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Cold Steel Voyager Review

by Dan Jackson 34 Comments

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Last Updated: February 25, 2018

New in 2011, the updated Cold Steel Voyagers took the knife world by storm. There was a lot to like about the original CS Voyagers, but as technologies advance old classics need updating. And I gotta say, the new version really packs some nice improvements. Lighter, faster, with better locks and beautiful details – there is a lot to love about these knives. With 3 sizes, 3 blade shapes and the option of fully or partially serrated edges there is something for everyone.

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I have one of each size for your consideration here (the Medium Voyager , Large Voyager , and the XL Voyager ). After testing them all I can safely recommend any one of these knives. Take the “voyage” with me and learn why I like them so much.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

Since I’m reviewing 3 knives here I figured it would be easiest to throw the dimensions into a table instead of listing them out.

All the knives feel light for their size. Especially the Large and XL.

The 2011 Voyagers come in 3 major blade shapes. You have the classic clip point shown here, you also have a nice tanto version, and a version known as the “Vaquero.” The Vaquero is a modified clip point with a serious recurve. The knife you decide on comes down to your personal preferences. I think they are all pretty good, but the Vaquero will the hardest to sharpen due to the extreme recurve. I probably should have bought one of each blade style, but what can I say, I’m a sucker for a nice clip point.

And this clip point is really well done. Cold Steel started things off with a full flat grind. You also have a small swedge that forms a nice tip. There is plenty of belly and the edge is beautifully ground. Topping things off is an excellent stone wash. This blade finish really sets this knife apart. I greatly prefer the stonewash over Cold Steel’s teflon coating or blasted finish blades. All said and done the blade is really nice, especially when you consider the modest price tag.

Steel on the 2011 Voyagers is AUS 8. This changed to BD1 in 2015-2016. Both are softer steels. Cold Steel got a lot of feedback from customers wanting something with better edge retention than AUS-8, so they upgraded their premium line of knives to CTS-XHP (and then S35Vn in 2018), and their more budget oriented knives they upgraded to BD1. I don’t have a lot of experience with BD1, but it’s a softer steel. Easy to sharpen, and presumably holds a better edge than AUS-8. I think it was a good option for the Voyager series as the price is still reasonable.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The handle on the Voyager is a combination of grivory (Cold Steel’s proprietary high density plastic) over aluminum liners. Aluminum strikes me as a great choice for liner material here. It’s been hardened so we have good strength, and it’s nice and light. Grivory on its own is pretty tough stuff too, so we are left with a very robust handle design.

In addition to the materials, I’m a big fan of the way these handles have been put together. Everything is screwed together for easy take down. The aluminum liners are neatly nested into the grivory. Everything lines up well and has been well finished. This is a high quality handle and it really shows.

The ergonomics on the entire Voyager line are also very nice. Naturally you would expect the XL to work in your hand (and it does, in a variety of positions). The Large also functions quite well. The Medium had me most concerned as it was the smallest and was a knife I wanted to EDC. Poor ergos would have kept me from doing that. Thankfully, I was pleasantly surprised with how well the Medium fit in my hand. I wear a large glove and the Medium rested comfortably, with my pinky taking residence on the shelf making up the back part of the handle. I was even able to choke up a little (which I only recommend for light tasks). All the knives have deep finger choils and light jimping on the spine which give you a nice grip.

Speaking of grip, all of the knives feature a kind of “iron cross” pattern on the grivory. This pattern is nice and grippy, but is not so abrasive that it tears up my pockets (although some people have had some issues with this – which sanding lightly under the clip would fix). All the corners have been rounded and all the knives fill the hand really well. All in all I am very satisfied with the ergonomics on these knives.

The pocket clip on the Voyager generally great, but comes kind of stiff. It worked well with the thin shorts I wear down here in Florida, but I found the stiff clip a bit of a pain with thicker materials. However, it will naturally bend out with use, and if you want to you could always bend the clip out slightly yourself. You can only carry this knife in the tip up position, but I like how Cold Steel included 2 clips (for left or right side carry). I also like how CS gave these clips a black coating. The coating held up well in my 2 months of carry, although it finally started to wear off when I scraped it on some concrete.

As far as actual carry goes, the Voyagers are pretty good considering their size. They are thicker knives, and the Large and XL are quite big, but they are very light so they are more manageable than they appear. I know several people who regularly carry an XL around and I gotta admit the knife slips into my jeans really well. Between the three sizes the Medium Voyager was my personal favorite for every day carry. The stiff clip kept the knife in place in my pocket. All in all these knives carry well.

Deployment and Lockup

The Voyagers all use ambidextrous thumbstuds for deployment. They are good size thumbstuds, and it doesn’t take much effort to get any of the knives open (even the XL). I had my concerns that the backspring on the tri-ad lock would be too strong for easy deployment, but it really isn’t the case. I can even shake these knives open (with a good amount of force). CS put some high quality phosphor bronze washers in these knives and they feel very smooth. All in all I’m quite pleased with deployment.

All of the Voyagers feature the now legendary Tri-Ad lock. I’ve spoken at length about these locks. They are basically an improved backlock. They actually feature a stop pin, so any force applied to the blade goes to the stop pin instead of the rest of the lock. This feature, combined with a very beefy lockback, make the strongest lock on the market. Performance is excellent – to the point where these knives will almost act like a fixed blade.

But perhaps the biggest positive to these particular Tri-Ad locks is how Cold Steel adjusted the back spring. The Tri-Ad locks on both my Spartan and Hold Out II were very stiff. It took a lot of effort to disengage these locks, even after breaking them in. I was really concerned this would be the case for the Voyager. Again, I was absolutely wrong (man, sometimes it’s great to be wrong). The locks were very easy to disengage with one hand. Of course, they are still safe and stay locked when you want it locked, but when the time comes to put the knife back in your pocket, it won’t take a ton of pressure to disengage the lock bar. This is a huge win for the Voyagers.

Cold Steel Voyager Review – Final Thoughts

Cold Steel has really raised the bar here. The entire Voyager line is extremely well done. These are Taiwanese knives and I’ll tell you the fit and finish is fantastic. The various Voyagers sell in the $40-65 range depending on the size. At that price I think it’s a great value. Especially the Large Voyager. It’s hard to find a full size utility knife built this well at this ~$50 price point.

I continue to be impressed with how perfectly everything lines up, how wonderfully everything has been finished, and how smooth the deployment, lockup and disengagement is. From a design standpoint there is a lot to like. The great choice of blade shapes, the comfortable lightweight handles, the excellent lock, the awesome pocket clip, the great materials – I could go on and on.

So in conclusion, I like the Voyager series lot. It was one of the best releases in 2011, and when the upgraded the steel in 2016 they made the knives even better. In 2018 I still have my Medium Voyager. I find it a little thick for EDC, but it’s a hell of a work knife. If you are looking for a large utility knife then pick up a Large Voyager. Tough to beat. And if you are looking for a folding sword then snag the XL. The XL is a fun knife, but it’s not a gimmick.

• Blade Length: 3-Inch
• Blade Thickness: 3 mm
• Overall Length: 7 1/4-Inch
• Weight: 3.5 oz (approx.)

