Jeff, you know I respect the hell out of you and your opinion on knives. That said I have to respectfully disagree on a few of your points on this knife. I've carried and used one everyday for about 3 years and found it to be extremely useful as an EDC (for someone who prefers large folders). In no particular order here are the points about this knife that I love and contribute to me carrying one on a daily basis: I love the fact that I can place the belly of the edge on a surface to cut but my fingers are up above that surface. I agree the earlier versions of the Spartan were ridiculously hard to unlock but the modern ones have improved on that greatly (but it is still not an effortless lock release by any measure). I also wear XL gloves but this knife handle fits my hand perfectly. It's the only production folder that feels like as I grip the handle tighter it grips me back. With a little practice you can employ Michael Janich's centrifugal force method to flick the knife open with one hand (I do it all the time) and because of it's Triad lock flicking it open does no wear or damage to the lock at all. Also when closing the knife keep your grip tight on the handle and your pointer finger snugly in the front choil. This does 2 things, I makes it easier on your thumb to depress the lock bar and (ON THIS SPECIFIC BUT NOT ALL CS KNIVES!!!!!) your finger stops the blade from falling at about the 45 deg point when the un-sharpened base of the blade contacts your finger. At that point stop holding down the thumb lever ( it grabs the blade again as soon as you let up off of it) reposition your grip and finish closing the knife. I've been closing the knife that way for years and have never been cut with this method (ON THIS KNIFE!). One of the great things about this hobby though is that there are so many different tastes for so many different people. I am someone who loves larger knifes (can choke up on a large knife to use it as a smaller one but you can't do the reverse with a small one) and for me and my daily uses I've personally found this knife to be very practical.
I bought a CS Spartan last year and it's amazing. It's my edc and I've used it for everything, wood carving, opening mail, cutting up boxes, sharpening pencils, cutting rope, butchering sheep, took it with me camping ect. and abused the hell out of it and it's still razor sharp. I can and have even shaved with it before when I was traveling. Love this knife
It is not an EDC knife, it is a defensive tool. Mine came razor-shaving sharp right out of the box. It will never touch cardboard as for me it has only one purpose and I hope I never have to go there, but I'm glad I have it.
I always saw this as more of a combat knife than an EDC utility knife. I am sure it cuts just fine, but the size and design lends well for combat, but not so well for cutting boxes.
I edc'd this knife for around 8 months. It was perfect. I carried it in my left pocket and the large Recon-1 in my right pocket. they were both amazing, incredibly light for their size. A perfect pocket machete.
Love my Spartan, It is in my EDC rotation. Carried on a job yesterday where I could not take my concealed carry. I only use it as a self defense knife. Use my case pocket knife for everything else.
I got a spartan about a year and a half ago. I carry it every day, and it works the exact same as it did when I bought it. I'm working on customizing it and so far I've shined the blade to get rid of the bead blasted finish which rusts way too easily and I've filed a choil in the handle so I can choke up on it.
I like the strong pocket clips Cold Steel makes. I changed to Cold Steel because I had so many other brand's snag on A wall or the couch and there goes the pocket clip.. keep making your Great Strong Pocket clips.
i love the tri-ad locks. i own the large voyager with a clip point and i never worry about my lock failing but it was extremely hard to depress the lock when i first got it but it loosens up a bit and because very usable
This is my edc, carried it everyday for over a year. Fortunately, I live in Arkansas and don't have a problem with big knives. The only thing I have to add to this is it is light for the size and has a smooth open and close I have carried this multiple times in the pockets of pajama pants and I can still wave it
Got one at a gunshow in Texas today for $40 cash. It's a big pocket knife and very sharp. Awesome. You can't open bottles with the thumb shelf like you can with the Emerson Wave on the Spyderco Matriarch 2.
camerl2009 craftsman has a set of handled torx screwdrivers, relatively cheap, and if you screw up the tool, it's lifetime warranty comes in. I picked up 2 sets, so you can have 2 each size for scale standoffs and pivots etc, one to hold, one to turn... TNJR
Hi, I put a lanyard on my knives , if you drop it won't hit the ground (or the water if your in a boat) Plus it also really stops anybody from taking it out of your hand !
One of my favourites. The smooth grivory handles on these and the Rajahs/Ti Lites/Counter Points/Tuff Lites don't tear up the pockets the way that the abrasive G10 does. That said the XHP Recon 1 I bought doesn't seem to be quite so tight in the pocket, so it may be that Cold Steel have been listening to their customers and softened the clip slightly. The serrated Rajah 3 seems to have all the Cold Steel features I like in one knife. The thumb plate, a flat ground recurve blade, a handle that doesn't murder pockets, the tri-ad, and their serrations (which I'll grant not everyone likes).
