gerber vs. cold steel

3

3wolves

Joined
Dec 28, 2007
Messages
1,061
Okay I decided I want one of these 2 folders. They are both awsome but since I am not as experienced as some of the people here, I decided to ask your opinion.

First is the gerber freeman S30V, made in the U.S.A, S30V withe checkered cocabalo wood handles and is beutifull. On the downside, It has a liner lock and no pocket clip.

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Next is the Cold Steel AK-47 (AUS-8), axis lock, wave, Pocket clip. On the downside, is the ridiculous handle to blade ratio and its made in taiwan (although when I played around with the spydie tenacious, my attitude towards china changed abruptly, Its more a matter of pride than anthing else.)

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so wich one would you guys get?
 
honestly, I would get neither.

though if it's down to those two, the gerber. why? I love my gerber multitool, and it's got an s30v blade. The big downside is the lack of a clip.

I would go against the CS because it looks very "mall ninja," sounds very "mall ninja" (The AK-47? puh-leeze) and I could care less about the wave opening (though I can't say much, since I've never tried it myself)
 
I would probably get the CS one but get which ever you like best. Don't be swayed by silly mind games. Some people can't see the forest for the trees.;)
 
My friend has a cold steel with their "axis lock". It sucks. It's nothing like a proper benchmade axis lock. When you push the lock it doesnt move smoothly and evenly, one side goes farther, then it jams.

Axis is nice, but if youre getting one get a good one.
 
3wolves said:
Okay I decided I want one of these 2 folders. They are both awsome but since I am not as experienced as some of the people here, I decided to ask your opinion.

First is the gerber freeman S30V, made in the U.S.A, S30V withe checkered cocabalo wood handles and is beutifull. On the downside, It has a liner lock and no pocket clip.

Next is the Cold Steel AK-47 (AUS-8), axis lock, wave, Pocket clip. On the downside, is the ridiculous handle to blade ratio and its made in taiwan (although when I played around with the spydie tenacious, my attitude towards china changed abruptly, Its more a matter of pride than anthing else.)

so wich one would you guys get?
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Taiwan is not mainland China. A lot of nice knives are made in Taiwan. China is capable of making decent stuff, but quality varies by brand just as it does anywhere else.

I have had bad luck with Gerbers myself, but I haven't tried this knife, nor have I read reports from anyone who has. Never had a Cold Steel but have read lots of reports from satisfied users.

If it were I, I would look for different candidates from which to choose. But between these two blades I think I would risk the Gerber quality isues to get the S30V steel.
 
its made in taiwan (although when I played around with the spydie tenacious, my attitude towards china changed abruptly
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What does a Chinese Spyderco have to do with a Taiwanese Gerber? :confused:
 
I have been looking at that AK 47 for a little while now. It would be nice to at least handle it before I made any assumptions. From what I've read, I like the AK and the pommel in case you want to beat something with the handle. S30V is nice, but I would say you should spend your money on something better ;). Maybe a Benchmade 710 for the price of the AK 47? Full steel liners, G-10 handles, and a D-2 tool steel blade. If you want to stick to Gerber, try looking at the Gerber 06 Auto. S30V blade, probably around the same price, and hey, it has a clip :). As for CS, I personally like their Voyager line. CS does have a nice sturdy lockback.
 
stevekt said:
What does a Chinese Spyderco have to do with a Taiwanese Gerber? :confused:
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Nothing exept that China/Taiwan can produce quality knives. I personnaly cant tell much difference in quality between a buck made in the U.S and a buck made in china but I feel alot prouder of a knife without CHINA stamped in bold lettering on the blade.

