Cold Steel's XL Voyagers?

M

MickMan

Joined
Feb 15, 2000
Messages
81
What are your impressions of these knives (especially the tanto configuration)?

I found their size quite impressive, and I am thinking of one as a gift. Is the lock reliable enough? How about the Zytel handls? Any problems? Any praises?

Thank you.

smile.gif
 
I've got a large partially serrated tanto Voyager. Was one of my first knives and its been great to me. Probably one of the sharpest knives out of the box that I've had and I have a number of Spyderco's to compare that to. The serrations feel even sharper. Accidentely closed this knife on my finger once and the large serration left a perfect cut over the rounded section of my middle finger. The lock feels secure enough but maybe this question is better left for someone else to answer who knows what they're talking about when it comes to lock strength. As for the Zytel handle, the area around the thumb and the index finger feels really "proper." (Can't think of a better word to describe it) Very comfortable in that pivot area. Complaints? The integrated Zytel clip is something of a hassle but I think Cold Steel has replaced them with the status quo steel ones now. The thumbstud is also a little too rough. I also have a Vaquero Grande but the thumbstud on that is a lot more smooth at the end and feels more comfortable on repetitive openings. Overall, not a bad gift suggestion and I'd definitely recommend one for someone who's just getting into knives.

------------------
ET
 
CS Voyagers are a very tough folders. Integrated Zytel clip looks brittle, but is ideal for carrying inside pants. Combinated with one hand opening gives you a quick start for self defence. ET was right, a new Voyagers come with a stainless steel pocket clip.

Historically, a Tanto blade is not designed for to be a utility blade. Great for fight, not for peeling apples. You choose.
 
I have an XL plain-edge tanto. It's a very large and seemingly solid folder. The blade is big, thick, and acceptably sharp out of the box. My main complaint (other than the integrated Zytel clip, of course) is that mine is only theoretically a one-hand opener. It appears to lock up quite well, but the action is so stiff that I almost always have to use two hands to open the thing. Hopefully more use and/or some oil will remedy the problem.
 
The CS Voyagers are not at all "bad knives", especially for budget street-defense purposes. The AUS8 steel combined with those unsharpenable serrations mean this isn't a good choice for hard-use daily utility, wire stripping, whatever.

The locks hold well. They're not all that smooth on the opening stroke, but they're pretty strong.

The "Gunsite" version of the 5" Tanto is a bit more refined than the regular 5" Tanto Large Voyager. If you can find the Gunsite at a god price, go for it...the differences are still only subtle though.

Now, SOG is about to come out with a 5" dagger-point folder with a modern lockwork and steel liners under Zytel scales, bolted together for full field disassembly and cleaning and with ambi-reversable clip and stud. At $99 list (figure $80 street) it'll be a SERIOUS competitor to the 5" Cold Steels. The SOG won't ship till summer. Check a thread I started on the SOG forum for pics, comments, specs.

Jim
 
I carried an XL Gunsite folder just this morning while out delivering my paper routes. The serrations are great for popping the plastic ribbons off the bundles, and the sheer size makes me feel a tad more secure while working through neighborhoods at 3:00 am.

The only thing I initially had a problem with was how darn hard it was to open when I first got it ! I've heard ths from many owners. I literally could not open it one handed.
I oiled it, and repeatedly opened and closed it with 2 hands until it loosened up to where I could open it single-handed, albeit with considerable effort.

It's no problem now to employ a 1 hand opening, but more often than not, I still find myself opening the big folder with 2 hands.

I also have an XL Voyager with a plain clip point, and it is MUCH easier to open than the Gunsite.
 
I have an XL tanto voyager, and have mixed opinions on it.

The upside is that the blade is typical Cold Steel, well done and razor sharp. The lock, as on all Voyagers, is very good.

The main downside is the action, which is horribly stiff and jerky. I've found that to be the case on every XL Voyager I"ve ever picked up. Combine that stiff action with the tiny rounded thumbstud, and opening it can be quite frustrating.

For some reason, the action on the Vaquero series (large and grande) are nice and smooth (except for the stop notch) on every one I've ever picked up. For that reason, I advise that you consider the large Vaquero also, if you're looking for a 5" bladed folder.

Joe
 
I have used a Gunsite for nearly a year nowm and it is a very tough knife. The lock is strong and solid feeling, and the grip shape is great for me. I am thinking of getting an XL Clip point fo utility.

Try flipping your wrist a little to help with the opening procedure, and a little lubricant helps a lot. Once you break it in, it is really just fine. My vaquero Grande is an old style, but it is still much better as a tactical (fighting) knife. Point is needle sharp, and the edge cuts like mad.

Try Botach.com or Wholsalehunter,com for good prices on both.
 
I have (had) both the 3" and the 4" versions.

I've barely used the 4". I sometimes carry it while jogging.

I've used the 3" for cutting open topsoil bags, mulch bags, weeds, shrubs, camping, ...
anything. Great knife!! Very reliable lock and pretty good edge retention.

Near the end of last year, my curiosity got the better of me & I just HAD to see the inner workings of a lock back. Forget the drawings.

Robo-Grips, Dremmel, hack saw and vise-grips later, I had my prize. Zytel is tough.

Only one wish... just a tad thicker Zytel. The handle flexes ever so slightly. IMHO.

wayne
 
I have had 2 of the CS voyagers and I loved them both except for one thing. I snapped the integral pocket clip off of both of them. Both times I was in no way abusing them, they just snapped. One time i bumped into the rear view mirror of my car as I walked by and that was all it took. I am going to order two new ones now that they have come out with the metal clips. The clips were the only thing I can find to complain about. Fit, Finish, sharpness, lock strength,etc. all with superb.

Kris
kwheeler3644@cs.com
 
If you want a XL Cold Steej, you might consider the plain clip point model. It is just like having a folding bowie knife. Although it is much too big for me to carry anywhere, the blade makes a heck of a food preparation knife. Also, the clip point is very very easy to open.! If you want a Cold Steel XL of either type, check out GP Knives. They are selling the old plastic clip Voyagers dirt cheap to make room for the new models.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top