Just a data point, the original Laredo handle was a laminated wood handle, like pakka wood. That material should have been stronger than natural wood, maybe closer to micarta, but they still had a tendency to split.
Always loved the shape of those! I don't know where people are getting it's not meant to hit anything hard since "fighting knife" implies it's a knife fight... meaning the other guy has one lol!
Great review I love the way you're maturing in your reviews and your confidence in understanding the capabilities of the knives based on your observation and your experiences. Your levity is a refreshing Dynamic much appreciated. I am a Chinese sword practitioner and teacher.
Watched your 'disappointed laredo' video, great review, and purchased one in 4034. This is a great follow up video. Just found your channel recently and find your presentation style fantastic. Have been looking at the Natchez as well, so am really looking forward to that video. I would like to know how you put the finger choil in the Laredo, I bought a Trailmaster in the early 2000's, and always wished it had a finger choil. Maybe you create a how-to video one day. Thank you so much for your content. Liked and subscribed.
Mike I bought both of those knives in 4034 I don't see myself ever using them more than wall hangers and talking points with my buddies nice review on all of your knives
Love the long and detailed talks. I appreciate the martial perspective as most knife reviews only consider the utility aspect. May I suggest the 'Chaos Bowie' as it's one of the lower cost options from Cold Steel. I've had one for a while with plans to eventually modify it. I don't like the "trench knife" grip, so it will either be to a D guard or a simple cross guard. And I'll definitely add a sharpened false edge. They seem like economical project knives.
I have the Natchez and the Laredo Bowie from Cold Steel and really like them. I’ve gotten some lemon knives over the course of the last few years from Cold Steel unfortunately, but the replacement is usually always better. The only knife I had to return multiple times was the Drop Forge Bowie. I had gotten three of them and they were really bowed/warped, but I finally got a good one on the fourth attempt. I also purchased a 3V Trailmaster last year and I had viewed many videos and read many reviews of people getting horrible grinds on that knife. However, mine had perfect grinds, but whoever did the blade finish on my Trailmaster left two large horizontal scratches down the entire blade on one side of the knife. It’s a crapshoot unfortunately with getting a knife you are 100% happy with when buying from Cold Steel.
I've owned mine for about 14 years now. I love that knife. Great fighting knife, cuts well and handles beautifully. it wouldn't be my first choice for a camp or working knife though.
Actually it's kind of down between the Natches or 1917 and the Laredo for me as far as CS decisions go. Right now I'm playing with my Lynn Thompson signature leatherneck Bowie
An "EXCELLENT" video Mike!!! It was from your previous video on the Laredo and what you did to it, that I decided to get one and, in 4034 too... I bought the Natchez (4034) when I saw a friend cutting regular nails with his "4034" Kukri by hitting the spine wth a HAMMER! NO damage to the spine and it glinted the edge, yes "glinted" the edge!!! That works for me. And the knife isn't "cheap". Spitting out a buck and a half for a knife ain't chump change in my book!!! And as for 4034 being junk steel (?), well, that's an a-hole statement and the ONLY thing that comes out of an a-hole, is CACA!!! Pardon my French... I really enjoyed this video and it would be AWESOME if you did make a knife holding video Mike! I honestly enjoy the way you move those blades, bro, you got "skills"!!! Again Mike, great video! The kind you have to watch again just in case you missed something the first time...
Thanks for getting back to this knife! Did you do any lateral striking with it? How does it feel when doing parries and slaps? I like the grip changes.
Not sure why some people think that a knife for martial uses should only be used for that. It’s a freakin knife. If you have to put it to use in an encounter. The offending party won’t know or care what your knife was doing before the encounter. Just keep your blade sharpened as often as needed and you’re good to go.
Great video Mike! I love the comparisons beteen models and the unique way you have of analysing them. Maybe in the future you could start doing more comparison videos? Twice the fun without too much strain on the pocket!
I would like to see a video on knife grips, particularly how or if they change with blade length. Also how to grip knives like sgian dhu and Scottish dirks.
Everyone has an opinion & usually it's just people repeating what they've been told by someone else etc. Such knives historically were used as both fighting weapons & utility tools so those people saying it shouldnt be used as such have bo idea what they are talking about.
Very interesting!!! I know you mentioned roughing up the g10 a bit. After that do you find the grips ever get slick? I cut tatami last week with several blades including all my bowie knives. Between the fact that it was raining and changing mats the grip on the natchez got slick enough to twist in my hand so considering twine wrapping it. I haven't roughed up the g10 on mine. Also what grit do you roughen up your grips to?
I just used some 80 grit on the Natchez after putting my finger side-cuts in it. The Natchez is really round and was rotating in my grip as well. I suppose you could checker (if you had the patience and steady hand) or stipple it.
@michaelrizzo5523 I may have to try sanding it but leaning towards the twine so far. After I twine wrap I polyurethane which gives it a really nice texture. Checkering would be cool, unfortunately stippling doesn't work on g10, it's burn resistant and wood burners do nothing lol I tried before.