One way to make the unlocking on cold steel knives easier is to use the side of your thumb to release the lock. Originally when I got my cold steel medium espada I was having pain in my thumbs when releasing the lock. Once I started using the side of my thumb, near the knuckle, my thumb pain went away.
I've got one of these and I have completely dulled and fudged the edge I have tried sharpening it but to know avail cause I live in the UK no one will sharpen it it needs sharpening on a grinder or something I can't do anything with it myself I've tried but when I got it it was amazing cost me £80 from hiennie Haynes UK i have had it for about 2 years now though
Try a round ceramic rod (even one from a Lansky turnbox). Set it to the angle of the blade (you can use a Sharpie to determine you're grinding at the right angle) and move the rod in small circles along the blade. You can't do a recurve on a flat stone, but a round one works.
I would recommend the Spyderco (Tri-Angle) Sharpmaker. Sharpening was never my strongest skill even though I have been collecting and using knives since the eighties. Later I purchased the Sharpmaker and will never use any other system simply because it covers all my needs. But most important, it is super easy to use. Just needs abit of practice at first, then one can do it almost blindfolded. It is also lightweight and compact so you don't even notice it if you need it with you (in a backpack or something) With this system you will also be able to sharpen serrated knives just as easly as plain edged ones. You can also sharpen other things to, like scissors just as easy. Really great quality that will last for years to come.
Has anyone noticed that the hollow grind Cold Steels like this, Recon 1 ,...don't have the same angle left or right? It seems they have some kind of chisel grind? The flat grind new Voyagers don't have this issue. Maybe they ship factory seconds to Europe and i have some error Cold Steels?
Love the knife, I edc it at work, I’m a plumber and I gotta tell ya sometimes your down on a crawl space and you just need to hack out a board or two to make it work, and it’s honestly a lot easier to whip out your cold steel than it is to crawl out of a crawlspace and grab a sawzal
It think you were still accurate in saying same capability as a Kukri too. That constant curving makes for constant cutting while drawing across an object. I think I just saw one of these in a Steven Segal movie we started watching last night. "Force of Execution" at the opening scene.
Thanks for the reviews bud, I'm currently working on polishing off the bead blasted finish on my spartan too try and prevent the rust problems cold steels aus8 has
I think if an individual finds it difficult to depress the lockback bar on the back, they should not even bother carrying a knife like this. My son & I are huge Cold Steel fans & own at least 12-15 different versions. We've never found any CS knife too hard to disengage the Triad lock. With that said, if someone needs additional assistance to close their knife, go with another knife company. Both my son & I love Cold Steel knives!
I know, I hate how people always harp on this, the only cold steel i've ever had this problem with was the Recon 1 XL because the lockbar is really long, even my regular sized recon 1 was fine. Plus, everyone knows you can just leave them open for awhile and the spring will loosen up a little. Another thing I hate is that everyone thinks they're two-handed knives. But Andrew Demko said in one of his videos that every cold steel is designed so you can drop it on your pointer finger without it cutting you, if you put your finger in the first choil. And this has been proven to me by five different cold steel designs. Recon 1, Recon 1 XL, Spartan, espada Large and Rajah 2.
I apologize for the additional verbiage, however, use a quality FULL sunthetic oil (such as AMSOIL) to lubricate this knife. Give it about 6 weeks, and you will have a lightning fast deployment, and about 65% easier closing. I pressure tested mine, and after the break-in period, I have an easy time with this best. I feel I have the biggest bang for my hard earned retirement buck.
Hey jeff do you know if you will review the case cheetah? I know you have 1 already cuz ive seen it in older vids. I was looking at one and would like it for a classy edc for light cutting tasks. Would it fill this roll?
Definitely, one thing the AK-47 has that none of the other cold steels do(folders anyway), is a nice impact point on the butt. Most cold steel's stick out a little, and it wouldn't be pleasant to get whacked with the back of one, but the AK-47 has a nice precise point that's uber-deadly. And it sells for a little more than it really should brand-new, considering it's only a 3-1/2 inch blade. 40 bucks is good deal for that knife.
If you are speaking of the fixed blade, or the folder AK-47, absolutely. PLEASE...make sure it's NOT a Chinese knockoff. The Chinese cheat, and manufacture "me too" knives, actually stealing the design, AND name, and please believe me, the knockoffs are unadulterated JUNK.
