Which Cold Steel Voyager should I get?

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SwatMC

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Mar 26, 2006
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I want to get a Cold Steel Voyager. I am looking for raw cutting power. Big and serrated.

I want something smaller than the biggest one, which I believe is a 6 inch blade.

I am leaning towards the XL full serrated Voyager or the 5 inch gunsite tanto.

Any preference to one or the other?

Thanks fellow knife nuts.
 
Doesn't the Voyager use AUS8A? Isn't that not so good of a steel for raw cutting power like you're looking for?

Oops, scratch that. Looks like they're using VG-1. What is VG-1 comparable to? Where does it lie on the spectrum of steels?
 
I assume it's a notch down from VG-10.

I am a novice when it comes to steel type.

I was going to get a Spyderco Rescue but I already have a waved Spyderco Endura with a plain edge.

I am definitely going with the newer VG-1 steel on the Cold Steel.

I just want something big and mean with a full serration.
 
I have a Voyager XL and it's a lot of knife. From your description of what you seek perhaps you should check out the CS Vaquero.
 
I would go with the Voyager over the Gunsite. I think the blade shape overall is more useful for EDC. For overall utility, I'd go with the Voyager. The only reason I'd go with the Gunsite is if I just liked the tanto blade. Personally, I like the serrations on Spydercos over the Cold Steel serrations, but both of the knives you've named are a pretty good value for the money. I also agree that you might want to look into the Vaquero knives for cutting power.
 
I have the 5" voyager tanto... the spine is 1/4" thick, which I find way too thick for an EDC/utility knife. Though I must say that the lock is rock solid.
 
There all nice for the price $48-$53 range, well at least by me. I was looking at the 4" blades I believe. This was when I was not really familiar with knives, but still a good deal.
 
I have the Vaquero Grande, the 5" Voyager (plain edge), and 5" Gunsite tanto (combo edge), all in AUS-8A. Not a bad steel: don't get caught up in the hype, that if it isn't the latest and greatest, it won't perform. That a company has been using a particular steel long enough to learn how to heat-treat it, and what geometry it works well on, means a lot. I understand their new VG-1 works comparably.

The serrations hold up pretty well, and I use the Vaquero Grande hard. Steel the backside of the edge and they straighten right up.

Keeping in mind that Cold Steel tantos are hollow ground and excellent slicers, unless you really like a tanto, as I do, you're better off with the more common clip point Voyager. Unless you have a real need for the extra length, stick to your 5" limit or even consider the 4" -- still a big blade.
 
Esav Benyamin said:
I just put the calipers to my 5" Gunsite tanto and clip point Voyager and both are 1/8" not 1/4".
I can't imagine the tanto Voyager is different. :confused:
Click to expand...

well, it was late at night when I checked, so my eyesight probably wasn't it's best :p I'll check with calipers later today to double check.
 
I've got the biggest one...the vaquero? But it's got the bowie shaped blade. It's a great knife and has SOO many uses, I've used it as a general camping knife for smaller chores and food prep. It's a great knife. Cold Steel has a solid product. It's not a premium product, but it serves it's purpose well. It holds a decent edge and is easy to sharpen. I keep it touched up with a strop for the most part.
 
Under the maximum six inch length, blade thickness measures 3mm (1/8"). The X2 with the six-inch blade measures 3.5mm thick. There is no thickness difference between the tanto and clip-point blade styles.

I have a fully serrated X2 and enjoy it immensely for a workhorse when I don't want to get my Spydercos dirty. ;) I'd get the five-inch Vaquero. Raw cutting power, slightly smaller package.
 
steelscout30 said:
I'd get the five-inch Vaquero. Raw cutting power, slightly smaller package.
Click to expand...

I'd also recommend the Vaquero for the same reasons.
Plus it's made with the same VG-1 steel which I think is excellent. Been using it for a while now with my Vaquero, Master Hunter, and a couple of the CS kitchen knives. Takes a great razor edge and holds it a long time, much longer than AUS8A. Also the Vaquero is a flat grind; the Voyager is a hollow grind.
 
My EDCs are the Clip Point 6" Voyager and/or the Scimitar- both fully serrated. My preference has always been "bigger is better" and the 6" is legal to carry here in CA.

I dearly love my Scimitar as well, but if I only carry one, its gonna be my Voyager.
 
+1 on the Vaquero. I used a 5" Vaquero for 3 years while working in a scrap yard. It was used daily to cut heavy Gaylord boxes (.5" thick cardboard), wire, heavy ropes and straps full of dirt. Even used it to saw through welding leads for repair work. The shape of the blade really gives it a lot of cutting power. Touch up and sharpening is easy as Esav stated. Lansky also makes a dogbone sharpener for CS serrations that works very well.
 
I have an XL, clip point, plain edge, AUS-8 Voyager. Keep it sharp and it cuts like hell. (good hell!) It is large for a folder but light, and because of the shape, fits nicely clipped into my front jeans pocket.
I have several other folders made of superior materials but when it's time for a day hike in the desert, I almost always grab my Voyager.
 
How does the Vaquero Grande feel in the pocket? ive never tryed a Vaquero but after reading here i might pick one up but not sure what size to get
 
None. get a blade made in the USA. You can find exactly what you're looking for from many companies in the US, in the same price range, same specs, better quality, and better customer service. Just my humble opinion. companies like CS are a big part of the reasons companies like Camillus vanish. Unless you NEED a tanto, get a fully serrated Endura, Alittle more for a fully SE police or millitary, well worth the extra cash, and talk about mean looking. IMHO, any most aus, and CSs VG-1, whatever thats supposed to me ic crap for EDC. you can get them extremely sharp, easily, but I've used both on work sites, ctting alot, and no matter what, it would have to be sharpened nearly everyday, not the case with Real VG-10, for me atleast, and with CS serrations they wear down and then there is nothing you can do but make it a PE. For a strictly SD knife they would be fine, Strong lock and everything, and the Steel won't snap too easily, but Just not being U.S. built, I'd pass, especially with all the other options that are similar. but Thats just my opinion, and I have a thing about doing my best to allways buy USA. No offense to anyone:-)
 
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