• Weight: 4.6oz
• Blade Thickness: 3.5mm
• Blade Length: 4"
• Overall Length: 9-1/4"
• Blade Steel: Japanese AUS10A

• Blade thickness: 4 mm, Blade Length :- 5.5 Inches
• Handle: 6.75 Inches long. Griv-ex
• Blade style: Clip point
• Steel: carpenters cts Bd1 alloy with stone wash finish
• Pocket Clip: ambidextrous pocket/belt Clip

I recommend purchasing the Cold Steel Voyager at Amazon or Buy the Cold Steel Voyager at BladeHQ . Please consider that buying anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

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About Dan Jackson

Dan is the creator of BladeReviews.com. He founded the site in 2010, and for the first 5 years Dan wrote all of the reviews and recorded all of the video reviews. He grew up using pocket knives, and the decision to start the website stemmed from his fascination of all things sharp combined with a deep passion for writing. He has personally reviewed almost 300 knives of all shapes, sizes, and price points. He is recognized as an authority on daily carry knives and has consulted with knife companies on product design.

Reader Interactions

December 27, 2011 at 8:58 am

You are really cranking the reviews out over the holidays!!! Keep up the good work!

December 27, 2011 at 9:01 am

Thanks Rob! Yes I have finally had the time to work on stuff I enjoy, like this website. I appreciate the support brother, all the best.

December 28, 2011 at 1:36 pm

Great review Dan.These voyagers catched my eye long time ago.Now its time to handle them at shop:D Btw here is a experience with my tri-ad lock Recon 1; it didnt cut anything except piece of papers , nylon cords and some stabbing to the notebook.It has up and down play now!My endura4 have less play.When i got it it was rock solid.Im gonna make a thread about this at bladeforums.Lets see whats going on:D Take Care Zakk

December 28, 2011 at 2:42 pm

Thanks Zakk! Yes definitely give this a handle if you have them available to you. I think you will like the knife a lot.

I am really surprised to hear about your Recon 1! I have handled a lot of tri-ad lock knives and have yet to experience any blade play. Have you tried adjusting the pivot? Might need some lock tite once you get it fully tweaked. Either way I’d be curious to hear what the story is.

Thanks for reading and taking the time to write the nice comment.

February 8, 2012 at 8:03 am

Sorry to hear about your Recon 1. Possibly it would be better to send it to CS for repairs, because it obviously has some defect. The Tri-Ad lock is self-adjusting by design, and I have never seen a knife with that particular type of lock that has an up-down blade play. More to say, once I managed to pierce through a 1″ wooden table top with my Spartan (like they do in CS videos!), and the knife showed no blade play afterwards (though it’s definitely not a good way to test knives at home! 🙂 )

December 28, 2011 at 5:25 pm

Yet another great review Dan!

I have been raving about the Cold Steel 2011 Voyagers since I got mine a few months ago. They are a definite improvement over the older versions.

The handle ergonomics are wonderful — weather laying them into a cut or sharpening or stropping them — it works so well for me!

My only question is if they were able to relax the Triad-Ad lock on the XL Tanto-Point versions?

I had two of the older XL Tanto-Point models and opening them via thumbtstud was rough.

December 28, 2011 at 5:52 pm

Thank you Greg! I really appreciate the kind words. I agree, this is an extremely comfortable knife. I haven’t been this excited about “value” knives in a while.

You know I have not got my hand on the XL Tanto, but my XL Clip point came very smooth and relaxed. I think maybe some of the earlier version of the knife were a little stiffer, but I haven’t had any issues with the two XL Clip Point Voyagers I have used. Thanks for reading man, take care.

December 30, 2011 at 12:23 pm

I’ll have to take the Cold Steel plunge sooner or later…. Great review, as always.

December 30, 2011 at 1:11 pm

Thanks man. This is a solid knife that makes for a great beater. It’s a little thick in the pocket but I carry the medium and large with no problem at all.

January 12, 2012 at 5:27 pm

I have been a CS fan for many years and have many of their knives. Presently, I do not have this particular iteration of the Voyager series. They are one tough knife and I like your label of “value” knife–true. Just found this site and like it.

January 12, 2012 at 5:43 pm

Hey Waykno, Thanks for stopping by man. I think you will really like the new Voyagers – especially if you are already a fan of Cold Steel’s products. They made some very nice upgrades to this version. And yes, I think these are an excellent value. I’m glad you have been enjoying the site – I’ve got a lot of new stuff planned for 2012. Mainly better reviews of cooler knives, but I’m also going to be upgrading this mega slow server and doing some other stuff. Thanks again for dropping in!

April 13, 2012 at 3:45 am

I kind of took a break for a while so I am way behind on your reviews. I enjoyed this one. I have still be struggling over whether or not to get a voyager since I already have the Recon1. After reading I think I will go ahead and get a Voyager. Now to decide which one…nice review!

April 13, 2012 at 4:43 pm

Hey Richard! Great to see you back man, I was wondering where you went. I would definitely still suggest getting the Voyager, there are still plenty of interesting differences between the two. I look forward hearing what model you decided on and eventually reading your review.

May 15, 2012 at 9:33 am

I picked the small Voyager and love the knive. However, it takes quite a bit of effort to disengage the lock. You mentioned in your review that this was not an issue for you. Any recommendations? As always, great review!

May 16, 2012 at 7:27 am

Hmmm, I am not really sure. It’s possible there are differences in tolerances between manufacturing runs, but my Voyagers were all reasonable (whereas the Spartan took 2 hands for me to disengage the lock). Unfortunately my only real suggestion is to just keep working the lock – hopefully it will break in quickly. If it is really bad Cold Steel may be willing to replace it. Thanks for reading!

February 6, 2014 at 5:23 pm

I personally have and carry the XL version. No play, very sharp, love it!

February 7, 2014 at 1:33 pm

Glad you like yours, Cordel. I had a buddy who carried the XL version. Pretty impressive piece of hardware!

February 22, 2014 at 7:51 pm

I just purchased a Voyager medium. I EDC this knife more than I do my Spyderco Delica.The lockup is tight and AUS-8 is very easy to sharpen.I got mine for 35.00 on Amazon

February 22, 2014 at 9:19 pm

You know what, I ended up giving all of my Voyagers away after doing this review, but very recently bought another Medium Voyager for my own personal use. I love it. Fantastic knife for the reasons you have described. I am considering writing an article just on the medium Voyager.

September 7, 2014 at 5:54 am

Hi there, I just ordered the xl clip point, it is my first ever folding knife lol

September 7, 2014 at 6:00 am

Congrats, Patrick! The XL Voyager is a great starter blade – way to dip your toe into the world of pocket knives. 😉 Let me know what you think…

November 28, 2014 at 6:14 am

Went through most of your reviews and been contemplating between the Voyager (Medium) and Kershaw Leek (Black) for EDC. Which one would you recommend?

The previous folder that I got as a gift is falling apart (missing screws) and I need cost effective replacement. While the Spyderco PM2 and ZT 0350 are often recommended, they are in a different league and price point.

Regards, Chester

November 28, 2014 at 11:11 am

Hey Chester,

Thanks for stopping by and for the great question. The Voyager is thick and overbuilt. It’s a fun and satisfying knife to play around with and EDC, but I think you will find the Leek to be much more practical if you are looking for a streamlined urban / suburban EDC. A good friend of mine has EDC’d a Leek for several years and he still likes it. Both are very nice for the money.

