Espada Any Good

D

d762nato

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Dec 16, 2009
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Thinking about picking up a Large Espada, is this a good knife? Hows the fit finish and overall build quality, how's is it to open and close. Does anyone edc one of these big knives. The one I'm looking at is the polished g-10 model.
 
d762nato said:
Thinking about picking up a Large Espada, is this a good knife? Hows the fit finish and overall build quality, how's is it to open and close. Does anyone edc one of these big knives. The one I'm looking at is the polished g-10 model.
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My 5.5" was superb out of the box. Action, centering, fit and finish all perfect. Came sharp, good even edge. Action was a little rough at first, broke in quickly to very smooth.
The closure is long and the blade heavy, so watch your fingers.
If you want to carry it every day you should get the regular G10 version. The aluminum scratches and you hate to mark up such a gorgeous knife.
This is one of the best knives made by anyone in my opinion. Treat yourself.
 
I only have one, the new G10 version with the stonewash blade. I love it even more than I expected to. It fits my hand perfectly, and in multiple grips. The blade shape is damn near art, it is just right. On mine the action is smooth to open and close and the blade is centered.

As for carrying... I carry a defensive knife every day along with a handgun. The LG Espada is a great size for this. Note that it is not an accident that so many Cold Steel knives have a 5.5 inch blade. They still fit in a pocket at that length, which makes carrying simple.

Other Cold Steel knives in my defensive edc rotation include the Vaqueros, Black Talon, Hold Out 6, and TiLite 6. I also have a large Luzon, but I do not trust the lock on mine.

Edit to add... some self defense capable knives are just that and nothing more, largely because you really don't want to deal with sharpening them. The Espada is NOT one of these. This is a knife that I would not hesitate to also use as an actual knife. Want to hack up boxes? Why not! The blade shape is easy enough to sharpen. Or so it seems, mine has not yet needed more than stropping.
 
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d762nato said:
Thinking about picking up a Large Espada, is this a good knife?
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No, it's a superb knife that has absolutely no peer on the market.


d762nato said:
Hows the fit finish and overall build quality
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Excellent. The opening and lock-up are amazingly smooth and tight.


d762nato said:
how's is it to open and close.
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Depending on the size of your hand and your dexterity, it can be slightly awkward. I find the G-10 model easier to manipulate than the polished version, but still prefer the polished version because it's more comfortable in the hand and because it's beautiful.

I don't wave mine open. I would imagine the Thumb Plate works well in that capacity, but I've never used it that way.


d762nato said:
Does anyone edc one of these big knives.
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Yes. But it's one of many. If you use your folder frequently, the Espada won't be a very good EDC. You'll get tired of its weight and size.

If you want a massive, incredibly strong pocket knife that makes a welcome companion no matter where you go or what you encounter, it will be a great EDC. You'll appreciate its weight and size.


d762nato said:
The one I'm looking at is the polished g-10 model.
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Get it while you can. You won't be disappointed.

To me, the Espadas are among a handful of knives that epitomize everything that I love about Cold Steel. The Large Espada is one of my favorite knives of all time.


IMG-0049.jpg



-Steve
 
I have both the L and XL G10 versions and I LOVE them! I will say that my XL isn't centered, but who cares on such a massive knife. Opening these always brings me a smile.

So much so that I am also contemplating getting the polished versions while I still can.
 
DocJD said:
For many years , these two :



Takes some getting used to , if you normally carry small ones .

Best to devote a whole pocket to just one of these , or belt carry .
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Not trying to be an enabler or cause a marital rift, JD, but if you're even pondering the idea of backing up your Espada with another (while we still can), I highly suggest that you try one of the new AUS10A models. They've smoothed the G-10 so that it's easier on the pockets, the point is slightly thicker to reinforce tip strength, the flat grind gives it a stronger edge while retaining full shearing capability, the stonewashed finish is less prone to rust, and the performance of the 10A outshines the 8A.

I loved my original 8A G-10 Espada (and still do). But the new version honestly is a significant improvement and has impressed me in ways that I never anticipated.


-Steve
 
Thanks guys sounds like a winner too me. I ordered one should have it by next week sometime. I carried a Satu for a while as well as my old Spyderco police so I guess I could get used to it. It sure looks nice and like mentioned I figure I'd grab one now. I also wouldn't mind getting a new G10 model. You all sure have some nice folders that's for sure.

I carried a fixed blade often and always kind of looked at folders as a half broken knife right off the bat compared to a fixed blade. I've watched a video about the weight put on the lock and the whacking the back of the blade and I'll say I kind of look at the knives with this locking device as being about as close to a fixed blade as a folder can be.

It'll be my first with the Demko lock so Thanks again folks can't wait to get it hope my wife likes it as much as I do as I believe I forgot to mention it. Hmm! :D
 
Glad that I bumped into this thread. I wanted a final C.S. buy before whatever is going down. Stuff was going fast at my preferred vendor. :eek: But I snagged a G-10 large Espada in AUS10, along with another Rat 1 and 2.:thumbsup:
 
I have the original polished version, the black handle version that followed and the special edition black blade earthbrown handle version. All three are excellent. I also have the black handle XL version of the Espada. If Cold Steel goes into decline, as so many fear, will anyone ever again make a mind boggling folder like the XL Espada?
 
The Whip said:
Not trying to be an enabler or cause a marital rift, JD, but if you're even pondering the idea of backing up your Espada with another (while we still can), I highly suggest that you try one of the new AUS10A models. They've smoothed the G-10 so that it's easier on the pockets, the point is slightly thicker to reinforce tip strength, the flat grind gives it a stronger edge while retaining full shearing capability, the stonewashed finish is less prone to rust, and the performance of the 10A outshines the 8A.

I loved my original 8A G-10 Espada (and still do). But the new version honestly is a significant improvement and has impressed me in ways that I never anticipated.


-Steve
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https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/finally-after-many-years-just-had-to-order-xl-espada.1765298/

;) See what all you dang enablers have done to me ! :p:thumbsup::thumbsup:
 
Now I want one Thanks, someone around here said there were enablers here I'm starting to believe it. :p
Nephron nice blades, I'm getting that Large Espada in the next day or two. That XL is sweet Dam! what a short sword! Thanks for the pics also.
 
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