Having trouble deciding on CS or Spyderco.

S

Shaggy8675

Joined
Jul 19, 2006
Messages
117
I am looking hard for a new knife to replace my old time 16year old favorite Buck 110 in 420 steel.

I've been looking in the $45 range on sites like E-bay to get me a nice price. At first i was just focused on the Cold Steel Gunsite II. I love the tanto style blade plus it's a reasonable sized knife:

GUNSITE II

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Specifications:
Blade: 4"
Handle: 5 1/8"
Overall: 9 1/8"
Thick: 1/8"
Weight: 3.5oz.
VG-1 Stainless Steel. ( but i'm looking for the AUS-8A version! )
Zytel® Handle

Pricing on the internet around $45
Click to expand...

Now comes the fun part ;)
I hear verry mixed reactions about CS products. Ok they use rather "optimistic" video's on their site claiming all sorts of stuff. And i'm sober enough to see through that thing.

Most people swear by Spyderco instead of CS. After getting some tips i got looking at the Spyderco D'Allara Drop Point ComboEdge.

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length overall 8" (203 mm)
blade length 3 1/2" (89 mm)
blade steel VG-10
length closed 5" (127 mm)
cutting edge 3 1/8" (79 mm)
weight 5.1 oz (145 g)
hole diameter 9/16" (14 mm)
blade thickness 1/8" (3 mm)
handle material FRN

Pricing on the internet around +/- $50
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I am going to use the knife for every day carry. The tasks are going to be things like: opening boxes, cutting rope etc. Generall knife usings. But...Yes their is a But I also almost primairely need the knife for self defense if push comes to shove.
It needs to be trusty, reliable, holds edge for a good time etc.

Simple choice isn't it ;)
I like the looks of the CS verry much, it's slightly also bigger than the Spyderco.
The Spyderco however seems to have better steel, reliable ball lock etc.

What would be the wise thing to do? I don't want to start another "yes/No" argument on how good CS or Spyderco is or isn't but i do want the real facts and hopefully first hand experiences.

Hopefully you got the knowledge i don't have :o
 
I'd ask this in the Practical Tactical subforum, there are the self defense experts.
Have You considered Your options, and do You think that a folder is Your best choice for SD? I personally think, that a folder is a useful SD option, but I'd rather use (guns are in Hungary not available:( ) an OC spray, telescopic baton,... at first, because they have more range and are not so deadly.
If only knifes are available, I'd choose a fixed blade, because folders are suprisingly hard to open under in adrenalin rush.
From the 2 folders I would choose the D'Allara, because it has a very secure grip.
 
Balazs said:
I'd ask this in the Practical Tactical subforum, there are the self defense experts.
Have You considered Your options, and do You think that a folder is Your best choice for SD? I personally think, that a folder is a useful SD option, but I'd rather use (guns are in Hungary not available:( ) an OC spray, telescopic baton,... at first, because they have more range and are not so deadly.
If only knifes are available, I'd choose a fixed blade, because folders are suprisingly hard to open under in adrenalin rush.
From the 2 folders I would choose the D'Allara, because it has a very secure grip.
Click to expand...
Well that's 1 of the problems were i live. I canot use handguns, Sprays or batons etc. But i am alowed to have a folding knife on me. No fixed blades over 3 inch i believe. But folders are alowed up till 11 inch. ( to much for my everyday carry ) 8 to 9 is ok for me.

As for the stress, that's always a thing but i did pickup some nice things in the army to cope with stressfull situations ;)

I always have my knife handy in known troublesome places ( hand in pocket holding knife for easy acces. ) I must say that modern folders are verry easy to open compared to my old Buck for instance. I have 2 small modern folders and they flip open easy.
But for the rest. i just need a dependable every day knife.


Iff this is in the wrong subforum can a mod please correct that?
 
I think you'd be satisfied with that Spyderco. It's got a very comfortable handle and Spyderco designs some very effective blade grinds.

You might want to take a look at the Manix if you're willing to spend up to 100$ or so. It's one hell of a knife. It's the most expensive knife I've owned by more than twice the price of the previous record holder, but after using it a lot all I have to say is I want another. :)
 
Spyderco.

Simply because they are better knives. Also for the fact that the nice people that make them stand behind them and are great people.

The D'Allara drop point is kind of a wide and thick knife. You might want to try the new Delica 4 or an Endura 4.

I just can't bring myself to like Cold Steel.
 
Which brand and which knife is better is a matter of opinion. 100% subjective.

But most would agree that VG-10 is far better than VG-1. Most consider the drop point to be a more useful design than a modern tanto.

Some people do not like the ball baring lock. I find it VERY smooth to open, but it is bested by many other locks when it comes to closing.

You should try the ball baring lock before you buy. If you do not like it, try the Delica, Endura, Native, Adventura, etc...

My favorite of those is the S30V Native.

