I used to EDC a rajah 2 without using the pocket clip at all. It would disappear into my pocket, but it was large enough that it maintained a pretty consistent orientation in my pocket and was easy to draw.
I have the Espada XL G10, Rajah 2, 6in Ti-lite, Counter Point XL, large Luzon and Frenzy 2. Wish I had the Holdout XL, but they are sky high if you can find one. The Espada XL and the Rajah 2 hands down wave the best. However some of the other knives it's spoty. So I usually shake my huge folders open, because that works 100% of the time. Faster than reaching for the button on an automatic. So, hold your knife by the scales in a tight rearward grip. Blade down or sideways, then snap your wrist down and back up. The blade will snap in to place. You can use the technique with any medium to large blade folder. This technique can be used to open the the knife in a reverse grip as well. From my observation of Coldsteel mega folders. I believe they were all engineered mechanically, for this being the preferred method of opening. They are not a gravity knife. But they will open with inertia.
Hi Ian Kelly, the Espada XL and the Rajah do wave the best but the Rajah does it so smoothly for some reason. I have flicked open all these knives but I haven’t done it reverse grip. Thanks for the idea I’m going to try wrist flicking open some of these knives in reverse grip. Pretty cool.
There’s a company called snaggletoothmf that makes replacement thumb studs specifically for cold steel knifes which adds a little hook above the blade to act as a wave feature It works pretty good on my xl voyager Edit: oh nice there’s an example In the video at 6:43
I love my Espada large. And it carries much better than you would think. Wearing a pair of jeans, it lays parallel with my leg. Even in my vehicle driving. It is less intrusive in my pocket than my Buck 110, yet when opened, it is bigger than a Kbar. When it’s deployed, it is a very formidable looking weapon. I prefer silver blades over black. I think there’s a psychological advantage in a silver blade. They are scarier looking than a black blade.
With ANY of those XL knives, if you ever wave them out in front of someone, you’re guaranteed to get the “How-the-hell-did-that-just-come-out-of-your-pocket” look.😳 😆‼️
You forgot one. The Luzon XL. With the slim profile and six inch blade. It really fits nicely into a pocket. And also has a self deploying function from the pocket.
You have some of the best big knives Cold Steel has produced on that table. As a Cold Steel fan myself, they are the only ones making the "Pocket Swords" out there. I had the 6" TiLite with AUS8A steel and Griv-Ex handle. I now have the Counter Point XL with CTS-BD1 steel and Griv-Ex handle. I don't EDC that knife, but it is for defense at my house or a hotel room. But I EDC the Cold Steel Immortal (jeans/shorts), SR1 Lite Tanto (work pants), and the newest Voyager Large Tanto (dress slacks). Anyway, nice collection, man!
Thank you, there’s something super nice about large knives. And yeah, Cold Steel are the only ones that make pocket swords that are also very functional, I hope they keep making them.
Nice video, that was helpful in making me feel comfortable with my recent large Espada purchase. Currently, the biggest thing I have EDCed is a 4 Max. Looks good to go!
Great video on Cold Steel monster folders. I love large knives from Cold Steel as well as Spyderco Tantanka, Camillus Max, REKAT Sifu and a few over 5" folders out there. I can routinely carry a Rajah, XL Voyagers ect. BUT I have finely found a too large pocket sword in the Espada XL. Just as you have shown it really sticks out of the pocket ( a lot)..very cool knife to sheath but too large for pocket... Thank you for showing people how they carry.
Those DLC coated blade are very nice , it would be cool if they bring that back for the Espada large & XL but I must say I like the AUS10a steel very much. My personal favorite is the G10 large ,although the polished G10 are of a higher quality.
Hi power play 4 real, it would be nice if they gave the option of DLC coating with the Espadas. AUS 10a is good steel and the all G10 version is slightly thinner than the aluminum one. I forgot to mention that but it does help when you have it in pocket.
Great and useful video. I love my Espada XL! I've had both the aluminium one and the G10. I prefer to carry the G10 one, it fits most of my pockets and I often carry it. I never seem to carry my Limited Edition Ti-lite, surprisingly people think the kris blade Ti-lite looks scarier than the Espada XL. I'm considering getting the Espada large now.
