I was not enthusiastic to hear that the lightweight and fast pre-2010 models of Cold Steel Voyagers getting re-designed. They have been favorite blades here in TNP, integrating easily into all preparedness systems. Luckily they're even better than before and I was happy to be wrong. In this review, I show all three of these newer Voyager models in depth: the XL, L, and Medium
(plain edged clips, my favorite ones). After hard cutting and some batoning with the Large Voyager, I was not surprised to find still a solid locking knife. The Demko Triad lock is a winner again and it solidly places these Zytel handled folders in the hard use category. The stop pins on these models are large and solid in this lock design, taking the mechanical shock instead of the locking bart. The lockback spring is perfectly balanced and allows for some rather fast deployments, surpising for lockbacks sometimes. The cylindrical thumbstuds are another improvement as well, offering easy and fast access left or right. The full flat ground blades arrive sharp and the clip blade shape has great belly, a good tip, and a preferred stone washed finish. In cardboard cutting the AUS8A steel dulled but retained a usable edge (shown). The handles now feature a higher traction pattern, 6061 heat treated aluminum liners, and deep finger guards. They are are secure in hand and comfortable. Sadly jimping is still lacking in these redesigns but traction is still pretty good. A large lanyard hole makes attaching a 550 cord lanyard easy (medium version lacks it however). The pocket clip is standard Cold Steel: it holds tight, it's strong, and a left hand version is included. You will have to do some sanding or epoxying under the clip to minimize pocket shredding. Value is tremendous in all the Voyager models, made possible by overseas production. In 2011, the XL clip model sold for $48, an amazing value for a knife with the capabilities of the higher end Cold Steel Large Espada. It is rare you will find blades this well made and this tough at these prices. That alone makes them TNP Hall of Famers. Although sporting the aluminum liners, happily the Voyagers feature reasonable weights for their size and the strength they seem to possess. So while we've seem to have lost the ulra-lightweight Voyagers of days past, a stronger, higher grip version takes its place. As last ditch fighters or utility blades, these Voyagers integrate well into EDC, military, LE, and survival systems.///////////////////Nutnfancy Likability Scale: 9.5 out of 10////////////There's some great knife shops online, here's one that sells cheap: www.notjustknives.com