Im glad to hear you talk about edge grind. The flat ground blade is why Cold Steels are so sharp. Very thinly ground on the edge. Im sold on flat ground blades. Easy to sharpen too.
This was a very good video. Your explanations of the different advantages/disadvantages of different blade shapes and grinds (hollow/flat) were very logical and easy to follow. As I've said before, I think you do an excellent job with your videos. They are relatively short, easy to understand and follow, and filled with demonstrations of the capabilities of the knives/machetes/swords you review, and the history behind them. By the way, which blade design is your favorite for tactical purposes?
These are great knives. My favorite, by far, is the Tanto. Next comes the Espada, then the Vaquero, and finally the Bowie, or clip point. I've heard people say it's hard to sharpen, but that's poppycock. I have all the Voyagers and the XL Espada. I love hollow grind knives, but I see the advantages of the flat grind knives, but the Tanto is a great chopper, it can baton (if you're into that), it's a great tool knife capable of prying, wonderful as a self defense or combat knife and has all the advantages of a hollow grind knife and can penetrate better than any of them (though the Espada is no slouch in that department). The Vaquero, though, is the sleeper of the bunch and is, in my opinion, the best compromise, not the clip point. But to each his own.
Absolutely great video! This is much more than a cold steel knife comparison. It's a blade grind comparison, and a blade point comparison. There is A LOT of information in this video! A+ Video Sensei!
Just ordered the xl clip point, and after watching this video I know I picked the right one. Probably should have watched the video first though, but oh well. Same reason you said, I figured it was the most versatile, plus it looks the best in my opinion because the handle goes back and the point goes up slightly.
Great video thanks. Love all those Cold Steel knifes and one day will probably have them all added to my collection of Cold Steel. I did finally pull the trigger and bought the XL Voyager drop point. It will be a great all around utility, bushcraft and survival knife. Filling the gap between my 4 Max Scout, great hard use & utility, and my XL Espada, greatest for self-defense, survival of and tactical purposes. I like that the XL Voyager drop point is a saber grind for strength and the tip is thinner then the 4 Max Scoutr but still stout enough and it has jimping for the thumb.
@Probablyshouldnthave - I've carried the Clip Point XL Voyager in the side pocket of my cargo pants (the pocket beside the knee) and it was very easy to carry. The top flap of the pocket conceals the top of the knife. I even walked around a mall with it, no problems.
I bought the Vaquero, it arrived like a week ago! I like it! It is very sharp! The only thing that I don't like about it is iron cross pattern in the grip! too rough, , , but the knife is ok :)
I have the Vaquero Serrated in both Large (4") and the Extra Large (5.5") They are both my SD EDC knives - the Large during warmer weather when it's harder to conceal the XL, and the XL at night and/or during colder weather. They're both great quality knives at great prices and the Serrated edges are just plain friggin' nasty. I've owned several knives over the years and CS makes the best "Bang for the buck" knives, IMO
I have been carrying my Cold Steel Voyager clip point xl for a few weeks now. Over all I love the knife, my only gripe would be the tip. With very and I do mean VERY light use (mostly opening mail, cutting up a few cardboard boxes, and cutting paracord) the tip has formed a small burr on either the back of the blade or side to side. I've had to file this down 3 times so far, which is pretty annoying. Not only is it the pointiest tip of any knife I have owned, but it is also by far the weakest. If this is happening with light duty work I would hate to see what would happen to the blade after a few days in the woods. Don't get me wrong, I love the knife, but I do think for the price (especially the Espada, which has the same blade steel) it should withstand a little better.
Awesome Review. I have (2) Voyagers clip point. My next will be the Voyager Tanto. I believe the tanto blade in the Voyager is just as strong, if not stronger, than all the rest. All the knives I own with tanto blades seem to be heftier than the other blade styles. As far as the Espada, it is double the price. Do you get double the value? I don't think so. If I consider the Espada, I would get the real Espada. A lot more knife than any of the above. Worth 4 times the price? YES
Can't decide between clip point and vaquero. Love the classic shape of the clip point but also love the wicked shape of the vaquero.... maybe I will have to get both.... Lol.
