A superb common sense comparison of these two models. The common points between these make for a valid comparison. As a collector there is no decision to make, you need both. As a user you do not require or miss out on anything by choosing only one.
Like them both. The Talwar (for me) is more hand friendly... The Espada, is a more robust knife IMO and, adding some Veff secretions made it for me, pretty BADASS lol! I can't pick a favorite, love em both! Great video!!!
I managed to snag the serrated 5.5" Talwar on sale, for just over $100 even. Much lighter, less bulky, and better balanced than my Rajah 2. Lock stick was a PITA at first, but stopped after a short break-in period + lubrication. It would be hard to go wrong with any of Cold Steel's giant folders! Honestly, it's just down to personal preference.
I'm a Cold Steel freak. I have over 50 blade types. But I'm not a fan of blades that curve away. I bought the Rajah ll in March 2020. It is my EDC left pocket. My right is the folding Vaquero Grande 6 inch serrated. It has been for about 30 years. I wish Cold Steel would make a 7 inch Rajah folder. I'm a HUGE Kukri fan.
Would it be possible to use a grid on your table so we can see similarities in sizes. It's difficult to see size comparisons as one knife is always closer than the other. Great videos 👍
I have both and carry both regularly. Talwar yesterday and espada today. For me the espada shows the least of all in pocket. my pockets tend to have a bit of a curve and that completely covers the blade, where the talwar ends up showing more. I swapped my shiny talwar clip for a blacked out clip from my voyager drop point. I have also dipped the shiny clip in acid to dull the finish.
I got both my talwar is serrated an cuts like a lightsaber but think espada is also great the large espada g10 is part of my edc I don't leave home without it lovem both can't go wrong with either
wish they'd make g10 espadas with s35vn, was wondering if there is any blade play (wobbles left and right) when it's in folded position, if anybody can reply it's greatly appreciated.
On mine there is no wobble or any blade play what so ever in the open or closed position. It you passed it to me blindfolded I would think it's a fix blade.
@@leeonr I mean even if it does wobble a bit in the closed position it will not affect the performance. A few of my other cold steels do have blade movement when closed but theyre still perfectly centered and lock up like a bank vault when opened.
I don't think I've used either enough to be able to tell you from experience, but judging from their compositions, I'd say hands-down I'd pick the S35VN, which is like a tougher-but-softer version of S30V. From my understanding, CTS-XHP performs a lot like a much more corrosion and rust resistant D2.
I categorize the Spartan differently simply because it's shorter, so I see the comparison being a lot more contrasting. However, the Spartan has a much more enveloping handle and a stouter blade, which also has a recurve. I think it's a bit more maneuverable and would be even harder to get knocked out of your grip, but I also find it trickier to wave off of the pocket (there's not a lot to grab onto while extracting it). It will excel more at slashing due to its kukri style blade, but that also will limit its uses. As far as weight is concerned, it also does not have the greatest bang-for-your-buck thanks to its full steel liners. The Spartan is another great choice and has its advantages over these two, especially considering its significantly lower price. But that being said, I'd argue it's less versatile.
@@MannixKnives mang, thanks! I was looking at one of these teo, but then i saw lynn sig edition of spartan w linerless g10 scales and thicker blade for $100! So im prolly gonna order and jus see how i like it
A superb common sense comparison of these two models. The common points between these make for a valid comparison. As a collector there is no decision to make, you need both. As a user you do not require or miss out on anything by choosing only one.
Thanks for sharing!
Like them both. The Talwar (for me) is more hand friendly... The Espada, is a more robust knife IMO and, adding some Veff secretions made it for me, pretty BADASS lol! I can't pick a favorite, love em both! Great video!!!
The blade profile on the Talwar is what puts it over the Espada for me. I love not-skinny upswept blades like that
The blades are almost identical... the cutting edge is *literally* identical...
I managed to snag the serrated 5.5" Talwar on sale, for just over $100 even. Much lighter, less bulky, and better balanced than my Rajah 2. Lock stick was a PITA at first, but stopped after a short break-in period + lubrication.
