So it's made in Taiwan, made of AUS 8 and is 5 inches..........the specs pretty much replicate the SOG SEAL Pup. What makes this knife (Though I freaking want one so bad) the million time better than a SOG when it's pretty much the same steel, same country of manufacturing and same size. Is there some actual reasons why it's better, or is this where the "fanboy" wars just tend to happen?
@HairofSteel555 I don't think anyone ever said it is "better" than the SOG. That would be comparing apples & oranges. They are two entirely different knives indeed. Not to mention the Espada is a folder and the SOG Seal Pup a fixed blade, the spirit of the knives are totally different. One definitely could not substitute for the other.
@thestout77 The new Espadas are a good value. The G-10 scales are not polished like the original and the blade is bead blasted as you say instead of mirror polished. The blade steel is the same and both have the Tri-ad lock. The big difference is in the frame. The original has a 7075 aluminum frame and the new version is G-10 over partial liners so it cannot be as strong as the original in the weight stress tests, but is that really necessary when it cuts just the same?
Hey, once again thanks for these great reviews. Just bought this knife off of knifecenter (haven't recieved it yet), but it seems that the picture on the product page of the Espada has a hole right through the pocket clip? I've never seen an Espada with an open pocket clip. Does that mean I just got an older/newer model or did I just get ripped off by buying a fake? Thanks!
@Rich949 I looked at my own Espada and there is no hole and I looked at the Cold Steel website and there is no hole. Then I looked at the Knife Center website and I do see the hole you are talking about. I can't tell you what it all means, but what I can say is this, you paid more for it at Knife Center than you would have at Knives Town.
@renagade12 I took a cloth tape measure and measured directly along the cutting edge. It is 5.25 inches of cutting edge. The blade is 5 inches long, but because of the upsweep you actually get 5.25 inches of sharpened steel.
The only cold steel knife I own is the American Lawman, I'm very happy with it.
When it arrived it was the first knife that I was actually able to shave hair with, just a test patch on my arm, I was pretty surprised how ridiculous it was!
I imagine there is consistency in all their knives, the same sharpness and quality I mean.
Cold steel made a new espada series, made of the same steel but not highly polished just bead blasted. The newer cheaper ones also come with plain g-10 and no aluminum bolsters or highly stylized g-10. The newer ones are all the same size and are just as durable but are not so "sexy" lookin'. The older models are stil produced but these are more affordable. So if you want this knife but dont have enough $ get the new version.
i predict it wont sell well. they went the same route with the rajah, cheaper bead blast, grivory scales but it sold because people just wanted a large folding machete and didint give a crap about the look. the espada really sold on its looks to mall ninjas and collectors, even though the cheaper one is out people will try to buy the old ones, or they will go with a rajah.
Is the blade measurement the whole length of the steel or just the sharpened portion? I asked Cold Steel but never got a response. Texas has two state precedent cases that define the blade as the whole steel length, therefore, if that dimension is greater than 5.5", it would be an "illegal" knife. Thanks for your time.
@NurseBMF I own one so I went and got it and put it to the tape. The blade measures 5 and 5/16ths from the handle to the very tip. If 5.5" is the legal limit in your area, it is 3/16ths short of that limit.
@Toxic282 I didn't see the movie, but this is definitely not a throwing knife. That being said, if someone was determined enough I am sure with enough practice it could be thrown. Where there is a will there is way. Nevertheless, not recommended.
I have owned the M and L Espada. Great knives if you can find the right price. I eventually contacted Andrew Demko and had a custom Espada made to my specs with Ti integral handle/bolsters and a .200" CPM154 blade. Cost me $680 and is marked 1 of 1. See my vids.
@HMRoyalMachine As always, you are best to check with your local authorities. but my layman's reading of the TX knife law sees an "illegal knife" is defined to have a blade over 5.5 inches. Therefore, with a blade of exactly 5.5 inches which the large Espada has, it would in theory be OK. However, if I was being stopped and searched by a Texas Trooper and he found the Espada on me, I wouldn't expect things to go real well from that point, regardless of the fine points of the knife law.
