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Cold Steel XL Voyager Vaquero - Blk Griv-Ex Folder (5.5" AUS10A ) 29AXVS

SKU: CS29AXVS-E2-159

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Cold Steel XL Voyager Vaquero, 5.5" AUS10A Serrated Blade, Black Griv-Ex™ Handle ( 29AXVS ) The Cold Steel Voyager series is designed to be the true “everyman” knife. Lightweight, comfortable, super sharp, they are rugged, dependable and perfect for hunting and camping as well as general utility and daily cutting chores. The Voyagers excel in many survival and rescue applications, and they have proven to be very popular with Police and Military personnel, who appreciate the combination of cutting performance and safety that they offer.Each knife in our extensive Voyager series is precision engineered and held to our most exacting standards. Featuring AUS10A Blades, and our Tri-Ad locking mechanism - which is quite possibly the most secure, safe and shock resistant lock on the market today! The Voyagers ergonomic Griv-Ex handles (reinforced with heat treated 6061 aluminum liners) provide both great comfort and a secure grip even under extended use in tough conditions. Available in two sizes and with numerous blade and edge configurations, there’s a Voyager for everyone

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Cold Steel Voyager XL Vaquero Folding Knife Review

February 8, 2016 by Thomas Xavier | Updated: March 26, 2020 16 Comments

Hot on the heels of my Cold Steel Voyager Tanto XL review I now bring you the review for the Vaquero version of the same knife. Superficially, these two knives may seem quite similar due to the identical handles, however, as you will soon find out, the Cold Steel Voyager Vaquero XL has some unique quirks of its own.

Much like the Tanto Voyager, this is a huge knife. The core difference is the sheer amount of blade you get. The tanto doesn’t have that much belly, unlike the Vaquero. It’s definitely more than a handful and will take over your entire pocket should you choose to EDC it.

Opened, you get a glimpse of that insane blade. The Voyager Tanto has a more heavy duty/beater aesthetic to it, but this blade is all bad intent. This is not designed to cut cardboard or slice tomatoes (although it does both quite nicely), this is 100% a two legged predator filleting knife. It’s one of the few knives that has ever made me flinch when whipping it out. The first day I wielded it, it left a nasty impression on my finger, and as you can imagine, was entirely unapologetic about that.

I think Cold Steel should have called it the Widow Maker. I get the Spanish Vaquero vibe with those sexy swoops and lean cutting performance, but frankly this is an evil, evil blade. I have mean looking knives, like my Boker CLB Karambit , but this one takes the cake in terms of sheer intimidation factor.

The Cold Steel Vaquero XL is 12.25 inches (31 cm) long overall with 6.75 inches (17 cm) of that being the handle. So as you can imagine, wielding it in public is… interesting. I did it once with my in laws and they just stared at me like I had two heads. My advice (unless you enjoy horrifying people) is to use this around the more outdoorsy types and not at a family picnic. You might cause a stampede (away from you, not toward you); just sayin’.

Below you can see the core difference between the Cold Steel Voyager Tanto XL and this Vaquero. Some might question why I would review this one seeing as it’s so similar, but as you can see, the blade on the Vaquero is tapered to a toothpick. Unlike the Tanto Voyager XL, you wont want to pry with this one – at all, even though the stock is 4 mm at its thickest point.

A lot of this review will echo my previous thoughts on the Tanto Voyager, of course. The Cold Steel Voyager Vaquero XL is  a lightweight beefy knife thanks to the most excellent TRIAD lock. I am sure by now you are sick and tired of me raving about this lock, but really, it’s pretty darn amazing. Demko did an amazing job designing it and Cold Steel knocked it out of the park when it came to executing it across their entire folding knife range (for the most part) at an extremely affordable price point.

I am always impressed by how much Cold Steel brings to the table for such a modest sum!

The full flat ground blade is super super lean with a scary sharp edge out of the box (my fingers can attest to this). The Vaquero XL is a horribly vicious slicer and I caution against waving this bad boy around, as anyone near you might lose a limb or two.

The newer Vaqueros come with Carpenters CTS-BD1 steel, which is an upgrade over the AUS-8A one that I have, although not a particularly noticeable upgrade in terms of real-world use (I have both and couldn’t tell the difference personally).

As I said, extremely tapered edge. This steel shard will stab through anything like butter. I am surprised the nanny state hasn’t forced Cold Steel to add a warning label before shipping it out!

Fit and finish on the Cold Steel Voyager Vaquero XL is quite excellent. We are talking about a relatively inexpensive knife with world class grinds and a crazy amount of blade – frankly, Cold Steel never fails to amaze me.

Nested liners; very happy with that. The weight rings in at 7.2 ounces, which is very impressive for a knife with 5.5 inches of blade. A lot of that is thanks to the lightweight “Grivory” (basically a glass reinforced nylon) scales which offer decent rigidity with the steel liners and excellent grip with that protruding cross pattern.

Deployment of the Voyager XL Vaquero is very smooth. It’s always interesting to unleash a 5.5 inch blade, but after 20 minutes of flipping it about and scaring everyone around me, it felt like any of my EDC folders. Sure, I had to adjust my grip a smidgen, but it’s remarkably “normal” if that makes any sense.

The Vaquero is tip up only. Reversible because Cold Steel provides an extra clip in the box. It’s sorta discreet (I guess..) for a nearly 7 inch folder in your pocket. Then again, if you buy this, subtlety is not exactly the calling card you’re intending to use.

No choil, but a decent un-sharpened section will protect your digits (possibly) should the lock fail. That being said, it’s a Cold Steel TRI-AD locking knife, so go wild and live a little. I have absolutely no fears when it comes to treating this knife roughly. The only area of concern for me is the somewhat fragile tip, as it’s basically a stainless steel splinter. Not quite as acute as the Kershaw Leek , but definitely up there in the needlepoint rankings.

Interestingly, the blade is ground in a way that reminds me very strongly of the Spyderco Temperance 2 . It’s flawless in its execution (at least with the example I have) and I am really impressed with the grinds on the Vaquero XL.

The blade of the Cold Steel Voyager Vaquero XL has that crazy recurve to it. In practice, I don’t notice it much – it just offers excellent pull cut performance and a lot of belly. The only thing I would add is that sharpening might be a problem if you don’t have a rod style sharpener like the Spyderco Sharpmaker . I don’t see how you would sharpen this on a waterstone.

The grip and comfort is identical to the Cold Steel Tanto Voyager XL. You can expect to find the same excellent ergonomics and choices/cut outs throughout which lock your hand in. With or without texturing and jimping, this knife isn’t going anywhere.

Choking up on the Cold Steel Voyager Vaquero XL is pretty comfortable. Detail work with a knife this size is always going to be a challenge, but if you’re making wood shavings or a point on a stick, then it’s definitely comfortable (enough). The recurve full flat ground blade adds a lot of slicing real estate, far more than the Tanto Voyager XL has.

Choking back on the Cold Steel Vaquero XL is where this angel of death gives you all kinds of bad ideas. It’s a ridiculously potent weapon. I don’t EDC this knife, but if I had to sweep the house after hearing a broken window, this is the knife I would grab. Frankly, with a blade this mean, technique is almost superfluous to requirement. Point towards enemy. Yep.