Hello there , great video as usual ! Wallace Knifeworks makes full tang conversions for the Laredo and Natchez . The newer GSM 4034 Natchez no longer has a cable tang , it's now a threaded steel rod . So maybe it's the same with your Laredo ? I wonder if the steel rod tang is better than the cable tang ? Cheers !
I believe the new g10 material also does not give the softer and warmer feel like the linen micarta of the older version. G10 just feel harder and more plastic, maybe tougher and lighter, but definitely not as comfortable as micarta.
So in Germany sadly ALL Knifes are a Lot more expensive than in US ... maybe Taxes ? ... So the Laredo 4034 IS about 300€ = actual 330 Dollar 😐 I was lucky to get IT for 140€ on eBay ... Private Seller had wrong description for it 😁 And from the Espada XL i actually only have the 55€ Alibaba Clone ... which is wow for that Price ...😅 Your Videos are really great and made with much Effort and Knowledge 💯👍🏻
I don't really understand the "The steel isn't up to standard for anything but fighting" argument. People used their one knife for everything for god knows how many hundreds of years and that steel (or Iron) was dramatically lower quality than almost any off the shelf steel available now.
A "fighting" knife can be made of lesser steel/weaker construction because it doesnt need to take abuse or keep an edge. Just means more sharpening and dont baton with it.
It isn’t just the steel chosen- often, makers don’t do the proper heat treat. Doesn’t matter what steel you use if you don’t heat treat it properly!
Yes exactly! Thanks for the super steel comment. I just never understood the need for super steel vs and steel that works and easy to work with
Nice blades and review.
Just a data point, the original Laredo handle was a laminated wood handle, like pakka wood. That material should have been stronger than natural wood, maybe closer to micarta, but they still had a tendency to split.
Always loved the shape of those! I don't know where people are getting it's not meant to hit anything hard since "fighting knife" implies it's a knife fight... meaning the other guy has one lol!
You make me want one.
CS like many companies are cutting corners, welcome to the future
Take care
Great review I love the way you're maturing in your reviews and your confidence in understanding the capabilities of the knives based on your observation and your experiences. Your levity is a refreshing Dynamic much appreciated. I am a Chinese sword practitioner and teacher.
I do apply a lot of Jian and Dao techniques in my other sword and knife training.
Thank You for sharing! Love the reviews
Watched your 'disappointed laredo' video, great review, and purchased one in 4034. This is a great follow up video. Just found your channel recently and find your presentation style fantastic. Have been looking at the Natchez as well, so am really looking forward to that video. I would like to know how you put the finger choil in the Laredo, I bought a Trailmaster in the early 2000's, and always wished it had a finger choil. Maybe you create a how-to video one day. Thank you so much for your content. Liked and subscribed.
Thanks!
Mike I bought both of those knives in 4034 I don't see myself ever using them more than wall hangers and talking points with my buddies nice review on all of your knives
Love the long and detailed talks. I appreciate the martial perspective as most knife reviews only consider the utility aspect. May I suggest the 'Chaos Bowie' as it's one of the lower cost options from Cold Steel. I've had one for a while with plans to eventually modify it. I don't like the "trench knife" grip, so it will either be to a D guard or a simple cross guard. And I'll definitely add a sharpened false edge. They seem like economical project knives.
I have the Natchez and the Laredo Bowie from Cold Steel and really like them. I’ve gotten some lemon knives over the course of the last few years from Cold Steel unfortunately, but the replacement is usually always better. The only knife I had to return multiple times was the Drop Forge Bowie. I had gotten three of them and they were really bowed/warped, but I finally got a good one on the fourth attempt. I also purchased a 3V Trailmaster last year and I had viewed many videos and read many reviews of people getting horrible grinds on that knife. However, mine had perfect grinds, but whoever did the blade finish on my Trailmaster left two large horizontal scratches down the entire blade on one side of the knife. It’s a crapshoot unfortunately with getting a knife you are 100% happy with when buying from Cold Steel.
I've owned mine for about 14 years now. I love that knife. Great fighting knife, cuts well and handles beautifully. it wouldn't be my first choice for a camp or working knife though.
Actually it's kind of down between the Natches or 1917 and the Laredo for me as far as CS decisions go. Right now I'm playing with my Lynn Thompson signature leatherneck Bowie
I have that one too, and I don't care what anyone says, that large Leatherneck Bowie is a fun Badass Bowie! and it's comfortable in hand.
An "EXCELLENT" video Mike!!! It was from your previous video on the Laredo and what you did to it, that I decided to get one and, in 4034 too... I bought the Natchez (4034) when I saw a friend cutting regular nails with his "4034" Kukri by hitting the spine wth a HAMMER! NO damage to the spine and it glinted the edge, yes "glinted" the edge!!! That works for me. And the knife isn't "cheap". Spitting out a buck and a half for a knife ain't chump change in my book!!! And as for 4034 being junk steel (?), well, that's an a-hole statement and the ONLY thing that comes out of an a-hole, is CACA!!! Pardon my French... I really enjoyed this video and it would be AWESOME if you did make a knife holding video Mike! I honestly enjoy the way you move those blades, bro, you got "skills"!!! Again Mike, great video! The kind you have to watch again just in case you missed something the first time...
