Cold Steel Espada Large: "Nasty Habit" by Nutnfancy
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- Опубліковано 12 вер 2024
- There's few if any major knife makers that make the aggressive fighting knives that Cold Steel does. Say what you want but Cold Steel continues to deliver some impressively capable fighting blades in both fixed and folding blade formats. Witness the excellent "Espada" series of fighting knives. Poster child for this Nutnfancy blade review is the Large size Espada knife. It is my favorite of the series. It offers an amazing 5.5 inch beautifully swept hollow ground AUS8A blade that arrives razor sharp. In the emergency defensive role, the Espada Large would excel due to its sharpness, good belly, reach, and strong tip (thrust cuts possible too). Finish on this blade is impressive with Scotchbrite sides and polished flats. The CS Espadas feature a solid 7075 frame milled from aluminum billet. This rock solid frame is responsible for its strength, authoritative heft (not too much though), and head-turning snap as the knife deploys (it's loud and I love it!). No skeletonizing is attempting on the frame. Polished black G10 scales are a beautiful contrast against the polished aluminum frame, achieving the same striking contrast we saw in the Cold Steel Black Rhino tactical blade ( • Cold Steel Black Rhino... ). Don't expect high traction from these G10 scales however...they suck for that. With the well-designed and low profile clip burying this knife deep in the pocket, extraction under stress might be an issue. That's why I fit up my own lanyard system for this Espada Large. Drilling and chamfering the 7075 aluminum backspacer allowed the attachment of a hollowed-out 550 cord lanyard that was sewn for more stability and durability. Speed of deployment of the Espadas is blinding fast in practiced hands; the thumb plate snags on the pocket readily and is used to wave the knife into the deployed configuration (Note however that the thumb ramp CAN bury too deep into some pockets and snag). Espada deployment (and overall actuation) should be done carefully and slowly to gain proficiency. This is a blade that should be given your highest respect so YOU don't get cut with it (or your pants too apparently)! With larger sized hands, manual actuation of the ambidextrous thumb plate is possible but expect a longer reach on this Large Espada (longer still on the XL). Lockup is tight and secure and the bulletproof Triad lock is has been well-demonstrated in abusive tests. Weight is substantial but serves a purpose in this fighting blades: 5.4 oz Med (reasonable), 9.8 oz Large, and 15 oz XL. Ergonomics throughout are squared away. While lacking jimping, the long sculpted handle of the Espada Large accommodates all kinds of grips with security and the sub-hilt finger grooves allows for extra reach. The lock situates nicely for disengagement in a conventional hold. The Cold Steel Espada Large is my top recommendation for the a large tactical blade POU; the XL is just too big for most users. If you want to impress your buddies and just have a cool knife this knife or its monstrous big brother, the Espada XL, are excellent choices as well (great collectible blades). Admission fee to this blade might be pricey for some (XL $285, Lrg $185, $130Mar 2010 prices) but I say its worth the price. On all accounts then, the Espada Large is an epic blade that achieves equally high levels of good looks, cutting capability, toughness, durability, coolness, and functionality. Whether placed in a serious defensive POU or just collected, the Espada Large will give great satisfaction to its owner. //////////////////////// Nutnfancy Likeability Scale: 9.5 out of 10 ////////////////// Music: Nutnfancy original music, "Slightly Stricken"
I am a private military security contractor, and just ordered one of these as a 'hold out' in the event that I find myself cornered/out of ammo/etc. Not a likely scenario, but I'm not getting beheaded on the internt because I was so defenseless that I got taken alive. I think this knife screams "you're going to have to kill me".
You make some good points
why do people keep saying that smaller is better in a knife fight? take a look back in history and a 7in fighting knife was TINY. a normal belt knife for a fighting man was atleast 12" . nobody who gets in a knife fight says wow i wish I had less reach.....
"Why do people keep saying that smaller is better in a knife fight?"
Because they're stupid.
I've watched this vid like 4 times in anticipation of the arrival of my new espada.
I'm jealous.I really want one of these puppies myself,just can't afford it at this time.Enjoy;-)
Knife?
This...
Is...
ESPADA!!!
Just received my large Espada, all I can say is WOW. You wont get it until you handle one. This is one serious bad ass blade. Cold Steel hits another home run.
"hey man whats that in your pants?"
"Oh, thats just my XL espada"
"lol wat?!?"
Outstanding review! Immediately after watching it the first time I ordered an Espada medium. I now have it and it's one of the best looking knives I've ever seen. Everything about it says quality. Cold Steel should pay you a commission.
Keep producing your excellent reviews.
Watching this video again, I'm pretty sure Cold Steel heard you (once again) because they made lower cost versions of the Espada series last year. Bead blasted finish, liner-less G10 handles, blackened pocket clip. It's full-on tactical now!