In terms of having a blade that combines slashing, penetration, and power almost organically, this is the knife. I can think of no alternative. The Spyderco Civilian is a better slasher and a Boker Applegate will stab better, but nothing I own will do both (together) as well as this.

Pinch grip is not comfortable but in a pinch (heh), it’s viable. Would you really take this knife to harvest wild flowers though?

And finally, balance point: perfect. And I do mean actual perfection.

The Cold Steel Voyager Vaquero XL is light in the hand and balanced like the mean martial blade craft blade it asserts itself to be. Hold the Vaquero for more than 10 seconds and you will find your eyes darting around your environment looking for something to slice. It’s what it was meant to be.

It’s hard to review these enormous knives (but a lot of fun) as the performance as an EDC is, of course, limited by size, at least in my neck of the woods. When I reviewed the Tanto Voyager XL , someone did mention that they could EDC a knife this size, and to that I say, kudos and please adopt me.

Where I am, I can’t walk around with this in my pocket. Canada technically has no law that explicitly forbids this, but the police have a lot of discretion and I don’t think they will take kindly to someone saying they use the Vaquero XL to peel apples.

It’s sad that we live in a world where I have to rationalize with the policing powers that be what my tool is intended for, but that’s the way it is. This is why we should all support each other in this community. I fear in the future people will expect such badass tools to be nothing more than wall hangers – and that’s a damn shame.

With that said, the Cold Steel Voyager Vaquero XL is a well ground blade with a bucket loads of cutting performance. We are talking class leading slashing results here, swing downwards and it cuts. Tatami mat? No problem.  It’s light and at the end of the day a formidable self defense option.

Whether this is something you desire, well that’s up to you.  In terms of this knife or the Tanto Voyager XL, both are visually impressive. In terms of intimidation factor and cutting performance, I would have to give the edge to the Vaquero, but the Tanto is undoubtedly tougher thanks to that tanto tip. I own both and I am pretty content with that situation. For me, why chose?

The Cold Steel Voyager Vaquero XL is a dilemma wrapped in a quagmire.

I love it, but I can’t carry it. Its sheer size and aesthetics greatly limit where I can take this knife and thus, for me it will sadly be something I carry around the house or homestead exclusively.

If you live in a civilized community where you can use such a beast without fearing legal repercussions – do it. Because one day, you might not be able to.

About Thomas Xavier

Knife aficionado and lifelong tinkerer. Into bushcraft, hiking, and gear.

Browse MTJS posts by me here & other blogs of mine here .

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December 12, 2017 at 11:53 am

I love this blade. I have 3 of them. I have one plain edge and 2 serrated XL. I have been carrying since redesigned. I train using Janich focused targeting and am big on slashing for disabling. The Vaquero was made for this as it cuts on its own using that big belly. With the serrations its devastating, and the CS serrations dont catch like the Spyderco Matriarch etc. I edc this knife daily in a defense sense using Extreme Custom Kydex Auto Sheath on my belt left of waistline in a horizontal carry cross draw method. I have both serrated and non serrated versions. I also carry using same ECK auto sheath in a Mercharness and sometimes a CRKT Biotac. I also alternate in Cold Steel AK47 Large and Talwar XL in same configuration. The Voyager XL is best bang for buck, lightest for big blade, and most importantly balances much better than G10 handled Talwar or AK. The Endura is just to small for grip in a quick draw situation. They are great defense only knives–meaning I only carry and use them in defense situation or extreme sense–so far none ever used but drawn a few times just in case. I carry small folder for edc use—usually Delica or Rajah 3 but trying out new CS Grik.

January 8, 2018 at 10:05 am

Sounds like you have a solid set up, could you share your experiences with drawing your knives out in a hostile situation?

September 7, 2017 at 1:40 am

A very nice review. I’d like to give my two cents on carrying this knife (or any knife) as it relates to self defense. I also reside in Canada and am familiar with how knife carry laws work here, but even so, I don’t think people should worry about “What if a LEO finds me with this?” when choosing a knife for defensive purposes. I’ve carried hundreds of knives (not all at once :P) over the years and, through my whole 3 decades of living here, I’ve only even been stopped and searched by a police officer once, and that was being young, dumb, and full of rum. As long as you aren’t actively causing mayhem with the knife or threatening people in public, just keeping it clipped on your pocket won’t be any cause for alarm, “Out of sight, out of mind” if you will. If you feel it’s a knife you could defend your life with effectively (which of course hopefully would never happen), carry it and be a normal, respectable citizen, and issues with the law will not come up. Having said that I will add that I’m not a lawyer, and the consequences of possibly using this knife in a self defense scenario, then having to explain it in court, is beyond my sphere of knowledge. But as they say, “Better to be judged by 12 than carried by six.” Your call I guess. Also it should go without saying but to be clear, obviously don’t carry it somewhere you could be potentially searched, like a sports event or concert or something. That’s asking for trouble.

September 10, 2017 at 7:26 pm

Aye, but for liability reasons I have to ere on the side of caution when it comes to giving advice on a platform as large as MTJS.

Objectively, when I was in Canada, I carried whatever I wanted. Never really thought about it and as the law didn’t outright say it was illegal (unlike the ambiguity in the UK), I just went ahead and did it.

Thanks for dropping by and sharing your experiences Eliot!

April 21, 2017 at 12:16 pm

Great review! Before Illinois (USA) got concealed carry laws, I carried my 5″ serrated Vaquero for self-defense as there are no blade restrictions here. Outside of a firearm, this is the most vicious pocket weapon I have ever used.

April 27, 2017 at 6:25 pm

Agreed, that blade is straight up vicious. What do you EDC now for a knife?

May 8, 2017 at 3:18 pm

Lately, I’ve been carrying a Cold Steel Mini Tac with a beavertail blade. It sits in my front pocket where my cigarettes used to be.

May 10, 2017 at 7:28 am

I saw those in the past- how are the ergonomics? Always looked weird to me but then again I never handled it so maybe I am missing out!

May 10, 2017 at 9:34 am

The draw is a little awkward but once in hand, the grip is very secure. I’ve only used it for odd tasks so I won’t comment on long term comfort. I just liked the idea of having a three inch fixed blade that sits deep and flat in my pocket. It’s great for that! I figured for the $30 I paid for it on eBay it was worth checking out. I like it so far!

May 19, 2017 at 2:57 pm

Thanks for the feedback mate, much appreciated. Definitely sounds like you got your money’s worth!

April 17, 2017 at 4:06 am

Hi. Already own a Voyager XL plain edge clip point which I EDC…I see the advantage of the recurve and serrated edge but given my situation would it be worth investing in this mean mofo?

April 19, 2017 at 4:36 am

Amko, I will never advise people *against* buying up some XL Cold Steel! Do you need it? Probably not, especially as you already have the Voyager XL! That said, its damn awesome so if you want it- go for it! ;)

February 11, 2016 at 12:33 pm

That’s is a sweet knife. Love that recurve. And surprisingly lightweight at only 7 ounces.

March 4, 2016 at 2:10 am

Aye, I am always shocked when handling this XL Cold Steel knives, super light for the amount of cutting power they possess!

