The Cold Steel Large Luzon 20NQX measures 7.5 inches even when closed. Fold it open and it becomes a cutting tool with proportions far removed from the typical pocket knife. That’s part of its appeal for oversized-folder enthusiasts, and the main reason buyers seeking an unobtrusive everyday carry knife may want to look elsewhere.
Price: $38.25
Where to Buy: Amazon
At $38.25 on Amazon, the Large Luzon pairs that unusual scale with a bamboo-inspired handle, Filipino martial arts influences, and a secondary locking safety mechanism.
Key specifications
The Cold Steel Large Luzon 20NQX features a 6-inch clip-point blade made from 8Cr13MoV stainless steel, with a listed thickness of 3.5mm. Its 7.5-inch glass-filled nylon (GFN) handle brings the overall length to 13.5 inches when open. The manufacturer lists its weight at 9.3 ounces.
Inspired by Filipino martial arts and balisong knives
The Large Luzon originated from Cold Steel founder Lynn C. Thompson’s interest in Filipino martial arts. That interest led to a collaboration with knife designer Mike Wallace, resulting in a folding knife influenced partly by balisongs in Thompson’s collection.
Balisongs, commonly associated with the Philippines, use two rotating handles that open around a blade. The Luzon takes inspiration from their appearance but uses a different opening mechanism, making it a conventional folding knife rather than a butterfly knife.
The Filipino influence also appears in the handle, which features a bamboo-inspired design with segmented contours. These concave sections create a distinctive profile while providing different positions for holding the knife.
Cold Steel uses glass-filled nylon, or GFN, for the handle. This reinforced polymer is commonly used in knife construction because it offers rigidity, moisture resistance, and flexibility in molded designs.
The handle’s appearance is one of the Large Luzon’s defining characteristics. Its segmented shape gives the knife a recognizable identity without relying on elaborate decorative finishes.
A six-inch blade made from 8Cr13MoV stainless steel
The Large Luzon’s clip-point blade has a spine that narrows toward the tip and a curved cutting edge—a familiar profile in hunting and tactical-style knives.
Cold Steel uses 8Cr13MoV stainless steel, a material commonly found in affordable utility knives. The manufacturer specifies a hardness of approximately 57–58 HRC.
8Cr13MoV is a budget-oriented choice that helps keep the price accessible. Buyers are getting an affordable blade material here, rather than a premium-steel selling point.
A flipper mechanism with secondary lock protection
Cold Steel describes the Large Luzon as a flipper, with a protruding tab that allows the user to initiate blade deployment manually.
The knife incorporates a leaf-spring locking mechanism that engages when the blade is opened. It also includes a secondary safety switch intended to provide additional resistance against accidental lock disengagement.
According to Cold Steel, the secondary mechanism increases resistance to shock and impact when engaged. That is a manufacturer claim rather than an independently established guarantee, and the additional safety doesn’t eliminate the need for careful handling.
What its size means for everyday carry
Pocket space is the practical trade-off. The long handle and substantial listed weight make the Large Luzon a deliberate carry choice, not a folder likely to disappear into a pocket. Buyers who mostly open packages or handle small cutting chores may prefer something less cumbersome.
A pocket clip and lanyard hole provide carry options, but buyers should consider whether their usual pockets can comfortably accommodate the knife.
Who should buy the Cold Steel Large Luzon?
The Cold Steel Large Luzon is aimed at buyers who appreciate oversized folding knives, unusual designs, and the influence of Filipino martial arts on modern knife construction.
Its strongest case is as an inexpensive addition to an enthusiast’s collection, rather than a default recommendation for everyday utility. The Filipino-inspired styling gives buyers a reason to choose this particular oversized folder beyond size alone.
Before buying, check local blade-length and carry restrictions; the folding construction doesn’t make those considerations any less important.
Price: $38.25
Where to Buy: Amazon
The Cold Steel Large Luzon 20NQX is available on Amazon for $38.25 at the time of writing.
