Cold Steel Laredo Bowie??

V

Vanguard.45

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Sep 22, 2002
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I am JONESING for a bowie, and have been looking at the Laredo Bowie from Cold Steel for some time.

For those of you who own them, or for those who simply have an opinion on them, I have a few of questions:

1. Which steel would you prefer- the older Carbon V or the newer SK-5? Is there any noticeable difference?
2. With the handle being only a partial tang and having a cable screwed into the end of the handle, how strong is it and will it last through field use? If the handle loosens because of this design, is Cold Steel willing to make it right (i.e. some sort of warranty)?

If you own one, what are your impressions and how has it held up to actual usage in the field???

Are there any other bowies out there with the same blade shape/ length for a similar price you would recommend? Custom makers you would recommend?

Thanks in advance!

Vanguard.45
 
Have you seen the Cold steel Trail Master? I just ordered one in sk-5 with black coating, its in the mail.
http://images.coldsteel-knives.com/Lg/3452_1/39L16C_Cold_Steel_Trail_Master.jpg

or the Ontario sp-5 or sp-10?
http://www.ontarioknife.com/specplus_pg1.html

Or the kabar large heavy bowie?
http://www.teraasekeskus.com/tuotteet/isotveitset/KabarHeavyMacheteNet.jpg

They are all similar sizes and shapes. All but the kabar are 1095. I think that cold steels sk-5 is similar or the same as 1095. The kabar is 1085.

Every one accept the trailmaster is less than 70 bucks.


Good luck shopping

I would go with the trail master over the laredo bowie for its streangth, but the T.M. does not look as authentic -if that is important to you
 
Vanguard.45 said:
For those of you who own them, or for those who simply have an opinion on them, I have a few of questions:

1. Which steel would you prefer- the older Carbon V or the newer SK-5? Is there any noticeable difference? I personally would prefer the Carbon V, I haven't used the SK-5 but I really like Carbon V
2. With the handle being only a partial tang and having a cable screwed into the end of the handle, how strong is it and will it last through field use? If the handle loosens because of this design, is Cold Steel willing to make it right (i.e. some sort of warranty)? I Wouldn't trust it


Are there any other bowies out there with the same blade shape/ length for a similar price you would recommend? Custom makers you would recommend?
Depends on if your looking for function or style.
Function is the KaBar Heavy Bowie.
A little more style and a little less function is the Ontario-10 Marine Raider.
And it seems to me that less function and more style are the Cold Steel Bowies.
The Ontario needed the edge to be reprofiled quite a bit to be really functional.
The KaBar didn't really need it, but i did it anyway.
I've never used a Cold Steel Bowie, but i've handled them and the edges seem too thick to me.
Click to expand...
That's my opinion anyway
 
I just ordered an SK5 Laredo and will have it probably Wed. I have been getting into bowie styled blades as of late and own a Livesay Sand Bar, a BUD K s.s. bowie that actually is very well made and no I didn't know it was a BUD K when I "won" it, a Ontario Master Series Bagwell that is SUPERB, a Cold Steel War Head that is absolutely wicked, and an Olsen camp knife that is huge I just picked up. Oh yea Carbon V Recon Scout and a few others.

I have heard nothing but good about the Laredo especially from Mike Sastre so that is saying something in my opinion. It has a 5/16" spine but I have been led to understand a very thin edge and very sharp swedge. So we'll see. I'll post more when I get it. Oh yea it was cheap considering too. keepem sharp
 
I have a number of the Large CS bowies. They look and perform like much higher priced items.

I am a big fan of these knives so I could go on all day, but I will limit myself.

1. Carbon V or SK-5, these knives are excellent for the investment with very comparable performance ratings. Carbon V enjoys a slightly better rep.
2. I use my Laredo for field duties and chopping all the time and it is solid as a rock. The tang non-issue is not a thought that crosses my mind when putting this knife to work while hiking, camping. That being said, if your intention is to go to work at a tree service chopping lumber all day, the balance of a knife like this is not optimal. A knife like the Trail Master or Becker BK-9 or Browning Comp are the work horses with their extra weight and forward balance.

Cold Steel has a 5-year warranty on their Fixed blades. If you are interested in a classic styled bowie like I am I believe the Laredo is top in its class/price point and if you take care of it, it will take care of you. If I had one negative thing to say it would be that, for me, the handle was too square so I softened the corners near the guard with some sandpaper.
 
i own both the laredo bowie and the trailmaster in sk-5 and have put them both through hell.the only gripe i have is the kraton handle on the trailmaster it will cause blisters after prolonged use.i have done extensive amounts of chopping and brush clearing with them both and never had one single problem.in my opinion i think the sk-5 steel is far superion than the old carbon v,in ease of sharpening and edge retention,just make sure that the knife is made in taiwan,they are the new martemp ones,made in china arent.
 
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