The Martialist: The Magazine For Those Who Fight Unfairly

Cold Steel XL Voyager

A Product Review by Phil Elmore

Many who carry folding knives for self-defense and utility prefer LARGE knives. Believing that bigger is better and testing the limits of what their pockets and waistbands will carry, these folks routinely carry knives that dwarf some fixed blades carried for the same purpose. One such knife is Cold Steel's famous and gigantic Vaquero Grande. Another is this one -- the slightly smaller but no less impressive XL Voyager.

With a broad five inch blade and a handle somewhere near six inches, this is no "gent's folder." The blade looks and handles something like a navaja. It balances at the blade pivot even though the XL Voyager first "feels" blade-heavy when open.

Like most Cold Steel rocker-bar lockbacks, this one is very stiff to open (owing to the strength of the knife's spring). My sample has a little up-and-down play when locked open but is solid from side to side. The knife was, of course, razor-sharp out of the box -- though many hate the tiny proprietary serrations with which this knife came equipped.

(The solution to keeping these serrations well-maintained is simple: purchase a crock stick designed specifically for them.)

The comparatively small, graduated and grooved thumb studs are a matter of personal preference. On a knife that opens as hard as the XL Voyager, a little care is in order to prevent flaying one's thumb when the reluctant blade finally snaps open. Snap it does. The lock sounds and feels quite strong.

The heavily textured plastic handle provides a good grip. It is quite large and was more than adequate for my hands, which are larger than average. The black pocket clip -- always welcome to prevent flashy displays of "look, knife in pocket here!" -- is curved slightly to match the curve of the handle and works well. It is removable but not reversible and configured for tip-up carry only.

There is a lanyard hole in the handle if that sort of thing is important to you. There are also thumb grooves on the spine near the blade end of the handle, but they're not cut deeply enough to make much difference in terms of grip.

Closed, the XL Voyager is a large package thanks to the width of the blade. I did not find it difficult to carry in my pocket or inside my waistband, but smaller individuals or people who wear their clothing relatively tight may find it uncomfortable.

Relatively inexpensive, reasonably stout, and big enough for most tasks -- mundane or otherwise -- the XL Voyager is one tool that might be worth purchasing. Check your local laws regarding blade length.

Carry responsibly and walk safely.