Cold Steel Trail Master VG-1 San Mai III® Bowie Knife

Overview

The Cold Steel Trail Master is a legendary fixed-blade Bowie designed for serious work in the field. Created by Lynn C. Thompson and refined through years of testing and hard use, this knife features a 9.5″ blade of VG-1 San Mai III® steel, hand-forged in limited runs and paired with a Kray-Ex™ handle for maximum control in any conditions. It’s a proven performer trusted by survivalists, military professionals, and hardcore outdoorsmen alike.

Why You’ll Want This

When you're in the backcountry, deep woods, or in any situation where your gear can’t fail, the Trail Master earns its place on your belt. It chops like a hatchet, stabs like a dagger, and carves with surgical precision. The balanced weight and full-size clip point blade make it ideal for bushcraft, self-defense, or heavy-duty camp tasks. If you want one blade to do it all—and do it right—this is it.

Why This Product Beats Competitors

Most large fixed blades compromise on either balance or strength. The Trail Master doesn’t. With its 5/16" thick VG-1 San Mai III® steel blade, it delivers unmatched toughness and edge retention, while the ergonomic Kray-Ex™ handle ensures a non-slip grip in rain, blood, or sweat. The Secure-Ex® sheath offers reliable retention and rugged portability. This knife is handmade and limited, making it not only a powerhouse in the field, but a collector-grade tool with elite steel and real-world grit.

Complete Your Gear

• REAPR Tac Hawk Tomahawk – Add chopping versatility to your loadout

• Strike Fire Premium Ferro Rod Fire Starter – Use the spine for spark-starting fires with ease

• Wild Fire Premium Fatwood Fire Starter Sticks – Ideal tinder to pair with a knife of this caliber

Specs

• Blade Steel: VG-1 San Mai III®

• Blade Length: 9.5″

• Blade Thickness: 5/16″

• Blade Style: Clip Point

• Overall Length: 14-5/8″

• Handle Material: Kray-Ex™, 5-1/8″

• Weight: 18 oz

• Knife Type: Fixed Blade

• Sheath: Secure-Ex® included

• Steel Family: VG

• Country of Origin: Handcrafted in Taiwan

FAQ

1. What is San Mai III steel?
San Mai III is a laminated steel—a VG-1 core surrounded by softer outer layers—for an optimal mix of edge retention, strength, and shock resistance.

2. Is this a full tang knife?
Yes, the Trail Master features full tang construction, giving it serious strength under stress.

3. Can I baton wood with it?
Absolutely. The 5/16" thick spine and rugged construction make it perfect for batoning logs and splitting wood.

4. Is the handle grippy when wet?
Yes—the Kray-Ex™ handle stays secure in all weather conditions and resists slippage.

5. Is this knife good for survival and field use?
It’s built for exactly that. The Trail Master is a do-it-all Bowie trusted in hunting, combat, and wilderness survival situations.