Tatanka vs XL Voyager lock test by Cold Steel

Whether you like CS or not one thing remains true. They make quality knives that working folks can afford to use. My expensive knives sit in my safe. My CS are with me when I'm out in the woods. When I need a knife. To date they haven't let me down. CS video, like it or not demonstrates that their folder will meet or exceed the durability of a folder costing 3 times as much.
I don't see anything wrong with that.

I understand this. I like to use knives that are reasonably priced. It seems as though I "use" value quality knives and "collect" more expensive knives. I plan to get my first Cold Steel knife when the models with the new steel come out.
 
The Tatanka did extremely well, is tougher than it needs to be, and gives Spydie fans their unique flavor of an XL overbuilt folder. It's going to be OK folks.

Exactly.

"OMG there's an even tougher knife out there! And it's cheaper!!!"
So what?

It looks like I could put a bunch of weight on, and still use the Tatanka to climb trees (if I were dumb enough to use knives to climb trees, that is).
Strong enough. :)

I also have a Cold Steel Voyager XL from the old days of VG-1 steel...the Tatanka is way stronger than that Cold Steel.
Which also a huge case of "So what?"
It is also strong enough...and was also the subject of "Proof" videos Cold Steel put out back then to say how uber strong their knives were. ;)
 
You know, something just occurred to me...
Till now, Cold Steel was the only kid on the block selling production "mega folders".
All of a sudden, a new kid shows up on the block; so, like in kindergarten, they have to knock the new kid down a peg.

It's an attempt to protect their turf.
 
I guess CS weren't too happy about Spyderco basically knocking off their lock. If you look at the lock on the Tatanka it's basically a modified triad lock with enough changes to get around CS's current patent.
 
I guess CS weren't too happy about Spyderco basically knocking off their lock. If you look at the lock on the Tatanka it's basically a modified triad lock with enough changes to get around CS's current patent.

No it isn't.
Have you examined both locks, how they actually function?
They are entirely different, which is why the Tri-Ad handles certain things better, and why the Power Lock is far easier to disengage.

[video=youtube;9YFsS6hwqfQ]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YFsS6hwqfQ[/video]

https://spydercollector.wordpress.com/2014/03/13/spyderco-2014-production-sample-tatanka/

[video=youtube;A9ADImyBY0I]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9ADImyBY0I[/video]
(Go to about 09:00 minutes to see the lock with cutaway view in action)


Two different locks.
Each offer different advantages and downsides.
 
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And here's what Cold Steel said when I asked for a thicker blade in the Espada XL model:

The Espada is a very thinly ground knife designed for shearing. It's a specialized tool and one I would never recommend for hard use bushcraft chores that involve chopping.
It's the wrong tool for the job
I've seen people processing wood with other folders from our line up (XL Recon I, Rajah II etc) and although it's possible in an emergency for sure, I still wouldn't recommend it.

I usually suggest packing a Trail Hawk head (with sheath). It's relatively small and not too heavy. It can be used as a wedge to split wood and can scrape, carve, hammer and hack with ease. It can also be used to fashion it's own handle - then you have an axe :)
Best of all, it keeps your knife clean, sharp and ready for tasks that require a finer and more precise edge.
I met a group of survivalists a few years ago who taught me about the trick with the hawk head and it really opened my eyes. I never leave home without one (usually wrapped in paracord and kept in the trunk of my car with my SF Shovel).
I recommend it often

So they don't recommend using your Cold Steel knife hard anyway.


From this thread:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...ing-Machete-request?highlight=folding+machete
 
No it isn't.
Have you examined both locks, how they actually function?
They are entirely different, which is why the Tri-Ad handles certain things better, and why the Power Lock is far easier to disengage.

[video=youtube;9YFsS6hwqfQ]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YFsS6hwqfQ[/video]

https://spydercollector.wordpress.com/2014/03/13/spyderco-2014-production-sample-tatanka/

[video=youtube;A9ADImyBY0I]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9ADImyBY0I[/video]
(Go to about 09:00 minutes to see the lock with cutaway view in action)


Two different locks.
Each offer different advantages and downsides.
It's not that different. It's still basically a backlock with a stop pin
 
No it isn't.
Have you examined both locks, how they actually function?
They are entirely different, which is why the Tri-Ad handles certain things better, and why the Power Lock is far easier to disengage.

[video=youtube;9YFsS6hwqfQ]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YFsS6hwqfQ[/video]

https://spydercollector.wordpress.com/2014/03/13/spyderco-2014-production-sample-tatanka/

[video=youtube;A9ADImyBY0I]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9ADImyBY0I[/video]
(Go to about 09:00 minutes to see the lock with cutaway view in action)


Two different locks.
Each offer different advantages and downsides.
I disagree and yes I have the Tatanka
 
Having read through the entire thread thus far a few things are apparent. Some folks are mad because the Tatanka lost. Some folks are mad because the test wasn't done by an unbiased third party. And a few are mad because Cold Steel made another "silly" video.
I like Cold Steel.
I like Spyderco.
Both companies make some darn nice blades, and some blades I have zero interest in as well.
Way I see it, Spyderco challenged Cold Steel for bragging rights on lock strength, and Cold Steel answered. Nothing wrong with that. Mr. Demko was not demeaning in any way toward Spyderco's blade, and didn't act a sore winner. The wrap-up/conclusion at the end was pretty straightforward and lacked anything I would consider ""gloating". I realize there will most likely be another 5-10 pages of argument on this video but it seemed a fair test to me. Now I'm going to go back to drooling over the Street Beat and the 3V Master Hunter, I want both:D
 
I disagree and yes I have the Tatanka

The way the forces are transferred is entirely different.

