Cold SteelXL Voyager 5.5" AUS10A Tanto Point Razor-Sharp Blade 6.75" Griv-Ex Handle Everyday Carry Tactical Folding Knife w/Tri-Ad Lock

As a college student in Texas, I find myself walking to and from class everyday. There are many unsavory and often times threatening characters who can be found in these streets and sometimes even on campus. A few years ago, Texas law banned many knives (including Bowie knives) alongside clubs and other hand weapons from being carried. On the day the law was to be repealed, a stabbing occurred on a college campus. As a result, Texas law prevents you from carrying knives with blades longer than 5.5 inches in certain sensitive areas.At 5.5 inches, this knife meets the criteria. You can carry it on campus, to a courthouse, where ever. Of course, while the blade is only 5.5 inches, the knife itself is over 12 inches when unfolded. You are effectively carrying a folding sword. This thing comes sharp as hell (I nicked myself with it), and the cleverly designed hand allows you to hold it in certain ways that give you more reach. I examined a few fixed blade Kabars with 5.5 inch blades, but due to the handle, the Cold Steel XL tanto was far larger.I have a feeling that most people would just run if they confronted you and you whipped this thing out. My next largest folder is the CQC Emerson 4KXL, and the thing just dwarfs the poor EmersonOn the other hand, this thing is built like a rock, and you could definitely use it as an outdoor blade. The lock up is totally solid. I've seen some people absolutely torture these knives, and while I wouldn't put them through that kind of punishment, it makes me feel confident in the product.I throw this thing in my backpack, where ever I go. At around 60 bucks, it's worth every penny.

This thing is a beast and razor sharp out of the box. I did my standard arm hair cutting test and came out with a Voyager XL sized bald patch, lol. I think most people buying this knife already own some Cold Steel knives. If that's the case, you'll love this. It's big, bad, and exactly what you expect from CS. Some people say that the pocket clip is too small for the XL. I admit it does look a little dinky compared to the Espada or SR1 clips. However, it fits nice and snug on my waistbands and I didn't need to stack 3 pennies underneath for a day or so to stretch it out. Works for me.This is not a good beginner knife for a lot of reasons. It's razor sharp, huge, and pretty intimidating (as it should be). Cold Steel is a legendary company. Who else provides such design, quality, and durability at an affordable price? Let me know, haha. Just kidding. I love you Cold Steel.

The classic Cold Steel Voyager series is by far my favorite all around carry knife. The build quality, the ergonomics, the lock-up are all exactly why I fell in love with these knives and this brand. I especially love the grip texture in its Maltese cross pattern that stays in your hand like it's holding on for dear life. Keep up the good work and solid designs like this one!

I own a lot of CS knives and this is one of my favorites. For myself, this is strictly a self-defense carry knife. It's not too big for my jeans pocket and I don't notice the weight. This knife isn't for going out in the woods chopping whatever I see.The length is exactly what I've been wanting because it gives me that extra reach. Especially when I grip it towards the back of the handle. The blade isn't made of some super steel, but I don't need it to be. I don't care about durability, edge retention and all that other stuff. Those are for my daily use knives. This knife, I just need it to do it's job even just once. It's cheap enough so I don't care if it breaks defending my family and myself. Easily replaceable.The AUS-10 steel is super easy to sharpen and takes an edge very well. Like all CS knives, it came sharp, but sharp isn't good enough for me. I used a progression of diamond emulsion on strops and now the blade is probably my sharpest knife. Like I said, very easy to put a razor edge.The value for what you get is undeniable. You get the famed CS quality even though the material used isn't of the highest quality. I hope that makes sense.Am I happy with this knife? No question. Would I buy it again? Absolutely. Would I recommend this knife? That depends on what you are looking for in a knife. This is a big knife and not for every one. But if you like big knives, this is a must get. By the way, I purchased the tanto blade which I feel is better suited for self defense.