November 28, 2014 at 12:26 pm

Hi Dan! Wow that was a quick reply.

I think I’ll go with the black Leek 1660ckt over the regular stainless just because it might be sturdier with the extra DLC coating and it’s less “flashy”.

For your reviews on tactical or self-defense knives, is it possible for you to note on the grip/feel when you hold the knife blade up? I believe nobody does that. I leaned towards the Leek over the Voyager (medium) because it might be awkward to hold the knife that way among others.

November 29, 2014 at 7:11 am

Hi Chester,

My pleasure. Do you mean the “icepick” grip? I can try to do that. I must confess that I know very little about self defense, so I am always hesitant to offer advice in that arena. I might suggest checking out WeAllJuggleKnives on you tube for more “tactical” commentary.

November 29, 2014 at 11:19 am

Yes. Icepick grip and in some cases if the grip or blade has a pronounced shape just your normal grip but the blade upwards. Not a biggie 🙂

Thanks for the WeAllJuggleKnives recommendation. Will check it out.

November 29, 2014 at 4:35 pm

I’ll keep that in mind, Chester. Thanks and enjoy WAJK’s channel. He has some interesting stuff on there.

November 30, 2014 at 2:58 pm

Dan, this remains one of the most useful reviews of this excellent series of knives. The Large Voyager clip point is perhaps my #1 favorite “edc/tactical crossover” folder under $100. The combination of impressive size, light weight, tough build, excellent slicing performance, and comfortable ethos with well above average ergonomics is very hard to find together in one blade and gives the L Voyager a certain charisma all its own. Fit & finish is also way above expectations. Right now there are some online deals that have the M and L Voyagers for crazy prices like $35 to $40. At that price point, if you don’t mind a somewhat weaponized looking, but good carrying and very functional tool , it is hard to see why anyone would pass up the chance to grab these. Peace!

November 30, 2014 at 3:02 pm

LOL @ “comfortable ethos “; thanks smartphone. Heh — actually the only good reason I could think of why someone would not appreciate this well made tool is that CS knives arguably do NOT have a totally “comfortable ethos” associated with them — in the minds of some. 🙂

November 30, 2014 at 5:44 pm

Hey Anon, Thanks for dropping by. Glad you are still enthused about the Voyager series. I agree that the large Voyager is really tough to beat for a larger work knife. They really did a good job with it.

November 30, 2014 at 3:08 pm

Just one more observation: the XL Voyagers are equally well made and are very legit for what they are, but for an actual EDC choice (“car knife” or tool box use is another matter), I ‘d say the target market starts around 6’2″ 225 lbs and goes up from there. Which excludes me! Still fun to own. The Large size is really the sweet spot in my view.

August 30, 2019 at 8:28 pm

After seeing Grivory advertised on some Benchmades I Google it (how dumb not to do it before) and it’s apparently not proprietary – like you I thought it was a bit of Cold Steels puffery, but it isn’t. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyphthalamide & https://www.emsgrivory.com/en/products-markets/products/grivory/grivory-ht/

Basically in the Zytel family.

September 22, 2020 at 9:11 pm

I bought a Tatnto blade XL and it’s a great knife open but it won’t close.

October 23, 2021 at 12:18 pm

I own several VOYAGER knives and really appreciate this line of products. I have given countless of them away to friends for birthday presents b/c of their affordability, and b/c I trust the strength and quality. VOYAGER knives come in 4 blade styles, with or without serration, in two different sizes, basically 16 different knives for $50-$75. The handles are grippy to the point of being a bit sharp, and they are very lightweight, but I absolutely trust the strength of the blade and the Tri-Ad lock. I know for certain that the knife will not slip out of my hand, and that the blade will break before the lock fails. These points, along with its light-weight build, make it a very good EDC for self-protection.

I feel like the VOYAGER’s are Cold Steel’s way of offering really good folders at affordable “workingman’s” pricing. Not every buyer can afford a RECON 1 at $100+, but still want a real folding knife- not just a pocket-knife with a liner-lock.

Personally, I view the VOYAGER series as “fighting knives”, or “combat knives”, and not as much as outdoor/woodsman’s knives. I them specifically for self-defense, and prefer the TANTO blade profile for its thrusting and penetration capabilities.

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The Best Cold Steel Knives

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Best Cold Steel Knives: Summary

• Cold Steel Demko AD10
• Cold Steel Code 4
• Cold Steel Mini Recon-1
• Cold Steel Espada
• Cold Steel American Lawman
• Cold Steel Master Hunter
• Cold Steel AD15
• Cold Steel Tuff Lite
• Cold Steel Pendleton
• Cold Steel Air Lite
• Cold Steel 4-Max Elite

Cold Steel’s history dates back 41 years at the time of writing, to 1980 when the company was founded in California by Lynn Thompson.  According to an interview Lynn did with Deathwish Coffee in 2018, he started the company after breaking two competitor’s knives in a row and thinking “I could do a better job, and I must do a better job.”  Over the decades between now and then, Cold Steel has brought a lot of innovations to the market – the popularization of the American Tanto blade shape, laminated steel (San Mai III), Kraton handles, and the production integration of the Tri-Ad lock – arguably the strongest lock in the world.

In recent years, CS started working with acclaimed custom knifemaker Andrew Demko to design a lot of their knives, and while Andrew has since moved on to start his own production knife line, a lot of his designs and influence still remain in the lineup.  Cold Steel was sold to GSM (Good Sportsman Marketing, LLC), a conglomerate of outdoor sporting and hunting brands, at the end of 2020, and their headquarters moved to Irving, Texas along with the rest of GSM’s brands.

Recommended Models

Here we highlight some of our favorite Cold Steel knives and what we like about them.

When it comes to Cold Steel folders, the thing they’re most known for is the Tri-Ad lock – a modification of a traditional back lock which puts a stop pin between the blade tang and the lock bar.  This distributes the load through the pin and into the handles rather than focusing it on the mating surface of the blade and the lock bar, which makes the knife much stronger and longer lasting.  It was originally designed by Demko and implemented by Cold Steel.

The AD-10 is a production version of Demko’s custom AD-10, and it is VERY similar to the original high-dollar custom.  Like most of Demko’s knives, it includes the Tri-Ad lock, and the blade is a big (3.625”) drop point, made from CPM S35VN .  It measures 8.5” open and weighs a considerable 6.8 ounces.  Dual thumb stud deployment pops the big blade out, and the AD-10 features contoured G10 scales cover aluminum liners, with an ergonomic grip including a forward finger guard and a flared tail for a secure grip.  The AD-10 is an ergonomic home run, and it can be considered either a larger version of the acclaimed Ultimate Hunter or a smaller version of the insane 4-Max.  For a high-end production folder, it’s a uniquely Cold Steel take that combines high end materials and build quality with the insanely overbuilt nature that CS is known for.  It also comes with dual pocket clips depending on which side you’re going to carry it on.

The Code 4 is probably the most underrated Cold Steel knife , a really excellent EDC option that combines tough-as-nails materials and construction in a super lightweight, pocketable format.  Those anodized aluminum handles are super thin, only 0.35” across, housing Demko’s Tri-Ad lock (a phrase you’ll read quite a lot in this article, for good reason) but only weighing 4.15 ounces.  The Code 4 comes with a choice in blade shapes – a 3.5” clip point, spear point, or tanto – all at the same price and weight, so it’s a matter of blade shape preference.  The knife has gone through an evolution of steel selection, originally coming in AUS-8A , before being upgraded to CTS-XHP and finally CPM S35VN currently.

