Cold Steel Voyager

Y

younggenious

Joined
Jun 18, 2002
Messages
27
Hey all...

I'm looking into buying a folder for general use, self-defense, and some normal 'camp' applications. The Cold Steel Voyager caught my eye. It's the model 29LTH I think. 4" blade, tanto, zytel handle, AUS-8 metal. I found it for $40. Basically it looks like a really good knife for the dollar, and that's what I'm interested in. So would any of you NOT recommend this knife for any reason? Any bad reputations? Any facts or comments on this knife are very welcome. Is there a similar knife in the same price range that you would recommend over this one?

Also, explain the Zytel handle. What, if anything, is special about it? Explain it's design.

Thank you very much in advance.
-YG
 
Welcome to the forums younggenious,
The cold steel voyager series are OK, I would recomend the clip point over the drop point for general use.
A the deal not to miss right now is the Spyderco Calypso Jr. for $25 over at www.eknifeworks.com
 
I'm lookin' for something bigger than that... arbout a 4" blade is what I'm looking for. Any suggestions that meet that criteria? Why is the Voyager I mentioned only 'OK'.
 
The voyager is an "OK" folder, because there are a lot of higher end knives with newer/stonger lock designs, steels that will hold an edge longer (such as VG10), and fancier handle materials ect.
The voyager series are good values and are not so expensive that you would fear using them. I like Zylel folders because they tend to be light and not too expensive. AUS8 is a good NONpremium steel, that will take a fine edge and hold it fairly well, just not as well as the premium stainless steels. The Voyager lock is stong for a lock back, but it is not in the same league as some of the newer lock systems such as the Benchmade Axis, Spyderco Compression lock, or the ulti lock Cold Steel uses on their Recon series, among others.
 
The Voyager is just fine. But in the zytel folder category, I feel it loses out pretty badly to the Spyderco Endura. Here are my reasons -- though note that some of these are subjective, so may not apply to you:

  • Endura's blade shape is, IMO, more suitable for both everyday use and camp use than is the Voyager tanto. This advantage reduced if you move from the tanto voyager to the clip point version.
  • Endura's VG-10 steel holds an edge way longer than Voyager's 8A.
  • Both knives have fine locks. It's probably a push, though the Endura's boye dent makes it more difficult to accidently unlock in theory, so slight advantage to the Eendura.
  • Large Spyderco blade hole on the endura BLOWS AWAY Voyager's small rounded thumb stud, as an opening mechanism.
  • Enduras generally smoother-opening than Voyagers.
  • Endura handle works much better for me than the Voyager's handle, though this is highly subjective.

That's the zytel folder comparison. I feel the endura is the finest zytel folder out there anywhere near this price range.

Note again that the Voyager is not a bad knife. It may not quite compare to the endura, but it's overall well-built, and you may be perfectly happy with it. My only real complaint about my Voyagers is that the stiff action coupled with the small rounded thumb stud making opening it not so fun. The Endura is now the only zytel folder in my carry rotation.


Joe
 
I did a little research on the Endura. Personally, I don't really like the hole device used to open it. Also, I found NO Endura (I could have missed something) that had AUS8 steel. I found AUS6 and ATS55. Is ATS55 better than AUS8? I think I remember hearing that ATS55 wasn't as good. Also, I really want a tanto blade. Are there any Endura's or similarly priced folders that you would recommend that have Tanto blades?

Thanx in advance...
-YG
 
Originally posted by younggenious
I did a little research on the Endura. Personally, I don't really like the hole device used to open it.
Click to expand...

You might look for a local cutlery store or gun/knife show in your area where you can handle the Endura. The Spyderco thumb hole looks a little ungainly on some models, but it works extremely well.

Another manufacturer to consider is Outdoor Edge. They make the Field Lite and Pocket Lite models that are similar to the Voyagers in materials and construction. They are only available in clip point and spear point though, not tanto.
 
What is clip point? I think I have seen Outdoor Edge at a local Dick's Sporting Goods. I'll look more into them. It kinda seems as if a lot of people are kinda steering me away from Cold Steel. I may be very wrong, but there seems to be a hint of it in the air. Using the thumb hole on the Spyderco, is it as easy to open -quickly-?
 
