Cold Steel Voyager Extra Large handle scales
Cold Steel Voyager Extra Large handle scales
In mid-1990s (appearing in Cold Steel catalogs by 1996–1998), Cold Steel—under Lynn Thompson—expanded the Voyager series (debuted early 90s as lightweight lockback folders) with the Extra Large Voyager (often called Voyager XL or Extra Large, models like #29XT Tanto, #29XC Clip Point). It debuted as the flagship "big folder" for users demanding maximum blade length and cutting power in a portable package—ideal for hunting, camping, survival, and heavy utility
The Cold Steel Voyager Extra Large features a 5.5-inch blade in premium Japanese steel (early VG-1/AUS-8A, upgraded to CTS-BD1 ~2015–2016, then AUS-10A ~2024 for superior edge retention/corrosion resistance), hollow grind for slicing, Tri-Ad Lock (Andrew Demko design added ~2011 for unbreakable shock resistance), Griv-Ex handles with 6061 aluminum liners, ambidextrous thumb-stud opening, and reversible pocket clip. Weighing ~7.2–7.7 oz with 12.25-inch overall length, it's lightweight yet massive—perfect for tactical EDC, bushcraft, and oversized tasks
Priced affordably (~$80–$125 MSRP, Taiwan-made), variants include clip point, tanto, Vaquero (recurved), plain/serrated edges, and drop-point additions. Praised for smooth action, durability, and value, the Voyager XL became a Cold Steel icon—evolving from 90s classic to modern overbuilt folder benchmark in large folding knives and hunting/utility folders