When you deliver a blow with the Voyager vaquero and your hand is on the back of the handle, do you place your thumb on the back of the handle or do you completely enclose it with your fist?
great video. I really appreciate the information. Although this video is somewhat old the info never goes out of date. really appreciate the information. Although this video is somewhat old the info never goes out today. I have the large Voyager clip point serrated and I really like it. It's a great ADC for me.. it's a great EDC for me. I also have the special Lynn Thompson Edition XL Voyager with the serrated Vaquero blade with the serrated Vaquero blade. Very cool enough but it is in the collection. I also ordered the regular extra-large Voyager with a smooth boat Cairo blade and I love it. I carry it sometimes although it is 1/2 inch more than what it legal to carry here in Louisiana. The Recon one is a beast. I purchased the updated version and I love it. The Recon one is a beast. I purchased the updated version and I loved. If the Voyager is not my EDC then the Recon one is in my pocket and at all times I carry the Spartan for self-defense
Hey man, nice video. I don't know if I've commented on anything of yours yet, but I really enjoy and appreciate all of your videos. Out of curiosity, you don't happen to own the Spyderco/Ed Vallotton Sub-Hilt knife do you? If so, would you recommend it, or have you encountered any issues? If not, with your impressive collection, is there a specific reason you haven't picked it up, or just not fond of it?
Thanks for the awesome vid Israel! Never really considered the specialized uses of these different blade shapes...still probably NEED to have at least 2 of them though...
Good comparison! A weighing would have been great (yeah, I know I stress that a lot, its just a point to consider if you are carrying big knives), but apart from that a gret review as always. Actually one of the best most interesting so far.
@JackTheGripper1985 - The Espada looks like it has the same bead blast, so yes it is lol. The other three have a stonewash so I think they will resist rust better.
Awsome review, I have 1 of each on the reviw, except for the espada. I'm gonna order one after watching your review. Lots of good usable info. Thanks a bunch.
Great video. I have the tanto and man I love that thing. Now I am looking at getting either the Vaquero or clip point pretty much strictly for self defense/coolness factor. I have no doubt that the espada is stronger but the grivory is no joke. I realized this after watching the cold steel test vid where Demko hung 460lbs from the spine of the Voyager before the BLADE actually snapped and not the pivot or handle. I just wish the voyagers had a thumbplate...
@TruthBeTold2K - I did a couple a few months back, one was 10 Different Tip Designs and one was Knives With Different Grinds, just do a search and you'll find them, hope they help.
@Probablyshouldnthave - I didn't get any of the 4 inch voyagers because I figured the Recon1 is just as good, maybe a little better, in the 4 inch category. But I love the XL Voyagers.
I'm going to south america for 6 months, I'm thinking g10 Espada XL. What do you think Israel? I'm just at the beginning of the video but I'm sure it's going to be awesome like always!
XL Clip Point, or Vaquero Voyager: For backpacking and long distance hiking, which would be more useful in processing wood, making feather-sticks, cleaning small game/fish, and general purposes ?
Well, the espada may have a tougher spine, but it will have a more brittle edge. There's a vid of a guy who used his espada XL for chopping a tree branch, and a HUGE chunk of the blade snapped out in the hollow portion, like halfway from the edge to the start of the hollow grind. It's just really thin to wards the edge, and for harder cutting tasks, it'll break much easier.
He may be talking like if you stood on the knife sideways type thing, obviously it depends, also, the Espada is weaker because it doesnt have hardened allumium liners, there is no liners on the Espada, just small ones. The G 10 is strong though so they are both pretty solid and very lightweight for the size. I prefer the XL Voyager because they are made well and dont have the stupid wave feature. Its fun but gets old quick since it can catch when you dont want it to. I prefer a fast two handed opening because its 100% reliable and a thumb stud is fine for a normal non tactical opening. We need black stone washed blades though.