February 11, 2016 at 4:53 am

Ha! “I did it once with my in laws and they just stared at me like I had two heads.”

Glad to see I’m not the only one who has done something like that.

The second photo, knife in hand, blade closed, the way the blade hangs out past the handle, I don’t like that. To me, a folding knife should dissapear, or at least more than partially, within the handle. There’s more to be said about that but I’ve not got the wordsmith on that.

That said, the fourth photo of the blade open, that’s impressive and kind of makes up for everything else, no wonder FerFal talked this knife up the way he did. I want one.

RE: “I am sure by now you are sick and tired of me raving about this lock”

I, for one, am not. Quality is good to know about.

It sure does sit high when it’s clipped onto your pocket. Too high for my comfort. …What’s the lowest sitting ‘best’ knife?

RE: “will protect your digits (possibly)” Ha! … On not,oh.

RE: “The only area of concern for me is the somewhat fragile tip” It’s not a workhorse, then. Just a dedicated defender. Trade offs.

RE: “pull cut performance” I’ve never heard that expression before. Interesting, that.

RE: “The only thing I would add is that sharpening might be a problem” Mang, I only just recently got a bunch of wet sandpaper and it sits on my bench. I guess the key to this knife is, don’t use it unless you’re defending yourself? Easier said, than done.

RE: that photo #15 where you’re holding that knife, whoa, that’s an action photo-don’t-mess-with-me if I ever saw one.

RE: “but if I had to sweep the house after hearing a broken window, this is the knife I would grab.”

“this is the knife I would grab” … You guys got mega self-defense restrictions up there, eh? Can’t grab a Glock. I can’t even imagine. Gives me shivers thinking how limited some people in the world are.

RE: “The Spyderco Civilian is a better slasher and a Boker Applegate will stab better, but nothing I own will do both (together) as well as this.”

I don’t think about knives this way. It’s why I read your stuff.

RE: “Hold the Vaquero for more than 10 seconds…”

Yah, after seeing the photos, I know I’d get one if I picked one up. …Problem is, I’d feel weird having a Spiderco in my right pocket, and that in my left, but, at the same time, if I couldn’t carry a pistola,…

RE: “It’s sad that we live in a world where I have to rationalize with the policing powers that be what my tool is intended for,” THAT’s for sure. Bully’s are funny that way.

RE: “I fear in the future people will expect such badass tools to be nothing more than wall hangers”

In that future, we’re all surfs or slaves. From what I’ve read elsewhere, that’s The Plan.

RE: “If you live in a civilized community where you can use such a beast without fearing legal repercussions”

Keyphrase, “in a civilized community” and, “without fearing”.

Tyranny,… er, I mean, are the soldiers in you country, fighting for your freedom, like they are in mine? It seems that way.

March 4, 2016 at 2:16 am

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Helot, it is indeed a strange world we live in but I am thankful that so many people are seeing the stupidity of so many laws and are choosing to fight against it. We shall see what the future holds! In Canada grabbing a gun to sweep the house might be legal (on paper) but the police won’t look kindly on you dealing with your own problems. I have a family (like many of my readers) to look out for so I can’t afford to put myself in the sort of position where I would spend the next 5 years in and out of court defending myself.

Its sad, but its the way it is.

I am glad to hear that my rambles about how good the TRIAD lock is don’t annoy everyone, sometimes I worry I repeat myself but frankly I feel its worth stating (more than once), with so many options I think companies should be more proactive with offering the best bang for buck possible and I think Cold Steel gets that better than anyone else.

Sigh indeed Helot.

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XL VOYAGER VAQUERO - PLAIN EDGE (AUS10A)

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Cold Steel Voyager Vaquero XL

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The Cold Steel Voyager series is designed to be the true “everyman” knife. Lightweight, comfortable, super sharp, they are rugged, dependable and perfect for hunting and camping as well as general utility and daily cutting chores.

The Voyagers excel in many survival and rescue applications, and they have proven to be very popular with Police and Military personnel, who appreciate the combination of cutting performance and safety that they offer. Each knife in the extensive Voyager series is precision engineered and held to Cold Steel's most exacting standards. Featuring AUS10A Blades, and the Tri-Ad locking mechanism - which is quite possibly the most secure, safe and shock resistant lock on the market today!

The Voyager's ergonomic Griv-Ex handles (reinforced with heat treated 6061 aluminum liners) provide both great comfort and a secure grip even under extended use in tough conditions. This is the Cold Steel Voyager Vaquero XL with a plain blade.

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Posted by Phil Greenhill on 5th Jan 2022

I had promised myself one of these for quite a while and the opportunity to treat myself arose. That's what it is, a treat, never be able to carry it but it's a talking point in my collection. It is up to Cold Steel's usual standard, good fit and finish with a very large sharp blade. I'm pleased that I got it, worth the wait, now I want another in this line :)

very nice knife to handle and to look at and very well balanced

Posted by KEN REID on 22nd Apr 2021

very nice knife to handle and to look at and very well balanced.

A Cold Steel knife par excellence

Posted by DrMDR on 8th Jan 2021

The recent sale of CS to that outdoor company prompted me to get one of these while they are there. They epitomize Cold Steel: crazy designs, high built quality, very strong lock, for a reasonable price point. One for collecting though, unless you have to harvest a field of wheat by hand. Big knife but surprisingly light for its size.

Large and lovely with serious curves

Posted by Mark b on 22nd Jan 2020

One of my favourite cold steel folders, long elegant blade, sharp otb and an excellent lock. It feels very natural in the hand and cuts beautifully. This price is superb for so much knife. I keep my two Vaquero's (one serrated and one plain edge) in a special locked case reserved for my Neveryday carry knives. A must have in any collection due to its shape and size but probably only useful if your job title includes the word buccaneer.

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Cold Steel Voyager Vaquero X-Large Folding Knife, 5 1/2in, Plain Edge 29TXV

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Cold Steel Voyager Vaquero X-Large Folding Knife, 5 1/2in, Plain Edge 29TXV has been discontinued by Cold Steel and is no longer available. Our product experts have helped us select these available replacements below.You can also explore other items in the Knives , Survival Gear , Folding Knives yourself to try and find the perfect replacement for you!

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Cold Steel Voyager Review

by Dan Jackson 34 Comments

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Last Updated: February 25, 2018

New in 2011, the updated Cold Steel Voyagers took the knife world by storm. There was a lot to like about the original CS Voyagers, but as technologies advance old classics need updating. And I gotta say, the new version really packs some nice improvements. Lighter, faster, with better locks and beautiful details – there is a lot to love about these knives. With 3 sizes, 3 blade shapes and the option of fully or partially serrated edges there is something for everyone.

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I have one of each size for your consideration here (the Medium Voyager , Large Voyager , and the XL Voyager ). After testing them all I can safely recommend any one of these knives. Take the “voyage” with me and learn why I like them so much.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

Since I’m reviewing 3 knives here I figured it would be easiest to throw the dimensions into a table instead of listing them out.

All the knives feel light for their size. Especially the Large and XL.