I have been looking at that AK 47 for a little while now. It would be nice to at least handle it before I made any assumptions. From what I've read, I like the AK and the pommel in case you want to beat something with the handle. S30V is nice, but I would say you should spend your money on something better . Maybe a Benchmade 710 for the price of the AK 47? Full steel liners, G-10 handles, and a D-2 tool steel blade. If you want to stick to Gerber, try looking at the Gerber 06 Auto. S30V blade, probably around the same price, and hey, it has a clip . As for CS, I personally like their Voyager line. CS does have a nice sturdy lockback.
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I cant carry an auto around in Canada and I like the BM rukus (the blade on the 710 is too thin for my taste.) but Im not going to risk taking an axis lock that cost $150 across the border, even with a tightened pivot) I can just pick up the CS at warriors and wonders. Im sorta leaning towards the CS because its more pocket friendly and I have big paws the so big handle is a plus in a way even if it looks wierd. But it just doesnt have the beuty of the gerber.
 
If you must have thumb studs or easy opening capability, I'd go with the AK-47. I don't have one, but I do have the Cold Steel Recon 1, and it's an excellent knife and has the same sort of axis lock. The AK-47 has a blade that is much too fat for my tastes.

You didn't say what you'd be using the knife for, but S30V is considered by many to be the hot setup in blade steel these days. Even so, Gerber's knives just aren't that great any more and like you, I'm not big on linerlocks. If you want a knife that's built like a brick outhouse, has an excellent S30V blade and a solid lockup, get a Buck 110 Alaskan Guide. It comes with a leather belt case and is a lock-back design. The heat treat by Paul Bos is said to be outstanding.

If you need or want a tactical knife, take a look at the various Cold Steel Recon 1s that are available. Also, the CRKT M21-04. If you can afford it, also take a close look at the Benchmades. Lots of folks here like Spyderco, too, though I think they're a tad overpriced and a tad undersized. But then, I like larger knives.
 
Confederate said:
If you must have thumb studs or easy opening capability, I'd go with the AK-47. I don't have one, but I do have the Cold Steel Recon 1, and it's an excellent knife and has the same sort of axis lock. The AK-47 has a blade that is much too fat for my tastes.

You didn't say what you'd be using the knife for, but S30V is considered by many to be the hot setup in blade steel these days. Even so, Gerber's knives just aren't that great any more and like you, I'm not big on linerlocks. If you want a knife that's built like a brick outhouse, has an excellent S30V blade and a solid lockup, get a Buck 110 Alaskan Guide. It comes with a leather belt case and is a lock-back design. The heat treat by Paul Bos is said to be outstanding.

If you need or want a tactical knife, take a look at the various Cold Steel Recon 1s that are available. Also, the CRKT M21-04. If you can afford it, also take a close look at the Benchmades. Lots of folks here like Spyderco, too, though I think they're a tad overpriced and a tad undersized. But then, I like larger knives.
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I have a normal 110 (who doesnt?) and was eying the AG one with the stag scales but tactical folders have spoiled me, I try to carry the 110 in my pocket and its just so inconvinient compare to OH opening etc. I usually use the 110 for tough jobs and wouldnt be able to do that with a $150 knife. As for spydies, they'r built like a tank but I just cant bring myself to buy one because of the looks, they'r too practical.
 
I think that I would save my $$$ & get myself a Spyderco Waved Endura (if you like large blades) Haven't had any luck w/ new Gerber knives & I don't like the looks or feel of the AK-47 :thumbdn: ColdSteel does make some good stuff for the $$$, I have a CS ProLite (made in Tiwian) It is built like a tank & scary sharp ! It looks like a Spyderco Wegner or BladeTech Pro Hunter only the CS is much larger & feels more solid (had both but traded the Spyderco).:eek:
 
Cold Steel makes some of the toughest knives in the industry. I own 10 Cold Steel knives and 4 Gerbers, and there is little comparisen. The Cold Steel will hold up long after the Gerber is in pieces.

I've never had a problem with any lock on a Cold Steel. Many times, if a Cold Steel lock fails to catch, it is because there is dirt on the lock face (on the back side of the blade). Get a Q-Tip and clean it with alcohol and it will be good as new. All knives must be maintained. I have a problem with my Gerber Stallion, speaking of locks. It's only 3 years old and the lock has already wore out from metal fatigue. For the lock to catch, I have to start it with my thumb, and snap it the rest of the way open for the lock to engage all the way. So much for Gerbers.......

Semper Fi!
 
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