@Hydra572 - Thanks! Sorry, I don't have that one, but my buddy JohnWayneColt45 has a vid on it. I don't really have a reason for not getting it, except that I can't get every knife lol.
I have the Vaquero and I love it, but I chose the smooth one because I can sharpen it very easily (Worksharp), and it doesn't get stuck in clothing. If you get some rags, you can try a one-slice cut (no sawing) with each type of blade and doing that got me completely uninterested in serrated knives. Smooth knives will slice open a big bag of dog food, but serrated blades stick.
I already have a tanto voyager, having trouble sharpening it at the moment because I ise a rod. I might get another one for my left side, should I get a clip point or would it be better to have twin tantos because im getting used to snap cutting?
I have the espada extra large and i have also the rajah 2.and for the a great utility knife the rajah is better than the espada,but the espada for self defence or an edc knife man when you take off this huge knife of your pants this is a shocking or a very desuative knife.
I got a fully serrated tanto Voyager. I showed it to a coworker and it blew his mind, he never seen a knife with so much awesomeness lol
Im glad to hear you talk about edge grind. The flat ground blade is why Cold Steels are so sharp. Very thinly ground on the edge. Im sold on flat ground blades. Easy to sharpen too.
For sure, usually a lot better than a hollow grind for many applications.
This was a very good video. Your explanations of the different advantages/disadvantages of different blade shapes and grinds (hollow/flat) were very logical and easy to follow.
As I've said before, I think you do an excellent job with your videos. They are relatively short, easy to understand and follow, and filled with demonstrations of the capabilities of the knives/machetes/swords you review, and the history behind them.
By the way, which blade design is your favorite for tactical purposes?
These are great knives. My favorite, by far, is the Tanto. Next comes the Espada, then the Vaquero, and finally the Bowie, or clip point. I've heard people say it's hard to sharpen, but that's poppycock. I have all the Voyagers and the XL Espada. I love hollow grind knives, but I see the advantages of the flat grind knives, but the Tanto is a great chopper, it can baton (if you're into that), it's a great tool knife capable of prying, wonderful as a self defense or combat knife and has all the advantages of a hollow grind knife and can penetrate better than any of them (though the Espada is no slouch in that department). The Vaquero, though, is the sleeper of the bunch and is, in my opinion, the best compromise, not the clip point. But to each his own.
Absolutely great video! This is much more than a cold steel knife comparison. It's a blade grind comparison, and a blade point comparison. There is A LOT of information in this video! A+ Video Sensei!
"if you're into sheering cuts" something about that sentence just made me chuckle ^^
Just ordered the xl clip point, and after watching this video I know I picked the right one. Probably should have watched the video first though, but oh well. Same reason you said, I figured it was the most versatile, plus it looks the best in my opinion because the handle goes back and the point goes up slightly.
Great video thanks. Love all those Cold Steel knifes and one day will probably have them all added to my collection of Cold Steel. I did finally pull the trigger and bought the XL Voyager drop point. It will be a great all around utility, bushcraft and survival knife. Filling the gap between my 4 Max Scout, great hard use & utility, and my XL Espada, greatest for self-defense, survival of and tactical purposes. I like that the XL Voyager drop point is a saber grind for strength and the tip is thinner then the 4 Max Scoutr but still stout enough and it has jimping for the thumb.
@Red1Storm - Thanks, Redstorm, glad it helped you decide.
I've been studying this subject for 50 years and I learned a lot.
Thanks, I think you will like the Espada!