The 2011 Voyagers come in 3 major blade shapes. You have the classic clip point shown here, you also have a nice tanto version, and a version known as the “Vaquero.” The Vaquero is a modified clip point with a serious recurve. The knife you decide on comes down to your personal preferences. I think they are all pretty good, but the Vaquero will the hardest to sharpen due to the extreme recurve. I probably should have bought one of each blade style, but what can I say, I’m a sucker for a nice clip point.

And this clip point is really well done. Cold Steel started things off with a full flat grind. You also have a small swedge that forms a nice tip. There is plenty of belly and the edge is beautifully ground. Topping things off is an excellent stone wash. This blade finish really sets this knife apart. I greatly prefer the stonewash over Cold Steel’s teflon coating or blasted finish blades. All said and done the blade is really nice, especially when you consider the modest price tag.

Steel on the 2011 Voyagers is AUS 8. This changed to BD1 in 2015-2016. Both are softer steels. Cold Steel got a lot of feedback from customers wanting something with better edge retention than AUS-8, so they upgraded their premium line of knives to CTS-XHP (and then S35Vn in 2018), and their more budget oriented knives they upgraded to BD1. I don’t have a lot of experience with BD1, but it’s a softer steel. Easy to sharpen, and presumably holds a better edge than AUS-8. I think it was a good option for the Voyager series as the price is still reasonable.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The handle on the Voyager is a combination of grivory (Cold Steel’s proprietary high density plastic) over aluminum liners. Aluminum strikes me as a great choice for liner material here. It’s been hardened so we have good strength, and it’s nice and light. Grivory on its own is pretty tough stuff too, so we are left with a very robust handle design.

In addition to the materials, I’m a big fan of the way these handles have been put together. Everything is screwed together for easy take down. The aluminum liners are neatly nested into the grivory. Everything lines up well and has been well finished. This is a high quality handle and it really shows.

The ergonomics on the entire Voyager line are also very nice. Naturally you would expect the XL to work in your hand (and it does, in a variety of positions). The Large also functions quite well. The Medium had me most concerned as it was the smallest and was a knife I wanted to EDC. Poor ergos would have kept me from doing that. Thankfully, I was pleasantly surprised with how well the Medium fit in my hand. I wear a large glove and the Medium rested comfortably, with my pinky taking residence on the shelf making up the back part of the handle. I was even able to choke up a little (which I only recommend for light tasks). All the knives have deep finger choils and light jimping on the spine which give you a nice grip.

Speaking of grip, all of the knives feature a kind of “iron cross” pattern on the grivory. This pattern is nice and grippy, but is not so abrasive that it tears up my pockets (although some people have had some issues with this – which sanding lightly under the clip would fix). All the corners have been rounded and all the knives fill the hand really well. All in all I am very satisfied with the ergonomics on these knives.

The pocket clip on the Voyager generally great, but comes kind of stiff. It worked well with the thin shorts I wear down here in Florida, but I found the stiff clip a bit of a pain with thicker materials. However, it will naturally bend out with use, and if you want to you could always bend the clip out slightly yourself. You can only carry this knife in the tip up position, but I like how Cold Steel included 2 clips (for left or right side carry). I also like how CS gave these clips a black coating. The coating held up well in my 2 months of carry, although it finally started to wear off when I scraped it on some concrete.

As far as actual carry goes, the Voyagers are pretty good considering their size. They are thicker knives, and the Large and XL are quite big, but they are very light so they are more manageable than they appear. I know several people who regularly carry an XL around and I gotta admit the knife slips into my jeans really well. Between the three sizes the Medium Voyager was my personal favorite for every day carry. The stiff clip kept the knife in place in my pocket. All in all these knives carry well.

Deployment and Lockup

The Voyagers all use ambidextrous thumbstuds for deployment. They are good size thumbstuds, and it doesn’t take much effort to get any of the knives open (even the XL). I had my concerns that the backspring on the tri-ad lock would be too strong for easy deployment, but it really isn’t the case. I can even shake these knives open (with a good amount of force). CS put some high quality phosphor bronze washers in these knives and they feel very smooth. All in all I’m quite pleased with deployment.

All of the Voyagers feature the now legendary Tri-Ad lock. I’ve spoken at length about these locks. They are basically an improved backlock. They actually feature a stop pin, so any force applied to the blade goes to the stop pin instead of the rest of the lock. This feature, combined with a very beefy lockback, make the strongest lock on the market. Performance is excellent – to the point where these knives will almost act like a fixed blade.

But perhaps the biggest positive to these particular Tri-Ad locks is how Cold Steel adjusted the back spring. The Tri-Ad locks on both my Spartan and Hold Out II were very stiff. It took a lot of effort to disengage these locks, even after breaking them in. I was really concerned this would be the case for the Voyager. Again, I was absolutely wrong (man, sometimes it’s great to be wrong). The locks were very easy to disengage with one hand. Of course, they are still safe and stay locked when you want it locked, but when the time comes to put the knife back in your pocket, it won’t take a ton of pressure to disengage the lock bar. This is a huge win for the Voyagers.

Cold Steel Voyager Review – Final Thoughts

Cold Steel has really raised the bar here. The entire Voyager line is extremely well done. These are Taiwanese knives and I’ll tell you the fit and finish is fantastic. The various Voyagers sell in the $40-65 range depending on the size. At that price I think it’s a great value. Especially the Large Voyager. It’s hard to find a full size utility knife built this well at this ~$50 price point.

I continue to be impressed with how perfectly everything lines up, how wonderfully everything has been finished, and how smooth the deployment, lockup and disengagement is. From a design standpoint there is a lot to like. The great choice of blade shapes, the comfortable lightweight handles, the excellent lock, the awesome pocket clip, the great materials – I could go on and on.

So in conclusion, I like the Voyager series lot. It was one of the best releases in 2011, and when the upgraded the steel in 2016 they made the knives even better. In 2018 I still have my Medium Voyager. I find it a little thick for EDC, but it’s a hell of a work knife. If you are looking for a large utility knife then pick up a Large Voyager. Tough to beat. And if you are looking for a folding sword then snag the XL. The XL is a fun knife, but it’s not a gimmick.

• Blade Length: 3-Inch
• Blade Thickness: 3 mm
• Overall Length: 7 1/4-Inch
• Weight: 3.5 oz (approx.)

