of them have become loose, and ALL are sharp as razors.
smile.gif
.

I think these Cold Steel Folders are GREAT knives!

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Dann Fassnacht
Aberdeen, WA
glockman99@hotmail.com
ICQ# 53675663
 
I recently got a 5in older model voyager tanto for 38 bucks. Look for those old model clearances if you want a better deal. I think you can't really buy a larger folder for that amount, and the quality is good enough for me. Lock up is solid on mine. I also ordered a Sifu though, because the voyager really doesn't have anything special except its size. My impression was that it was just another plastic handled lockback folder. Still a good knife though, and very light weight for its size.
 
There has been a lot of talk of the Voyagers being stiff- hard to open with one hand. I have an XL Voyager Gunsite that, while trying to open with your thumb (one handed) is difficult because of its size, I find it very easy to "flick" it open. Someone taught me this trick which works on all folders, and it works great with big Voyagers.

Just a little rambling...
 
Their folders are ok if you don't get the POS Ginsu serrations. What a joke!

I am still waiting for the non serrated Vaquero Grande.

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EXCUSE ME WHILE I WHIP THIS OUT.
**Blazing Saddles**

kansasC.gif
 
Originally posted by aflatfoot:
Their folders are ok if you don't get the POS Ginsu serrations. What a joke!

I am still waiting for the non serrated Vaquero Grande.
Click to expand...

Yes, the Ginsurations are quite the joke...
I broke most of mine off cutting through pvc. And they just can't be sharpened, as near as I can tell.

Now, a plain edge VG would be a great knife to have, that's for sure.



[This message has been edited by mikemck (edited 10-23-2000).]
 
Are the handles on the older series differently formed? (except the pattern)

Seb
 
My first one-hand-opener was an XL tanto Voyager. My thumb got REAL tough REAL quick. Try switching from that thing to a Delica; it's now insanely easy for me to open any other knife on the planet. They really are good knives. I, for one (as well as the vast majority of forumites here), just like Spyderco a little better.

About that solid click when it locks up; absolutely true. My Voyager produced a thunderous boom every time I opened it. It took me awhile to begin to trust my Delica and Endura, but I would recommend either of those now.

I like thumb holes better, also. I've never had one snag in my pocket before, which my Voyager did a few times.

If you do go with a Voyager, you probably won't be disappointed, though.

Howie
 
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