Always such great information bro! Thank you! Just ordered the Vaquero XL fully serrated edge. I can't wait to have it in my hands!
thats alot of blade.i carry 1 too.not a childs play knife
I like the Voyager XL because of the grip the handle gives and the blade design is more stabby
@Probablyshouldnthave - I've carried the Clip Point XL Voyager in the side pocket of my cargo pants (the pocket beside the knee) and it was very easy to carry. The top flap of the pocket conceals the top of the knife. I even walked around a mall with it, no problems.
I'd go with the Espada, it's very sturdy
I bought the Vaquero, it arrived like a week ago! I like it! It is very sharp! The only thing that I don't like about it is iron cross pattern in the grip! too rough, , , but the knife is ok :)
I have the Vaquero Serrated in both Large (4") and the Extra Large (5.5")
They are both my SD EDC knives - the Large during warmer weather when it's harder to conceal the XL, and the XL at night and/or during colder weather.
They're both great quality knives at great prices and the Serrated edges are just plain friggin' nasty.
I've owned several knives over the years and CS makes the best "Bang for the buck" knives, IMO
I have been carrying my Cold Steel Voyager clip point xl for a few weeks now. Over all I love the knife, my only gripe would be the tip. With very and I do mean VERY light use (mostly opening mail, cutting up a few cardboard boxes, and cutting paracord) the tip has formed a small burr on either the back of the blade or side to side. I've had to file this down 3 times so far, which is pretty annoying. Not only is it the pointiest tip of any knife I have owned, but it is also by far the weakest. If this is happening with light duty work I would hate to see what would happen to the blade after a few days in the woods. Don't get me wrong, I love the knife, but I do think for the price (especially the Espada, which has the same blade steel) it should withstand a little better.
Awesome Review. I have (2) Voyagers clip point. My next will be the Voyager Tanto. I believe the tanto blade in the Voyager is just as strong, if not stronger, than all the rest. All the knives I own with tanto blades seem to be heftier than the other blade styles. As far as the Espada, it is double the price. Do you get double the value? I don't think so. If I consider the Espada, I would get the real Espada. A lot more knife than any of the above. Worth 4 times the price? YES
Thanks, bro! I'm glad you found it useful in your decisions!
@Bobergaga - Probably the XL Tanto because if you like your medium one you'll definitely like the XL!
very novelty.... use for the modern day cubical occupant?
These are for when Dilbert goes postal
I’m thinking the tanto would be the most compact when folded since it has no deep belly.
Can't decide between clip point and vaquero. Love the classic shape of the clip point but also love the wicked shape of the vaquero.... maybe I will have to get both.... Lol.
When you deliver a blow with the Voyager vaquero and your hand is on the back of the handle, do you place your thumb on the back of the handle or do you completely enclose it with your fist?
@FuwaForestFilmsHD - Thanks, friend!
excellent comprehensive breakdown. I chose the clip point.
+Tarrnack Thank you!
great video. I really appreciate the information. Although this video is somewhat old the info never goes out of date. really appreciate the information. Although this video is somewhat old the info never goes out today. I have the large Voyager clip point serrated and I really like it. It's a great ADC for me.. it's a great EDC for me. I also have the special Lynn Thompson Edition XL Voyager with the serrated Vaquero blade with the serrated Vaquero blade. Very cool enough but it is in the collection. I also ordered the regular extra-large Voyager with a smooth boat Cairo blade and I love it. I carry it sometimes although it is 1/2 inch more than what it legal to carry here in Louisiana. The Recon one is a beast. I purchased the updated version and I love it. The Recon one is a beast. I purchased the updated version and I loved. If the Voyager is not my EDC then the Recon one is in my pocket and at all times I carry the Spartan for self-defense
my espada xl just arrived, wow what a knife. thanks for all the advise, keep up the great reviews. Hold out 1 is next.
Kudos for getting through this video without cutting yourself!
Thanks, it is definitely an occupational hazard :]
@jmce3 - I think the Espada would penetrate winter clothing the best.