Considering this waves out of the pocket and has a secure lock, combined with the really secure handle, would this make a good self-defense knife? I meaan you'd get plenty of reach out of it right?
I'd recommend and Espada over this. Still a very grippy handle, but it has more of a point for piercing. You're not going to be pulling elaborate slashes and chops in a self-defense situation, it's primal stab-stab-stab.
Dude, definitely. One thing I like about this over the espada, is the kukri shape, which really digs in to clothes(tested myself) And it's a little smaller than the espada, but still very large. As far as stabbing goes, it is more than adequate, and for EDC use, it's slightly more practical.
I really want this knife, so very cool :) not something i would carry as i live in Australia we have very strict laws but this would be wonderful in my collection, a must have.
It's not that impractical to carry. Maybe more due to width. I have and have carried (every. damn. day.) my CS AK47, which is similar in size for 4 years now, and nobody has said boo unless I actually bring it out. Love the tri-ad lock, grips are solid and tough, lightweight for the size... but yeah the steel could be better and your criticism about the pocket clips is 100% correct. It's a pocket shredder.
I purchased the CTS-BD1. I compared it to the AUS10A. The BD1 wins hands down in my book. The AUS10 is the flagship of AUS steel, however, side by side, and with experience with the BD1 steeel, I'll keep the one I have.
I'm that person who would carry a spartan in public because I don't care what the "sheeple" think of me and get a good laugh at the look on their faces. Also "sheeple" is my new favorite term.
Hey Jeff I wanted to hear your opinion on the spyderco dragonfly2 189zdp I looking at getting one. Could you tell me if it is worth it. I have the paramilitary 2 but I'm looking for something smaller. Thanks. Jordz
cutlerylover Yeah, good to know. I might consider getting one for outdoor use because in some situations it is easier to carry a folder than a fixed blade
+DoxNP For outdoor you ideally want one fixed piece of steel to avoid any chance of breakage, by all means carry a folder but while camping you definitely want a sturdy one piece fixed blade knife just incase.
I love my spartan it was my first foray into good tactical knives .I always liked knives as a kid and teen had some low level cheap Chinese charmer type knives that I used and thrashed on . If I have kids down the road I want to pass down my spartan to them it is a well built knife edge holding is about at a B or C grade. I have beaten and over abused my spartan yet it still is as tough as it was new in box. The espada series knives are great the medium/ small is good the large is great the xl is awesome I call it my pocket sword / Machete very well built usable knife . I even have tried to break my ak47 with the tri ad lock the worst I did was break the thumb plate off
I just received mine. First time knife collector. He opened that so easy. I tried opening it as he did, clut my finger a little lol! It's kinda stiff and doesnt open nowhere near as this reviewer.
Jeff, I have VERY larGe hands. I need XXL Gloves. Most brands XL's I can't Get passed my knuckles. Now with that said, my CS Spartan fits my hand perfectly. It def fills the area around the pinky much more than yours does, but it is still very comfortable. In reverse Grip, it does diG into my index finGer a little because that "choil" is a lil smaller. It still isn't uncomfortable thouGh. It feels very secure in my hand. My one Gripe is how easily Cold Steels AUS-8 rusts from sweat and humidity and such. I learned the hard way to def keep EDCi, FroGlube,etc on it. I love the knife and I love to see you doinG knife reviews. More please.
I used to live in hawaii where i couldnt carry a gun so i carried the xl espada and one of my friends carried this its cool and i hawaii legal to carry when you cant carry a gun
Great vid. I have one of these and tried to lube it .. I get a grinding sound when I go back and forth with it a 1/2 to about 3/4 position .. does your knife do the same thing ? If not what have you done to solve this problem ? TKS for any input you can give me ..
i carry a cold steel voyager (new model) large everyday and love it. it is a fantastic knife and extremely tough. the main reason for it is my large hands. it is about the only quality knife that isn't outrageously expensive that fits comfortably in my hands. there is definitely a place for large folders, and one of them is in my pocket.
I have found the cold steels with the steel or aluminum liners to be much smoother easier to flick open with your thumb. Any one else find this to be true.
There are so many good choices! I'd probably have to say I'd get him an Ontario Knife Company Rat 1 or Rat 2. They are great little knives that are inexpensive enough that if something happened to the knife it would be easy to replace.