I first saw it in the expendables when Mickey rourke used it
Got one. Love it. Sharp as heck. The large is big and beefy. Beautiful!
I used to have a Spanish knife similar to this one but much smaller.
They make them in all shapes and sizes in Spain.
This particular knife will be a collectible for sure.
Cool.
thank you for this great review... i got XL and let me tell you L looks extremely small next to XL... when you open XL in the room it dose not turn heads but they start running away immediately... it is scary and great 21-st century navaja knife...
AWESOME!!!! I've been wanting a review of this exact knife, you freakin' rock Nutn!!!!!
No kidding those espadas are beautiful, can't wait to get an extra large... Better start saving
These are gorgeous, and the rounded handle adds much comfort in longer term cutting.
If you are on a budget, check out the Voyager XL Clip Point. It has a great FFG Bowie blade, similar length and strength and lighter weight, and you can get one for less than $60. With 7075 Aluminum & Grivory, ( not Zytel,) strength is phenomenal and value is thru the roof.
With its FFG blade, Triad Lovk and lighter weight, it's a great backup Survival knife in the woods, and of course, a world class tactical tool.
I am dumbfounded at the shear AWESOMENESS of Mario carrying that big blade. Geeezzz!
@11:22, that would appear to be of some concern especially if your thumb were to accidentally depress the lock. The solution would be to drill a hole low enough in the thumb release and enable a small pin to be slid through to prevent the engagement.
thank you for sharing your knowledge and for your service to our country
Finally!!! Thanks Nutn. I have been waiting for this vid a LONG time! Absolutely in love with the XL Espada. Lotta coin for me to produce, but I WILL own one..... someday. Thanks again broham, awesome video!!
I just ordered the Espada XL 7.5" G10. Can't wait for it to come in!
Just bought the XL version off amazon for $250. Thank you Nutn for all your videos and hard work.
The Cold Steel Espada needs to go to Hollywood.
When he pulled out that espada xl, I was stunned just seeing that pocket sword.
the XL is crazy. i just stared when the guy pulled that out. and the deploy was so fast it looks like it's already extended in the pocket. very cool and intimidating. there is a risk the psychological advantages when pulling a blade like this would save you from actually using it against someone.
"And that tip on the handle looks good for non-lethal impacts." Yes, exactly...I forgot to mention that. Great comment, thanks.
I have a friends espada now putting a lanyard on it for him, and holy crap there's no way i cant go pick one up! Just holding it feels so good and the polished look is just outstanding!
Freakin' Crocodile Dundee size folding knife! :O
Thanks for the review!
very nice change in the review 6/5
Would love to get Fitzen's take on this design.
Great review Nutn!
WOW, what a knife! Rumor has it that Betty White packs an Espada as an EDC blade. I would hate to mess with her snickers bar.
Another excellent review Nutn!
I LOVE THIS KNIFE!!! I HAVE ALL THERE SIZES. I CARRY THE LARGE EVERYDAY. THANKS FOR LETTING YOUR FANS AWARE OF THE DANGER OF THIS KNIFE. IT WILL TAKE YOUR FINGER OFF, LIKE SLICING A BANANA.
5/5
Thanks for posting Nutn.
Nice knife. I reminds me a lot of the one I had as a kid in the early 80's. (Of course NOT that large but the design is similar.)
It's good to see a good design come back or stay in production in any form.
@jsh1284 GREAT response there jsh1284 and much appreciated. All I have to add is "What he said!"
Speaking on reach: I practice FMA and my instructors tell me (all other things being equal) they sometimes win tournaments just because our style favors holding weapons at the bottom of the grip instead of choking up, while other styles leave a few inches for grappling etc.
Sounds outlandish but boxers dodge punches by inches (or less!) and come back with counter punches. Nutn is absolutely correct. Makes a huuuuge difference in the hands of a capable fighter.
That's just beautiful, amazing craftsmanship *starts dreaming*...
just received the large espada. jeez... you were right, nutn. can't keep my hands off of it. you actually DO fondle it:) it's a beautiful blade.
I have been my eyes on Espada XL for a moment now nut. I'm just waiting for your postive review on that blade series. Thank you so much nutnfancy.
Geeez Louise what a knife! Rumor has it that Betty White packs an Espada for an EDC blade. I'd hate to mess with her snickers bar.
Another excellent review Nutn!
I had a Folder that was similar to this back in the late 60s.
It was made in Spain and had a toggll lock.
These big folders are popular over there, and even this knife isn't that big by their standards.
Cool folder.
That XL Espada...is a monster,it just looks monsterous but,beautiful blade,that wowed me...
Great Video Man!!