Thanks! I have the Natchez and Trailmaster reviews coming out soon
Thanks for getting back to this knife! Did you do any lateral striking with it? How does it feel when doing parries and slaps? I like the grip changes.
It's a bit light in the blade for its size, but it's substantial enough
@@michaelrizzo5523 cool, thanks!
This thing is badass looking. It’s one of my favourite knives just based on looks alone.
Interesting video.
18:50 Yes, please!
Not sure why some people think that a knife for martial uses should only be used for that. It’s a freakin knife. If you have to put it to use in an encounter. The offending party won’t know or care what your knife was doing before the encounter. Just keep your blade sharpened as often as needed and you’re good to go.
Great video Mike! I love the comparisons beteen models and the unique way you have of analysing them.
Maybe in the future you could start doing more comparison videos? Twice the fun without too much strain on the pocket!
Great video Mike. People who dis on the Laredo and the Natchez are just showing their ignorance. Some folks are stuck in bushcrafter mode.
Most internet Warriors think they're ninja like knife Fighters. So I guess them boys in hema that go blade on blade are not impacting something hard.
I would like to see a video on knife grips, particularly how or if they change with blade length. Also how to grip knives like sgian dhu and Scottish dirks.
Everyone has an opinion & usually it's just people repeating what they've been told by someone else etc. Such knives historically were used as both fighting weapons & utility tools so those people saying it shouldnt be used as such have bo idea what they are talking about.
Very interesting!!! I know you mentioned roughing up the g10 a bit. After that do you find the grips ever get slick? I cut tatami last week with several blades including all my bowie knives. Between the fact that it was raining and changing mats the grip on the natchez got slick enough to twist in my hand so considering twine wrapping it. I haven't roughed up the g10 on mine.
Also what grit do you roughen up your grips to?
I just used some 80 grit on the Natchez after putting my finger side-cuts in it. The Natchez is really round and was rotating in my grip as well. I suppose you could checker (if you had the patience and steady hand) or stipple it.
@michaelrizzo5523 I may have to try sanding it but leaning towards the twine so far. After I twine wrap I polyurethane which gives it a really nice texture. Checkering would be cool, unfortunately stippling doesn't work on g10, it's burn resistant and wood burners do nothing lol I tried before.
Thank you for your content 😊 very professional and enjoyable 👍🙏😊
Thanks!
Hello there , great video as usual ! Wallace Knifeworks makes full tang conversions for the Laredo and Natchez . The newer GSM 4034 Natchez no longer has a cable tang , it's now a threaded steel rod . So maybe it's the same with your Laredo ? I wonder if the steel rod tang is better than the cable tang ? Cheers !
Good question! I'll have to check out their current description
It's a nice shape, and in nice shape for being used.
I don't abuse my stuff, and find Cold Steel more than adequate.
You have a great imagination. I think you could wright a whole book about fighting jello people.
*write*
I believe the new g10 material also does not give the softer and warmer feel like the linen micarta of the older version. G10 just feel harder and more plastic, maybe tougher and lighter, but definitely not as comfortable as micarta.
Great video. 👍
Thanks!
Yes please show how the knife can be held. Thank you
So in Germany sadly ALL Knifes are a Lot more expensive than in US ... maybe Taxes ? ... So the Laredo 4034 IS about 300€ = actual 330 Dollar 😐
I was lucky to get IT for 140€ on eBay ... Private Seller had wrong description for it 😁
And from the Espada XL i actually only have the 55€ Alibaba Clone ... which is wow for that Price ...😅
Your Videos are really great and made with much Effort and Knowledge 💯👍🏻
Thanks!
IT CANNOT BE 2 YEARS SINCE I SAW A VIDEO FROM YOU. WTF IS UA-cam
Yikes! 2 years ago I barely knew what I was doing. (Probably still don't.)
23:40 - I think Bauernwehr/Rugger would be to your liking.)
I don't really understand the "The steel isn't up to standard for anything but fighting" argument. People used their one knife for everything for god knows how many hundreds of years and that steel (or Iron) was dramatically lower quality than almost any off the shelf steel available now.
A "fighting" knife can be made of lesser steel/weaker construction because it doesnt need to take abuse or keep an edge. Just means more sharpening and dont baton with it.
You could put a notch in the end cap to be able to unthread it.
Or drill 2 small holes into it and use a pin spanner.
@@rtz549 I'd probably still be fighting a bunch of epoxy. There is a guy who does full re-tangs on these on UA-cam
That's not a knife that's a short sword
Wait til you see my Natchez review. THAT's a short sword.