Hi wilowhisp, thank you. The difference I experienced from showing my Espada XL and the Kris Ti-Lite to friends was the jokes. They liked the Espada but when I showed them the Kris, they liked it too, they immediately asked me if I was doing any sacrifices and that they were pretty sure Chucky had the same knife. Glad the video helped.
Just got my 4 6 in cold steel ti-lite last week WOW should have just gotten the 4 in. They are bigger than I thought. I still EDC mine to work every day so far. I like them.
This is kind of a video about why shirt-tuckers shouldn’t carry pocketknives with clips. I genuinely appreciate the resource though. Thanks for the vid!
Awesome demonstration, Bro. You should try the Talwar XL. In my opinion, it's the best of the big CS Mega Folders to SDEDC. If you can, try one out. I like the Hold Out when I am wearing a Leather Vest. It tucks away nicely in a Biker Vest Inside Gun Pocket. But, for front right pocket carry, the Talwar and the Espada are best. The Talwar is about an ounce lighter than the Large Espada and is flatter, too. And, like you said, about the Espada, it has a rounded imprint. Plus, the handle is much better in extended grips, too. Also, the Voyager XL Series and Recon 1 XL Series are great Mega Folders to SDEDC, also. Awesome demonstration, Bro! Peace, Stiletto :-)
Cool, hi Stiletto, it’s nice to hear from you on this subject. I’ve seen the videos you made of your collection and you have a lot more experience in how a variety of Cold Steel knives handle and carry. I don’t currently own a Talwar XL. I keep checking eBay but I want a Talwar XL in CTS-XHP and a good price, which don’t really go together. Haha I think I’m asking for too much, maybe later I’ll buy one regardless of the high price. Thanks for the compliment.
I have several of the Large and XL Cold Steel knives and I agree the Espada Large is about as perfect as you can get. In size, blade, weight, printing/carrying comfort, its the tops. I do have other CS knives I want to buy but I don't think anything will really beat out the Large Espada in all of those categories.
Great video! I never knew thats what the xl Espada carried like. I have the large g10 Espada it is my absolute favorite knife, my two next most carried are the xl vaquero serrated an the rahja2. I carry the vaquero most because it is easy to replace if anything happened to it. I've really turned to a fan of Aus10 also. Hey an I put a deep carry clip on my Espada large an my spartan really helped with the crazy coldsteel clips it wouldn't work on the rahja2 or the xl Espada but the large an the xl vaquero it works amazingly
@@totesmalotes pops clips on Etsy very nice man an he was very fast I’m left handed so I had to left hand ones they are amazing fixes the coldsteel only downside the clips. But his work is great
@@totesmalotes I have big pockets in my pants and my XL Espada will just barely completely fit in my pocket with out sticking out if I do not use the pocket clip. Usually just use the pocket clip with my shirt covering the end of the knife that sticks out. My thought is out of site out of mind. I think most attackers will run from the shock of the speed and size of the knife if it is a surprise and for their sake I would hope they would run.
@@thomaschainey3230 that’s a good way of carrying it. I think seeing someone pull out a knife of the size seemingly out of no where would be a shock to the mind and spirit. Ha ha.
I have the G10 Espada xl and edc it on my waistband literally every day, it's absolutely freaking perfect, if I'm worried about getting looks I just untuck my shirt😇
Hi Brandt Smith, thank you for the idea for this video. Cool, a longer shirt would work for how I wear it too. I’ve heard of other people carrying it inside the waistband but that turned out to be too uncomfortable for me. Haven’t tried outside the waistband though.
@@totesmalotes I just carry it as a back up to my Swiss army knife. Pull it out in public I have never done but it's a good self defense if you ever had to use it. Do you use your espata on a regular basis or do you just keep it as a back up knife? I would love to use my Luzon as a one knife every day use without having my Swiss army knife but people would freak out in my opinion. But if I was on a farm ranch or Bushcraft or camping that would be a good knife to use all the time.