• CLIP POINT BLADE - Lightweight, comfortable, and super sharp, the Cold Steel Voyager Large Clip Point folding knife is rugged, dependable and perfect for hunting and camping as well as general utility and daily cutting chores
• AUS10A STEEL BLADE - The Cold Steel Voyager Large folding knife's blade is crafted from premium Japanese AUS10A steel, renowned for its outstanding corrosion resistance and remarkable ability to maintain a sharp and durable edge over time
• ERGONOMIC HANDLE - The ergonomic Griv-Ex handle is reinforced with heat-treated 6061 aluminum liners to ensure ultimate durability; This handle provides great comfort and a secure grip even under extended use in tough conditions
• TRI-AD LOCK - Equipped with Cold Steel's renowned Tri-Ad locking mechanism, the Voyager Large folding knife offers unparalleled strength and shock resistance; This locking mechanism enhances the knife's reliability and safety during heavy-duty tasks
• SPECS - Weight: 5 oz (141.7 g); Blade Thickness: 3.5 mm; Blade Length: 4"; Blade Steel: AUS10A; Handle Length/Material: 5.25" Griv-Ex; Overall Length: 9.25"; Knife Type: Folder; Blade Shape: Clip Point; Locking Mechanism: Tri-Ad Lock

• Blade thickness: 4 mm, Blade Length :- 5.5 Inches
• Handle: 6.75 Inches long. Griv-ex
• Blade style: Clip point
• Steel: carpenters cts Bd1 alloy with stone wash finish
• Pocket Clip: ambidextrous pocket/belt Clip

I recommend purchasing the Cold Steel Voyager at Amazon or Buy the Cold Steel Voyager at BladeHQ . Please consider that buying anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

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About Dan Jackson

Dan is the creator of BladeReviews.com. He founded the site in 2010, and for the first 5 years Dan wrote all of the reviews and recorded all of the video reviews. He grew up using pocket knives, and the decision to start the website stemmed from his fascination of all things sharp combined with a deep passion for writing. He has personally reviewed almost 300 knives of all shapes, sizes, and price points. He is recognized as an authority on daily carry knives and has consulted with knife companies on product design.

Reader Interactions

December 27, 2011 at 8:58 am

You are really cranking the reviews out over the holidays!!! Keep up the good work!

December 27, 2011 at 9:01 am

Thanks Rob! Yes I have finally had the time to work on stuff I enjoy, like this website. I appreciate the support brother, all the best.

December 28, 2011 at 1:36 pm

Great review Dan.These voyagers catched my eye long time ago.Now its time to handle them at shop:D Btw here is a experience with my tri-ad lock Recon 1; it didnt cut anything except piece of papers , nylon cords and some stabbing to the notebook.It has up and down play now!My endura4 have less play.When i got it it was rock solid.Im gonna make a thread about this at bladeforums.Lets see whats going on:D Take Care Zakk

December 28, 2011 at 2:42 pm

Thanks Zakk! Yes definitely give this a handle if you have them available to you. I think you will like the knife a lot.

I am really surprised to hear about your Recon 1! I have handled a lot of tri-ad lock knives and have yet to experience any blade play. Have you tried adjusting the pivot? Might need some lock tite once you get it fully tweaked. Either way I’d be curious to hear what the story is.

Thanks for reading and taking the time to write the nice comment.

February 8, 2012 at 8:03 am

Sorry to hear about your Recon 1. Possibly it would be better to send it to CS for repairs, because it obviously has some defect. The Tri-Ad lock is self-adjusting by design, and I have never seen a knife with that particular type of lock that has an up-down blade play. More to say, once I managed to pierce through a 1″ wooden table top with my Spartan (like they do in CS videos!), and the knife showed no blade play afterwards (though it’s definitely not a good way to test knives at home! 🙂 )

December 28, 2011 at 5:25 pm

Yet another great review Dan!

I have been raving about the Cold Steel 2011 Voyagers since I got mine a few months ago. They are a definite improvement over the older versions.

The handle ergonomics are wonderful — weather laying them into a cut or sharpening or stropping them — it works so well for me!

My only question is if they were able to relax the Triad-Ad lock on the XL Tanto-Point versions?

I had two of the older XL Tanto-Point models and opening them via thumbtstud was rough.

December 28, 2011 at 5:52 pm

Thank you Greg! I really appreciate the kind words. I agree, this is an extremely comfortable knife. I haven’t been this excited about “value” knives in a while.

You know I have not got my hand on the XL Tanto, but my XL Clip point came very smooth and relaxed. I think maybe some of the earlier version of the knife were a little stiffer, but I haven’t had any issues with the two XL Clip Point Voyagers I have used. Thanks for reading man, take care.

December 30, 2011 at 12:23 pm

I’ll have to take the Cold Steel plunge sooner or later…. Great review, as always.

December 30, 2011 at 1:11 pm

Thanks man. This is a solid knife that makes for a great beater. It’s a little thick in the pocket but I carry the medium and large with no problem at all.

January 12, 2012 at 5:27 pm

I have been a CS fan for many years and have many of their knives. Presently, I do not have this particular iteration of the Voyager series. They are one tough knife and I like your label of “value” knife–true. Just found this site and like it.

January 12, 2012 at 5:43 pm

Hey Waykno, Thanks for stopping by man. I think you will really like the new Voyagers – especially if you are already a fan of Cold Steel’s products. They made some very nice upgrades to this version. And yes, I think these are an excellent value. I’m glad you have been enjoying the site – I’ve got a lot of new stuff planned for 2012. Mainly better reviews of cooler knives, but I’m also going to be upgrading this mega slow server and doing some other stuff. Thanks again for dropping in!

April 13, 2012 at 3:45 am

I kind of took a break for a while so I am way behind on your reviews. I enjoyed this one. I have still be struggling over whether or not to get a voyager since I already have the Recon1. After reading I think I will go ahead and get a Voyager. Now to decide which one…nice review!

April 13, 2012 at 4:43 pm

Hey Richard! Great to see you back man, I was wondering where you went. I would definitely still suggest getting the Voyager, there are still plenty of interesting differences between the two. I look forward hearing what model you decided on and eventually reading your review.

May 15, 2012 at 9:33 am

I picked the small Voyager and love the knive. However, it takes quite a bit of effort to disengage the lock. You mentioned in your review that this was not an issue for you. Any recommendations? As always, great review!

May 16, 2012 at 7:27 am

Hmmm, I am not really sure. It’s possible there are differences in tolerances between manufacturing runs, but my Voyagers were all reasonable (whereas the Spartan took 2 hands for me to disengage the lock). Unfortunately my only real suggestion is to just keep working the lock – hopefully it will break in quickly. If it is really bad Cold Steel may be willing to replace it. Thanks for reading!

February 6, 2014 at 5:23 pm

I personally have and carry the XL version. No play, very sharp, love it!

February 7, 2014 at 1:33 pm

Glad you like yours, Cordel. I had a buddy who carried the XL version. Pretty impressive piece of hardware!

February 22, 2014 at 7:51 pm

I just purchased a Voyager medium. I EDC this knife more than I do my Spyderco Delica.The lockup is tight and AUS-8 is very easy to sharpen.I got mine for 35.00 on Amazon

February 22, 2014 at 9:19 pm

You know what, I ended up giving all of my Voyagers away after doing this review, but very recently bought another Medium Voyager for my own personal use. I love it. Fantastic knife for the reasons you have described. I am considering writing an article just on the medium Voyager.

September 7, 2014 at 5:54 am

Hi there, I just ordered the xl clip point, it is my first ever folding knife lol

September 7, 2014 at 6:00 am

Congrats, Patrick! The XL Voyager is a great starter blade – way to dip your toe into the world of pocket knives. 😉 Let me know what you think…

November 28, 2014 at 6:14 am

Went through most of your reviews and been contemplating between the Voyager (Medium) and Kershaw Leek (Black) for EDC. Which one would you recommend?

The previous folder that I got as a gift is falling apart (missing screws) and I need cost effective replacement. While the Spyderco PM2 and ZT 0350 are often recommended, they are in a different league and price point.