This is my daily carry ,if your carry this for defensive purpose and in any combat situation once you pull out this knife, she screams to the other subject (bring it on baby)
my brother carries a charge tti and a spartan + a recan 1 and a ruger sr9c to work every day and because of his mannerisms nobody cares about it. I carry ether a recon1 or a Espada large g10 with a Letherman wave and a S&W m&p shield 9 every day canceled and again nobody cares. I have never had a problem with the pocket clips.I wish all my benchmades and spyderco knives would carry like these honestly; I like knowing the kive will not fall out of my pants. call me crazy but I love the hard retention. thanks for the fantastic work on the review. ps I sigle hand close my espada though I cant speak fo the spartan :)
People that are cold steel fans should carry the bigger knifes EDC. I EDC my cold steel every day rajha 2 and Spartan or kudu or pocket Bushman or ti-lite. Streets are unsafe anymore cold steel way only.
I carry my cold steel rajah II almost every day I can still get my phone in my pocket, but i can't get anything else I there, it's also a bitch to get the damn phone out. But it's a great knife, kind of a bigger brother to the spartan, and it's not bad to carry
I do like some Cold Steel Blades but Cold Steel in general comes off as a gimmick to me. Maybe it's just the P.T. Barnum style of videos they use. Pretty entertaining but impractical to say the least
I want my clip stiff and hold firm in pocket. I fight at the bar every weekend and hunt and hike daily. I fall, slip, and crash daily, I want my cold steels to never fall out of pocket,...EVER.. I want it there when I need it.
Cold Steel still rocks... The Tri-Lock is the best feature.... NOT A TOY....put the damm knife to the test. I’ve owned Emerson’s , bucks, Spydercos.... your not going to beat this Knife across the board.... even Benchmades.... no compromise.... $100 bucks it works... it’s a Knife NOT A GUN.....
![Knife Review : Cold Steel "Talwar" (5 1/2" Model( [EXTREME BADASSERY]](/img/n.gif)
Jeff, you know I respect the hell out of you and your opinion on knives. That said I have to respectfully disagree on a few of your points on this knife. I've carried and used one everyday for about 3 years and found it to be extremely useful as an EDC (for someone who prefers large folders). In no particular order here are the points about this knife that I love and contribute to me carrying one on a daily basis:
I love the fact that I can place the belly of the edge on a surface to cut but my fingers are up above that surface.
I agree the earlier versions of the Spartan were ridiculously hard to unlock but the modern ones have improved on that greatly (but it is still not an effortless lock release by any measure).
I also wear XL gloves but this knife handle fits my hand perfectly. It's the only production folder that feels like as I grip the handle tighter it grips me back.
With a little practice you can employ Michael Janich's centrifugal force method to flick the knife open with one hand (I do it all the time) and because of it's Triad lock flicking it open does no wear or damage to the lock at all.
Also when closing the knife keep your grip tight on the handle and your pointer finger snugly in the front choil. This does 2 things, I makes it easier on your thumb to depress the lock bar and (ON THIS SPECIFIC BUT NOT ALL CS KNIVES!!!!!) your finger stops the blade from falling at about the 45 deg point when the un-sharpened base of the blade contacts your finger. At that point stop holding down the thumb lever ( it grabs the blade again as soon as you let up off of it) reposition your grip and finish closing the knife. I've been closing the knife that way for years and have never been cut with this method (ON THIS KNIFE!).
One of the great things about this hobby though is that there are so many different tastes for so many different people. I am someone who loves larger knifes (can choke up on a large knife to use it as a smaller one but you can't do the reverse with a small one) and for me and my daily uses I've personally found this knife to be very practical.
Opinions are like arseholes, everyone has one 😁!
Steve Martin womp womp. You probably EDC a BM bugout 😂
For us that actually use our blades.. And for us that carry blade(s) for personal protection, this totally makes PERFECt sense..
I bought a CS Spartan last year and it's amazing. It's my edc and I've used it for everything, wood carving, opening mail, cutting up boxes, sharpening pencils, cutting rope, butchering sheep, took it with me camping ect. and abused the hell out of it and it's still razor sharp. I can and have even shaved with it before when I was traveling.
Love this knife
It is not an EDC knife, it is a defensive tool.
Mine came razor-shaving sharp right out of the box. It will never touch cardboard as for me it has only one purpose and I hope I never have to go there, but I'm glad I have it.
Swole Fucking Meatball it is legal almost everywhere in America with just a couple states and cities excluded.
EDC'd this big bitch for about 2 years lol
@@TacticalPatriot-bq4rg
Everything is legal in AZ..check it out
Me and my brother tested this knife vs the Emerson super commander and I think this knife has the edge
very nice
pun intended?
When Jeff mentioned that it can scare people with the wave feature, that made me want that knife more than ever, lol
I always saw this as more of a combat knife than an EDC utility knife. I am sure it cuts just fine, but the size and design lends well for combat, but not so well for cutting boxes.