Speaking from experience, I would love to find a knife like this on a traffic stop. It's an instant conversation starter, and a good way to talk and ease contacts.
@hleespartastic no offense but where are you located. I would love to live near cops that are cool like that. Cops in my area would say something to the effect of, what the fuck do you have a knife like this for? then they would "seize" it from me and leave. Their collections must rock.
Cool! I understand. Still I think I would like the smaller one better because it gives me the option of having it on me when I go to Colorado since the blade is only 3".
I also like the Large one and would get it if I could have it on me 24 7.
My ADC knife right now is the SOG Mini Vulcan Tanto.
Hey man! Great video! Thanks for doing it! I Really like the Espada Knives and I am thinking about getting the smallest one, the Cold Steel Espada Medium.
@HiR0N7 The medium is smaller and a little more portable. The large has a 5" blade and will exceed blade length limits in many areas and will draw stares if publicy deployed. The medium has an advantage in these ways. Nevertheless, sometimes there is no substitute for a good sized blade.
SAY HELLO TO THE MOVIE STAR!!! Just saw The Expendables and our friend the rajah large was in the first 10 minutes. Unfortunately the blade was not wielded by one of the main "bad boys" of the film, but Mickey Rourke did an awsome job of making the knife look cool. So check out the cold steel cameo in The Expendables. FYI, THAT MOVIE ROCKED!!!
I've been on the fence about this one for a long time. Couldn't decide whether to go for this one or the XL (it's not like I'm going to edc either one) and I'm still having trouble. It'll probably be the large though. Just love everything about it.
can you tell me when you hold the espada firmly with your hand does it relaese the locking mechanisme easily??? (that would not be good in a defensive situation or in any situation actually)
@RoyalAlba1 I have one, and no. When you hold it firmly, your thumb falls forward of the release, so there's no danger of accidentally having it close.
@gullette777 : The knife in the review is my own, not an unsold model out of inventory. So, it does show some wear as I have put it through its paces, but had fun doing it. :)
@RoyalAlba1 CS Knives are found all over the world. There should be someone who can get it for you. Unfortunately, Knives Town does not ship internationally.
@RoyalAlba1 google wolfster knive shop and check out their website, its german but they do ship to Belgium too.. However the xl espada is pretty expensive, u could buy a much more combat-practical reasonable quality o-tanto for that money but thats up to u
An O-tanto (= large tanto but smaller than a wakizashi) is a kind of knife that was designed for close quarter, in door combat. Also the weight and encumberance will not be any more than the XL espada with the added advantage of having an even longer blade. Cold steel has them but there are many other katana makers who have good quality/price O-tanto's and wakizashis. However even the best blade is useless in combat if you are not prepared to disarm, severely wound or kill with it.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
Warning not to use as a pry bar or a screw driver. Quality Control seems to be slipping since they moved their operations to China. ;/ Was looking to buy one but that warning is a liability dodge, meaning they expect failure for those reasons.
Is that a sincere statement or sarcasm? Look at the other videos, there's at least one test in a vice, and you'll see the blade is strong and reasonably flexible. If you expect to use a knife like this to loosen screws or pry (what? a window? a lid?) please take a video and post the outcome for my entertainment. kthxbye
ment to reply not mark as spam sorry dude, you are right. Cant realy compare due to price and design, but you cant say it isnt a good cheap alternatice if all your looking for is quick large blade.
just bought the black rhino, its insane, the medium version of this is equally great, just comes down to preference, i personally love both for different uses. however the black rhino is on sale for 99 dollars, soooooo yeah u b the judge haha
Yeah, the knife in the vid is my own personal knife as opposed to inventory, so it had seen some wear. I really like it and it is among my favs along with my Rajah 1 and my Benchmade Rukus 610.