Regards, Chester

November 28, 2014 at 11:11 am

Hey Chester,

Thanks for stopping by and for the great question. The Voyager is thick and overbuilt. It’s a fun and satisfying knife to play around with and EDC, but I think you will find the Leek to be much more practical if you are looking for a streamlined urban / suburban EDC. A good friend of mine has EDC’d a Leek for several years and he still likes it. Both are very nice for the money.

November 28, 2014 at 12:26 pm

Hi Dan! Wow that was a quick reply.

I think I’ll go with the black Leek 1660ckt over the regular stainless just because it might be sturdier with the extra DLC coating and it’s less “flashy”.

For your reviews on tactical or self-defense knives, is it possible for you to note on the grip/feel when you hold the knife blade up? I believe nobody does that. I leaned towards the Leek over the Voyager (medium) because it might be awkward to hold the knife that way among others.

November 29, 2014 at 7:11 am

Hi Chester,

My pleasure. Do you mean the “icepick” grip? I can try to do that. I must confess that I know very little about self defense, so I am always hesitant to offer advice in that arena. I might suggest checking out WeAllJuggleKnives on you tube for more “tactical” commentary.

November 29, 2014 at 11:19 am

Yes. Icepick grip and in some cases if the grip or blade has a pronounced shape just your normal grip but the blade upwards. Not a biggie 🙂

Thanks for the WeAllJuggleKnives recommendation. Will check it out.

November 29, 2014 at 4:35 pm

I’ll keep that in mind, Chester. Thanks and enjoy WAJK’s channel. He has some interesting stuff on there.

November 30, 2014 at 2:58 pm

Dan, this remains one of the most useful reviews of this excellent series of knives. The Large Voyager clip point is perhaps my #1 favorite “edc/tactical crossover” folder under $100. The combination of impressive size, light weight, tough build, excellent slicing performance, and comfortable ethos with well above average ergonomics is very hard to find together in one blade and gives the L Voyager a certain charisma all its own. Fit & finish is also way above expectations. Right now there are some online deals that have the M and L Voyagers for crazy prices like $35 to $40. At that price point, if you don’t mind a somewhat weaponized looking, but good carrying and very functional tool , it is hard to see why anyone would pass up the chance to grab these. Peace!

November 30, 2014 at 3:02 pm

LOL @ “comfortable ethos “; thanks smartphone. Heh — actually the only good reason I could think of why someone would not appreciate this well made tool is that CS knives arguably do NOT have a totally “comfortable ethos” associated with them — in the minds of some. 🙂

November 30, 2014 at 5:44 pm

Hey Anon, Thanks for dropping by. Glad you are still enthused about the Voyager series. I agree that the large Voyager is really tough to beat for a larger work knife. They really did a good job with it.

November 30, 2014 at 3:08 pm

Just one more observation: the XL Voyagers are equally well made and are very legit for what they are, but for an actual EDC choice (“car knife” or tool box use is another matter), I ‘d say the target market starts around 6’2″ 225 lbs and goes up from there. Which excludes me! Still fun to own. The Large size is really the sweet spot in my view.

August 30, 2019 at 8:28 pm

After seeing Grivory advertised on some Benchmades I Google it (how dumb not to do it before) and it’s apparently not proprietary – like you I thought it was a bit of Cold Steels puffery, but it isn’t. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyphthalamide & https://www.emsgrivory.com/en/products-markets/products/grivory/grivory-ht/

Basically in the Zytel family.

September 22, 2020 at 9:11 pm

I bought a Tatnto blade XL and it’s a great knife open but it won’t close.

October 23, 2021 at 12:18 pm

I own several VOYAGER knives and really appreciate this line of products. I have given countless of them away to friends for birthday presents b/c of their affordability, and b/c I trust the strength and quality. VOYAGER knives come in 4 blade styles, with or without serration, in two different sizes, basically 16 different knives for $50-$75. The handles are grippy to the point of being a bit sharp, and they are very lightweight, but I absolutely trust the strength of the blade and the Tri-Ad lock. I know for certain that the knife will not slip out of my hand, and that the blade will break before the lock fails. These points, along with its light-weight build, make it a very good EDC for self-protection.

I feel like the VOYAGER’s are Cold Steel’s way of offering really good folders at affordable “workingman’s” pricing. Not every buyer can afford a RECON 1 at $100+, but still want a real folding knife- not just a pocket-knife with a liner-lock.

Personally, I view the VOYAGER series as “fighting knives”, or “combat knives”, and not as much as outdoor/woodsman’s knives. I them specifically for self-defense, and prefer the TANTO blade profile for its thrusting and penetration capabilities.

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Cold Steel Voyager Vaquero, Extra Large Serrated, CS-29TXCVS

Cold Steel Knives: Cold Steel Voyager Vaquero Knife, Extra Large Serrated, CS-29TXCVS

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Cold Steel Voyager XL Clip Point Knife Review

By Ben North

Updated on May 19, 2024

Sometimes Size Matters

The Cold Steel Voyager XL is a big folding knife. So big in fact that when it was first announced many years ago I just sort of ignored it as a gimmick, because I thought it was too big to be a practical EDC pocket folder.

Turns out I was an idiot. While it certainly takes up more space in your pants or shorts pocket than an average folding knife it is surprisingly comfortable in the pocket of the type of clothing worn by the sort of person who would carry this knife.

Obviously it would be a bit cramped in the blood flow-restricting skinny jeans that seem to be popular with the weirdly bearded hipster class that infests America’s more densely populated regions, but I don’t think they are the target demographic Cold Steel had in mind when they designed this knife.

The Voyager XL has been my primary EDC for over six months now, and I am surprised at how many times the bigger than average size has been advantageous. In fact it has me wondering if my wife has been lying to me all these years, but that is a subject for a different post.

Knife Specifications

Blade construction and design.

The Voyager XL comes in three different blade styles: Drop Point, Tanto and Vaquero. I am partial to drop point, so that’s the focus for this review. I considered getting the Vaquero for a minute, because I thought it would be funny for my friends to ask, “Is that a Vaquero in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?”, but I am a clip point addict, and my friends are not that witty.

Cold Steel has recently begun moving many of their knives from AUS-8 steel to Carpenter CTS BD1 stee l, and the Voyager is one of those knives. You can still find AUS8 steel versions out there, and they are usually around $25 cheaper than the new versions with the CTS BD1 steel. Due to my propensity for losing knives or dropping them in the water I picked up an AUS8 version as well as the CTS BD1 steel version.

AUS8 steel certainly has a few detractors, but I have always found it to be a more than serviceable option for any job I needed it to do, and I am pretty tough on knives. It does lose it’s edge quicker than higher end steels like CTS BD1 and S30V, but I find sharpening to be fun and relaxing.

The fact that knives made with AUS8 are usually quite a bit cheaper is important to those of us who lose knives on regular basis or have bank accounts can’t that support the shiny blade addictions of the gainfully employed steel nerds. In spite of my poor man’s affinity for AUS8 steel, I have to admit that the Carpenter CTS BD1 steel is superior to AUS8 in almost every way including edge retention and corrosion resistance.