Cold Steel Tuff Lite fits my EDC tasks way better.
And less pocket space also.
I edc'd this knife for around 8 months. It was perfect. I carried it in my left pocket and the large Recon-1 in my right pocket. they were both amazing, incredibly light for their size. A perfect pocket machete.
An strong lockback is confidence. If i have to fight to close it properly, i know for a fact that it won't close inadvertently.
Love my Spartan, It is in my EDC rotation. Carried on a job yesterday where I could not take my concealed carry. I only use it as a self defense knife. Use my case pocket knife for everything else.
Many years of playing video games has prepared my thumbs for this knife.
I got a spartan about a year and a half ago. I carry it every day, and it works the exact same as it did when I bought it. I'm working on customizing it and so far I've shined the blade to get rid of the bead blasted finish which rusts way too easily and I've filed a choil in the handle so I can choke up on it.
I like the strong pocket clips Cold Steel makes. I changed to Cold Steel because I had so many other brand's snag on A wall or the couch and there goes the pocket clip.. keep making your Great Strong Pocket clips.
i love the tri-ad locks. i own the large voyager with a clip point and i never worry about my lock failing but it was extremely hard to depress the lock when i first got it but it loosens up a bit and because very usable
This is my edc, carried it everyday for over a year. Fortunately, I live in Arkansas and don't have a problem with big knives. The only thing I have to add to this is it is light for the size and has a smooth open and close I have carried this multiple times in the pockets of pajama pants and I can still wave it
Got one at a gunshow in Texas today for $40 cash. It's a big pocket knife and very sharp. Awesome. You can't open bottles with the thumb shelf like you can with the Emerson Wave on the Spyderco Matriarch 2.
BIG And Large = I want to carry it!!
Love my Cold Steel Espada XL :)
get it I love mine only think is I bent my pocket clip getting out of a chair and I can't find a torx small enough for it
camerl2009 craftsman has a set of handled torx screwdrivers, relatively cheap, and if you screw up the tool, it's lifetime warranty comes in. I picked up 2 sets, so you can have 2 each size for scale standoffs and pivots etc, one to hold, one to turn... TNJR
camerl2009 DX.com has the small eyeglass set you need.
that might look gimmicky but u don't want to go up against a Cs XL folder when u have a regular 3 1/2 blade.
I carry a spartan every day. It's a bad ass blade and very comfortable.
Hi, I put a lanyard on my knives , if you drop it won't hit the ground (or
the water if your in a boat) Plus it also really stops anybody from taking it out of your hand !
I had the cold Steel
Voyager XL but a cop took it because he thought that it was too big, even though there is no blade length laws in Canada.
One of my favourites.
The smooth grivory handles on these and the Rajahs/Ti Lites/Counter Points/Tuff Lites don't tear up the pockets the way that the abrasive G10 does. That said the XHP Recon 1 I bought doesn't seem to be quite so tight in the pocket, so it may be that Cold Steel have been listening to their customers and softened the clip slightly.
The serrated Rajah 3 seems to have all the Cold Steel features I like in one knife. The thumb plate, a flat ground recurve blade, a handle that doesn't murder pockets, the tri-ad, and their serrations (which I'll grant not everyone likes).
One way to make the unlocking on cold steel knives easier is to use the side of your thumb to release the lock. Originally when I got my cold steel medium espada I was having pain in my thumbs when releasing the lock. Once I started using the side of my thumb, near the knuckle, my thumb pain went away.
I just carried that yesterday and used it to clear some blackberry bushes! it is an incredible knife, strong and reliable.
I have one if these. It's a little big for edc but I still carry it. It's a nice knife.
I've got one of these and I have completely dulled and fudged the edge I have tried sharpening it but to know avail cause I live in the UK no one will sharpen it it needs sharpening on a grinder or something I can't do anything with it myself I've tried but when I got it it was amazing cost me £80 from hiennie Haynes UK i have had it for about 2 years now though
try ebay for a sharpening device maybe a simply crock stick set from lansky for $20 US...
Try a round ceramic rod (even one from a Lansky turnbox). Set it to the angle of the blade (you can use a Sharpie to determine you're grinding at the right angle) and move the rod in small circles along the blade. You can't do a recurve on a flat stone, but a round one works.
