Tinman
.308 Win
I am looking at a Cold Steel Espada XL folder. Does my one own one of these? If so what do you think of it?
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Espada XL by Cold Steel
- Thread starter Tinman
- Start date
FS1040
.40 S&W
I’ve looked at it. It’s a nice blade. I ended up going with xl Voyager and haven’t regretted the purchase. It carries well.
Carlos Hathcock
.450/400 Nitro Ex
Send me one and I'll review it for you.....no charge.
Xae289
.223 Rem
I bought one years ago (at least 8), so my impression comes with the caveat that I heard they changed the metal used since then.
I don't really like my 3.5" version. I like the design and the locking mechanism is very hardy, which are the positives.
The negative is that while it came razor sharp, it lost that edge quickly. I'm no ace at sharpening knives, but I'm able to keep a very good, if not excellent, edge on most of mine. I've tried to sharpen this one myself many times and gave it to a couple of people who are really good at sharpening blades, but even when it gets sharp, it rarely lasts more than a few light uses.
Even then, I really don't have a great use for it. I carry knives as work tools or outdoor use. Even if mine kept a good edge and was easily sharpened, I have better knives for both roles. I don't carry a knife as a concealed weapon, but this seems well-suited as a self-defense knife. It's got a rock solid lock, big blade, strong point, and its design is based on the old Spanish navaja knife that's been used as an excellent concealed weapon.
I don't really like my 3.5" version. I like the design and the locking mechanism is very hardy, which are the positives.
The negative is that while it came razor sharp, it lost that edge quickly. I'm no ace at sharpening knives, but I'm able to keep a very good, if not excellent, edge on most of mine. I've tried to sharpen this one myself many times and gave it to a couple of people who are really good at sharpening blades, but even when it gets sharp, it rarely lasts more than a few light uses.
Even then, I really don't have a great use for it. I carry knives as work tools or outdoor use. Even if mine kept a good edge and was easily sharpened, I have better knives for both roles. I don't carry a knife as a concealed weapon, but this seems well-suited as a self-defense knife. It's got a rock solid lock, big blade, strong point, and its design is based on the old Spanish navaja knife that's been used as an excellent concealed weapon.
Tinman
.308 Win
I will think about Carlos.
Tinman
.308 Win
I don’t think I have a great use for it either, but it might look good in my collection. Currently I have 42.
Xae289
.223 Rem
For looks and collecting without being put through the wringer, I'd say that if you like it, go for it. After I got tired of trying to find a use for mine, I took some polishing compound and a dremel with a felt wheel then polished the blade to a mirror shine. I'll occassionally (like today after seeing your post) take it out, admire its looks, apply a fresh coat of oil, wish I had a use for it, and put it away until the next time I want to look at it.
JaguarJaguarGolf
6.5 Creedmoor
Is it really $650 ?
Tinman
.308 Win
No. The G10 with Japanese AUS-10A blade is $167 from a number of places. The real fancy one with s35vn steel and polished is over $300.
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Vapor
.308 Win
I had a Spartan for awhile. It was huge and unwieldy. Yes, I carried it. Enthusiasm of a young man. Tri ad lock was tough, but really hard to release.
If I want reach, my 4" ti lite seems to fit the bill in my old age.
If I want reach, my 4" ti lite seems to fit the bill in my old age.
Tinman
.308 Win
Well I ordered one. Should be here next week. If I don’t like it I can always return it for a full refund and free shipping. I will post a picture or 2 when I get it. Thanks for your opinions.
Vapor
.308 Win
Hey if it just tickles your fancy for a collection, by all means!
I have two griptilians because I wanted both blade shapes.
I have two griptilians because I wanted both blade shapes.
S&W Fan
.450/400 Nitro Ex
If you have a Lansky or similar type of sharpener you could always try altering the angle of the edge some, for better sharpness retention. I have done that with a couple of different knives and broad heads with Good results.
Paxal
.223 Rem
Tinman
.308 Win
I found a brand new in the box one on EBay for $165.94 with free shipping and free return. Best price I found. Go ahead a get one too Paxil.
I do not see any point at all in very large folding knives. Except for the novelty of it, and in that case the typical pro/con bullet points become irrelevant, just buy the thing and revel in the jack assery of it.
For any practical use, for tge weight and size of tge Espada you would be far better served with a fixed blade.
For any practical use, for tge weight and size of tge Espada you would be far better served with a fixed blade.
Tinman
.308 Win
I have a few fixed blades too. I just bought it because I like the size and I didn’t have one.
Xae289
.223 Rem
I'll have to do some research into that and give it a try. Thanks for the tip!
Tinman
.308 Win
Well it arrived today. Here are some pictures.