The blade of the Voyager XL was crazy sharp on delivery, and it was centered well with no vertical or horizontal play which is really impressive for a folder this big at this price point. The blade is a  serrated/plain edge combo which I have mixed feelings about. Sometimes a bit of serration is nice, but it is more difficult to sharpen. If you are anti serration there is a 100% plain edge version, and if you love serrated blades there is a version that is almost 100% serrated.

The blade has a full flat grind and a nice thin edge. The Voyager XL has a very aggressive clip point which is good from a tactical standpoint, but not ideal for a work knife. The blade has ambidextrous thumb studs that are well placed, but it takes a little practice to open the knife smoothly due to it’s above average size.

I personally ignore the thumb studs and just flip it open. The Voyager XL has a really smooth action, but it doesn’t feel like it wants to jump out of your hand when you flip it open quickly like some other large folders do.

Handle Construction and Ergonomics

The Voyager handle is made of Cold Steel’s Grivory which is a glass reinforced polymer resin that I have always found to be tough and durable. The handle is heavily textured from one end to the other, and this texture is especially nice when using the Voyager XL in wet weather. I have used it often in the rain without any problems.

I have read a few complaints about the texture being too rough and a little uncomfortable, but I haven’t noticed that even though my hands are are soft and sissy from spending a lot of time writing, taking pictures, and caressing my reflection in the mirror instead of doing actual real man work. So I don’t think the rough texture will be an issue for most people.

One of the features of the Voyager XL that make it practical and fairly easy to use for everyday tasks is its large handle.

At 6.8 inches the handle is one of the largest of any pocket folder, and Cold Steel utilizes this space well to make the Voyager fairly versatile and easy to grip. There is a large finger groove on the front of the handle that helps make the handle more grippable, and there are two finger grooves on the back of the handle right where it forms a semi hook shape.

The rear finger grooves and the semi hook shape combine to provide an extremely secure grip when chopping or reaching to cut something. There have been several times I have found myself using this grip to slice through weeds, blackberry bushes or hard to reach fishing line caught in tree branches, which is a great testament to the knife handle’s utility. Less so my casting technique.

The area between the two sets of finger grooves is contoured, which helps make the handle more comfortable regardless of where you hold it.

While I personally like the shape and placement of the finger grooves on the Voyager XL handle, there are those who have complained that this handle limits the user’s grip options, and I have to concede that there is some truth to that. While the conventional saber grip is easy, the reverse grip is limited somewhat by the inability to put your thumb over the butt of the handle unless you have huge hands.

This doesn’t bother me much, because the unique chopping ability and added reach the long hooked handle give me are worth the few grip limitations they create. However, if I were looking for a large folding EDC primarily for tactical reasons the grip constraints may be an issue.

My limited tactical knife training consist mostly of getting my ass kicked in training knife sparring matches by a few friends who have been well trained in knife Eskrima. That probably makes me more of an expert than your average person, but I am not gonna pretend I am qualified to recommend the best tactical knife for you or your dog.

There are a few other cool details in the handle, like the fact that this knife has Cold Steel’s awesome tri-ad lock which may be the best back lock in the folding knife world.

This is especially important with a knife that has a blade long enough to take off four of your fingers if it were to fail at the wrong time. It also has 6061 heat treated aluminum liners which help make this knife more durable, and are partially responsible for it’s impressive weight of 7.4 ounces.

One of the most common complaints of this knife is how tight the clip is when the Voyager is new. It is definitely the tightest clip of any knife I have ever owned, and it will mark your pocket up pretty bad until it is broken in. If you’re that concerned about your pants, it can be ground down or you can put a nickel or two in the clip for a few days to loosen it up a bit.

Obviously I am not capable of doing a subjective review of this knife, because it is my favorite EDC, and I own a lot of knives. That being said, I love this knife, because it helps me do my job. I spend a lot of time in the wilderness taking photos, and having a knife that is basically a mini machete that also works well for camp food prep is great.

While I realize that my situation is unique, there is something to be said for the fact that this knife has been in production for over 15 years, because Cold Steel would not have kept selling and upgrading this knife if it were not popular. I’m guessing I’m not the only person out there who thinks it’s the handiest knife they own.

Considering the fact that this knife usually sells for around $50 I think it is steal for any knife enthusiast, but like I said before, I am not capable of objectivity when it comes to this knife. It’s great for pretty much everything I do outdoors.

I haven’t spent a lot of time talking about the tactical benefits of this knife, because I don’t feel qualified, but I think the sheer size of the Cold Steel Voyager XL might get you out of a potentially violent situation. It is pretty scary when it is opened and mildly scary when it is closed.

If you are wondering about the Tanto or Vaquero models of the Cold Steel XL check out the reviews on More Than Just Surviving . Their reviews are very thorough, and I think they usually write sober. Sobriety and thoroughness are two things you will rarely find on Nothing But Knives , because we still think incoherent enthusiasm somehow makes up for drunken laziness.

About Ben North

Ben started a twenty year commercial photography career after a blurry stint in the navy. He spent a lot of time losing and breaking knives and other EDC gear on location shoots before starting Nothing But Knives. He has reviewed and tested hundreds of both outdoor and kitchen knives over the course of the last six years, and he was mostly sober while testing and reviewing.

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Cold Steel XL Voyager 5.5" AUS10A Razor-Sharp Kris Blade 6.75" Griv-Ex Handle Everyday Carry Tactical Folding Knife with Tri-Ad Lock

Purchase options and add-ons, about this item.

• KRIS BLADE - Kris blade Voyager is inspired by the fabled blades of Southeast Asia; It offers a wide, thick serpentine-shaped blade that cuts and slashes with particular efficiency due to its razor-sharp undulating edge
• AUS10A STEEL BLADE - The Cold Steel Voyager XL folding knife's blade is crafted from premium Japanese AUS10A steel, renowned for its outstanding corrosion resistance and remarkable ability to maintain a sharp and durable edge over time
• ERGONOMIC HANDLE - The ergonomic Griv-Ex handle is reinforced with heat-treated 6061 aluminum liners to ensure ultimate durability; This handle provides great comfort and a secure grip even under extended use in tough conditions
• TRI-AD LOCK - Equipped with Cold Steel's renowned Tri-Ad locking mechanism, the Voyager XL folding knife offers unparalleled strength and shock resistance; This locking mechanism enhances the knife's reliability and safety during heavy-duty tasks
• SPECS - Weight: 7.4 oz (209.8 g); Blade Thickness: 4 mm; Blade Length: 5.5"; Blade Steel: AUS10A; Handle Length/Material: 6.75" Griv-Ex; Overall Length: 12.25"; Knife Type: Folder; Blade Shape: Kris; Locking Mechanism: Tri-Ad Lock

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BLADE STEELS

S35VN: It is very tough, durable, and corrosion-resistant. It will take a fine razor-sharp edge that will last a long time.

AUS8A: This steel has performed amazingly well and has proven to be an excellent steel for working knives - tough, corrosion resistant, with good edge holding, and easy to re-sharpen. AUS10A: AUS 10A is equal in strength and toughness to AUS 8A, but has the extraordinary advantage of an additional 20% in edge holding ability.