Ya I know its just that I really like the cutting and slashing that the abilites the espada has to offer. The 5 1/2 inches helps too because its an inbetween size.
so is this lock just like the counter point ii?
Distrepolo 1 month ago
@Distrepolo Both knives are equipped with the Tri-Ad lock.
wwwknivestowncom 1 month ago
So it's made in Taiwan, made of AUS 8 and is 5 inches..........the specs pretty much replicate the SOG SEAL Pup. What makes this knife (Though I freaking want one so bad) the million time better than a SOG when it's pretty much the same steel, same country of manufacturing and same size. Is there some actual reasons why it's better, or is this where the "fanboy" wars just tend to happen?
HairofSteel555 3 months ago
@HairofSteel555 I don't think anyone ever said it is "better" than the SOG. That would be comparing apples & oranges. They are two entirely different knives indeed. Not to mention the Espada is a folder and the SOG Seal Pup a fixed blade, the spirit of the knives are totally different. One definitely could not substitute for the other.
wwwknivestowncom 3 months ago
do you know anything about the newer bead blasted versions? do they seam to be of the same quality?
thestout77 8 months ago
@thestout77 The new Espadas are a good value. The G-10 scales are not polished like the original and the blade is bead blasted as you say instead of mirror polished. The blade steel is the same and both have the Tri-ad lock. The big difference is in the frame. The original has a 7075 aluminum frame and the new version is G-10 over partial liners so it cannot be as strong as the original in the weight stress tests, but is that really necessary when it cuts just the same?
wwwknivestowncom 8 months ago
Hey, once again thanks for these great reviews. Just bought this knife off of knifecenter (haven't recieved it yet), but it seems that the picture on the product page of the Espada has a hole right through the pocket clip? I've never seen an Espada with an open pocket clip. Does that mean I just got an older/newer model or did I just get ripped off by buying a fake? Thanks!
Rich949 11 months ago
@Rich949 I looked at my own Espada and there is no hole and I looked at the Cold Steel website and there is no hole. Then I looked at the Knife Center website and I do see the hole you are talking about. I can't tell you what it all means, but what I can say is this, you paid more for it at Knife Center than you would have at Knives Town.
wwwknivestowncom 11 months ago
@Rich949 probably old model.some cs knives have that pocket clip design but they changed to this.
MrHALOCOUST 5 months ago
yes its a nice knife but iam geting the Espada XL. i cant waint 2 get it.
slmmaster 11 months ago
@slmmaster fuck that microtech nemesis mate!@!@!
WejYllemS 3 months ago
is a very interesting looking knife and extremelly fun to use, but in practicality i would stick with something from ka-bar or similar brands
zeomax2003 11 months ago
is a very interesting looking knife but in practicality i would stick with something from ka-bar
zeomax2003 11 months ago
that niice iiz proppa beautifuul! :O
sheff2dan 11 months ago
made for killing i thank not!!!!!!
12345678927164 1 year ago
is the knife sharp out of the box? can anyone answer this :)
19t86 1 year ago
@19t86 It is razor sharp out of the box, as most CS knives are.
wwwknivestowncom 1 year ago
@wwwknivestowncom
WOULD YOU SAY THE CUTTING EDGE IS 5 INCHES?
renagade12 11 months ago
@renagade12 I took a cloth tape measure and measured directly along the cutting edge. It is 5.25 inches of cutting edge. The blade is 5 inches long, but because of the upsweep you actually get 5.25 inches of sharpened steel.
wwwknivestowncom 11 months ago
@wwwknivestowncom
wow that perfect thanks alot man!!
renagade12 11 months ago
@19t86
Yeah, I certainly believe it would be.
The only cold steel knife I own is the American Lawman, I'm very happy with it.
When it arrived it was the first knife that I was actually able to shave hair with, just a test patch on my arm, I was pretty surprised how ridiculous it was!