I would recommend the Spyderco (Tri-Angle) Sharpmaker. Sharpening was never my strongest skill even though I have been collecting and using knives since the eighties. Later I purchased the Sharpmaker and will never use any other system simply because it covers all my needs. But most important, it is super easy to use. Just needs abit of practice at first, then one can do it almost blindfolded. It is also lightweight and compact so you don't even notice it if you need it with you (in a backpack or something) With this system you will also be able to sharpen serrated knives just as easly as plain edged ones. You can also sharpen other things to, like scissors just as easy. Really great quality that will last for years to come.
Jason Clark
I was going to say that Lansky now makes rounded stones for it's system but you beat me to it. 8-)
Has anyone noticed that the hollow grind Cold Steels like this, Recon 1 ,...don't have the same angle left or right? It seems they have some kind of chisel grind? The flat grind new Voyagers don't have this issue. Maybe they ship factory seconds to Europe and i have some error Cold Steels?
This one is on my to-get-list, I would also like a fixed blade version of this.. that would be awesome!
Love the knife, I edc it at work, I’m a plumber and I gotta tell ya sometimes your down on a crawl space and you just need to hack out a board or two to make it work, and it’s honestly a lot easier to whip out your cold steel than it is to crawl out of a crawlspace and grab a sawzal
It think you were still accurate in saying same capability as a Kukri too. That constant curving makes for constant cutting while drawing across an object. I think I just saw one of these in a Steven Segal movie we started watching last night. "Force of Execution" at the opening scene.
Lots of the CS knives are a bit jazzy for my taste. These XL knives are just hilarious to me. But - great camp knives and hunting knives!
I love this blade, my wife carries it every day! It is defiantly usable and a great emergency defensive tool.
Thanks for the reviews bud, I'm currently working on polishing off the bead blasted finish on my spartan too try and prevent the rust problems cold steels aus8 has
I think if an individual finds it difficult to depress the lockback bar on the back, they should not even bother carrying a knife like this. My son & I are huge Cold Steel fans & own at least 12-15 different versions. We've never found any CS knife too hard to disengage the Triad lock. With that said, if someone needs additional assistance to close their knife, go with another knife company. Both my son & I love Cold Steel knives!
I know, I hate how people always harp on this, the only cold steel i've ever had this problem with was the Recon 1 XL because the lockbar is really long, even my regular sized recon 1 was fine. Plus, everyone knows you can just leave them open for awhile and the spring will loosen up a little. Another thing I hate is that everyone thinks they're two-handed knives. But Andrew Demko said in one of his videos that every cold steel is designed so you can drop it on your pointer finger without it cutting you, if you put your finger in the first choil. And this has been proven to me by five different cold steel designs. Recon 1, Recon 1 XL, Spartan, espada Large and Rajah 2.
I just ordered myself the XL shiny espada and was thinking the same thing about it. $160 new ain't bad though. I can always barter later
I apologize for the additional verbiage, however, use a quality FULL sunthetic oil (such as AMSOIL) to lubricate this knife. Give it about 6 weeks, and you will have a lightning fast deployment, and about 65% easier closing. I pressure tested mine, and after the break-in period, I have an easy time with this best. I feel I have the biggest bang for my hard earned retirement buck.
You should give the dimensions of your hand to give us an idea of how it would fit in our hands.
Hey jeff do you know if you will review the case cheetah? I know you have 1 already cuz ive seen it in older vids. I was looking at one and would like it for a classy edc for light cutting tasks. Would it fill this roll?
My only experience with cold steel is the Luzon large. I wish this one was still $60. It claims to be made out of AUS10a now for what that’s worth.
What size of gloves do you wear Jeff? Mine are extra large, do you think that is too big for this knife?
I got a cold steel ak-47 used (in great condition) for $40, it it a good deal?
If it's not replica, sure. .. Good deal. ..
Its official
Definitely, one thing the AK-47 has that none of the other cold steels do(folders anyway), is a nice impact point on the butt. Most cold steel's stick out a little, and it wouldn't be pleasant to get whacked with the back of one, but the AK-47 has a nice precise point that's uber-deadly. And it sells for a little more than it really should brand-new, considering it's only a 3-1/2 inch blade. 40 bucks is good deal for that knife.
Okie
If you are speaking of the fixed blade, or the folder AK-47, absolutely. PLEASE...make sure it's NOT a Chinese knockoff. The Chinese cheat, and manufacture "me too" knives, actually stealing the design, AND name, and please believe me, the knockoffs are unadulterated JUNK.
Considering this waves out of the pocket and has a secure lock, combined with the really secure handle, would this make a good self-defense knife? I meaan you'd get plenty of reach out of it right?