The Code 4 isn’t the best choice if you’re working in a slippery environment or with gloves, but it combines a very slim light carry with a serious blade and lock for when the need arises.  My preference between the three blades is probably the clip point because it’s got more of a useful belly and a more acute tip for piercing than the spear point, but they’re all very good.

The Recon 1 series has been a mainstay of the CS lineup for a long time, spawning a broad array of models and evolutions.  While there are three sizes of Recon 1 – regular (4”) and micro (2”) we’ve picked the Mini Recon 1 for our list, the mid-sized 3” blade model, the just-right goldilocks model, a knife that lifts two palms upward in a look of confusion when people say that Cold Steel makes nothing but ridiculous over the top knives.  The Mini Recon 1 is the model of practicality.

At only ~$68, it’s affordable.  With G10 scales and AUS-10A steel, it’s durable and serviceable.  It stretches 7.125” open and offers a full four finger grip, but it only weighs a scant 3.6 ounces.  It has ergonomic finger grooves, ambidextrous thumb studs, and of course it features the super-strong Tri-Ad lock for safety.  The pocket clip is configurable for right or left hand tip up carry.  And like the Code 4 above, you have your choice of a spear point, an American Tanto, or a clip point.  I’d probably go spear point for the narrower profile in pocket, but Cold Steel’s clip points are just so good looking.

Remember how we said two paragraphs ago that some people think Cold Steel makes “nothing but ridiculous over the top knives?”  Well, this is why.

Cold steel refers to the Espada family as “folding swords” – and they’re not wrong.  Espada is Spanish for Sword, a name it shares with my favorite classic Lamborghini – a front engined, V12 powered, low-slow 2+2 GT coupe that’s also quite large by Lambo standards.  And the Espada XL is quite large by sane people standards, featuring a 7.5” blade length.   Which means the blade itself is longer than an entire Mini Recon 1 when it’s open.  The whole thing stretches out 16.75” from tip to butt when open, meaning you grip the handle with both hands.

The fancier Espada XL – because why do you want a plain one? – features a polished satin CPM S35VN steel blade, with a hollow grind and a dramatic trailing point blade shape.  Handle frames and bolsters are integral slabs of 7075 aluminum polished till they shine, dovetailed with contoured G10 scales.  The handles feature finger grooves and a pronounced sub-hilt for various grips.  The Espada XL weighs a little over a pound, which is impressive – because it looks like it would weigh more.  It uses a traditional lockback , and as proof that CS never lost their sense of humor, this knife has a pocket clip.  Not sure what pocket it will fit in, guys!

Another absolute master class in practical EDC knives had to bookend the Espada XL in this list to balance out the universe.  The American Lawman is a truly excellent daily carry knife, and having had personal experience with one in the past I can say the only downside is that the pocket clip and G10 scales will destroy your pockets.  Like the Code 4, the American Lawman has changed from AUS-8 to CTS-XHP and finally to CPM S35VN steel, offered in one variety: a 3.5” drop point in black DLC.

Why is the American Lawman so perfect?  Well, the blade shape: a neutral drop point with a deep hollow grind means that it cuts like a lightsaber, also thanks to relatively thin 0.13” blade stock.  The knife is also very thin in the pocket, with linerless G10 scales that measure only 0.39” across.  So it’s light: just under four ounces.  It also has top-notch ergonomics, with a well-defined forward finger choil, a rearward finger groove with a guard for a rear grip, a nice palm swell, and contoured edges to the G10.  It uses the super tough Tri-Ad lock, and is configured for ambidextrous tip-up carry with mirrored pocket clips.  If you think that CS only makes meme knives, three seconds holding the American Lawman will help you figure it out.  An absolutely top notch user knife.

Now for a fixed blade, the Master Hunter is designed to be a no-nonsense hunting knife that will stand up to any task you throw at it in the field.  The blade measures 4.5” long with the whole knife clocking in at a sizable 9.125”, and it features a shock absorbing Kray-Ex rubber checkered handle for a solid, comfortable grip with a pronounced finger guard for protection.

The blade shape is a drop point, with a continuous curve to the edge for lots of belly – what you want for slicing cuts – and its thick (0.19” wide) but full flat ground to maximize cutting ability.  The original Master Hunter used the VG-1 San Mai III laminate steel (a layer of high carbon steel sandwiched in between two layers of tougher low-carbon steel) to provide good edge retention with high toughness.  With an upgrade to Crucible CPM 3V , you get both properties (and then some) in one steel.  3V is a pretty rare steel, a high carbon tool steel (low chromium content, not stainless) that’s designed to be very impact resistant while offering better edge retention than traditional tool steels like A2 or D2.  This means that the edge resists chipping better than most other tool steels without the tradeoff of poor edge retention.  It’s cool stuff.

The Master Hunter also comes with a kydex sheath that can be configured a number of ways to fit whatever belt or pack it’s attaching to, and secures the blade with a snap fit sheath as well as a loop around the handle.

Another Andrew Demko design, the AD-15 at first glance looks similar to the AD-10 mentioned earlier in this list.  Like the AD-10, it’s a production version of one of Andrew’s customs, offering similar functionality at a fraction of the price.  It has similar dimensions and a similar footprint, too: 3.625” drop point in CPM S35VN, 8.50” long, weighs a hefty 6.57 ounces.  But the lock is obviously different, using Demko’s unique Scorpion Lock.

The lower handle has textured G10 scales over stainless liners, while the upper handle – which they call a “yoke” – is anodized 6061 aluminum, housing a backspring which applies downward pressure.  Open the blade using the ambidextrous thumbstuds and the yoke pops up, all the way open and it pops back down into a slot in the tang securing the blade in place.  It works similarly to the SLS lock that G&G Hawk designed for the Buck Marksman I reviewed several years ago, but different in a few ways (it pivots, not bends, it drops into the tang rather than vice versa).  Another benefit of this design is that while it is locked when open, your hand gripping the handle increases the force holding the lock closed.  It also keeps your fingers out of the path of the blade when closing.  While this uplevel S35V model costs $215, Cold Steel has also come out with an AD-15 Lite which drops the price down to $135 by using AUS-10A steel and injection molded Griv-Ex scales instead of CNC machined G10.

Man, you can’t help but love the Tuff Lite.  It’s the peak of function over form, a knife so goofy looking it can’t possibly work, except it works amazingly.  The Tuff Lite , which packs a 2.5” blade, and the Mini Tuff Lite with its 2” blade, are what would happen if you zapped a box cutter with an evolution ray.  Both feature a wharncliffe blade with a hollow sabre grind, putting the tip down very low making it a natural for cutting open boxes.  While the dimensions are small – the Tuff Lite is 6” open, the Mini 5” open – a deep finger groove and a forward 50/50 finger choil make it secure in the hand.

AUS-8A steel is a blessing considering the price point, as is the super-strong Tri-Ad lock.  Injection molded textured handles provide a solid grip.  Both models are very light – 1.7 ounces for the mini and still only 2.5 for the regular.  Deployment is via an oblong thumb hole for one handed use.  They’re both available in a variety of bright colors as well as black, and the full sized also has an option for a serrated blade.  Cheap, tough, useful – hard to pass up.