I imagine there is consistency in all their knives, the same sharpness and quality I mean.
KyleCom 1 year ago
Cold steel made a new espada series, made of the same steel but not highly polished just bead blasted. The newer cheaper ones also come with plain g-10 and no aluminum bolsters or highly stylized g-10. The newer ones are all the same size and are just as durable but are not so "sexy" lookin'. The older models are stil produced but these are more affordable. So if you want this knife but dont have enough $ get the new version.
XDJOHNNYFORTXD 1 year ago
i predict it wont sell well. they went the same route with the rajah, cheaper bead blast, grivory scales but it sold because people just wanted a large folding machete and didint give a crap about the look. the espada really sold on its looks to mall ninjas and collectors, even though the cheaper one is out people will try to buy the old ones, or they will go with a rajah.
ninja6kid 1 year ago
@ninja6kid That was just a bit of info and nothing else...
XDJOHNNYFORTXD 1 year ago
@ninja6kid it sells good man i have one!!!!!
12345678927164 1 year ago
Nice knife, but will it blend?
jkane94 1 year ago
@jkane94 no it wont lol!!!
12345678927164 1 year ago
They now have them in G-10 :O!!!
Tux3d0 1 year ago
COLD STEEL is the best!
PEREZCHOOCH 1 year ago
what is the best light tactical blade
thundra17 1 year ago
Is the blade measurement the whole length of the steel or just the sharpened portion? I asked Cold Steel but never got a response. Texas has two state precedent cases that define the blade as the whole steel length, therefore, if that dimension is greater than 5.5", it would be an "illegal" knife. Thanks for your time.
NurseBMF 1 year ago
@NurseBMF I own one so I went and got it and put it to the tape. The blade measures 5 and 5/16ths from the handle to the very tip. If 5.5" is the legal limit in your area, it is 3/16ths short of that limit.
wwwknivestowncom 1 year ago
@wwwknivestowncom Thanks a bunch! Have a good 2011.
NurseBMF 1 year ago
Can it be thrown like in the movie "The Expendables"?
Toxic282 1 year ago
@Toxic282 I didn't see the movie, but this is definitely not a throwing knife. That being said, if someone was determined enough I am sure with enough practice it could be thrown. Where there is a will there is way. Nevertheless, not recommended.
wwwknivestowncom 1 year ago
I'm gonna try and get one, I've been researching them for the past month. These are amazingly reliable and concealable knives. Can't wait to get mine
GrayFox123091 1 year ago
one person got in a bar fight with the WRONG guy.
spazzz64 1 year ago
I have owned the M and L Espada. Great knives if you can find the right price. I eventually contacted Andrew Demko and had a custom Espada made to my specs with Ti integral handle/bolsters and a .200" CPM154 blade. Cost me $680 and is marked 1 of 1. See my vids.
FTWCM 1 year ago
@FTWCM How'd you get a hold of him? I'd love to do that.
Shrimpgoldfish 1 year ago
@Shrimpgoldfish his email is demkoknives at yahoo dot com
FTWCM 1 year ago
is this knife legal to carry in texas?
HMRoyalMachine 1 year ago
@HMRoyalMachine As always, you are best to check with your local authorities. but my layman's reading of the TX knife law sees an "illegal knife" is defined to have a blade over 5.5 inches. Therefore, with a blade of exactly 5.5 inches which the large Espada has, it would in theory be OK. However, if I was being stopped and searched by a Texas Trooper and he found the Espada on me, I wouldn't expect things to go real well from that point, regardless of the fine points of the knife law.
wwwknivestowncom 1 year ago
@wwwknivestowncom
Speaking from experience, I would love to find a knife like this on a traffic stop. It's an instant conversation starter, and a good way to talk and ease contacts.
hleespartastic 1 year ago
@hleespartastic no offense but where are you located. I would love to live near cops that are cool like that. Cops in my area would say something to the effect of, what the fuck do you have a knife like this for? then they would "seize" it from me and leave. Their collections must rock.
azreal289 1 year ago
Cool! I understand. Still I think I would like the smaller one better because it gives me the option of having it on me when I go to Colorado since the blade is only 3".