I'd recommend and Espada over this. Still a very grippy handle, but it has more of a point for piercing. You're not going to be pulling elaborate slashes and chops in a self-defense situation, it's primal stab-stab-stab.
Dude, definitely. One thing I like about this over the espada, is the kukri shape, which really digs in to clothes(tested myself) And it's a little smaller than the espada, but still very large. As far as stabbing goes, it is more than adequate, and for EDC use, it's slightly more practical.
I really want this knife, so very cool :) not something i would carry as i live in Australia we have very strict laws but this would be wonderful in my collection, a must have.
It's not that impractical to carry. Maybe more due to width. I have and have carried (every. damn. day.) my CS AK47, which is similar in size for 4 years now, and nobody has said boo unless I actually bring it out.
Love the tri-ad lock, grips are solid and tough, lightweight for the size... but yeah the steel could be better and your criticism about the pocket clips is 100% correct. It's a pocket shredder.
I purchased the CTS-BD1. I compared it to the AUS10A. The BD1 wins hands down in my book. The AUS10 is the flagship of AUS steel, however, side by side, and with experience with the BD1 steeel, I'll keep the one I have.
I'm that person who would carry a spartan in public because I don't care what the "sheeple" think of me and get a good laugh at the look on their faces. Also "sheeple" is my new favorite term.
K
Mood haha I like pulling big blades out in crowds of friends and family hahaha
Hey Jeff I wanted to hear your opinion on the spyderco dragonfly2 189zdp I looking at getting one. Could you tell me if it is worth it. I have the paramilitary 2 but I'm looking for something smaller.
Thanks. Jordz
I ordered one. Can't wait for the package to arrive! So cool man.
how about using this knife for camping purposes? how capable would it be?
like any folder its not suggested for hard camp use, however if you chose a folder this is one of the more robust stronger ones out there
cutlerylover Yeah, good to know. I might consider getting one for outdoor use because in some situations it is easier to carry a folder than a fixed blade
+DoxNP For outdoor you ideally want one fixed piece of steel to avoid any chance of breakage, by all means carry a folder but while camping you definitely want a sturdy one piece fixed blade knife just incase.
I would appreciate a video of places to buy knifes online
Knife center .. and BladeHQ.com
I love my spartan it was my first foray into good tactical knives .I always liked knives as a kid and teen had some low level cheap Chinese charmer type knives that I used and thrashed on . If I have kids down the road I want to pass down my spartan to them it is a well built knife edge holding is about at a B or C grade. I have beaten and over abused my spartan yet it still is as tough as it was new in box. The espada series knives are great the medium/ small is good the large is great the xl is awesome I call it my pocket sword / Machete very well built usable knife . I even have tried to break my ak47 with the tri ad lock the worst I did was break the thumb plate off
I just received mine. First time knife collector. He opened that so easy. I tried opening it as he did, clut my finger a little lol! It's kinda stiff and doesnt open nowhere near as this reviewer.
Jeff, I have VERY larGe hands. I need XXL Gloves. Most brands XL's I can't Get passed my knuckles. Now with that said, my CS Spartan fits my hand perfectly. It def fills the area around the pinky much more than yours does, but it is still very comfortable. In reverse Grip, it does diG into my index finGer a little because that "choil" is a lil smaller. It still isn't uncomfortable thouGh. It feels very secure in my hand. My one Gripe is how easily Cold Steels AUS-8 rusts from sweat and humidity and such. I learned the hard way to def keep EDCi, FroGlube,etc on it. I love the knife and I love to see you doinG knife reviews. More please.
thanks for clearing that up jeff
First day I got this knife I ended up getting stitches :) Comes extremely sharp.
I used to live in hawaii where i couldnt carry a gun so i carried the xl espada and one of my friends carried this its cool and i hawaii legal to carry when you cant carry a gun
I'm gonna wait for the new steel on the new version...
Cold steel makes straight up murder weapons.and I love that.
Great vid. I have one of these and tried to lube it .. I get a grinding sound when I go back and forth with it a 1/2 to about 3/4 position .. does your knife do the same thing ?
If not what have you done to solve this problem ? TKS for any input you can give me ..
you probably used to much lube and gunck stuck to it. try taking it apart and wiping it all clean and using left lube, once, once reassembled.
How would you sharpen and/or hone the blade?
with a rod or a stone, same as any other knife.
I use a stone
it reminds me of the espasas also I did not know there we're folding kukris
i carry a cold steel voyager (new model) large everyday and love it. it is a fantastic knife and extremely tough. the main reason for it is my large hands. it is about the only quality knife that isn't outrageously expensive that fits comfortably in my hands. there is definitely a place for large folders, and one of them is in my pocket.
