That's my "grail" knife. It's a dedicated defensive blade for me so I don't cut anything with it. I don't even carry other metal items in the same pocket so it doesn't get scratched. I do have the XL version in regular G10. That I'll take out and use. None of that rattle on my Espada. When you said there was a fit and finish issue I thought you'd mention how insanely sharp the spine is. Mine is way sharper than my bushcraft knives that are designed with 90 degree spines for throwing sparks.
I did a bit of Kali myself and I can assure you, anything that can deploy from the pocket is excellent as a self defense tool but perhaps the best part of this knife is that its scary---just pulling it will likely stop a situation before it starts
Love mine so glad I talked myself into buying it I Carry everyday but if someone ask to use my knife I give them my little gerber box cutter some people don't think twice about using a knife for screw driver or hammer . I would catch a case if someone messed up my espada
Great review. I have the large S35vn as well. My 2XL sized hands don't jive with a lot of knives, but this the most comfortable knife I think I've ever held. I carry this exclusively for self defense. When I first got it, I had the unfortunate pleasure of accidentally cutting my finger with it. It just effortlessly sliced to the BONE. The triad lock is built like a tank. The only way to improve on this knife from a defense standpoint is to just carry a fixed blade, but legally I can't do that where I currently live (Los Angeles). Out of all the folding knives in the world, this is 100% the one I feel most comfortable trusting to defend my life.
I’ve had numerous Espadas over the years, and recently got the bug again. I never had that issue with the stop pin, but I will say that if you ever decide to polish the aluminum, Mothers will bring it back to brand new condition and fast. Grease video.
Hello. I think it is supposed to do that , the sound is from a old school knife to drive fear into the person on the other end of the blade. I forget what it's called but that nose is done on purpose.
I have the entire polish series in medium (Aus8) large and Xl and the od green in medium large xl all in cts xhp and i have an extra polish large for carry and a large g10 in fde and xl in aus10 I guess I really like the Espada series
@@MattRoseKnives americans are lucky, i had to pay high premium since there's only 1 place in entire canada you can get these, but it does feel good to own one since it may be impossible to get in the near future
I got a few that makes that clicking noise, but when it's lock the lock up is solid ,but the noise is a little concerning,but it's not like that on all my Tri Ad knives but a Recon 1 & G10 Espada large and polished G10 Espada large. Thinks for showing your issue know I know it's not just mine that does this. 💰💲💰
The "flagship of Cold Steel"? I find it debatable. True, it's a superb folder, but the aforementioned category may rather belong to their celebrated Tanto Series. Even their Trailmaster or Tai Pan.
Great collectable. It looks beautiful and it’s iconic. And it’s eminently functional. Will you ever actually use it? Probably not. Would you every even carry it? I wouldn’t, the XL doesn’t even fit in most pockets. But I’ve always thought that functionality is part of the cool factor. Who wants to hang up a fake sword on his display cabinet? Who wants a fake sports car in his driveway? If you’re going to pay for this collectable (and that’s what I think it is), you want it to also be a real functional product.
That's my "grail" knife. It's a dedicated defensive blade for me so I don't cut anything with it. I don't even carry other metal items in the same pocket so it doesn't get scratched.
I do have the XL version in regular G10. That I'll take out and use.
None of that rattle on my Espada. When you said there was a fit and finish issue I thought you'd mention how insanely sharp the spine is. Mine is way sharper than my bushcraft knives that are designed with 90 degree spines for throwing sparks.
My spine is somewhat sharp but not overwhelmingly so. The rattle isn’t an issue when closed or opened so not a huge deal. It’s well worth the price!
Man, you just said "everything" I was going to say, word for word!!!
This knife is the best folding knife for self-defense. I love it.
I did a bit of Kali myself and I can assure you, anything that can deploy from the pocket is excellent as a self defense tool
but perhaps the best part of this knife is that its scary---just pulling it will likely stop a situation before it starts
Thanks for the input!
