Which folder

H

Hawker

Joined
Nov 14, 2005
Messages
34
I am looking for a folder to replace my smith and wesson. Here are the three that I am looking at now.
Cold Steel Voyager Tanto
Cold Steel Recon 1
Cold Steel Gunsite 2
Of these, which would be the best for an all purpose knife? Are there any other knives that cost less than $45, have at least a 3.75in blade, and have a strong lock system? Thanks
 
I have owned everything but the Recon 1, but I HAVE handled the Recon 1. I like the Recon 1. The Gunsite 2 & Voyager Tanto are good. I would choose the Recon 1. But that is just me, out of those choices. I am not a Cold Steel fan.
 
Hawker said:
I am looking for a folder to replace my smith and wesson. Here are the three that I am looking at now.
Cold Steel Voyager Tanto
Cold Steel Recon 1
Cold Steel Gunsite 2
Of these, which would be the best for an all purpose knife?
Click to expand...


IMHO tantos are not the best choice for an "all purpose knife"; I would suggest a drop or clip point instead.


Are there any other knives that cost less than $45, have at least a 3.75in blade, and have a strong lock system?
Click to expand...

For around $45 I would look for a Spyderco Endura or Pacific Salt. A clip point CS Voyager would also be an option, but I like the FRN Spydercos better.
 
You get a better knife from Spyderco and better steel for the money, for that matter!
 
I'm not fan of the cold steel knifes, bad luck I guess. Like frank k said a tanto is not a great choice for an all purpose knife. If you do go with the CS I would say the Recon 1, other wise get your self a Spyderco Centofante III, or a Native both well priced.
 
OK. Thanks everyone. I guess I’ll get a Spyderco Endura then. For an all purpose knife, would a combo edge or a plain edge be best?
 
Hawker: You made an EXCELLENT decision in choosing the Endura!! I prefer PE.
 
I have a Gunsite II and think it's great. I, too, am not a huge fan of tanto blades, but I am a fan of this particular knife. The serrated pattern on it are much finer than other Cold Steel patterns and really bites into what you're cutting. The undercut of the tanto blade I use for stripping wires and I've never had any down sides to using the tanto. Overall, the weight and balance are fine, it's easy to sharpen and holds an edge right well.

The Recon 1 is a bit short, but has a good locking mechanism. The blade's a bit short, measuring only 3.75 inches from where the edge begins. Oh, and it's a 440A blade viz an AUS 8A with the Gunsite II.

-Confed
 
Hawker said:
I am looking for a folder to replace my smith and wesson. Here are the three that I am looking at now.
Cold Steel Voyager Tanto
Cold Steel Recon 1
Cold Steel Gunsite 2
Of these, which would be the best for an all purpose knife? Are there any other knives that cost less than $45, have at least a 3.75in blade, and have a strong lock system? Thanks
Click to expand...
If you want a Cold Steel, get the large plain edge clip point Voyager. The Cold Steel Voyagers are hollow ground, which I really like.

I would suggest a Spyderco Endura over the Voyager. About the same price, but a much better knife.
 
Hello there Hawker!

If you're willing to wait a bit more, in about a couple of weeks, the latest and improved version of the Endura will be out. Without looking at that link, I hazard to guess that that particular model is an old one. I think you're going to like the new one better with the VG-10 steel, new handle, more durable tip and steel liners. A real awesome improvement!

As for your other question about serrated vs. plain edges, please acquaint yourself with the SEARCH feature and you'll probably find out more. Basically though, a good and maitained plain edge can cut a whole lot more and isn't a pain the butt to sharpen when the time comes. Serrated edges are a lot more specialized for irregular-shaped/tough/fibrous materials.

Hope that helps!
 
Hawker said:
I found a Endura for $36 here.
http://www.botac.com/spydercoendura.html
It says that the Endura has a ATS-55 blade! I always thought that it had a VG-10 blade! What is going on here?
Would most people agree that a plain blade is the most versatile? Why?
Click to expand...

Botac is actually the infamous and dreaded BOTACH. See http://botac.com/info.html
Looks like they've changed the name they do business under, to stay in business?????
 
That’s great, I can wait for a while! I wasn’t planning to buy it until after New Year anyway. How will I know that it is the new Endura though? Where can I buy it?

By the way, what is the matter with Botac?
 
If you are going to get a folder, might I suggest benchmade? Cold steel makes descent folders, however it’s their fixed blades that keep them in business. Spyderco and benchmade make far better folders for the price. If you want a good solid all purpose knife for a descent price look at the benchmade griptillian. The main reason why I like the griptillian over the endura is the grip, and the lock. You can’t beat the grip and feel of a griptillian. However, the axis lock is just a personal preference.

Just something else to consider,

Cutlass

P.S. If you are bent on getting a folder from cold steel that you mentioned, I would have to say the recon 1. It’s VERY heavy for its size but it is tough as hell, also the lock is also probably the strongest of its kind. However, the scimitar is probably their best folding knife.
 
Can't beat the Gunsite II! Cold Steel makes some great beater knives for the money. Stay away from Spyderco or unless your a fan of blade wobble as an added feature :rolleyes:



Darrell.................







:D Keep Supporting real Metal!!
 
Spyderco's are far and above any Cold Steel knife in quality on every level!!
 
I have the CS Tanto Gunsite..slim, light, and very sharp. ...I have a GenI and broke the pocket clip but I was able to screw on a GenII clip..its a beater and it works especially after a couple strokes on the sharpmaker.....
 
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