@@kylec166 I used to carry a leatherman along with my Espada but recently I only carry my Espada. I don’t use it in public much but when I do I get weird looks sometimes. My thought is that as long as it’s legal it’s fine.
@@kylec166 I live in California. Knife laws vary from county to county and even city to city but yeah I use my Espada as an everything knife. But people should do what they’re comfortable with. For example: I wore the Espada XL for a while and I felt weird having it in pocket when I was in public let alone taking it out to use it.
I just got the hold out 6" haven't carried it yet. I won it the other day in a drawing off the cold steel sight. I'm thinking bout finding someone to trade for something a lil smaller lol
Getting my espada XL this Friday going to EDC it with my to lot 6 in going to go esay on the espada XL trying not to break the blade got it for 150 off Amazon I think I got it as cheap as I could I hope.
@@totesmalotes Just picked up a X2 Vaquero in brand new condition for 80 bucks on craigslist. It is so old school it isnt even milled for a pocket clip. Came in a nylon pouch. Glad the X2 Voyager I got to replace my old one I carried for forever before that was at least cut to accept a clip, so I just took my old clip gave it a fresh shot of flat black, and put it on the new one, then gave the Vaquero the hard shell sheath that the Voyager came in. The Vaquero blade shape fits it much better anyways. Thought it was a hella score though. Feel a little dirty... lol. Not really.
@@studdaman420 that is a super nice deal, especially right now that Cold Steel knives are going for a high price. I have a Vaquero too and it’s one of my favorites. I wish your good luck streak continues.
@@totesmalotes Thanks. Ever since Lynn sold the company prices have gone full retard with everyone trying to scoop up everything . I just try and swoop in and get the deals when I can. Let a lot of what Im looking for go, but I am patient, and have some Ebay skill's getting in that 3 seconds left bids. Lol. Got a Rawles Tanto Voyager in XHP for like 120, and over the last couple weeks got both the D/e and Tanto serrated Triple Action for 250ish each. I remember a few years ago, those were going for $500 a pop. Both are minty fresh too. Wanted those since forever now, and finally added them to my collection. I think the price was fair on those 2. Even the boxes are mint. I was bummed when they were suddenly absent from the special projects catalogue. Need to find another d/e one that is used to play with though. Lol. I know they will get beat up once you start flipping them so with these ones, I am trying to forget about them for now. Have them tucked away for special occasions only. And have a no flipping rule imposed on myself. Till I get one that is not mint. Then it is game on with that one. 😁👌
@@studdaman420 the triple action knives are beautiful. They have been really hard to find new for a long time now, especially at that price. I guess it isn’t a lucky streak, your just lucky all over and have some high eBay skills. Ha ha nice.
Great job! Nice review! I think a lot of knife reviews ( folding or fixed) overlook the carry aspect of the knife. It gets talked about , but rarely tried, especially long term carry.
Sure, in a general way. There’s the Espada medium, large and extra large (I’ll only explain the large and XL since I don’t know too much about the medium.). The main difference for each generation that came out is basically the blade material. The first generation was of Aus 8 the second was of CTX XHP and the current generation has Aus 10a for the all G10 version and S35vn for the aluminum fancy version. The large Espada had two different blade shapes in Aus 8 the first one being the #62NGL after that it kept the same blade shape in the next generations. The XL has had the same blade shape through out all generations, with only slight differences. So I guess there’s 4 generations for the Espada large since the difference in blade shape and 3 generations for the XL. This is just me so there could be some weird stuff I don’t know about.
Hey so I have an old buck pocket knife with aircraft alum handle, I want to remove the G10 scales from my Espada xl and fabricate new identical ones made from like that aircraft type aluminum, not sure if that would be WAY less strong tho? Thoughts?
Hi Brandt Smith, I’m not an expert in this area but here’s my thoughts: the aluminum handle Espada XL uses aluminum handles but it has a slot cut out for G10 and it’s still really strong. So I think that solid Aluminum handle scales should be stronger because it’s one continuous piece. I have little experience with casting handles from molten metal (I’ve only done silver) but there’s a few methods and in all of them, a lot can go wrong. If you decide to do the handles and decide on shaping the handles from billet, I would recommend a file belt sander to make things easier. Hard idea to do but pretty cool.
