Cold steel voyager or ?

**bronxlive** · 29-08-2012, 09:58

I'm new to EDC folding knives in the sense that I've only carried either my Leatherman Skeletool or Wave for everyday use.
I'm now looking for an EDC blade for everyday use and for self defense situations, if it should arise. I know that the leatherman's are completely different because it's tools with a "utility" blade.

I don't like serrated blades and want a blade with +- 10 cm length. I do like thicker blades.

I handled a few that I like including spyderco tenacious, byrd raven, cold steel recon, espada(bit bulky), voyager, sog aegis(feels flimsy), kershaw storm(don't like the lock), junkyard dog(not worth the price), CRKT my tighe(don't like the lock), M16's.

The two I like most is the spyderco tenacious and cold steel voyager large and the more pricey Recon 1. Leaning more to the cold steel.
What would you guys with more experience think is the better buy in this range (voyager price range)? Is the recon worth the extra money? Or is there something else in the same price range?

**bronxlive** · 29-08-2012, 10:02

Forgot to mention that I do like the G10 handle and wished the Voyager had G10 then I would've bought it without flinching. Or is the handle on the voyager "tough" enough as is and a non issue?

**ady** · 29-08-2012, 10:08

Harm is making a EDC knife for GS members, i think he is making some extras. There is a thread around here somewhere.

Contact him, they look awesome.

**marshy** · 29-08-2012, 10:44

Spyderco Tenacious gets my vote!

or check out the Spyderco Endura or Byrd Cara Cara 2. I've got the Tenacious and the Cara Cara 2, and although I love my Tenacious, I carry my Cara Cara every day, and couldn't be happier.

Originally Posted by ady

Harm is making a EDC knife for GS members, i think he is making some extras. There is a thread around here somewhere.

Contact him, they look awesome.

If you're looking to spend a bit more, ultimately this is the route to go :) it's a little project we started, to come up with the best all round knife, for the members, by the members. And the best part? They'll be ready in December! Just in time for us to give them to ourselves as Christmas prezzies ;)

**ady** · 29-08-2012, 16:11

Originally Posted by marshy

They'll be ready in December! Just in time for us to give them to ourselves as Christmas prezzies ;)

I feel like a little kid who is about to get his first bicycle for xmas. I can't waite anymore.

**ikor** · 29-08-2012, 16:46

I seem to always default to the Spyderco Endura when I look for a reasonably priced fast to access thin and easily carried blade with a good lock for general use. If the Endura is too long for your tastes, the Delica works just fine, too. No way I choose the CS over the Spyderco. While it ain't in the league that Harm's blade will be, the Endura is a very solid knife.

**ady** · 29-08-2012, 23:03

I agree with you Ikor, the Endura is very nice. I'm also a fan of Spyderco's.

**Battlestar** · 30-08-2012, 12:22

I have the the Cold Steel Voyager X2 XXL plain edge.I must be honest that it has been disappointing. I am bye no means a knife guru but I just find the blade does not hold a good edge for very long to the point that I have actually stopped carrying it. I never abused the blade either. Im talking cutting open boxes,thin walled hose,biltong and the like. Currently im carrying a Bear Grylls Gerber pocket folder that my wife bought me for Christmas and I tell you what its not bad at all. Holds a great working edge and takes a fare bit of abuse. The price may be a bit on the high side tho. My next big brand blade will be another Spyderco Endura. That is a great knife.

**marthinus** · 30-08-2012, 13:38

Well, I will always recommend going with a local maker, Harm on the forum does great work as well as other makers.

For the price, what I can recommend it getting the Cold Steel American Lawman.

I stripped the coating on mine and did a little work. It is a good knife for the money, however I can highly recommend a Spyderco Para Military or Military above it for cutting performance and steel used.

However some of these are not in the 10cm category. However, having used and experimented with knives for some time a blade with about 3inches seems to be the preferred size for EDC uses (for many others as well). Not to big or bulky, just right :)

You can also look at knives on Hailstorm, the Pohl Force is a great knife as well.

**super10man** · 05-02-2013, 16:01

I have a Cold Steel AK47 mini and i must say a real workhorse. It can take punishment and stays sharp. There is alot of very good very well made knives on the market, go test and feel which one feels best.