I also like the Large one and would get it if I could have it on me 24 7.
My ADC knife right now is the SOG Mini Vulcan Tanto.
I love it! Great knife.
HiR0N7 1 year ago
Hey man! Great video! Thanks for doing it! I Really like the Espada Knives and I am thinking about getting the smallest one, the Cold Steel Espada Medium.
What do you think about that one?
HiR0N7 1 year ago
@HiR0N7 The medium is smaller and a little more portable. The large has a 5" blade and will exceed blade length limits in many areas and will draw stares if publicy deployed. The medium has an advantage in these ways. Nevertheless, sometimes there is no substitute for a good sized blade.
wwwknivestowncom 1 year ago
that is one pretty blade!
GoddaM777 1 year ago
Great knife, too bad it's so expensive. I can't pay $400+ for a pocket knife.
eastofakron1 1 year ago
@eastofakron1 Who said anything about $400? Click the link under my vid for a better price. :)
wwwknivestowncom 1 year ago 2
@wwwknivestowncom
Thanks for letting me know
eastofakron1 1 year ago
SAY HELLO TO THE MOVIE STAR!!! Just saw The Expendables and our friend the rajah large was in the first 10 minutes. Unfortunately the blade was not wielded by one of the main "bad boys" of the film, but Mickey Rourke did an awsome job of making the knife look cool. So check out the cold steel cameo in The Expendables. FYI, THAT MOVIE ROCKED!!!
mtsEnrique 1 year ago
@mtsEnrique you mean the espada right? not the rajah.
thestout77 8 months ago
can u do a rewiew on the xl one
eradon789 1 year ago
That 'amateur video' you saw of the gentleman hanging weights on the blade...that was Andrew Demko, the designer of the knife.
ethancfbz 1 year ago
I've been on the fence about this one for a long time. Couldn't decide whether to go for this one or the XL (it's not like I'm going to edc either one) and I'm still having trouble. It'll probably be the large though. Just love everything about it.
MrBillybrown66 1 year ago
can you tell me when you hold the espada firmly with your hand does it relaese the locking mechanisme easily??? (that would not be good in a defensive situation or in any situation actually)
RoyalAlba1 1 year ago
@RoyalAlba1 I have one, and no. When you hold it firmly, your thumb falls forward of the release, so there's no danger of accidentally having it close.
halconnen45 1 year ago
cool knife. cool cold steel
jpdel31 1 year ago
whats with the scruff and scratches around 1:42 right before the blade starts in front of the screw
gullette777 1 year ago
@gullette777 : The knife in the review is my own, not an unsold model out of inventory. So, it does show some wear as I have put it through its paces, but had fun doing it. :)
wwwknivestowncom 1 year ago
do they ship this knife to belguim do you know that because i live in belguim and i would like to see this knife in reall and maybe buy it
RoyalAlba1 1 year ago
@RoyalAlba1 CS Knives are found all over the world. There should be someone who can get it for you. Unfortunately, Knives Town does not ship internationally.
wwwknivestowncom 1 year ago
but can they ship it to belguim ? CS
RoyalAlba1 1 year ago
@RoyalAlba1 google wolfster knive shop and check out their website, its german but they do ship to Belgium too.. However the xl espada is pretty expensive, u could buy a much more combat-practical reasonable quality o-tanto for that money but thats up to u
masterdurchgriff 1 year ago
@masterdurchgriff "a much more combat-practical reasonable quality o-tanto"
can you tell me what kind of knife you have in mind ? ^^
RoyalAlba1 1 year ago
@RoyalAlba1
An O-tanto (= large tanto but smaller than a wakizashi) is a kind of knife that was designed for close quarter, in door combat. Also the weight and encumberance will not be any more than the XL espada with the added advantage of having an even longer blade. Cold steel has them but there are many other katana makers who have good quality/price O-tanto's and wakizashis. However even the best blade is useless in combat if you are not prepared to disarm, severely wound or kill with it.
masterdurchgriff 1 year ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Warning not to use as a pry bar or a screw driver. Quality Control seems to be slipping since they moved their operations to China. ;/ Was looking to buy one but that warning is a liability dodge, meaning they expect failure for those reasons.
