New Voyager XL Tanto vs. Older Version Voyager XL Tanto for SD?

V

Voyager

Joined
Jan 8, 2003
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Hi all,

what do you think is the better choice for self-defense:

1. The New Voyager XL Tanto 5.5" or the old-style Voyager XL Tanto 5"?
The grip, handling and weight is totally different from each other...

2. Always i would prefer plain edge, what do you think about it?

Thanks
 
New, longer, better grip location, tri-ad lock.

Plain edge always.

A plain edge Vaquero is probably a better option, as well as looking a lot meaner.
 
SD? First, check your knife laws in your state.

I'd say old style. Better steel, opens faster. You can flick it open using nothing but the weight of the blade. Vaquerro or clip point fully serrated would be better for SD, especially for the untrained.

But I recommend a stungun or pepper spray, or some non-lethal alternative that doesn't get you jail time just for defending yourself.
 
Assuming you can legally carry such a large knife, new or old style. Does it really matter for self-defence? Hope you have a good lawyer if you have to use a 5 inch blade to defend yourself. Anyway, those old-school Voyagers certainly were a popular choice back in the day and did their jobs quite nicely. I still have my old Voyager XL. Still locks up solid. I also have one of the new 4 inch Voyagers too, but I'm fond of the old Japanese Voyagers. That said, a knife for self defence would be a last resort. I'd personally rather use pepper spray or a non-lethal alternative for defensive purposes.

 
Last edited:
Cosmic Superchunk said:
Assuming you can legally carry such a large knife, new or old style. Does it really matter for self-defence? Hope you have a good lawyer if you have to use a 5 inch blade to defend yourself. Anyway, those old-school Voyagers certainly were a popular choice back in the day and did their jobs quite nicely. I still have my old Voyager XL. Still locks up solid. I also have one of the new 4 inch Voyagers too, but I'm fond of the old Japanese Voyagers. That said, a knife for self defence would be a last resort. I'd personally rather use pepper spray or a non-lethal alternative for defensive purposes.

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Yes! Love that style. I had a fully serrated clip point XL for work (worked in plastics) and it cut hardened plastic better than a band saw. Disappeared in my pocket.
 
I like the newer 2011 versions a lot better than the older 2000 versions.

The finger groove on the new version feels a lot better in my hand and is a lot easier to open via thumbstud than the old ones were.
 
The newer version, absolutely. The steel is tougher (far more important than edge retention for your intended use), and the lock is much, much stronger. The blade is more broad, resulting in more cutting power, and the texturing offers a more aggressive grip, as does the new handle shape.
 
Thank you for your replies...

Any negatives about the new Voyagers yet?

I think they are a little heavy for example...
 
The new models are heavier than the old model, but that was a featherweight. They are still pretty light for the size of the blade. If you want a featherweight cutter then Spyderco make some great knives. If you want a big knife that was made to be used (among other things) as a weapon then the Voyager XL is the best bang for your buck you can get.

I carry the clip point because i know the odds of my ever needing it as a weapon are pretty insignificant, and the full flat grind and straight edge makes it better for things like food preparation than the tanto or vaquero.
 
Voyager said:
Thank you for your replies...

Any negatives about the new Voyagers yet?

I think they are a little heavy for example...
Click to expand...
The handle has more complex shape and more "catch" points.
For me, this type of SD knife should be carried IWB, so old, streamlined version would be better.
 
I had an old XL Gunsite & have a new XL clip point. The old one was light & carried great in pocket. Relatively flat. I liked it a lot. I loved my friend's old clip point XL because of the navaja-esque handle shape & great feel in hand. Highly recommended.

The new ones are very sturdily built, have pretty smooth action, & can be flicked open easily using the weight of the blade. I also happen to like the handle shape for a self-defense type folder, too. Less so for other chores.

The blade weight & smooth action will also help guillotine your index finger if you unlock the blade while holding the knife horizontally, so unlock with care if you keep the pivot screw tuned for faster openings. I only have the clip point & can't comment on the vaquero or tanto blades yet.


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I think either would work just fine, both are large, well made folders. The differences between them (steel, lock, etc.) aren't that significant for a knife that's meant for SD. The old ones do carry a bit better, so depending on your wardrobe that can be an important aspect to consider.

From a knife geek standpoint, I'd say get the old one if you find one for a good price, just because it's out of production. The current models can be easily obtained at any knife store at an affordable price, should you want one later on.
 
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