It would be hard to go wrong with any of Cold Steel's giant folders! Honestly, it's just down to personal preference.
The Espada just smells like pirate
This guy should do narrations or voiceover work. Excellent voice for radio or TV.
I'm a Cold Steel freak. I have over 50 blade types. But I'm not a fan of blades that curve away.
I bought the Rajah ll in March 2020. It is my EDC left pocket. My right is the folding Vaquero Grande 6 inch serrated. It has been for about 30 years. I wish Cold Steel would make a 7 inch Rajah folder. I'm a HUGE Kukri fan.
I never anticipated Id become a knife freak ..... especially a COLD STEEL freak.
yeah same , i used to think of cold steel as cheap alternatives , but they are very sophisticated knives .
I'm trying to choose between these two as a slight downsize from my Rajah ii. I think this video actually made the choice harder. lol
I watch Joe X on YT who brakes all kinds of knives for a living. And yes you guessed right - he loves COLD STEEL
I think it's foolish. Every tool has its usage. If you need a crowbar, buy a crowbar. Don't get me started on the gas mask.
Would it be possible to use a grid on your table so we can see similarities in sizes. It's difficult to see size comparisons as one knife is always closer than the other.
Great videos 👍
Noted! Thanks for watching!
I have both and carry both regularly. Talwar yesterday and espada today. For me the espada shows the least of all in pocket. my pockets tend to have a bit of a curve and that completely covers the blade, where the talwar ends up showing more. I swapped my shiny talwar clip for a blacked out clip from my voyager drop point. I have also dipped the shiny clip in acid to dull the finish.
I got both my talwar is serrated an cuts like a lightsaber but think espada is also great the large espada g10 is part of my edc I don't leave home without it lovem both can't go wrong with either
Killer!! 2 of my favorite blades&I don't own either lol. Killer blades&killer vid!!
Makes me rethink the Talwar. But I really love the Espada
@@busymountain same
Must have, absolutely.
Waiting for delivery of my first Luzon XL and the Voyager XL drop point
wish they'd make g10 espadas with s35vn, was wondering if there is any blade play (wobbles left and right) when it's in folded position, if anybody can reply it's greatly appreciated.
On mine there is no wobble or any blade play what so ever in the open or closed position. It you passed it to me blindfolded I would think it's a fix blade.
@@AD-yt8ik thank you i ordered my one n done piece with XL espada s35vn, your comment gives me reassurance i'll be very happy with this knife :D
@@leeonr I mean even if it does wobble a bit in the closed position it will not affect the performance. A few of my other cold steels do have blade movement when closed but theyre still perfectly centered and lock up like a bank vault when opened.
Back in CTS-XHP times there were G10 XHP models if I remember correctly.
How does the S35VN compare with CTS-XHP as far as blade steel?
I don't think I've used either enough to be able to tell you from experience, but judging from their compositions, I'd say hands-down I'd pick the S35VN, which is like a tougher-but-softer version of S30V. From my understanding, CTS-XHP performs a lot like a much more corrosion and rust resistant D2.
What would be your main notion of the spartan vs these two?
I categorize the Spartan differently simply because it's shorter, so I see the comparison being a lot more contrasting. However, the Spartan has a much more enveloping handle and a stouter blade, which also has a recurve. I think it's a bit more maneuverable and would be even harder to get knocked out of your grip, but I also find it trickier to wave off of the pocket (there's not a lot to grab onto while extracting it). It will excel more at slashing due to its kukri style blade, but that also will limit its uses. As far as weight is concerned, it also does not have the greatest bang-for-your-buck thanks to its full steel liners.
The Spartan is another great choice and has its advantages over these two, especially considering its significantly lower price. But that being said, I'd argue it's less versatile.
@@MannixKnives mang, thanks! I was looking at one of these teo, but then i saw lynn sig edition of spartan w linerless g10 scales and thicker blade for $100! So im prolly gonna order and jus see how i like it
@@MannixKnives …at midway rn, fyi, w the light green smooth g10 scales and sv35vn blade