MoreCleanFun 2 years ago
Is that a sincere statement or sarcasm? Look at the other videos, there's at least one test in a vice, and you'll see the blade is strong and reasonably flexible. If you expect to use a knife like this to loosen screws or pry (what? a window? a lid?) please take a video and post the outcome for my entertainment. kthxbye
koky5150 2 years ago
Ageed
ReviewOfYourReview 2 years ago
Bought one for $150 + shipping from a friend who had 2 of them. It's in the mail and... I'M STOKED!
dany1441 2 years ago
@danny, SORRY MAN NOT SPAM VVVV
ment to reply not mark as spam sorry dude, you are right. Cant realy compare due to price and design, but you cant say it isnt a good cheap alternatice if all your looking for is quick large blade.
VVV NOT SPAM, SHOW HIS COMMENT VV
CadetLD 2 years ago
That is a SWORD!!! Seriously, that is an amazing show-piece of a knife. How does the medium version stack up against the Black Rhino. Just curious.
MrBillybrown66 2 years ago
just bought the black rhino, its insane, the medium version of this is equally great, just comes down to preference, i personally love both for different uses. however the black rhino is on sale for 99 dollars, soooooo yeah u b the judge haha
Newbyrock23 2 years ago
A pity the one you showed was slightly scuffed and scratched. But it's an awesome folder.
dany1441 2 years ago
Yeah, the knife in the vid is my own personal knife as opposed to inventory, so it had seen some wear. I really like it and it is among my favs along with my Rajah 1 and my Benchmade Rukus 610.
wwwknivestowncom 2 years ago
I own the the Rukus too. If you had to make a choice, which would you prefer?
dany1441 2 years ago
Thats a tough one. Hard to say. Although I do find I carry and use the Rukus more regularly.
wwwknivestowncom 2 years ago
Please post a review of the medium size
JAMAMAN333 2 years ago
Cold steel should make an economy version like they did with the rajah 1 and 2.
KatanaFish213 2 years ago
The Scimitar has the same curved design and it's considerably cheaper.
NuJoiseyMAN 2 years ago
The voyager series is a pretty damn big knife for alot less money than the espada.
CadetLD 2 years ago
Ya I know its just that I really like the cutting and slashing that the abilites the espada has to offer. The 5 1/2 inches helps too because its an inbetween size.
KatanaFish213 2 years ago
@CadetLD True, but they're a different class of knife, hardly to be compared.
dany1441 2 years ago 5
shine makes it look awsome
acdc21ful 2 years ago
Very well built knifes im expecting mine to delivered today but it just the medium size 140.00 bucks on ebay.
wout661 2 years ago
at around 4:40 i believe the word is brace
Lardman678 2 years ago
Now thats a baaaaad ass blade
gunnershooter007 2 years ago 2
Great review !
5 stars
health316 2 years ago
the xl version is huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuge!
g5rand 2 years ago
jeez thats a needle sharp point
1CouldaHadaV8 2 years ago
That is a beautiful knife...
tofster666 2 years ago
so shiny!
saj12100 2 years ago
Could you show the small size too? Please?
KatanaFish213 2 years ago
that is a razor sharp sword lol
knifefreak1995 2 years ago
great review! keep em comin!
w333lt 2 years ago 8
Id love to pop that out of my pocket :D
hulkbuster1026 2 years ago 2
Wow that is huge.
RichL123 2 years ago 2