How good is VG-1 at least in reference to the Cold Steel Master Hunter? I have an older model in SK5 that has performed really well. Not familiar with VG-1 yet hear it's a less expensive form of VG-10. How good is VG-1 at least in reference to the Cold Steel Master Hunter? I have an older model in SK5 that has performed really well. Not familiar with VG-1 yet hear it's a less expensive form... » Read More How good is VG-1 at least in reference to the Cold Steel Master Hunter? I have an older model in SK5 that has performed really well. Not familiar with VG-1 yet hear it's a less expensive form of VG-10. « Show Less
376758
VG-1 (V Gold 1) isn't the same steel as VG-10 (V Gold 10). With a hardness of 58-61, VG-1 holds a good edge. It's a strong premium steel that won't disappoint. You'll get years of good performance out of the CS Master Hunter and at a good price point. Compare to the Fallkniven F1 in 3G laminate steel.
376759
I love it. It is my first Cold Steel and it gets my stamp of approval. Just the right size for upland game. Fits in your hand and does not slip around. Used it cleaning a turkey shot in the spring season. It made quick work of it including the cutting the through the legs. The edge on the VG-1 is incredible.
253011
I'm sorry but i am not 100% sure. The Cold Steel website says that the current GK+ is made with "O-1 High Carbon" but wether or not that is what you actually receive from Amazon dot com is another story. AFAIK Amazon sold both versions at one point in time.
1399493
My understanding is O1 is slightly better and the change was a factory decision. I may be wrong about it but either one is good, outstanding even. I have the Laredo in what I believe is SK5 and a Natchez in O1 and have sharpened both, neither seemed better at sharpeneing or edge retention or wear. Both of mine are shaving sharp and yes I have used them outdoors with no problems just be sensable and don't start whacking on the handles. Both blade steels I highly recommended. The only steel (layered) that I know to be better is the San Mai but the price increase is substantial. I hope this helps you. My understanding is O1 is slightly better and the change was a factory decision. I may be wrong about it but either one is good, outstanding even. I have the Laredo in what I believe is SK5 and a Natchez in O1 and have sharpened both, neither seemed better at sharpeneing or edge retention or wear. Both of mine are shaving sharp and yes I have used them outdoors with no problems just be sensable and don't start whacking on the handles. Both blade steels I highly recommended. The only steel (layered) that I know to be better is the San Mai but the price increase is substantial. I hope this... » Read More My understanding is O1 is slightly better and the change was a factory decision. I may be wrong about it but either one is good, outstanding even. I have the Laredo in what I believe is SK5 and a Natchez in O1 and have sharpened both, neither seemed better at sharpeneing or edge retention or wear. Both of mine are shaving sharp and yes I have used them outdoors with no problems just be sensable and don't start whacking on the handles. Both blade steels I highly recommended. The only steel (layered) that I know to be better is the San Mai but the price increase is substantial. I hope this helps you. « Show Less
771091
not complaining I ordered the sk-5 model knowing the history and reputation of that steel in past history... O-1 being even better in some aspects... the one I received is stamped o-1 and so far I have nothing to complain about. very sharp used in many every day tasks and continues to remain sharp... would not hesitate to buy another extremely good value and would recommend to anyone buy this knife!!!! 5 stars no disappointment what so ever....!
1838645
Ordered the Snow Joe over the Toro due to more power, cheaper price, and metal, rather than plastic, blades... Hope I don't end up regretting it, as the Toro has far more information about it out there than the Snow Joe.Edit: Well, perhaps all things happen for a reason. The Snow Joe was back-ordered... I found more reviews on the QVC site, and they also had a video of the snow joe. QVC had a lot of mixed reviews and the video wasn't as impressive as ones I've seen for the toro, so I canceled the Snow Joe and went with the safer bet.
1860588
I like the knife my friend has the same brand but not as good a model his works very well but gets. Hotter with prolonged use I have used mine for 4 hours straight without stopping his he needs to let rest every so often . I also like the blades that came with mine it easy to do small fish with the blades that are 1/2 the thickness but they can be bought separate . I have bought and and still have a Berkley knife and a tatertwister knife they was a a waist of money in my opinion . I hope this helps you make your mind .
1183868
Haven't noticed it with my 2 Cold Steel Master Hunters. However they haven't seen a lot of use compared to some outdoorsmen. Don't see how the sheath would dull the knife? I had seen one review with the post saying it dulled his knife?