Jesus, that Espada isn't exactly low key. There's more knife sticking out of your pocket than I've got *in* my pocket. These knives are just so American.
@@BMikeAD he is. If you start looking into all of the things he’s done he’s a bit of a madman. Which makes sense with the knife niche he made. He is great.
Hello, I would recommend the Espada Large. It’s size and blade shape is good for just about everything. It’s also thin enough to carry well. But if you want something strictly for self defense that you can fold, the Espada XL is the best for that, but it’s cumbersome.
@@almagu98 for me, I can carry it but it tends to get in the way. For example: When I have it in my pocket if I’m in my car the Espada XL sticks out enough so that it’s touching my seat belt. And if I wear it in waist I can feel the knife going against my pants and giving me resistance every time I bend down or sit down. It’s doable but it’s a matter how much comfort is acceptable to you.
Hi I am from Germany and we have very strict knive laws here. I would love to get the Cold Steel Hold Out 1. But on handed knives are forbidden to be carried. I wonder if you could check for me if you can still open it with one hand once the thumb stud is removed and let me know, would you? I would appreciate much. Besides, do you know any two handed folder knives with a blade lenght from 5" to 6"?
Hi Joerg, I tried opening my Hold Out 1 without using the thumb stud and I can put pressure against the top part of the blade with my thumb and open it one handed. Also, I can flick my wrist and open it that way, which is also one handed. The problem with large bladed knives is that you can almost always shake them open because of the blade weight, I understand this is also forbidden in Germany. The only knife I can think of that has a 5.5 inch blade and can’t be opened one handed or shaken open is the Cold Steel Paradox. I don’t want to get your hopes up because you still might not be able to carry it because of how it looks. Look up some videos on it, you’ll see what I mean. Last there’s two sizes of the Paradox knife, you want the bigger one.
@@totesmalotes Thanks a lot. Well, I actually found a judgement that has been published stating that the Paradox is ilegal in Germany. I keep on searching. There a tons of legal folders, but they have a rediculos short blade. Even though there is no limitation on folders that are two handed. The limitaton on fixed knives is 12 cm. And the thing is, that since 2015 we have an incredible increase of knive attacks by psychopaths. Do you think this kind of people care about the restrictions for knives? But me as a citizen with a family is only allowed to carry a potatoe knife for selfe defense or nothing at all in so called weapon-free zones. Which is anywhere where people gather or could gather.
@@joerg5985 I have never understood why they make these laws. From what I’ve seen they always leave law abiding people defenseless against people who break the law. That’s too bad about the Paradox but I hope you find something that helps. Good luck.
I bought mine off eBay a long time ago. They’ve been out of production for a long time now. There’s currently one of these for sale on eBay but it kind of looks a bit messed up and the photos aren’t too good.
@@williamstoneman6977 yeah, I would highly recommend them, if you like a really big knife. I have another video that’s called “Rajah generations,” I think, in which I talk about how a Rajah 1 should look like if you see one for sale online.
@@totesmalotes ok thanks! Ive been considering getting a biggier cold steel folder for chopping/hard use, and the rajahs or the vaquero voyagers are what im considering. I love the chopping power a kukri style blade produces
Looks cool but is absolutely ridiculous how big they are, at that length wouldn't be better to carry a fix blade instead? Or better yet a gun in case of self defense?
Hi Fuyu neko, for me it comes down to what’s legal to carry. Where I live I can’t carry a gun. If I carry a fixed blade it has to be open carry but if it’s a folder, it can be any size and I can still carry it concealed. The Espada XL is too big but in my opinion: it’s the best self defense folder because of its reach and since it’s well made enough to be actually functional. I don’t carry it since it’s too cumbersome for me. But definitely from best to worst, for self defense, it goes: gun, fixed blade then folder. Berserk is cool.