I Have Two of these and EDC one of them. I carry a smaller knife for light/public use.
LOVE my Espada's
Cold Steel Espada,Rajah,Rhino,Sable and all the rest of them look almost exactly alike!
Nutn, it pleases me that you like this knife too. I've always carried large folders so when the Espada came out I bought the XL. As you well know, no folder will ever cover the role of a large "survival" blade, but it's really neat to have advanced capability in something fold-able, even if it cost you some weight. While I'll never EDC a Trail Master, it's neat to carry something very durable and beyond the normal order of "pocket knives." Thanks so much for your thoughts and impressions! 5/5
hey nutn i do fabrication for a living, just a tip i want to share with you, start with a smaller drill bit when drilling hard steel/ aluminum, use drilling oil, and always go slow other wise you will burn out your drill bits :)
awesome looking knife, gonna have to start saving up for one
"That's not a knife . . . . THIS is a knife!" xD
I agree with you that no folding knife could completely cover the role of a fixed blade...however, by his own admission the Lone Wolf T3 Ranger (as previously reviewed by the NutnFancy Project) is the closest knife that does and I wish he would have displayed it as such for size comparison if nothing else.
I love when Mario first gives you the O_o look, then whips out the huge ESPADA :D.
I MUST HAVE IT!!!!
Just won my auction on ebay for a Large one! 202.50 USD (CAD $200.70) bucks (worth between 300 to 400, here) for a brand new one, in the box... Damn I'm happy! Wanted that particular knife for so long, but it's so hard to get it here, in Canada. Those CS dudes should go Worldwide.
no kidding on the warring for the Tri-ad lock, have a friend that bought the cold steel spartan. The knife has a 4.5" blade, and it still had the momentum to cut strait to the bone on his one finger. the large would probably make a fracture in the bone, and the XL your fingers would be lobbed off. Nice video, the XL's on my current buy list along with the Gurkha Kukri. sick knifes.
Great vid love the pocket snag open. I have a Rajah II, and love it lock is so good. AUS 8 steel rocks. I do carry other thing for edc knifes like gerber or kersha. Still big knife like the Rajah II or an Espada are just to cool, and a must have if nothind else u could take off someones arm or head in one swipe. Again Great vid man.
I own the XL Espada and for shock and awe value, if you're not a capable trained knife fighter, it is worth it. I bought mine for a steal, slightly used and don't intend to EDC it, but if going into a more dangerous area without firearms or fixed blade, XL Espada will raise eyebrows and warn potential adversaries as to your potential leathality. Sure, the L Espada is lighter smaller and capable, but I don't want to have to prove it in a knife fight, "that's not a knife, THIS is a knife."
i really love the aggressive, defensive design of the blade the steel finish and i also like the Espada name given! GJ nutnfancy!
Since I couldn't ever take it on in public, I also carry an Ontario RAT1 for general use.
I held the XL Voyager Vaquero up against the Espada in the shop, and it was a case of sure, it's big compared to another knife, but compared to the Espada? Baby knife.
Nutnfancy your channel is awesome bro!
Holy crap, that blade is gigantic!!! I doubt I'll ever need something like that, but it's still sweet.
like Nutn said, some might like it just for 2nd kind of cool, just to add to the collection for enjoyment or for a serious defensive blade for people who like carrying a large folder in addition to a gun (or in place of one if you have legalities that prohibit legal concealed carry). It is a big knife and there are smaller, more compact knives that will do the same thing, but it's a matter of personal preference. The espadas do also come in a smaller 3.5" version if that'd be your preference.
freaking mario that twisted freak with an XL espada i like his style nutnfancy
1:43
Anyone else notice the band-aid on his arm? Nice blade, and thanks for reviewing it.
Been waiting for the Espada review since the first time you flashed it in a vid. Good info, thanks nutn
You have amazing communication voice and product knowledge is amazing you diffenitely have done your homework I enjoyed your presentation very much
Please do a review on the G10 versions of this knife! Please!
Yeah that thing is a beast, Very nice HD intro camera shot too btw
actually at 14:38 it can be seen how you got a small cut in your index finger, that demonstrates how sharp the blade is... I think I'm in love with this bad boy...
ok, you convinced me, I'll get one for my collection.
Wow, the "Espada" sure lives up to its name.
O_o
I've been waiting for this one!