The reason many people here love Spyderco and dislike CS is because Sal Glesser is a great guy with a great presence on this forum. Also, Spyderco is very innovative and is responsible for many elements of the modern folder that you (and CS) take for granted. They also are about function being the basis of the form. This makes for knives that feel great in-hand during a variety of *REAL* tasks, and are shaped to perform well. They aren't designed just to look cool.

Lynn (of CS) on the other hand is a clown, and CS is not original but rather, theives (as many claim). Of course, CS did popularize the modern tanto.

Forgetting about the cult of personality, Spyderco knives function very well. Is function what you are after?
 
Since you already like the Buck 110, how about a Cabela's Buck 110?
For $40, the Wally-world Spyderco Native in S30V.
 
I can pretty well guarantee that the D’Allara is going to have a more comfortable, secure grip, and stronger handle (it’s got SS liners). That knife is probably one of the best utility knives you can get for the money, and a lot of those factors make it better for SD too.
 
how about a spydie military or a paramilitary
 
My choice would be the Spyderco. I find the blade shape more useful, I like the handle shape more, and VG10 is a better steel than VG1.
 
I'm curious...Why isn't a Benchmade knife one of your choices? It's really hard to best the Axis-lock and the steel that Benchmade uses.:thumbup:.
 
From what you've shared, there are 3 that come to mind: CS Voyageur AUS8 medium ($45), Spyderco Native S30V ($40 ala Wally World), and BM Monolock N690 (similar to 440C stainless) ($40). The CS is nice and has performed well but the AUS8 doesn't hold up as long as the others and chips like mad. The S30V, unless you're an experienced sharpener or have a SM takes a bit of time and skill to scary sharp. For your use I'd look at the BM, tough as nails, sheeple friendly, easy to sharpen (seems tougher than 440C stainless), and flicks very sweet and very fast for SD (needed?). I have all three of these knives but, of the 3, I carry the BM the most. Good Luck! :D
 
Since it looks like you keep your knives a good bit of time, I'd be hesitant to recommend the D'Allara at this time. Espescially as it will be your primary knife (maybe only one). Not a big fan of the Native as an only blade, either.

As mentioned, the Delica 4 or an Endura 4 may be a better choice.

If you chose CS, go for the AUS8 made in Japan - they can still be found. Taking your time on the bay is the secret to a good price.

As for Benchmade, a bit of rise in price, the Griptillian is an option. The older 440C can be found for approx. $45, but move up to $55 and the 154CM can be found. A bit light in the handle (for the full-size version). I'm a thumbstud person in all except big, thumb-size round holes, as oval just don't work for me that well.

Note: as you're perusing the bay, try doing a search based on metal type. D2, ats, ats34, 154, 154cm, etc. Many "off-brands," from companies that didn't make it or are not that popular can be found this way. A fair amount of quality going at low prices.

The, too, you may wish to simply send off the old work-horse to Buck to be rebladed and tuned. They offer some good stuff as options (as regards blades, handle material).
 
Spyderco would be my first choice, unless it was a super sweet deal on the CS.
I like the clip better on the Spyderco.



Blades
 
Lets see.

AUS8 or VG10. Hands down choice there. VG10 is superior in my mind.

Life time warranty or 1 year? Seems hands down there also. Spydercos Warranty is superior.

What about the serration pattern? Having owned both types, I've found that Cold Steels smaller teeth tend to break off. Spydercos serrated pattern is superior in many way regarding edge portions breaking off but its also superior in the fact that it is easier by far to sharpen back up and Spyderco will sharpen it for you if you wish.

Lynn Thompson or Sal Glesser? Gee let me think. :jerkit: I think thats a no brainer also. Sal hands down.

Seriously I'm sure the Gunsite folder is probably a fine knife but looking at the overall things I look for I'd go with the Spyderco here.

STR
 
I don't even think that it's a comparison....Spyderco would win hands down in any meaningful category.

I will mention though, the the D'Allara that I owned (I think that it was a Rescue) had this ball-lock system that I found very cumbersome to use. Personally, I'd look at the Native, Delica or Endura depending on the blade size and shape that you want.
 
As you are familiar with Buck's 420, how about looking at the Buck/Strider 889. Great knife and in that price range of $45-$50 if you look around. You can't go wrong with either the CS Gunsite or the Spyderco, both are good knives at their price point. I'd also check here on the forums for something used. There are some nice things to be had and traded for in those respective forums.

Matador-
 
I would have to agree with what fudo mentioned above in his earlier post. Being you are already familiar with the Buck 110, the Cabela's Buck 110 with S30V blade would be a significant improvement over the one you have now.

If you'd like to read more about it, you can check out the link below:

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...&parentType=index&indexId=cat20891&hasJS=true

It's a bit over your $45.00 range (the Cabela's model is $60.00) but I feel it is well worth the price. I have two of them myself.

If you are dead set in choosing between the Gunsite and the D'Allara, I would choose the D'Allara. It has better steel and the blade shape would be more useful in everyday tasks. But if the main reason was for self defense, I would go with the Gunsite as the tanto tip would be stronger.
 
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