Love mine so glad I talked myself into buying it I Carry everyday but if someone ask to use my knife I give them my little gerber box cutter some people don't think twice about using a knife for screw driver or hammer . I would catch a case if someone messed up my espada
Hahah fair
Great review. I have the large S35vn as well. My 2XL sized hands don't jive with a lot of knives, but this the most comfortable knife I think I've ever held. I carry this exclusively for self defense. When I first got it, I had the unfortunate pleasure of accidentally cutting my finger with it. It just effortlessly sliced to the BONE. The triad lock is built like a tank. The only way to improve on this knife from a defense standpoint is to just carry a fixed blade, but legally I can't do that where I currently live (Los Angeles). Out of all the folding knives in the world, this is 100% the one I feel most comfortable trusting to defend my life.
Good to know!
I’ve had numerous Espadas over the years, and recently got the bug again. I never had that issue with the stop pin, but I will say that if you ever decide to polish the aluminum, Mothers will bring it back to brand new condition and fast. Grease video.
Grail knife for me also. Everything Adam Boyd said... Word for word!!!
It is a worthy grail!
If you love fighting blades but want another grail, check out RMJ tactical and Half Face blades
Hello. I think it is supposed to do that , the sound is from a old school knife to drive fear into the person on the other end of the blade. I forget what it's called but that nose is done on purpose.
The way it was made
I have the entire polish series in medium (Aus8) large and Xl and the od green in medium large xl all in cts xhp and i have an extra polish large for carry and a large g10 in fde and xl in aus10
I guess I really like the Espada series
They’re awesome!
Great folder. I have the CTS-XHP version.
Mine doesn't have the loose stop pin issue btw.
Where did you find the XL for $200? It sells for $600 on the Cold Steel website.
Blade hq sells for 315 currently
Crazy sale on Amazon at one point
@@MattRoseKnives americans are lucky, i had to pay high premium since there's only 1 place in entire canada you can get these, but it does feel good to own one since it may be impossible to get in the near future
I just want this because of Tuco from breaking bad
Haha fair!
That's 1st time I saw it and googled to see what kind it was finally bought it
What season and episode?
I'm really wanting to get this knife I'm just having trouble choosing if I want the original or the G10, any opinions?
I would go OG if you can afford it. Especially at the price. Gorgeous blade and even better steel choice!
So the bolsters are aluminum?
I thought they were stainless steel
I got a few that makes that clicking noise, but when it's lock the lock up is solid ,but the noise is a little concerning,but it's not like that on all my Tri Ad knives but a Recon 1 & G10 Espada large and polished G10 Espada large.
Thinks for showing your issue know I know it's not just mine that does this. 💰💲💰
I may do a video on the ones I have the issue with ⚖️💰💲💲💰⚖️
You got it man!
GREAT REVIEW btw Matt!!!
Thanks!
These things are selling at like 150 some places right now, pretty sure amazon and knife center had them at that price
Yeah they were just a few days ago. Insane deal!
Respectable review. Subbed.
Thanks!
The "flagship of Cold Steel"? I find it debatable. True, it's a superb folder, but the aforementioned category may rather belong to their celebrated Tanto Series. Even their Trailmaster or Tai Pan.
I wish it was setated I bought a month ago xl espada awesome knife EDC bought the cheaper one g10 handles
I’m not a huge fan of Cold Steels serrations, but to each their own!
Y no XL tho
Great collectable. It looks beautiful and it’s iconic. And it’s eminently functional. Will you ever actually use it? Probably not. Would you every even carry it? I wouldn’t, the XL doesn’t even fit in most pockets. But I’ve always thought that functionality is part of the cool factor. Who wants to hang up a fake sword on his display cabinet? Who wants a fake sports car in his driveway? If you’re going to pay for this collectable (and that’s what I think it is), you want it to also be a real functional product.
I have this same issue with my lynn thompson spartan
Mine doesn't have the pin issue
Good to hear!
not even an XL
What is the blade grind ?
Flat grind on the new ones
Is the new GSM one?
It does have the GSM logo, yes
@@MattRoseKnives Very nice, I just ordered it from Amazon for $174 as I've heard the new GSM ones are perfect fit and finish.
GSM have done good so far my talwar is epic.
I have all 3 🙂
Nice!
The way it was made
… is great