Cold Steel Vaquero Medium – VG-1 Japanese steel, black Zytel handle – Like-new condition with original box

This Cold Steel Vaquero Medium folding knife belongs to the brand’s Japanese-made line, identifiable here by the “VG-1 Stainless Japan” marking, the black Zytel handle, and the lockback mechanism. This particular knife stands out for its exceptional condition and the inclusion of its original blue box, which explicitly bears the designation “Vaquero Medium.”

The blade features the Vaquero’s characteristic sinuous profile: a pronounced recessed section, extended by a raised tip. This design gives it an immediately recognizable identity, even in this Medium size—which is more compact (and much rarer!) than the larger versions in the family.

The serrated edge alternates between wide notches and clusters of small teeth. In this example, the photographs allow you to appreciate the sharpness of this serration, as well as the satin finish on the blade’s sides. The “Vaquero” and “Cold Steel” inscriptions remain clearly legible on both sides of the blade.

The Zytel handle features a geometric pattern composed of triangular motifs. Its curves follow those of the blade, with a pronounced indentation for the index finger and a perforated end designed to accommodate a lanyard. The black metal clip, branded “Cold Steel,” completes the design.

The knife opens entirely by hand using a thumb stud. It locks via a Lockback mechanism on the back, as indicated by the inscription on the box.

The knife is in mint condition and comes with its original box. For a collector, this set allows for the preservation of both the item itself and its original period packaging.

Technical specifications of the Cold Steel Vaquero Medium folding knife:
Brand: Cold Steel
Model: Vaquero Medium
Type: vintage folding knife
Steel: VG-1 stainless steel
Blade marking: “Cold Steel – VG-1 Stainless Japan”
Blade length: 7.8 cm
Total length of knife when open: 17 cm
Length of knife when closed: 10 cm
Blade profile: curved, upturned tip
Blade finish: satin
Edge: serrated
Handle: Textured black Zytel
Opening: manual, thumb stud
Lock: Lockback
Clip: black metal, marked "Cold Steel"
Lanyard hole: yes
Manufactured in Japan
Estimated period: mid- to late 2000s
Condition: new
Packaging: original blue box

Tellknives Review:
We particularly appreciate these older Japanese Cold Steel knives when they arrive in such excellent condition. The Vaquero features a very distinctive design, with a seamless flow between the curves of the handle and those of the blade. The Medium size gives it a more compact and portable profile here, without losing any of its unique character.

The appeal of this specimen lies in a specific combination: Japanese craftsmanship, VG-1 steel, distinctive serration, and the included original box. We’d recommend it to a collector of the Lynn Thompson era looking for a knife that’s representative of that generation, in a particularly desirable condition.