Another fixed blade hunting knife, this time smaller and more of a viable EDC option.  The Pendleton Mini Hunter is a custom collaboration with Lloyd Pendleton, long-time friend of found Lynn Thompson.  The Mini Hunter packs a lot of performance into a lightweight package, with a 2.875” full flat ground drop point blade, and 6.625” overall length being making the 2.08 ounce weight seem very light.  The blade is fairly thin at 0.13” across, and with the full flat grind it makes it a mean slicer.

Kray-Ex rubberized polymer handles include a lanyard hole as well as a lower finger guard, and the whole thing slides into a kydex sheath with a snap loop around the handle.  Blade steel on the regular version is AUS-10A, which is quite good for $35, while the nicer model uses CPM-3V tool steel with a black DLC coating to protect it from corrosion, since it’s not stainless.

Air Lite – $85

Somehow the Air Lite has gone virtually unnoticed in the EDC community in the last few years.  Maybe we’re overwhelmed with options at reasonable mid-range prices.  Maybe people still have a hard time taking Cold Steel seriously.  Whatever it is, this knife has somehow escaped attention.  Hard to understand, considering it offers an 8” overall length with a super strong lock but only weighs 3.6 ounces.

Available in either a flat sabre ground drop point or a tanto , both Air Lite models have 3.5” long blades made from AUS-10A , cut thin at 0.12” wide, and both lock open with the super strong Tri-Ad lock.  Linerless G10 scales (with a checkered pattern milled into the outside) keep the width way down to only 0.35” wide, and the Air Lite comes with a bent steel pocket clip that’s set up for ambidextrous tip up carry.  A refined lightweight EDC from Cold Steel?  Who knew?

Bonus: 4-Max – $425

Originally I was going to list the truly excellent Ultimate Hunter , which is still a fantastic EDC folder, but I decided it was pretty similar to some other knives on this list, so instead went with the absolute bonkers 4-Max Elite .   Also designed by Andrew Demko , the 4-Max is intended as the halo folding knife of the brand, featuring a thick (0.18”) drop point measuring in at 4” long from CPM-S35VN steel, with thumb studs and the Tri-Ad lock.  Handles are two-tone contoured G10.  Readers with a sharp memory will recall this is different than the original 4-Max, which was made by an OEM in Italy and had a CPM-20CV blade, but QC issues forced the brand to move production to Taiwan.  They also make a “Scout” version of the 4-Max, with molded Griv-Ex handles and an AUS-10A blade, if the $425 retail price of the 4-Max is too much.

Competitor Brands

It’s hard to point to brands that Cold Steel competes directly with, because their folding knives run the gamut from the $7 Kudu to the $425 4-Max Elite .  Not only that, but they also make a full line of fixed blades with a huge range in price (from $8 to $699, no kidding) as well as a whole slew of other things we don’t get into – baseball bats, spetnaz shovels, throwing stars, etc.  Then there are the patently absurd huge folding knives – or folding swords – like the Espada, Voyager XL, and Spartan Kopis.

Gerber does have some variety to their lineup, as they also make a full catalog of multitools in addition to folding and fixed knives, but most of their folding knives land at a lower price point.  SOG is also making more knives in the mid-level tier that a lot of Cold Steels exist in (around $80-$100 for folders.)  And of course few production brands can match the stunning catalog spread available from WE/Civivi currently, who probably makes knives they forgot they were still making.  But everything from a folding bush knife to a baseball bat to a high end folder to a sword to the Espada XL?  That’s only Cold Steel, baby.

If you’ve though of Cold Steel as the brand that only makes goofy stuff for the mall ninja crowd, you really owe it to yourself to try out one of their nicer models with the Tri-Ad lock .  If products that put a large emphasis on function over form appeal to you, there’s bound to be something in the Cold Steel catalog that will tickle your fancy.

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10 Best Cold Steel Knives

This article was originally published in July 2018 before being updated with newer models.

We’re continuing our run-through of the best knives from each brand.

Narrowing down the 10 best currently in production is no easy task, but I did the best I could using personal experience, consensus around the internet, reviews, and more. Here are the 10 best Cold Steel knives .

Cold Steel Recon 1

Let’s start with a gimme: the Cold Steel Recon 1 .

The Recon series helped usher in a new era for Cold Steel, one that is currently dominated by tough knives with a tactical bent that use Andrew Demko’s famous Tri-Ad locking mechanism.

The Recon 1 uses high-quality material with a 4-inch blade made from S35VN steel (recently changed from CTS-XHP). The handle is a grippy G-10. One of the great things about this flagship model is that it comes in tons of sizes and blade shapes, so you can get exactly what you want.

Cold Steel Ti-Lite

The larger one is a legend with a long 6-inch blade made from S35VN steel and an aluminum handle. You can pull the knife out of your pocket while engaging it thanks to a protruding quillon that catches the edge of your pants. The reach on this thing is insane, which is why some people opt for the smaller Ti-Lite. We also really like this budget version with AUS 8A steel.

Cold Steel also made a Kris Ti-Lite with a unique wavy blade if you want something even more eye-catching.

Cold Steel Kobun

As a lightweight fixed blade, the Kobun is an easily concealable knife with a 5.5-inch blade made from AUS8A steel. The handle is durable Kray-Ex that keeps the hand firmly in place. It also comes with a Secure-Ex sheath. This is a knife people have raved about all over the internet, so it’s an easy addition.

Cold Steel AD-10

The first version of this list from 2018 had the Code 4 here, but an even newer knife knocked that off that list and has become one of Cold Steel’s best knives ever: the AD-10 .

The AD-10 shares a lot of similarities with the Code 4 (well probably more like the 4-MAX), but it’s more of an EDC knife that’s strong, durable, and well-made. It is an overbuilt folder with a beefy 3.5-inch S35VN blade. The Tri-Ad lock gives it that extra oomph needed for tough use. The handle is G-10 and boasts some helpful ergonomics.

Despite being large and powerful, it remains surprisingly lightweight. Kudos to Andrew Demko and Cold Steel for this knife.

For those who don’t want to spend the full amount on the standard version, there’s also the Cold Steel AD-10 Lite.

Cold Steel Tuff Lite

Although it might seem unlikely, the diminutive Tuff Lite also makes the list of best Cold Steel knives. The design eschews everything we know and love about Cold Steel — massive folders, tactical designs, pricier.Instead, the Tuff Lite is a small folder with a little 2.5-inch Wharncliffe blade.

The blade engages with an oval cutout and locks with the Tri-Ad lock (there’s some Cold Steel DNA).The handle is black Griv-Ex. If you have to have one Cold Steel in your collection and you can’t afford much, opt for this one.

Cold Steel Voyager XL

The Voyager series is a mainstay of Cold Steel.

They come in all sorts of sizes and blade shapes, including the more recent Kris-style blade. However, the extra large variant with tanto blade is often touted as one of the best.

This beast of a knife features a 5.5-inch blade made from AUS-10A steel with a black GFN handle.

Cold Steel SRK

Could I leave the Cold Steel SRK off this list? Absolutely not. Standing for Survival Rescue Knife, this is one of the best fixed blade knives out there.