Hey man, nice video. I don't know if I've commented on anything of yours yet, but I really enjoy and appreciate all of your videos. Out of curiosity, you don't happen to own the Spyderco/Ed Vallotton Sub-Hilt knife do you? If so, would you recommend it, or have you encountered any issues? If not, with your impressive collection, is there a specific reason you haven't picked it up, or just not fond of it?
YES
Wow, lots of good info in this video. Thanks a ton Israel, the spade is gorgeous
Thanks, buddy! I try. Out of these, the Large Espada would be.
Thanks for the awesome vid Israel! Never really considered the specialized uses of these different blade shapes...still probably NEED to have at least 2 of them though...
@Chiburi - I think it would work just as well, I have an old 2XL Vaquero fully serrated and I don't think it would have any trouble doing its thing :]
Good comparison! A weighing would have been great (yeah, I know I stress that a lot, its just a point to consider if you are carrying big knives), but apart from that a gret review as always. Actually one of the best most interesting so far.
The Vaquero is pretty fun
@JackTheGripper1985 - The Espada looks like it has the same bead blast, so yes it is lol. The other three have a stonewash so I think they will resist rust better.
Awsome review, I have 1 of each on the reviw, except for the espada. I'm gonna order one after watching your review. Lots of good usable info. Thanks a bunch.
Great video. I have the tanto and man I love that thing. Now I am looking at getting either the Vaquero or clip point pretty much strictly for self defense/coolness factor. I have no doubt that the espada is stronger but the grivory is no joke. I realized this after watching the cold steel test vid where Demko hung 460lbs from the spine of the Voyager before the BLADE actually snapped and not the pivot or handle. I just wish the voyagers had a thumbplate...
+travis godawa Yeah these XL Cold Steel folders are total beasts, there is no substitute in this category!
I know Lynn Thompson prefers the tantos for the snap cuts he likes
@TruthBeTold2K - I did a couple a few months back, one was 10 Different Tip Designs and one was Knives With Different Grinds, just do a search and you'll find them, hope they help.
@Probablyshouldnthave - I didn't get any of the 4 inch voyagers because I figured the Recon1 is just as good, maybe a little better, in the 4 inch category. But I love the XL Voyagers.
@kataklystik - Yes he does, and notice he spins his blades all the time, I
@camonightmare - I'm glad it helped!
Sweet video. Happy New Year man!
Hey IZ!!!!! Herb here. I just got the Voyager for Fathers Day and WHAT A BEAST??? WOW!! Take care Brother
"Scouts OUT!" :)
Have you checked the BUDK AK 47 Folding Knife. It looks solid. I have one, but I dont know how good or bad that can be.
If you had to choose between the four blades vs winter gear Coats layered clothes. What would be the best option?
@kataklystik - MrFairWarning uses the XL Espada, which is a very good recommendation :] (the G10 works just as well).
I'm going to south america for 6 months, I'm thinking g10 Espada XL. What do you think Israel?
I'm just at the beginning of the video but I'm sure it's going to be awesome like always!
ALWAYS GREAT REVIEWS.
Thanks, bro!
Thank you, I appreciate it!
XL Clip Point, or Vaquero Voyager:
For backpacking and long distance hiking, which would be more useful in processing wood, making feather-sticks, cleaning small game/fish, and general purposes ?
+Mulys Cousin I think the Clip point would be most useful.
Well, the espada may have a tougher spine, but it will have a more brittle edge. There's a vid of a guy who used his espada XL for chopping a tree branch, and a HUGE chunk of the blade snapped out in the hollow portion, like halfway from the edge to the start of the hollow grind. It's just really thin to wards the edge, and for harder cutting tasks, it'll break much easier.
He may be talking like if you stood on the knife sideways type thing, obviously it depends, also, the Espada is weaker because it doesnt have hardened allumium liners, there is no liners on the Espada, just small ones. The G 10 is strong though so they are both pretty solid and very lightweight for the size. I prefer the XL Voyager because they are made well and dont have the stupid wave feature. Its fun but gets old quick since it can catch when you dont want it to. I prefer a fast two handed opening because its 100% reliable and a thumb stud is fine for a normal non tactical opening. We need black stone washed blades though.