Will you be keeping this one?
I am debating Spartan or Voyager XL. Leaning Voyager.
I've carried this spartan for years and I love it. also; conceal my glock 20 gen 4 fde.
I have found the cold steels with the steel or aluminum liners to be much smoother easier to flick open with your thumb. Any one else find this to be true.
£115.00 sterling. in the UK.
cutlerylover everybody talks about truck guns what about a truck knife?
Great video, I have one myself and love it even though it is so large.
I am looking for my cousin Ronnie age 9 a knife what do you recommend me getting him? ( this will be his first knife)
Easy. Either a victorinox variant or a buck 110.
Go for a victorinox a buck 110 is a little much for a 9 year old.
Spyderco Dragonfly ^^
Benchmade griptilian... 9 years old is fine just teach him safety
There are so many good choices! I'd probably have to say I'd get him an Ontario Knife Company Rat 1 or Rat 2. They are great little knives that are inexpensive enough that if something happened to the knife it would be easy to replace.
They're not too impractical. My uncle carries around the xtra large raja ll with him on his belt ( its california)
I love my Spartan the shape of the blade makes it surprisingly functional and a cutting dream I only have positivities to say about it
I have a Spartan that I carry for self defense at a particular park I hike at.
I'd sure as hell EDC this if it were legal in my country to do so.
Same.
IT's A TANK !!!! {My favorite of the CS "combat" knives.}
Definitely!
this might have to go on the list
I carry a spartan and my buddy had carried one but now he Carry's a rajah 2
Great big folder!
Awesome EDC knife
This is my daily carry ,if your carry this for defensive purpose and in any combat situation once you pull out this knife, she screams to the other subject (bring it on baby)
Thank you for the review.
my brother carries a charge tti and a spartan + a recan 1 and a ruger sr9c to work every day and because of his mannerisms nobody cares about it. I carry ether a recon1 or a Espada large g10 with a Letherman wave and a S&W m&p shield 9 every day canceled and again nobody cares. I have never had a problem with the pocket clips.I wish all my benchmades and spyderco knives would carry like these honestly; I like knowing the kive will not fall out of my pants. call me crazy but I love the hard retention. thanks for the fantastic work on the review. ps I sigle hand close my espada though I cant speak fo the spartan :)
Amazing.
Cool knife, nice video and thanks for reviewing this.
People that are cold steel fans should carry the bigger knifes EDC. I EDC my cold steel every day rajha 2 and Spartan or kudu or pocket Bushman or ti-lite. Streets are unsafe anymore cold steel way only.
My grandpa has an outback bowie for an EDC ill take this thank u
It needs a bigger handle
Come on the world the way it is today that's why I carry 2 XL Voyagers EDC take the bad guys down
I carry my cold steel rajah II almost every day I can still get my phone in my pocket, but i can't get anything else I there, it's also a bitch to get the damn phone out. But it's a great knife, kind of a bigger brother to the spartan, and it's not bad to carry
Amazing big knife!
I carry one and love it
I'm sold, order placed...
I do like some Cold Steel Blades but Cold Steel in general comes off as a gimmick to me. Maybe it's just the P.T. Barnum style of videos they use. Pretty entertaining but impractical to say the least
it is cool looking great review Jeff
I want one to cut my ribs at Famous Dave's BBQ....
Then you can use it to smear the Devil's Spit all over them. YUM! 8-D
Agreed!!
LOL! **Virtual Fist-bump** 8-)
I want my clip stiff and hold firm in pocket.
I fight at the bar every weekend and hunt and hike daily.
I fall, slip, and crash daily, I want my cold steels to never fall out of pocket,...EVER.. I want it there when I need it.
I got that knife in my pocket right now at work lol
How do you wave a knife open?
Extreme over kill for an EDC, but that doesn't mean its not awesome! That's the kind of knife that you bring to a gun fight lol
"Give it a good ole whippin" lmfaooo
Cold Steel still rocks... The Tri-Lock is the best feature.... NOT A TOY....put the damm knife to the test. I’ve owned Emerson’s , bucks, Spydercos.... your not going to beat this Knife across the board.... even Benchmades.... no compromise....
$100 bucks it works... it’s a Knife NOT A GUN.....
Great review 👍👍thanks
i wouldnt let it close like this guy hes smackin it closed with smackes the edge of your blade against metal inside dulling it
The blades don’t hit when they close. If that was the case all folders would have jacked up blades
Good review man! Just subscribed on you're channel...one of the best knife reviewer...\m/