Originally posted by younggenious
I did a little research on the Endura. Personally, I don't really like the hole device used to open it. Also, I found NO Endura (I could have missed something) that had AUS8 steel. I found AUS6 and ATS55. Is ATS55 better than AUS8? I think I remember hearing that ATS55 wasn't as good. Also, I really want a tanto blade. Are there any Endura's or similarly priced folders that you would recommend that have Tanto blades?

Thanx in advance...
-YG
Click to expand...

If you've tried the blade hole and don't like it, then by all means go with something else. If you haven't tried it, then I agree with the above post -- you owe it to yourself to give it a try. It presents such a bigger, easier-to-hit, controllable target than a small rounded thumbstud, there really is no comparison for me. The hole doesn't just give you a quicker opening, it gives you quickness with control, which is critical for any application where your adrenaline is pumping. People's hands are different, though, and there are some people who don't like the hole.

Regarding the blade steel, this year's version of the endura is VG-10, not ATS-55, Gin-1, or 8A. VG-10 is in a different league from the Voyager's 8A.

If you're attached to the tanto shape -- most of us here dislike it for EDC, just so you know, but if you've decided it's right for you, then that's that -- then the Voyager may be the best of the zytel-handled folders. If you're willing to step up in price, there are other options.


Joe
 
I've used and abused two Voyagers for about five years, both large (4"), one clip point and one tanto. They have held up really well and lock up as soild and tight as the day I bought them. AUS8 is a tough, highly stain resistant steel that takes and holds a very fine edge and is quite easy to resharpen. It doesn't hold an edge as long as VG-10, or some of the other premium stainless alloys, but you can do a whole lot of cutting between sharpenings anyway. They are also lightweight, flat and easy to carry discreetly, tucked into a waistband or in a jacket pocket. I've never had a problem opening or closing them one-handed, even with gloves. They get my vote for a best buy.
 
Why do many not like the Tanto blades? Would a tanto be better for self-defense? I remember hearing somewhere that they are supposedly armor-piercing. So wouldn't it go through say a leather jackets easier?

I found -THIS- Spyderco, it looks sweet to me. Do they come sharp enough from the factory to shave with?

How well would the Spyderco Endura hold up against the test performed with the Voyager -HERE- .

Also, do you think the Metal handle is worth the extra $5-$8? What advantages are there? I assume it would be stronger, but are there any situations where that would actually come into play?
 
Originally posted by younggenious
Why do many not like the Tanto blades? Would a tanto be better for self-defense? I remember hearing somewhere that they are supposedly armor-piercing. So wouldn't it go through say a leather jackets easier?
Click to expand...

Well, you mentioned general use, self defense, and camp use, and didn't emphasize any one of them. I'd pick the endura over the Voyager for all 3. Keep in mind that a knife is more than just its blade. If my claims are correct -- the hole is a better opening mechanism, the steel is better, the handle ergonomics are better on the endura -- isn't it possible that the knife as a whole is a better solution? Even if the tanto blade shape had some minor advantage, if you can open the endura easier, and it stays in your hand more securely, aren't those large advantages that might more than make up for it?

But let me ignore the "entire knife" argument for a moment, and focus on just the tanto shape vs the endura's blade shape. For camping and general utility, the endura's blade shape wins out easily for me. What about self defense? Well, the Voyager's tanto might be better at piercing hard armor, because it is thicker. The trick to piercing hard armor is, putting enough metal up at the tip so that it doesn't break when piercing light armor plate. However, when piercing something like soft armor -- for example, leather jacket, body armor, etc. -- you know the tip isn't going to be damaged, so for best performance, you want to put as little metal as possible at the tip. That is, you want a very sharp, pointy tip, even if it's ostensibly a bit weaker. As a result, the sharp pointy endura will pierce more deeply than the thicker-pointed voyager. Now, in a defensive situation, are you more likely to run into someone wearing plate armor? If so, the tanto is a good choice. If you're more likely to see flexible body armor or a leather jacket, go with the endura.

Now I've spouted all this, and left out an important point: are you so highly trained that a minor mechanical advantage in blade geometry will determine the outcome of a defensive situation more so than your skill level?

My advice, stick with the knife that is overall more sound, that opens easier, that fits your hand better, etc.