Unbiased comments: ....Thank you for your reviews. After careful consideration and watching this (and g10)... I purchased the large espada. .. you are 100% correct. One must see, feel, and experience this gorgeous beast in person. 1st time wave try and what a snap. .. I have a ken onion worksharp with larger belt mod n leather strop... and I dont know how they sharpen knives at CS.... but this is the sickest edge out of box I've ever seen... (that's 20+ instructor yrs talking)... I do everytning support hand w knives so will work a clip install for opposite side. This is my only corrective comment for the piece. .. I could not believe how light this knife was... as huge as it is It wasn't noticeable once clipped in duty pants and no issues sitting etc.... highly recommend it and yes worth the money. I wish they still made the talwar in this finish. Just my 2 cents for anyone who may be considering the purchase. Did I mention if this blade comes remotely in contact with your skin you will bleeeeed! Use caution and a glove when cleaning factory oil off.
Anybody else notice the band-aid at 1:43? Thanks for reviewing this awesome blade.
@RoyalAlba1 I love it. The blade was razor sharp out of the box. I haven't cut much with it so it still is. The lock was a bit touchy at first but I learned that if you snap the blade open smartly, it works just fine and the original problems seem to be decreasing now. I have no problem carrying it. I wish I could put a lanyard on it but I won't do what Nutnfancy did to his.
For EDC, I alternate between the Espada, a Spyderco Poliwog and a Spyderco Superhawk.
Nutn . . . awesome review as always. Your vids just get better and better. Interesting size perspective with the Buck Vantage which is in my pocket. Very cool.
The XL for me. I have big hands and this looks like a knife that will fit for a change.
One look... Just one look is all it took. I'm saving up for the Extra Large model now, and I'm already having fantasies where I'm Crocodile Dundee. :D
glad I stumbled on to you guys. Subscribed!
Just saw this knife on Better Call Saul! Tuco/Mijo whips that shit it.
My first thought on this knife a couple of years ago was "really?" but I don't know what it is, it's grown on me and I'm putting it on the list.
THANK YOU I ASKED FOR THIS 2 MONTHS AGO im so happy you did it
10/5 like always
I thought it was pretty funny seeing Mickey Rorke use one of these as a throwing knife in The Expendables. I love seeing a movie and knowing exactly what kind of blades that they're using even if they're only shown for a split second haha
freaking mario that twisted freak with an XL espada i like his style to nutnfancy
I am not the type to pay a lot for a knife but with this Espada..... dude not a problem.
HAHA! Demonic "excellent" at 21:20. anyway just got this blade and you were spot on with your review. Beautiful Nutn, as usual.
Ugh, I WANT this blade. Expensive, but totally worth it.
Dude that blade is sick! 180 is a big chunk of change for that knife (thats just me cause of what i can afford) but like you said if it was 80 bucks id be down to order one in a heartbeat
i love the large espada. its large, but not as extreme as the extra large. also love the new intro! keep it up.
Ive been considering this one. Collector here...I think you just convinced me!
Ever since I saw you pull out the Espada in the Close to Engage video I've wanted one. That thing is wicked.
the pockets on my 5.11 taclite pro pants are just too big not to get the XL Espada. I just ordered one yesterday! can't wait!
love in new desktop background! 1080p photo looks great!!! cant wait to buy 1.
I think you'd need to check out this knife personally before coming to that conclusion. Most of the knives I have with this configuration do not unlock easily simply by gripping firmly.
Does it come in Stat Trak?
Ha csgo
I'm a bit disappointed he chose to review the keychain model rather than the XL version, but what can you do? I know he later got one because he was flipping it open and laughing like a kid. Guess they were right about the difference between men and boys! I remember feeling wealthy after getting the proceeds from my paper route nearly 45 years ago. Now I'm still enjoying toys. They're just a bit more expensive. And instead of a mother to reign in my excesses, I have a wait, what'rethey called? Oh yeah...a _wife_. (It's like living with your parole officer!) So it's nice that these things fit in your pocket where they can't be seen.
O MY GOD i'm crying because i can't get a gun nor a knive like this awesome espada in my home
Great review nutn. I thought I heard you mention an authority on fighting knives favors the large Espada is so who was it?
you're right! didn't notice that the first time
wow Nutn! You have impressed me with your spanish pronunciation! Great review for a wicked knife.Thanks.
Not only does Nutnfancy buy all this stuff, so do his friends, acquaintances and associates.
I believe (might be wrong on that) some awesome TNPers (power to you guys for you rock immensely) sent their stuff to TNP for field testing.
Amazing Knife! Not something I would opt for EDC use, maybe the medium size one would work for EDC>
"DUDES" -Nutnfancy
I love the espada series as much reasons why i love my Rajah II. Gotta save up to get the XL Espada, Cold steel blades always impressed me thanks for showing me a good close up on that large model! someone once asked me "Got a knife on ya?" i was not kidding when i said " no i got six." ..err i'm sick right? ahaha carry weight issues is no hassle for me i got many pockets a useful belt and and careful weight placement.
thx for another awesome review. plz keep them coming, too bad you didnt get a chance to do a coldsteel shot show vid though.