I prefer the clip point one.
@nestornegron - Thanks! I took 3 year of Spanish in high school and all I learned how to say in Spanish was "the bicycle is an orange dog car" lol.
I like the one with the Serpentine blade , yeah yeah I gotta get one with that blade if not two.😎🎱😎
Thank you, buddy!
Excellent
tanto style pure punching power. the secondary point is the shiznit on the voyager tantos
The chicken is the shiznit 😈
Thanks!
Awesome knifes
Thanks, bro!
do you happen to have different sizes of the voyager series? i'd like to see a difference in that in a future video.
@JackTheGripper1985 - Yes, a blade for war !
Thinking about getting one of these XLs to go with a medium tanto and large vaquero I currently have. Which blade style would you recommend?
Between this voyager,which one is the best to do some batoning?
@Hydra572 - Thanks! Sorry, I don't have that one, but my buddy JohnWayneColt45 has a vid on it. I don't really have a reason for not getting it, except that I can't get every knife lol.
@0rgazman - It would be cool if they made a new Rajah about the same length as these.
@TBaker1964 - Live the dream! These are all great to use/collect.
Interesting talk. Do you have any thoughts on the serrated Vaquero?
I have the Vaquero and I love it, but I chose the smooth one because I can sharpen it very easily (Worksharp), and it doesn't get stuck in clothing. If you get some rags, you can try a one-slice cut (no sawing) with each type of blade and doing that got me completely uninterested in serrated knives. Smooth knives will slice open a big bag of dog food, but serrated blades stick.
also how pocketable is it? all day? it would really be cool to put thewave plate from the rajah or espada on these
I will buy the Voyager Medium later tonight , but I don't know if Vaquero or Clip Point?
@pillemannen - Lol, I knew it had to do with jail. You and JackTheGripper1985 are my two most violent subscribers!
@pillemannen - I actually don't have either of those, see, I don't own every knife! :]
Awesome knifes I own 2 of them both are separated
hey Israel, what do think compared to the recon1?
I feel pain when imagine the wounds these things can cause... Holy shit...
For sure!
Are recurves difficult to sharpen?
between the voyagers, which design is best for battle?
I already have a tanto voyager, having trouble sharpening it at the moment because I ise a rod. I might get another one for my left side, should I get a clip point or would it be better to have twin tantos because im getting used to snap cutting?
If you're good enough to dual wield them, then it won't matter which tip type you choose, but I would choose the two different tips anyway.
Thank you! I like being able to draw from either side incase something happens to one
+snow man nah if get a vaquero
@buggymak - It is shock and awe, when you pull out the big tool they know you came to play haha
You might explain shearing cut like doing a "machete chop". It's called a "machetazo" or "navajazo"in Spanish.
Just ordered the new kris model
Which is better tanto or clip point for defense
I would go with the clip point, less resistance when piercing.
@@WeAllJuggleKnives ok thanks
Very nice bro
@1nvrknws - I wish the medium size Espada had the wave plate too!
Well done brother
You shouldn't baton with these folders.
If you get both then you need the third one, just for the set lol.
cool knives!!!
For tickling of course.
@RENOGUY777 - They can do the world as favor for sure!
I have the espada extra large and i have also the rajah 2.and for the a great utility knife the rajah is better than the espada,but the espada for self defence or an edc knife man when you take off this huge knife of your pants this is a shocking or a very desuative knife.
U talking about slashing and the knife so close to your arm and im nervous here at home LOL
Can you do a review of the Xtra lare Espada?
@pillemannen - HEy! I'm afraid to ask where you were?!
Serrated Vaquero is the best combat blade IMHO
🎱🎃⚔️🖤😎💲☠️💲😎🖤⚔️🎃🎱