But hey, if superficial similarities make you think it's the same thing, then whatever.

I get it...I used to think the Tri-Ad lock was pretty much just a back-lock with the addition of a stop pin.
I was wrong; Demko came up with a new lock that did things in a different way, despite superficial similarities.

The Power Lock is another different lock which does things in a different way.
 
It's not that different. It's still basically a backlock with a stop pin

That's like saying the compression lock is basically a liner lock on the top of the handle instead of the bottom.
Compression/liner lock and power lock/triad are superficially comparable, but the forces involved are totally different.
The power lock is absolutely not a rip off of the triad.

ETA:
You beat me to it Stabman.
 
OK, only 4 mins in but I noticed how the voyager was on the spine thwack lever hung straight down after each thwack. The tatanka points out at a right angle after each thwack, showing it may be tightened down more than the voyager, which would have a huge effect on the impact of the hit making this test unreliable.
 
Hanging weights seemed pretty fair. Cold steel does make a tough knife. Still, posting a video of your own knife winning a test under your own controls is a bit of a conflict of interest. Nonetheless, cool tests:)
 
There's a big difference in steel snobs and lock snobs. Steel snobs will see a noticeable difference in the different steels. Lock snobs will likely not see any difference with locks. Why chase after the strongest lock when you have never broken one? I sure as hell have no problem dulling edges.

There's no difference IMHO. Steel snobs want a knife to cut a thousand pieces of cardboard without sharpening. Lock folks want a knife which they can use as a make-shift foot step. To me they both reached a point of diminishing returns a while back. If I need real strength, I'll buy a fixed blade instead of the over-built folder. Either a $10 Mora or even an ESEE LS (which is also 9 oz.). If I need to cut a billion things a day, I'll carry a utility knife:)

Ultimately, this is Bladeforums. Minutiae is the life blood of this place. Taking apart this type of crap is much of what's done around here. Rarely is "need" part of anything. If it was, we'd be bored writing about our single Mora Companion/Buck/Kabar, SAK/Old Timer, and machete/axe/hawk/saw combo. Who "needs" a 200 lb. strength lock? Who needs a knife which only has to be sharpened once a year? No one.

And marketing is done by every company. Some is more subtle and we tend to enjoy it when it's from "our" company, and make fun when it's not. CS is over the edge in marketing, but their knives often live up to the hype. That's more than some outfits can say.
 
Jdk1,

I want a knife to cut a lot of cardboard between touch ups because I cut a lot of cardboard. I have yet to come across a person whose life or work require using folders as ladder rungs. This is why chasing steels makes sense, to a point, while lock chasing doesn't.
 
Jdk1,

I want a knife to cut a lot of cardboard between touch ups because I cut a lot of cardboard. I have yet to come across a person whose life or work require using folders as ladder rungs. This is why chasing steels makes sense, to a point, while lock chasing doesn't.

To each his own with nothing but love from me:thumbup: But, truth be told, would not your need be better met with a cheap replacement type blade utility cutter? I trim my bushes with a khukuri, so I'm totally down with the concept of using a particular tool for no reason other than pleasure. That being said, my post pointed to the fact that with actual "needs", extraordinary edge retention is not much different than extraordinary lock strength. The lock guys could say you are just chasing better performance, while they're chasing something to ensure they don't lose a finger. Safety could easily be seen as the more important. I'm just trying to make a point, as I'm good with all of it. Again, nothin' but love from me on both opinions, but they are just opinions.:bi_polo: Almost everything on BFc is academic discussion. It should be treated as such.:)
 
To each his own with nothing but love from me:thumbup: But, truth be told, would not your need be better met with a cheap replacement type blade utility cutter? I trim my bushes with a khukuri, so I'm totally down with the concept of using a particular tool for no reason other than pleasure. That being said, my post pointed to the fact that with actual "needs", extraordinary edge retention is not much different than extraordinary lock strength. The lock guys could say you are just chasing better performance, while they're chasing something to ensure they don't lose a finger. Safety could easily be seen as the more important. I'm just trying to make a point, as I'm good with all of it. Again, nothin' but love from me on both opinions, but they are just opinions.:bi_polo: Almost everything on BFc is academic discussion. It should be treated as such.:)

I respect your position. Well stated, sir.

As for utility blades... I don't know that it would be fair to say that either option is better. One needs occasional replacement, the other needs occasional touch up. They each cut stuff. The difference may really be convenience. I carry a folder all of the time. May as well just reach for that when I need a blade at work.
 
I doubt you use your knife very hard if you think these tests are stupid. Think about the levering/guillitine type forces that would be put on your fingers by the blade if a lock failed. The other day I was cutting up thick plastic sheets at work and using a stabbing/levering type cutting movement. This put enormous positive and negative forces on the blade. I was glad to have the CS American Lawman that day; I would not have even attempted the cut with any other type of folding knive.


If you think you are putting more force than you can lift with one hand you are very wrong. What is your curl record, 20-30lb? Good luck doing 400lb by hand.
All those tests show is that one can break a knife if one wanted to do so at any cost, those tests do not make CS any superior to Spyderco because in everyday situations one will never have to deal with such stresses.

I am not a Spyderco fan in case that becomes a question.
 
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