Cold Steel Warcraft Question

S

Supercat 233

Joined
Aug 23, 2024
Messages
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Hello Everyone!

My first post here on the forum:)

I am looking for some advice and I am hoping that some of you can help me out

I want to to buy a Coldsteel Warcraft Medium Tanto but I cannot find the model I am looking for. I want the Italian made version 3V with the G10 handle. Actually, I will buy the 5" or even the 7.5 blade but I can't find either

And suggestions for me?

PS I would also love to hear any comments that you might have regarding the 3V and other models as well

Thank You again!!
 
These 3V blade steel versions—the originals from before Lynn Thompson retired and sold Cold Steel (to GSM) are discontinued.

The replacement versions are made of a lower grade steel.

You will need to look at eBay and other places like that.
 
GCG199 said:
These 3V blade steel versions—the originals from before Lynn Thompson retired and sold Cold Steel (to GSM) are discontinued.

The replacement versions are made of a lower grade steel.

You will need to look at eBay and other places like that.
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I was afraid of that because I have been looking on EBay for a while now and haven't seen one yet

Besides the quality of steel, are the new ones inferior in any other way? I really like the grips on the Italian version as well
 
Supercat 233 said:
I was afraid of that because I have been looking on EBay for a while now and haven't seen one yet

Besides the quality of steel, are the new ones inferior in any other way? I really like the grips on the Italian version as well
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I think when he's saying lower grade steel, he's talking the 4034 steel version you see out there. not lower grade 3v.

the scales on the 4034 are grn plastic, not g10. Just cheaper overall.

the 3v italy made warcraft is discontinued. for a short while they were making a 3v made in Taiwan version, but it's long gone too. no major difference between those two.

now, I've seen only Taiwan made san mai and the 4034 steel version, not even sure where that's made? think Taiwan, but wouldnt be surprised if was chyna or will be one day. I had seen a 3v warcraft for sale at a legit knife dealer, but he sets everything at super high msrp and holds it there...and it's gone now. it would have been no deal, regardless you'd be better buying from a collector used here in the sales forum.
 
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San Mai Warcraft are quality knives. Available in three blade lengths.
Cold Steel 13UL Large Warcraft Tanto Fixed 7.5 inch San Mai III Satin Blade, Black G10 Handles, Secure-Ex Sheath
 
jbmonkey said:
I think when he's saying lower grade steel, he's talking the 4034 steel version you see out there. not lower grade 3v.

the scales on the 4034 are grn plastic, not g10. Just cheaper overall.

the 3v italy made warcraft is discontinued. for a short while they were making a 3v made in Taiwan version, but it's long gone too. no major difference between those two.

now, I've seen only Taiwan made san mai and the 4034 steel version, not even sure where that's made? think Taiwan, but wouldnt be surprised if was chyna or will be one day. I had seen a 3v warcraft for sale at a legit knife dealer, but he sets everything at super high msrp and holds it there...and it's gone now. it would have been no deal, regardless you'd be better buying from a collector used here in the sales forum.
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GREAT RESPONSE my friend...that's exactly what I am looking for

That said, I don't think that my chance of finding one is good:(

If anyone here has one that they want to sell I'm in
 
As others have said, all 3V Warcrafts were discontinued with GSM, and mostly off the market by the summer of 2021.

If you shop around or wait for "the place" to have one of their monthly CS sales, you can get any of the 4034 models for under $100.00.

I think I spent around $80.00 for my 4034 Magnum Warcraft and $100.00 for my SM "medium" Warcraft.

I never understood why CS often calls the small version of a knife "medium." When they did this with Voyagers I was waiting for them to release a "small voyager."

Anyway, the SM Warcraft is nicely made (both the blade and handle) and the 4034 is more of a beater, so whichever one works for what you want to do would be the better buy.

Both these versions also have hollow grinds rather than saber grinds.

They should do a new "Proof" video replicating the tests on the 3V version with the San Mai and 4034 versions to see if they hold up.
 
Do you all think that I should bother hoping to find an Italian Warcraft, or just buy a San Mai?

Essentially, if there is a difference in quality and feel is significant?
 
Welcome to the forum! I fortunately started collecting Cold Steel knives before they sold to GSM. I do have the original Warcraft but I like it too much to let it go. “Old Steel” knives will continue to go up in value and become harder to find as more people appreciate how great they were before they sold.
 
Supercat 233 said:
Do you all think that I should bother hoping to find an Italian Warcraft, or just buy a San Mai?

Essentially, if there is a difference in quality and feel is significant?
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I'm good with cold steels Taiwan made san mai. I'd be fine with that knife in that steel myself.

quality wise not so much. cold steels Taiwan maker, makes pretty good stuff. always a lemon that can slip through. I've gotten one or two, but overall good quality.

as for feel I doubt you could tell the difference with your eyes closed. whatever your cutting isn't gonna know the difference.

in the end it's your hard earned money and ya got to do what works for ya. if ya only want one and ya want the 3v version, then worth the hunting and waiting to find one. if ya just want that model knife, the san mai is good.
 
Supercat 233 said:
Hello Everyone!

My first post here on the forum:)

I am looking for some advice and I am hoping that some of you can help me out

I want to to buy a Coldsteel Warcraft Medium Tanto but I cannot find the model I am looking for. I want the Italian made version 3V with the G10 handle. Actually, I will buy the 5" or even the 7.5 blade but I can't find either

And suggestions for me?

PS I would also love to hear any comments that you might have regarding the 3V and other models as well

Thank You again!!
Click to expand...


This is a genuine 3V from Taiwan , probably just as good as the Italian made . :cool: 👍👍

Worth a premium , if you can find one , over anything they currently offer with the name "Warcraft" .

If you are not going to ever really "hard use" the knife , the steel is not critical . Current ones are much cheaper and look OK .
 
One point that hasn't been made about the differences between the Warcraft versions is that the Taiwanese 3V models had a distal taper ground into the tangs. This was true of all three sizes. You can see it here in this photo of a Large (13TL).

IMG-0712.jpg



By contrast, none of the later models had this feature. The new Taiwan versions are full-width tang, in both 4034SS (here a 13SSA)

IMG-0729.jpg


and San Mai (here a 13UL).

IMG-0724.jpg



As far as I can tell from pictures, the Italian 3V model--which, by the way, was only released in Medium (13ST)--also has a full-width tang, or close to it.

IMG-0726.jpg



Personally, I think a properly ground distal taper (like those on the first Warcrafts) makes for a much more secure, comfortable grip on a knife without sacrificing strength. Between that, the 3V steel, and the black DLC coating, I'd hold out for an original Warcraft if I was looking.


-Steve
 
The reason for a tapered tang does not have to do with the grip security or comfort. The handle material and shape, in this case the G-10 is what makes the grip secure and comfortable. If the G-10 completely covered the tapered tang and was the same shape the knife would 'feel' identical. The tapered tang is done to bring the balance more forward toward the blade by lightening the weight at the end of the handle. As far as comfort and ergonomics go, the original handle shape with the handle dipping down toward the rear of the grip makes this version of the knife superior to the newer models by far. I have a couple of these older, made in Taiwan model 13TL's in the large size, and I like them much more than the new ones for this reason. The 3V construction is also nicer but the really big difference is the handle design. The big drawback to this knife is the sheath. While it is functional it looks like hell, and if I end up keeping one of these long term I will probably get something else to replace it.

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I just bought one in the medium size, which I think is the smallest one they made. I will post a picture when it comes in.
 
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