1076125
Hello my friend:I may be wrong, but one can only assume these days that it's Chinese (thank your politicians not the Chinese). They seem tough enough, a decent build, and pretty much like a straight knock- off of the expensive ones that I just could not see paying more than two hundred bucks for. Honestly, I haven't beaten the crap out of them yet in the field to see if they stay zero, but I will soon. Remember that nothing is indestructible. Another fix would be forty five degree Picatinny rails with flip up Magpuls. I might try that just for ability to keep a low profile in the gun bag. As for these, you can always send them back, but for the money I'm keeping mine. Hope this helps,Ed the Boogieman Hello my friend:I may be wrong, but one can only assume these days that it's Chinese (thank your politicians not the Chinese). They seem tough enough, a decent build, and pretty much like a straight knock- off of the expensive ones that I just could not see paying more than two hundred bucks for. Honestly, I haven't beaten the crap out of them yet in the field to see if they stay zero, but I will soon. Remember that nothing is indestructible. Another fix would be forty five degree Picatinny rails with flip up Magpuls. I might try that just for ability to keep a low profile in the gun... » Read More Hello my friend:I may be wrong, but one can only assume these days that it's Chinese (thank your politicians not the Chinese). They seem tough enough, a decent build, and pretty much like a straight knock- off of the expensive ones that I just could not see paying more than two hundred bucks for. Honestly, I haven't beaten the crap out of them yet in the field to see if they stay zero, but I will soon. Remember that nothing is indestructible. Another fix would be forty five degree Picatinny rails with flip up Magpuls. I might try that just for ability to keep a low profile in the gun bag. As for these, you can always send them back, but for the money I'm keeping mine. Hope this helps,Ed the Boogieman « Show Less
1768789
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1038697-Cold-Steel-switches-from-SK5-to-O1So depending on whether you get a used one or an new Bowie will determine the steel type. Hope this helps.
1102800
My husband got the katana on Amazon, it's the same sword as on cold steel, my husband said it's probably swords that have a minor imperfection. Like ours the handle guard is a little lose but nothing bad. Everything else was perfect
354873
I watched a lot of Youtube videos before buying the knife. I didn't settle for the Mora, I chose it. I can honestly say in its category, I felt it was the best. Remember, that is in its category.... P.S. I was most disappointed in the Bear Grylls knives.
919741
I don't have any experience with the ZDP189. I own and have been carrying the VG-10 which serves me just fine. I've only had it for a few weeks during which time I've used it to open a dozen or more cardboard packages, and several plastic clam-shell packs. It's also sliced a few apples (kind of a trick with such a short blade, but easy once you've done it a few times), made shavings and fuzz sticks for a camp fire, cut a bunch of paracord for tarp tie-outs, and probably dozens of other small cutting tasks that I'm forgetting about. . . I usually find several tasks for it just about every day. So far I haven't needed to sharpen it. This morning I used it to brake down a large cardboard box to pieces small enough to fit into our recycling container, and it cut better than a utility knife. Hopefully this will give you some idea of the edge holding ability of the VG-10. I'm definitely not a steel snob or steel junkie. . . I still use my original Dragonfly with the AUS-8 steel, and have never found a reason to complain about it either. Personally, I'd say save a bit of money and go with the VG-10 unless you expect it to see some very heavy use.
722528
Honestly I don't know...I don't have experience in boning/processing big game. Because the BK15 is 1095 CroVan and slightly over 1/8", like the original Ka-Bar, there isn't going to be much flex. So if you want flex, this ain't it. BUT, I did find a youtube video of an Asian guy processing a deer with a BK17. If the BK17 can process a deer, the BK15 can do the job too. As you can see, the BK15 has a tapered spine, so if you need to hack through a bone, that might help. Look for virtuovice deer hunting knives #99. I hope this helps. Just be advised, the guy's english isn't that strong, but it's good enough for you to understand him. Honestly I don't know...I don't have experience in boning/processing big game. Because the BK15 is 1095 CroVan and slightly over 1/8", like the original Ka-Bar, there isn't going to be much flex. So if you want flex, this ain't it. BUT, I did find a youtube video of an Asian guy processing a deer with a BK17. If the BK17 can process a deer, the BK15 can do the job too. As you can see, the BK15 has a tapered spine, so if you need to hack through a bone, that might help. Look for virtuovice deer hunting knives #99. I hope this helps. Just be advised, the guy's english isn't that strong,... » Read More Honestly I don't know...I don't have experience in boning/processing big game. Because the BK15 is 1095 CroVan and slightly over 1/8", like the original Ka-Bar, there isn't going to be much flex. So if you want flex, this ain't it. BUT, I did find a youtube video of an Asian guy processing a deer with a BK17. If the BK17 can process a deer, the BK15 can do the job too. As you can see, the BK15 has a tapered spine, so if you need to hack through a bone, that might help. Look for virtuovice deer hunting knives #99. I hope this helps. Just be advised, the guy's english isn't that strong, but it's good enough for you to understand him. « Show Less
1245416
I don't know how it compares to Cold Steel. I know it is built like a tank an mine are razor sharp. I know a member of the SEAL Teams that carried them. He said too heavy for combat and that he would rather have the ammo. He said knives dig nice latrines. For survival this knife definitely fits the bill and will last longer than you will. AUS 8 steel is a good all around choice for survival. Holds edge well and sharpens easily
1136905
I emailed Cold Steel and they explained about the gring,flat vs hollow.I never really noticed before,now it's easy to spot but it still does not stop sellers from listing both and or using a picture different than what their actoally selling. I already have a SK-5 knife and was thinking about buying another for a present.I will be in contact with the seller before I make a purchase to be sure what I am getting. Frankly I would not want the stainless version.
1768790
It is the SK5 but I'm not sure what the 01 or O1 is supposed to mean. I ordered mine disregarding the 01/O1 and got exactly what I wanted. If it's the SK5 you're looking for then this is what you should order. It came razor sharp, wooden handle with bronze caps, and the high quality sheath. Hope this helps
2152601
As far as I know this is the same cold steel spartan, that's on the cold steel website. I have never heard of cold steel making another one,lighter or heavier. It is probably a misprint on cold steels part because it feel more like 7.5oz to me.