Cold Steel Rajah III Impressions

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hawaiianhawk

Joined
Dec 25, 2009
Messages
953
on wednesday i managed to pick up one of cold steel's new Rajah III models for myself. i've been very busy the past few days with work and family stuff so i haven't been able to really test it out, but i'll come in and post my results later when i have.

stats:
Blade Length: 3 1/2"
Blade Thickness: 4 mm
Overall Length: 8 3/8"
Steel: Japanese AUS 8A Stainless (Bead Blast Finish)
Weight: 4.4 oz
Handle: 4 7/8" Long Grivory

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this is a beefy folder. the sculptured grivory handle is wide and contours well to the hand. it's very comfortable to hold in forward or reverse grips; there are really no sharp edges to irritate the hand. it's also comfortable in an extended grip, with three fingers down near the butt, giving you a little more reach if necessary.

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my dog approves too. :)

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extended grip.

the upper parts of the grips have stippling to improve retention. it's also very comfortable to have in pocket: the lack of points and sharp edges or very grippy G10 is easy on the hand if you have to reach into your pocket for something.

it sits fairly well in the pocket; the big chunky butt makes it obvious there's a knife in your pocket but it's not obtrusive or uncomfortable at all. the weight wasn't an issue at all; at 4.4 ounces it's bigger than most of my EDCs but it still quite easily carried. the knife comes with two clips (one right, one left) for ambidextrous carry.

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opening the knife is easy. the heavy blade (which is razor sharp) and fairly long arc aren't fast, but the action is very smooth; the thumb plate works well and is jimped slightly for better traction. the weight of the blade actually helps open it if you throw some wrist action in. it locks solidly with zero play and features cold steel's Tri-Ad lock.

the wave feature also works a little too well: i have to be very aware how i pull the knife out of the pocket so i don't get any fingers caught between the blade and handle. if you're not used to it it'll keep you on your toes.


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comparison shot against some other popular folders

i really like this knife. glad i got it. :) i'll post again when i've put it through some use. if you're in the market for an affordable workhorse (i got mine for $58 local, and it's hovering on $50 online) this knife should take whatever you throw at it.
 
As much as I like Cold Steel and the Rajah series overall, the Rajah 3 is just a bit too chunky and slow to get moving. It is clearly overbuilt, but to what end? As a camping/trail knife it's just too short. For that size and weight most people would want a longer blade and quicker action. The Rajah 3 is too short to chop, and it's difficult to see where one might utilize the knife's great strength. A 4-inch old-model Voyager, or Byrd Cara Cara would be much lighter, easier to deploy and cheaper than the Rajah 3, while offering considerable (though less) strength.

Unless one plans on excessive prying or needs a stubby fixed blade, I have a hard time seeing where the Rajah 3 would fill my needs.

I'm very fond of the Rajah 1/2, but they're great trail knives. They're strong and discreet, good for chopping, prying and self defense. They're not EDCs (unless you're Paul Bunyon), but you can carry them many places where a fixed-blade knife would be obtrsive and perhaps even illegal. The knife is stronger than many fixed blades, but the strength in the longer knives is well placed. Not so in the Rahah 3. I'd prefer the older Voyager or the CRKT M21-04. Still, one may prefer the Rajah 3 for other reasons I hope will be specified.
 
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i see what you're saying, confederate. i just bought it because i thought it was neat and liked how it felt in the hand. :) shortcomings aside, it'll still take anything i could ever ask it to do, and it'll probably not see more than cardboard or fuzz sticks.




Ankerson said:
Nice writeup. :)
Click to expand...

thank you. this is my first posted review. :D
 
Hawaiianhawk nice pics & good review. i'm interested in how she holds an edge on cardboard. cold steel has had this alloy in their products a long time & should be able to get decent results from it.thanks for the efforts dennis.
 
I actually saw one of these a few weeks ago and don't have a lot to add, except that I can see the additional strengths might be desirable for the heavy duty cutting of carpet or for house painters who pop the tops off paint cans and who cut through drywall. It's also lighter than I expected. But it's still a bit large for EDC.
 
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