Vintage Cold Steel Twistmaster Large + Medium Set Carbon V USA Folding Knives For Sale

Cold Steel Twistmaster Folding Knives – Large & Medium Set – Professionally Cold-Blued Carbon V Blades – Excellent Condition – Discontinued USA-Made (Camillus)**For sale as a matched pair only: One large and one medium Cold Steel Twistmaster. These classic American “tactical Opinel” folders feature high-performance Carbon V blades that have been professionally cold-blued (changing them from the original factory satin finish for enhanced corrosion resistance and a handsome dark, non-reflective look). Both knives are in excellent condition with tight actions, solid lock-up, and minimal wear.Brief History
Cold Steel was founded in 1980 by martial artist and knife designer Lynn C. Thompson with a focus on exceptionally strong, practical cutting tools. The Twistmaster line (introduced in the early-to-mid 1990s and featured in Cold Steel catalogs through the late 1990s/early 2000s) was Cold Steel’s American take on the classic French Opinel.Instead of a wooden handle, Cold Steel used tough, grippy checkered Zytel. The blades were made from Carbon V (an enhanced 1095-class high-carbon steel known for excellent edge retention, toughness, and ease of sharpening). Production was handled by Camillus Cutlery in the USA. The signature “twist lock” (a rotating metal collar/bolster, similar to Opinel’s Virobloc) locks the blade rock-solid in the open position with a simple twist—creating near-fixed-blade strength and zero play when engaged. The lock does not secure the blade closed (by design).The Twistmasters were discontinued after Camillus closed around 2007. Original Carbon V examples have become increasingly sought-after by collectors and users who value the combination of simple, robust design, USA manufacture, and the highly regarded Carbon V steel. They remain excellent camp, utility, hunting, or everyday knives.Specifications:
Large Twistmaster- Blade length: ≈ 4¾"
- Overall length (open): ≈ 10¾"
- Closed length: ≈ 5⅞–6"
- Blade thickness: ⅛"
- Weight: ≈ 5–5.4 oz
- Blade style: Drop-point / continuous-curve profile with nail nick
- Handle: Black checkered Zytel with molded “Twistmaster by Cold Steel” logo and lanyard holeMedium Twistmaster
- Blade length: ≈ 3¼–3½"
- Overall length (open): ≈ 8¼–8½"
- Closed length: ≈ 4¾"
- Blade thickness: ⅛"
- Weight: ≈ 2.9 oz
- Blade style: Matching profile to the large (drop-point/continuous curve) with nail nick
- Handle: Same black checkered Zytel with logo and lanyard holeCommon features- Blade steel: Carbon V (high-carbon)
- Lock: Twist-collar (locks open only)
- Grind: Full flat primary with thin, keen edge geometry for excellent slicing
- Country of origin: USA (Camillus)
- Finish: Professionally cold-blued (dark, even finish applied after the factory satin; provides better rust resistance while retaining the steel’s performance The Zytel handles show only light handling marks consistent with careful ownership. The twist collars function smoothly and lock the blades securely with no blade play when engaged. Blades are clean, sharp, and free of significant pitting, chips, or major wear. The professional cold-blue finish is even and attractive. These are ready for use or display.Why this set is special
- Matching large + medium pair of a discontinued model.
- Rare Carbon V steel in the classic Twistmaster design.
- Professionally cold-blued blades (an upgrade over the original satin finish for both looks and corrosion protection).
- Simple, ultra-reliable lock that rivals fixed-blade strength when engaged.
- Lightweight yet substantial for their size—ideal for camp, field dressing, general utility, or collection.
- USA-made by Camillus for Cold Steel; no longer in production.These knives deliver the cutting performance and toughness Cold Steel was known for in the Carbon V era, with the classic simplicity of the Opinel-inspired twist lock. Perfect for the collector who wants both sizes or the user who appreciates a pair of hard-working, low-maintenance folders.**Sold as a set only.** Please examine the detailed photos carefully—they form part of the description. Feel free to ask any questions. Buyer is responsible for knowing and complying with all local knife laws.Thank you for looking!