Cold Steel Voyager Vaquero XL AUS-10A Folding Knife

M... Review confirmed by purchase

100%

24.01.2026

Review for model:

I won't write about the dimensions because everyone can read :-) I'll write about the quality and ergonomics. The knife comes properly factory-sharpened, very well finished, like all my Cold Steele products made in Taiwan so far. The handle is aggressive and may chafe the skin of your hand during prolonged use—working with gloves is comfortable, also thanks to the size. It's nice to have the option to grip the end of the handle.

Makes an impression! Super sharp, I was worried about the lock, what kind of invention is it, but it's just a more advanced back lock :) I recommend this piece of steel. For its size, you hardly feel it in your pocket! Worth its price :)

D... Review confirmed by purchase

100%

16.09.2025

Review for model:

Large, solid folder, perfect for EDC. Dimensions and weight do not get in the way of carrying it in the pants pocket. Reliable lock, long blade—great for clearing in the woods. I recommend!

I was a bit worried about these small serrations, but they cut soft materials very well and sharpening is not that complicated. A large and solid knife. I recommend it.

This is not a knife made of hi-end steel, but it is well-hardened and holds its edge with normal use. The blade shape is excellent – great for making sandwiches as well as for more serious tasks, like butchering or outdoor cutting of thicker materials. The center of gravity is not pushed as far towards the blade as in kukri knives, which improves maneuverability in emergency situations. Thanks to the length and profile of the blade, it has really great reach, and the handle allows for several grip styles, so you can use it with precision or power – as needed. The serrated version cuts like a saw, but a tip: when sharpening, it's worth investing in a special sharpener for the teeth from Lansky (the model dedicated to Cold Steel). For sharpening enthusiasts, those who love to sharpen on stones may be disappointed, as this knife is best sharpened on rods, a tri-angle, or small Work Sharp stones. Be careful with the tip – it's very thin and isn't suitable for use as a pry bar or screwdriver, just like the tip of a Spyderco Military, for example. This is a knife for cutting, not prying windows. The handle is a big plus – neither too thin nor too thick. It sits securely in the hand, even during longer work. It's easy to disassemble and clean, which is important for a knife of this size. If it doesn't open smoothly, you need to slightly sand the contact point of the blade and the lock (tri-ad lock) with fine sandpaper. In many pieces, this significantly improves the smoothness without affecting the lock's sturdiness. In the "low weight vs. long reach" category, this knife wins. Quite a monster for your pocket, but it's not heavy. The ideal EDC for those who aren't afraid of size, appreciate functionality, and want one cutting edge for everything.

This is already my third CS in the XL version. Probably the most functional and handy one. The Clip Point version is much wider when folded compared to the Tanto blade. It definitely sits more comfortably in the pocket. I usually carry it in the side pocket of my cargo pants. Superb build, very solid, great steel. Durable, can take a lot, the best lock, arrives very sharp. Fits very well in the hand. I recommend it.

J... Review confirmed by purchase

100%

12.03.2024

Review for model:

Nice, big, badass-looking knife. Despite its large size, it is really comfortable, solidly made, and very sharp. The large handle allows for several grips. I only have a complaint about the grinding locking mechanism, but I won't try any modifications there, because this lock is tank-solid! There's no way the knife would close by accident.

M... Review confirmed by purchase

100%

10.01.2024

Review for model:

A great knife for kitchen/food preparation due to the pronounced belly of the blade, which guides what you're cutting straight to the cutting edge. The tip is very delicate – compared to other Voyagers, I personally wouldn't dare use this knife for work in the garden or forest. The main element of the TriAdLock required slight sanding with fine-grit sandpaper where it contacts the steel of the blade – there were visible fine longitudinal grooves from the factory processing of this part.

M... Review confirmed by purchase

100%

10.01.2024

Review for model:

One of Cold Steel's classics, the founder's favorite knife. Many knife fans will say the Espada XL is the queen of all Cold Steel knives, but in my opinion, this particular Voyager model is a worthy contender for that title. The real-life appearance is absolutely lethal—not really something to show around people who aren't used to seeing knives in public. The blade shape and serrations make a great combination if you're looking for a knife to cut soft materials and fabrics. You should keep in mind that the blade tip tapers to almost a needle, which combined with the serrated edge limits the knife’s usefulness in bushcraft or technical tasks (there is a risk of chipping these small structures when in contact with wood or similarly hard materials). A downside is the finish/grinding of the main TriAdLock part; at the point of contact with the blade, there are "striped" marks from metalworking that cause noticeable and audible friction of the lock against the blade—you have to sand it yourself for it to move smoothly.

A piece of solid steel, makes the right impression, and it's not too heavy. I always wanted one like this and I can confidently call it 'excellent.'

Wonderfully ergonomic and looks good. Steel is okay.

A big blade. Cold Steel keeps its quality.

The largest folding tanto in Cold Steel’s offer. It has a prominent guard, jimping on the handle for better thumb support and aluminum liners. The construction is so solid that it needs to break in to work smoothly, super!

A perfect knife for trips in the field - light, strong, with a very solid lock and a very comfortable handle, all at a very reasonable price.

The knife is relatively light and very durable. The Tanto version is the only one with a hollow grind, which for me is an advantage because it makes it much easier to start cutting despite the thick blade. In addition, the low profile makes it easy to carry in the pocket. Great mechanics, perfectly centered. This is my third Voyager XL and definitely not the last.