The Cold Steel 5-Max is the top-of-the-range iteration of the Max concept, taken to the very limit: a folding knife with the dimensions of a genuine fixed-blade knife, designed without compromise to prioritise robustness, cutting power and a secure lock.

Developed in collaboration with the renowned cutler Andrew Demko, the 5-Max builds on the design of the best-selling 4-Max whilst further increasing its dimensions. Its blade measures 12.7 cm, giving a total open length of 30.8 cm and an impressive thickness of 4.8 mm. Here, Cold Steel fully embraces its speciality: manufacturing folding knives capable of withstanding particularly demanding use.

The Drop Point blade is made from CPM-S35VN, a high-end American steel offering an excellent combination of edge retention, toughness and corrosion resistance. It also marks a significant departure from the AUS-10A 5-Max Scout: the original 5-Max is clearly positioned as the premium version of this range.

Cold Steel applies a Black Stonewash finish to the blade, which is particularly well-suited to the knife’s intended purpose. It enhances its robust, utilitarian aesthetic whilst helping to minimise the appearance of marks resulting from regular use.

The 18.1 cm handle is made from heavily textured dark green G10. This composite material offers a combination of rigidity, resistance to outdoor conditions and excellent grip. Its generous dimensions also allow for a full and particularly secure grip, even for those with large hands.

At the heart of the 5-Max lies, of course, the famous Tri-Ad Lock. This system, developed by Andrew Demko, has for many years been one of Cold Steel’s technical hallmarks. Designed to better distribute the stresses placed on the locking mechanism, it is particularly well-suited to a folding knife of this size and weight.

For the 5-Max is by no means designed to be lightweight: weighing 352 gr, it unambiguously belongs to the XXL folding knife category. This substantial weight nevertheless contributes to the exceptional sense of solidity sought after in this type of model.

The result is a knife that is deliberately out of the ordinary: CPM-S35VN, G10, a 5-inch blade, 4.8 mm thick and featuring the Tri-Ad Lock, all built around Andrew Demko’s design. A model that encapsulates the Cold Steel philosophy particularly well.

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The 5-Max is Cold Steel in its purest form. It is large, heavy, oversized and, objectively speaking, excessive for conventional EDC use — but that is precisely what makes it so appealing.

Compared to the 5-Max Scout, we find this version particularly appealing for enthusiasts who appreciate the concept but want higher-end materials. The switch to CPM-S35VN and G10 transforms the 5-Max into an imposing premium folding knife, whilst retaining the rugged character and robustness that have made the Max range’s reputation.

It is also an iconic model from the collaboration between Cold Steel and Andrew Demko, in which the Tri-Ad Lock really comes into its own. For anyone looking for a folding knife capable of delivering the feel and confidence of a large fixed-blade knife, the 5-Max is one of the most radical options on the market.

Technical specifications of the Cold Steel 5-Max S35VN G10 Green Andrew Demko Tri-Ad Lock folding knife:
Total length when closed (cm): 18.1
Blade length (cm): 12.7
Total length when open (cm): 30.8
Blade thickness: 4.8 mm
Weight: 352 g
Blade steel: CPM-S35VN
Blade profile: Drop Point
Blade finish: Black Stonewash
Edge: smooth
Handle material: G10
Handle colour: dark green
Handle length: 18.1 cm
Locking system: Tri-Ad Lock
Type: folding knife
Designer: Andrew Demko
Series: Cold Steel Max
Manufacturer’s reference / SKU: CS-FL-50MAX