If you have followed Survival Lilly on YouTube, you’ll notice she loves this knife and uses it until its destruction (literally). The knife has a 6-inch blade and comes in different steels. There’s even an SRK Compact now too. The handle is Kray-Ex, which can take a beating like few other materials.It also comes with a Secure-Ex sheath.

If you want a fixed blade you can bet your life on, it’s hard to top the SRK.

Cold Steel Luzon

The Luzon is another relatively new knife that had to kick another off the list. casinodeguide com (See you later Cold Steel Black Talon II — you still remain one of the best self-defense knives available.) The Luzon is an interesting design that injects modern sensibilities into the balisongs in Cold Steel President Lynn Thompson’s collection. Instead of the butterfly mechanism, this folder is a flipper.

This large version has a long 6-inch blade with a 7.5-inch GFN handle. It’s almost like a folding sword. There is also a medium version if you tend toward smaller knives.

Cold Steel 4-Max Scout

When we first made this list, the 4-Max had barely come out and was only available in an ultra-premium super expensive version. Although it was clearly a beast of a knife with a lot to love, the 4-Max was just a bit too expensive for the common man.

Cold Steel fixed their mistake with the 4-Max Scout .

This huge folder retains the look and feel of the original but at a fraction of the price. When you first see this knife with its 4-inch blade and beefy handle, you’ll probably think it’s over the top. That is until you actually use the knife on a job site.

For those who want something even bigger and with more premium materials, there’s now the Cold Steel 4-Max Elite.

Cold Steel Urban Edge

Finally, there’s the Urban Edge.To be honest, I’m really confused by the naming of this series of knives.It seems like there’s the Urban Pal, Best Pal, and Mini Pal — then there’s also the Urban Edge. Either way, the Urban Edge is the best version. The push dagger is described as a versatile and useful everyday carry tool.

Push daggers are historically self-defense tools, but the version with the combo edge (one side serrated and one side straight) allows you to use it for everyday tasks like opening boxes or self-defense. The blade is only 2.5 inches and is made from AUS8A steel. The handle is Kray-Ex like many others on this list. I would just be mindful about your local laws when carrying this little guy because it would likely be considered a dagger.

Honorable Mentions:

I’m adding this section of honorable mentions to our posts on the best knives because there are so many that just missed the mark. For Cold Steel, other great knives include the Cold Steel Voyager series, Cold Steel AK-47, Cold Steel Finn Wolf, and Cold Steel Range Boss.

Best Knives

Previous post

12 comments.

July 24, 2018 at 5:42 am

wondering why the “mini” recon 1 is no longer available?

July 24, 2018 at 9:31 am

They are all over Ebay. Dozens of them.

July 25, 2018 at 1:16 pm

The Mini Recon 1 was recently discontinued by Cold Steel. As Zacboy7 said, you can still find some on eBay, but shop at your own risk.

September 3, 2019 at 10:32 am

Great knives but getting the upward price creep. Was informed that the company was sold and these are the new changes. Is there a chance that these newer versions and models are sold at a discount by other large knife distributors and sellers ?

October 1, 2019 at 7:59 am

Don’t forget the opinel.

July 21, 2020 at 8:57 am

The Cold Steel Pocket Bushman should be considered as it is an inexpensive no nonsense easy carry , that though a folder seldom opens up when carried in the pocket. I use one as a daily carry in the hip pocket and prefer it to other liner lock knives.

December 28, 2020 at 10:04 am

Having put a couple hundred miles on the old Recon Scout I can honestly testify that this knife can do everything I needed as long as the edge is kept sharp and clean you should never have to switch out between small chores and big chores.

October 6, 2021 at 8:47 am

Look. The fixed blade knives listed here are combat fighting knives designed for knife fighting (don’t care what you say about the SRK it’s a combat fighting knife, with the exception of the Finn. If you end up in a knife fight with a push knife, the Talon, or the Ti Light, you are going to get burried by the prosecutor regardless of justification, as an FYI. If you cary a Kris, a Vaqueso, or anything that looks like a switchblade you are going to get fuKed if you ever use them, since there is ZERO work they are designed to do other than for knife fighting. The Recon 1 and the AD10 are amazing knives, with the super strong cold steel TRI-AD lock and excellent materials for handles and blades. Just my thoughts…

August 5, 2023 at 6:23 pm

Observation that a lot of reviewed knives are actually both old and new combat styles is valid. The Bowie was exactly that – never intended for bush use or camp, it was a ripping recurve clip with long straight blade for depth of penetration. It was even outlawed because of its over use by some thick headed boys more interested in honor rather than being civilized – and survives to this day as the Buck fixed blades touted as being “hunting blades”, which they most certainly are not. Popular, yes, the best knife for dressing out game, not so much.

At that point all the hideout knives for “get off me” step in as the next duplicity. Absent them, then tacticool combat blades, after that, some variation of overbuilt pioneering tool on steroids which begs the question, didn’t they carry axes and hatchets? Lewis and Clark certainly did, nobody batoned firewood until it became a popular game to pretend being a downed pilot trying to survive. Yet, Canada requires an axe be carried by every bush pilot – which brings up the observation that a fighter pilot ejecting from an aircraft isn’t going to carry an axe. If he survived the initial missile strike disabling his aircraft, then ejection, then landing by parachute without injury, then avoids detection by 500 enemy soldiers triangulating his parachute drop zone, or the local villagers who know there is a cash bounty, his rescue by a crew is still problematic.

But his knife, omg, it’s a devastating tool of power! So are articles hyping all the specialist edged weapons which are basically the wrong tool in the field for doing the common jobs, field dressing game, prepping food, helping to start a fire, etc. The result is a boring 4″ blade flat ground drop point with no choil, fixed blade, simple handle that works reversed, middle of the road carbon steel or maybe even D2 at most that holds an edge and takes one without too much work.

$45 will usually cover it. Drop Forged Hunter with Talon DIY Moss grip panels and done. No screws to come loose, no scales to rot or break, no spacers to loosen and rattle, no leather to soak and corrode the blade then shrink up.

Most knives in the marketplace just churn juvenile fantasies and create an image the owner is somehow accomplished – I know because I’ve been doing it, too, for over 50 years. I’ve learned you pick a knife by it’s shape, it’s features, it’s grind and alloy, because what it is determines what it does best – match that like you would a bullet to the game you hunt, or the vehicle you need to take to the lumberyard. A Citation isn’t going to haul a pallet of sheet rock, a .22 isn’t your best choice for elephant, a 7″ bowie isn’t a real good fish knife for making supper. Get the hype out of the decision making process and you will find simple and plain work best. It’s all Lewis and Clark had, or George Kephardt, or Davy Crockett. As for Bowie, well, his knife was his “firearm” of the day, always loaded and would always fire – no flintlock could do that. Riverboat or riverbank, it was his answer for self defense, not scrapple in a skillet. He carried a 4″ clasp for that.

September 9, 2022 at 9:06 am

Ad10 Ad15 Silver eye Okayan limited Kobun

September 9, 2022 at 2:22 pm

The Silver Eye is a really interesting design, but it’s price to value ratio in my opinion isn’t great. It looks way better than the Golden Eye though.

The Oyabun Limited (and budget version) are still pretty new, so I’d need more time with them before adding them to this list. But so far they are well received.