8CR13MOV/5CR15MOV: The high-carbon stainless steel has proven itself to be tough and corrosion-resistant. It boasts good edge holding and is easy to re-sharpen.

4116SS: Its carbon and chromium content is balanced for excellent corrosion resistance and strength. Capable of taking a very fine, sharp edge, it makes an outstanding choice.

4034SS: A Japanese-made medium-grade stainless steel that admirably resists corrosion due to its higher Chromium content. It is also easy to sharpen and ensures wear resistance.

LOCKING MECHANISMS

Atlas Lock: It features a sturdy back lock design that ensures the blade remains securely in place during use. It is known for its reliability and simplicity. It provides smooth operation and strong locking performance.

Tri-Ad Lock: Known for its unparalleled strength and durability. This innovative locking system utilizes a unique stop pin and rocker arm design to provide exceptional resistance to lateral blade forces. The Tri-Ad Lock is engineered to withstand extreme pressure.

Rocker: It utilizes a spring-loaded rocker arm to securely engage the blade, holding it securely in the open position while allowing for easy one-handed closing.

Scorpion: This innovative system features a spring-loaded lock bar that engages the blade tang from both sides, resembling the pincers of a scorpion.

Spring-Leaf Lock: It employs a leaf spring that engages with a notch on the blade, holding it open during use. The spring tension can be adjusted to customize the opening and closing resistance.

G-10: Known for its high strength, lightweight, and wear resistance. Provides excellent grip, even in wet conditions.

GFN (Glass-Filled Nylon): Consists of nylon mixed with glass fibers for added strength and rigidity. Offers durability, impact resistance, and affordability. Provides a comfortable and secure grip.

Griv-Ex: Engineered thermoplastic polymer with high impact and abrasion resistance. Offers a balance of durability, lightweight, and affordability.

Carbon Fiber: Known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and sleek appearance. Provides a high-end, premium feel and superior aesthetics.

6061 Aluminum: Provides excellent strength and durability. Offers lightweight construction and resistance to corrosion. Delivers a solid, ergonomic grip and a sleek, metallic finish.

Cold Steel brings new levels of strength, safety, and performance to the market, providing products that you can rely on - Anytime, Anywhere!

Product Description

COLD STEEL XL VOYAGER DROP POINT BLADE FOLDING KNIFE: Our Drop Point Voyager is perfect for anyone who wants a big tough folder that's lower profile but is ideal for hunting and utility work. FEATURES: - 5 1/2" AUS10A Steel Drop Point Blade; - 6 3/4" Griv-Ex Handle; - 12 1/4" Overall Length; - 4 mm Blade Thickness; - Tri-Ad Lock; - Ambidextrous Pocket / Belt Clip. The Voyager Series: The Cold Steel Voyager series is designed to be the true everyman knife. Lightweight, comfortable, super sharp, they are rugged, dependable, and perfect for hunting and camping as well as general utility and daily cutting chores. The Voyagers excel in many survival and rescue applications. They are precision-engineered and held to our most exacting standards. Feature AUS10A blades, and our safe and shock-resistant Tri-Ad locking mechanism. The ergonomic Griv-Ex handles (reinforced with heat-treated 6061 aluminum liners) provide great comfort and a secure grip even under extended use in tough conditions.

Product information

Technical details, additional information, important information, legal disclaimer.

This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

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Customer reviews.

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the sharpness, sturdiness, weight, and size of the knife. They mention that it's a really cool blade to have, it'll last a long time, and it'd be a great addition to any collection. That said, some complain about the lock.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers are satisfied with the sharpness of the knife. They mention that it's a really cool blade to have and a nice knife.

"... Very sharp out of the box !" Read more

"...In a good way to me given my size. It opens and closes easily. Sharp on the inside , and you can touch the outside without cutting...." Read more

"...It's too big to carry practically, but very very sharp out of the box and very solid lock up." Read more

"Love how sharp and balanced it feels, good for cutting boxes and plastic wrap off of pallets. Lock is a little off but not enough to ruin the knife...." Read more

Customers are impressed with the sturdiness of the knife. They say it is well built, solid, and impressive.

"This knife is a beautiful beast, I love it, solid good quality steel , the handle is plastic but it is very solid, quality plastic and keeps it from..." Read more

"...Steel knife and I'd say 99% of the time that means you're getting serious quality ...." Read more

"...Large, in charge, deceptively lightweight yet very well built and sturdy ...." Read more

"...big to carry practically, but very very sharp out of the box and very solid lock up ." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the weight of the knife. Some mention that it's great and their number one carry, while others are surprised by the weight and size.

"...is plastic but it is very solid, quality plastic and keeps it from weighing too much . Very sharp out of the box!" Read more

"...When it arrived, I was surprised by the weight and size. This thing is heavy and bulky. In a good way to me given my size...." Read more

"...Large, in charge, deceptively lightweight yet very well built and sturdy...." Read more

"...One knife for everything. Very light for it's size and just a really cool blade to have." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the size of the knife. They mention that it is large, in charge, deceptively lightweight yet very well built, and has a large blade as advertised.

"...The last 5 knives I bought were all from them and I love all of them. Large , in charge, deceptively lightweight yet very well built and sturdy...." Read more

"This knife is very solid. Comes pretty sharp and much bigger than the pictures makes it out to be. Cold Steel out did themselves with this knife." Read more

"...The open lock seems to work fine. Large blade as advertised ." Read more

" Huge , heavy, cool, but hope you can sharpen it..." Read more

Customers find the knife easy to open and close. They mention it's smooth to flick open.

"...In a good way to me given my size. It opens and closes easily . Sharp on the inside, and you can touch the outside without cutting...." Read more

"...Those locks I've found have always been smooth to open and close ...." Read more

" Easy To “Flick Open ”, Still A Cool Blade..." Read more

Customers dislike the lock of the knife. They say it's worthless, weak, and sticks.

"... Lock is a little off but not enough to ruin the knife. Overall a good knife." Read more

"...to cut yourself on closing it - especially since the lock sticks and doesnt knock loose unless you hit or vice sqweeze it, which renders it useless..." Read more

"Mainly got this to add to my collection and practice. The lock closed feature is weak ...." Read more

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Folding Knife Voyager Vaquero Large, Plain Edge, Stainless

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Ready to ship, Delivery time approx. 1-3 working days

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Product Key Features

• Closed Length 6-3/4 in.
• Blade Material Japanese AUS10A
• Blade Length 5.1/2 in
• Blade Edge Serrated
• Overall Length 12-1/4 in.
• Type Hunting Knife
• Item Weight 5.7oz

A must have for the knife lover.

The quality of this knife is fantastic! Only cold steel will give you a 5.5 inch blade with a quality steel for the right price. The serrations are extremely sharp. If you’re looking for a knife for self defense and some utility if you need, the voyager is what to get. Get it!

COLD STEEL XL VAQUERO

Great Knife at a Great price! Light weight, Comfortable and Extremely Sharp! Would 100% recommend if you're looking for a big folder!

Excellent!!

Cold Steel Rock!! Solid lockup! Tuff knife! Awesome knives!

Very nice and sharp, will easily prevail in a self defense situation.

Cold Steel Folding Blade Hunting Knives Serrated

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