Joe
 
I carried several versions of the Voyager line for several years. All were Tantos and worked really well for me, although i have migrated back to more traditional blade shaped lately. I liked the tip up carry and slim profile design. They were all sturdy and took a good edge although didn't hold them as well as some higher end steels. I still own a half serrated Tanto version with the 3" blade. It's what I put in my check bag when I have to fly because I don't want some baggage handler to end up with one of my better knives, so I do still carry it occasionally.

I have never been able to warm up to the opening hole as opposed to the thumb stud, but it us a personal preference. I'm not saying I'll never own a knife with a hole, I just don't own any yet. To me the thumb stud works pretty well.

You didn't even mention what your EDC carry needs to be as far as form factor goes. The venerable Buck 110 might be a good choice in the stated price range if it's overall size is not an issue. They're not too slick for one handed opening, but they're damn strong and cut well.

If you can live with a liner lock, Delta Z has a pretty decent knife in their closeout section. The High Tech Folder. It's a 3.5 inch 420A blade and about the same size and shape as a Microtech Socom Elite. It seems like a lot of knife in the $50.00 range.


I'm sure the Spydie Joe Talmadge recommends is a good knife as well, and you might even be able to find a deal on a Benchmade near your price range.

jmx
 
Thanx for the enlightenment Joe. It looks like the Endura is what I'll get. Thank you very much for all the advice thus far.
 
The Endura is probably the best folder out there for under $50.00. I have a plain edge VG-10 model and like it a lot. The Voyager is an ok knife too but, the Endura is better in every respect.
 
You guys are missing an improtant thing here. ElectricZombie said that the Endura is better in every respect. Maybe, except for the fact that it sounds like younggenious is more attracted to the tanto Voyageur! So what if VG-10 will hold an edge longer or whatever. Let's look at this in a different respect:

Camp use: Can the tanto Voyageur shave fuzz sticks, cut some cheese, open packages of beef jerkey (essential for camping!), cut rope, clean a finger nail, and slice open a fish? YES!

Every Day Carry: Pat (PFF), who has posted here a whopping 20 some times but knows WAY more about knives than probably 90% plus of the people on here, has carried an old Cold Steel tanto blade for damed near 20 years now, in tanto point. Worked well for his mail, packages, finge rnails, trimming wood, etc. for 20 years! I carried an M16 for a few months, and only sold it because it was too small for me. The secondary point on a tanto is extremely useful, and the front edge can be used for scraping chores and other rough stuff, being a thicker edge.

Self Defense: Cold Steel's locks are tough. The tanto point will survive accidental impacts on hard surfaces (watches, D-rings on back packs, brick walls, etc.). But, more importantly, it will stick into someone's fleshy parts just fine!

The Voyageur is a fine knife, and will satisfy any of the chores listed. What younggenious should do, as mentioned, is handle these folders. Having used a spydie hole knife (AFCK) and thumb stud knives, I much prefer a stud. I can open stud knives much quicker. Also, younggenious may not care for the handle of the voyageur at all. No point in haing a great blade if the part you actually hang onto sucks!
younggenious, refien your criteria a bit and figure out what things are really important for you. If the extra edge holding of the Endura is worth it to you, then go for it! You already said you don't like the hole opener that much, so maybe the Voyageur is better. Write down all of your speific criteria, and see which knife fits the criteria best. And don't forget to add the "OOOHHH!" factor! A khukuri may outchop something like the Becker C/U 7, bu if you think khukuris are ugly and you won't carry one, well that super chopping khukuri is useless to you, then!
 
I can't argue with Crayola's post. If you just plain like the tanto voyager, by all means get it. I was careful to say that the Voyager is a fine knife. But, I think it's worth noting the alternative views as well, and regardless of his decision, our young genius friend is probably more knowledgeable for having heard them. And keep in mind, at least part of his reason for favoring the tanto was apparently from reading some armor-piercing hype; it's best to address that, and then if he still likes the tanto, go for it.

Joe
 
Well after thinking about it a little, I decided that overall the Endura was the better bargain and over all better quality, and that the VG-10 steel was worth $5 more. The tanto blade I would rather have, but no big deal. Thumb hole in blade will be easy to adapt to. THANK YOU very much for all the assistance.
 
Younggenious,
Sounds like you made a good choice, I am sure you will be happy with the Endura, please post and let us know how you like it!
 
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