September 17, 2022 at 9:52 am

Great article! I’ve been trying to look for the best cold steel knives. Is the Cold Steel 4-Max Scout really worth it for its price?

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Top 25 Pocket Knives that are Indispensable: #9 Cold Steel Recon 1

TOP 25 POCKET KNIVES THAT ARE INDISPENSABLE: #9 Cold Steel Recon 1 Brought to you by KnifeCenter.com

In June, we took a survey to learn which pocket knives our readers believe should never be discontinued. Respondents were asked to name as many or as few pocket knife models as they wanted, and no brands or blades were off-limits. 404 respondents named a total of 268 models and the average respondent named 4.1 pocket knives. 63 out of 404 respondents said the Cold Steel Recon 1 should never be discontinued.

There’s a reason Cold Steel Recon 1 buyers can’t stop talking about it. G-10 scales, CTS-XHP blade steel, and what could very well be the strongest knife lock in the world; it’s an upscale knife made to take a lot of punishment.

Much like the Voyager, American Lawman, and AK-47 series, the Recon 1 was given a major overhaul in 2010. The previous Recon 1 was heavier, with thick steel liners and more hardware holding it together. It was a popular knife, but the redesign brought the Cold Steel Recon 1 into step with the burgeoning knife scene’s thirst for lightweight, high-performance blades. The new Recon 1 weighed less, cut better, and could withstand obscene amounts of abuse thanks to the Andrew Demko-designed Tri-Ad lock.

Tanto blades have been around for hundreds of years, but the angular American tanto blade shape was popularized in the 80s by Cold Steel. One of the very first Cold Steel knives produced was the fixed blade Recon Tanto . While it is available in other blade shapes, the Recon 1 folding knife series takes its inspiration from this knife. An American tanto has two separate edge grinds, one along the length of the blade and another across the angle to the tip. The strong tip makes the American tanto a great piercer in self-defense or even utility applications.

The Cold Steel Recon 1 Series is available in a tanto, clip point, or drop point blade shape, any of which can come serrated. You can choose between black or tan G-10 scales. As with most Cold Steel knives, the Recon 1 comes with larger and smaller sizes. The standard model has a 4”, the Medium a 3”, the Micro a 2”, and the XL, a whopping 5.5” blade.

Visit KnifeNews tomorrow to find out which model is #8 on our list of the Top 25 Pocket Knives that are Indispensable.

Knife featured in image:  Cold Steel Recon 1 4″ Tanto

#25 Microtech Ultratech 14/404 #24 Emerson CQC-7 15/404 #23 Victorinox Cadet 18/404 #22 Benchmade Adamas 20/404 #21 Zero Tolerance 0562 21/404 #20 Cold Steel Ti-Lite 24/404 #19 Opinel No. 8 25/404   #18  Zero Tolerance 0350 28/404 #17 Cold Steel Voyager 30/404 #16 Case Trapper 41/404 #15 Ontario RAT Model 1 43/404 #14 Benchmade Mini Griptilian 53/404 #13 Spyderco Manix 2 54/404 #12 CRKT M16 57/404 #11 Kershaw Skyline 58/404 #10 Kershaw Blur 62/404 #09 Cold Steel Recon 1 63/404 #08 Spyderco Endura 4 70/404 #07 Chris Reeve Knives Large Sebenza 21 75/404 #06 Kershaw Leek 76/404 #05 Benchmade 940 78/404 #04  Spyderco Delica 4 79/404 #03 Benchmade Griptilian 81/404 #02 Buck 110 Folding Hunter 90/404 #01 Spyderco Paramilitary 2 94/404

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NASA's interstellar Voyager 1 spacecraft isn't doing so well — here's what we know

Since late 2023, engineers have been trying to get the Voyager spacecraft back online.

On Dec. 12, 2023, NASA shared some worrisome news about Voyager 1, the first probe to walk away from our solar system 's gravitational party and enter the isolation of interstellar space . Surrounded by darkness, Voyager 1 seems to be glitching. 

It has been out there for more than 45 years, having supplied us with a bounty of treasure like the discovery of two new moons of Jupiter, another incredible ring of Saturn and the warm feeling that comes from knowing pieces of our lives will drift across the cosmos even after we're gone. (See: The Golden Record .) But now, Voyager 1 's fate seems to be uncertain.

As of Feb. 6, NASA said the team remains working on bringing the spacecraft back to proper health. "Engineers are still working to resolve a data issue on Voyager 1," NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). "We can talk to the spacecraft, and it can hear us, but it's a slow process given the spacecraft's incredible distance from Earth."

Related: NASA's interstellar Voyager probes get software updates beamed from 12 billion miles away

So, on the bright side, even though Voyager 1 sits so utterly far away from us, ground control can actually communicate with it. In fact, last year, scientists beamed some software updates to the spacecraft as well as its counterpart, Voyager 2 , from billions of miles away. Though on the dimmer side, due to that distance, a single back-and-forth communication between Voyager 1 and anyone on Earth takes a total of 45 hours. If NASA finds a solution, it won't be for some time .

The issue, engineers realized, has to do with one of Voyager 1's onboard computers known as the Flight Data System, or FDS. (The backup FDS stopped working in 1981.)

"The FDS is not communicating properly with one of the probe's subsystems, called the telemetry modulation unit (TMU)," NASA said in a blog post. "As a result, no science or engineering data is being sent back to Earth." This is of course despite the fact that ground control can indeed send information to Voyager 1, which, at the time of writing this article , sits about 162 AU's from our planet. One AU is equal to the distance between the Earth and the sun , or 149,597,870.7 kilometers (92,955,807.3 miles).

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From the beginning 

Voyager 1's FDS dilemma was first noticed last year , after the probe's TMU stopped sending back clear data and started procuring a bunch of rubbish. 

As NASA explains in the blog post, one of the FDS' core jobs is to collect information about the spacecraft itself, in terms of its health and general status. "It then combines that information into a single data 'package' to be sent back to Earth by the TMU," the post says. "The data is in the form of ones and zeros, or binary code." 

However, the TMU seemed to be shuffling back a non-intelligible version of binary code recently. Or, as the team puts it, it seems like the system is "stuck." Yes, the engineers tried turning it off and on again. 

That didn't work. 

— SpaceX's Starship to launch 'Starlab' private space station in late 2020s

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Then, in early February, Suzanne Dodd, Voyager project manager at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, told Ars Technica that the team might have pinpointed what's going on with the FDS at last. The theory is that the problem lies somewhere with the FDS' memory; there might be a computer bit that got corrupted. Unfortunately, though, because the FDS and TMU work together to relay information about the spacecraft's health, engineers are having a hard time figuring out where exactly the possible corruption may exist. The messenger is the one that needs a messenger.

They do know, however, that the spacecraft must be alive because they are receiving what's known as a "carrier tone." Carrier tone wavelengths don't carry information, but they are signals nonetheless, akin to a heartbeat. It's also worth considering that Voyager 1 has experienced problems before, such as in 2022 when the probe's "attitude articulation and control system" exhibited some blips that were ultimately patched up. Something similar happened to Voyager 2 during the summer of 2023, when Voyager 1's twin suffered some antenna complications before coming right back online again.

Still, Dodd says this situation has been the most serious since she began working on the historic Voyager mission.

Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: [email protected].

Monisha Ravisetti is Space.com's Astronomy Editor. She covers black holes, star explosions, gravitational waves, exoplanet discoveries and other enigmas hidden across the fabric of space and time. Previously, she was a science writer at CNET, and before that, reported for The Academic Times. Prior to becoming a writer, she was an immunology researcher at Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York. She graduated from New York University in 2018 with a B.A. in philosophy, physics and chemistry. She spends too much time playing online chess. Her favorite planet is Earth.

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NASA's Voyager 1 probe in interstellar space can't phone home (again) due to glitch

I'm driving 6 hours through New York's Adirondacks to see the 2024 total solar eclipse from Potsdam. Here's why.

• Classical Motion There must be more to this story. Let me see if I have this right. They can receive a carrier. But the modulator gives them junk. Or possibly the processor's memory. And they can send new software. New instructions. So, why not simply use the packet data, to key the carrier on and off. OOK On and Off Keying. Telegraphy. Reply

Admin said: NASA's Voyager 1 deep space probe started glitching last year, and scientists aren't sure they can fix it. NASA's interstellar Voyager 1 spacecraft isn't doing so well — here's what we know : Read more

• Classical Motion I wish something would kick one of them back to us. I would love to see an analysis of every cubic cm of it. Reply
• billslugg Modulating the carrier wave would do no good unless the carrier knew what information to send us. The unit that failed takes the raw data and then tells the carrier what to say. Without the modulation unit there is no data to send. Reply

Classical Motion said: I wish something would kick one of them back to us. I would love to see an analysis of every cubic cm of it.

• Classical Motion I read that they were not sure if it was the modulator or the packet memory. The packet buffer. If they can send patch, it's easy to relocate that buffer into another section of memory. This can be done at several different memory locations to verify if it is a memory problem. If that works, then the modulator is ok. If the modulator fails with all those buffers, then it's the modulator. Turn off modulator. Just enable the carrier for a certain duration for a 1 bit. And turn it off for that certain duration for a 0 bit. One simply rotates that buffer string thru the accumulator at the duration rate, and use status flags to key the transmitter. Very simple and very short code. The packet is nothing more that a 128 BYTE or multiple size string of 1s and 0s. OOK is a very common wireless modulation. That's why I commented on more must be going on. And I would like to see what 30 years naked in space does to man molded matter. Reply

Classical Motion said: I read that they were not sure if it was the modulator or the packet memory. The packet buffer. If they can send patch, it's easy to relocate that buffer into another section of memory. This can be done at several different memory locations to verify if it is a memory problem. If that works, then the modulator is ok. If the modulator fails with all those buffers, then it's the modulator. Turn off modulator. Just enable the carrier for a certain duration for a 1 bit. And turn it off for that certain duration for a 0 bit. One simply rotates that buffer string thru the accumulator at the duration rate, and use status flags to key the transmitter. Very simple and very short code. The packet is nothing more that a 128 BYTE or multiple size string of 1s and 0s. OOK is a very common wireless modulation. That's why I commented on more must be going on. And I would like to see what 30 years naked in space does to man molded matter.

• damienassurre I think they should make another space craft and have it pick up voyager 1 and bring it back the info it went through would very valuable to stellar travel Reply

damienassurre said: I think they should make another space craft and have it pick up voyager 1 and bring it back the info it went through would very valuable to stellar travel

• billslugg The newer forms of memory can't be used easily in outer space as their feature size is too small and too easily corrupted by a cosmic ray. Very large, bulky features keep spacecraft memory far smaller than what earthbound computers can enjoy. As far as returning one of the Voyagers to Earth, it would take several thousand years using available technology. Better to wait for more advanced propulsion technologies. Reply
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Some hope —

Finally, engineers have a clue that could help them save voyager 1, a new signal from humanity's most distant spacecraft could be the key to restoring it..

Stephen Clark - Mar 15, 2024 11:23 pm UTC

It's been four months since NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft sent an intelligible signal back to Earth, and the problem has puzzled engineers tasked with supervising the probe exploring interstellar space.

But there's a renewed optimism among the Voyager ground team based at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California. On March 1, engineers sent a command up to Voyager 1—more than 15 billion miles (24 billion kilometers) away from Earth—to "gently prompt" one of the spacecraft's computers to try different sequences in its software package. This was the latest step in NASA's long-distance troubleshooting to try to isolate the cause of the problem preventing Voyager 1 from transmitting coherent telemetry data.

Cracking the case

Officials suspect a piece of corrupted memory inside the Flight Data Subsystem (FDS), one of three main computers on the spacecraft, is the most likely culprit for the interruption in normal communication. Because Voyager 1 is so far away, it takes about 45 hours for engineers on the ground to know how the spacecraft reacted to their commands—the one-way light travel time is about 22.5 hours.

The FDS collects science and engineering data from the spacecraft's sensors, then combines the information into a single data package, which goes through a separate component called the Telemetry Modulation Unit to beam it back to Earth through Voyager's high-gain antenna.

Engineers are almost entirely certain the problem is in the FDS computer. The communications systems onboard Voyager 1 appear to be functioning normally, and the spacecraft is sending a steady radio tone back to Earth, but there's no usable data contained in the signal. This means engineers know Voyager 1 is alive, but they have no insight into what part of the FDS memory is causing the problem.

But Voyager 1 responded to the March 1 troubleshooting command with something different from what engineers have seen since this issue first appeared on November 14.

"The new signal was still not in the format used by Voyager 1 when the FDS is working properly, so the team wasn’t initially sure what to make of it," NASA said in an update Wednesday. "But an engineer with the agency’s Deep Space Network, which operates the radio antennas that communicate with both Voyagers and other spacecraft traveling to the Moon and beyond, was able to decode the new signal and found that it contains a readout of the entire FDS memory."

Now, engineers are meticulously comparing each bit of code from the FDS memory readout to the memory readout Voyager 1 sent back to Earth before the issue arose in November. This, they hope, will allow them to find the root of the problem. But it will probably take weeks or months for the Voyager team to take the next step. They don't want to cause more harm.

"Using that information to devise a potential solution and attempt to put it into action will take time," NASA said.

This is perhaps the most serious ailment the spacecraft has encountered since its launch in 1977. Voyager 1 flew by Jupiter and Saturn before getting a kick from Saturn's gravity to speed into the outer solar system. In 2012, Voyager 1 entered interstellar space when it crossed the heliopause, where the solar wind, the stream of particles emanating from the Sun, push against a so-called galactic wind, the particles that populate the void between the stars.

Engineers have kept Voyager 1 and its twin, Voyager 2, alive for more than 46 years , overcoming technical problems that have doomed other space missions. Both probes face waning power from their nuclear batteries, and there are concerns about their thrusters aging and fuel lines becoming clogged, among other things. But each time there is a problem, ground teams have come up with a trick to keep the Voyagers going, often referencing binders of fraying blueprints and engineering documents from the spacecraft's design and construction nearly 50 years ago.

Suzanne Dodd, NASA's project manager for Voyager 1 and its twin, Voyager 2, recently told Ars that engineers would need to pull off their "biggest miracle" to restore Voyager 1 to normal operations. Now, Voyager 1's voice from the sky has provided engineers with a clue that could help them realize this miracle.

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