I wear the espadaXL directly on my waist or I’ll double up on shorts and wear it on my inside shorts just in case my shirt rides up and I’ll have the rajah in my pocket (not clipped) wedged between my phone and pocket So there’s no way any one could notice and can still be easily deployed! If I have the the right pants on I’ll do it visa versa and put the tilite on my waist band next to my hip. No problems just gotta practice sitting down with out smashing ur balls and looking like a doofus 😂
@@totesmalotes thanks brotha! I must say, You have awesome content. I’m excited to see how u grow this channel! I’ll post a vid about it in a couple days. The pocket works best with a bigger phone. Keep the knife in it’s deployable wave position on the inner part of your thigh then put your phone against it Annnd viola!
I get what you mean but having a video titled “How Cold Steel knives look to other people,” and then naming different Cold Steel knives while I wear a long loose fitting shirt so no one can see them would be a bit too much.
@@totesmalotes ✨🤔If anyone figured it out to use one of those back support goodies& sew a pocket on the inside part & then pull the Velcro belt snap part tight it would form fit under a normal shirt and basically become invisible 🤫😮❗️✨😳 really 🤔❓😎😲 of course this is merely speculation 🧐❗️
Bro, the appeal of all these cold steel knives is that they are ridiculous. Some of y’all kill me trying to act like these are actual pocketable knives. They absolutely aren’t. What fashionable male wears pants that big?
What? I thought my pants were just regular sized pants. Well... I chose Levi’s because they’re pretty ubiquitous so people could get a good idea of how the knives would look on them.
“Is that a Raja 1 in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?”
Ha ha some day that will happen. Until then I’ll continue wearing the Rajah 1.
"is that a micro recon 1 in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?" for me
Thank you for taking the time to make this. Exactly what I was looking for to see how these beasts print and carry!
I’m glad it helped.
Yes, thank you.
Really wanting serrated talwar 5.5”
That's some big ass letter opener you've got there.
I used to EDC a rajah 2 without using the pocket clip at all. It would disappear into my pocket, but it was large enough that it maintained a pretty consistent orientation in my pocket and was easy to draw.
I did the same, I feel that grip is a whole lot more ergonomic without it imo
Same with my espada XL, feels much nicer in the hand without a pocket clip and fits all the way in. No need for a clip at all in my opinion.
The sound of that triad lock locking up on my Espada is the knife version of racking a shotgun.
I have the Espada XL G10, Rajah 2, 6in Ti-lite, Counter Point XL, large Luzon and Frenzy 2. Wish I had the Holdout XL, but they are sky high if you can find one. The Espada XL and the Rajah 2 hands down wave the best. However some of the other knives it's spoty. So I usually shake my huge folders open, because that works 100% of the time. Faster than reaching for the button on an automatic. So, hold your knife by the scales in a tight rearward grip. Blade down or sideways, then snap your wrist down and back up. The blade will snap in to place. You can use the technique with any medium to large blade folder. This technique can be used to open the the knife in a reverse grip as well. From my observation of Coldsteel mega folders. I believe they were all engineered mechanically, for this being the preferred method of opening. They are not a gravity knife. But they will open with inertia.
Hi Ian Kelly, the Espada XL and the Rajah do wave the best but the Rajah does it so smoothly for some reason. I have flicked open all these knives but I haven’t done it reverse grip. Thanks for the idea I’m going to try wrist flicking open some of these knives in reverse grip. Pretty cool.
There’s a company called snaggletoothmf that makes replacement thumb studs specifically for cold steel knifes which adds a little hook above the blade to act as a wave feature
It works pretty good on my xl voyager
Edit: oh nice there’s an example In the video at 6:43
@@myfatassdick thanks for commenting about the snaggletooth. I’m pretty happy with it over all.
I love my Espada large. And it carries much better than you would think. Wearing a pair of jeans, it lays parallel with my leg. Even in my vehicle driving. It is less intrusive in my pocket than my Buck 110, yet when opened, it is bigger than a Kbar. When it’s deployed, it is a very formidable looking weapon. I prefer silver blades over black. I think there’s a psychological advantage in a silver blade. They are scarier looking than a black blade.
More people than I expected carry an Espada large. It’s cool to see that I’m not the only one.
Just got my XL Espada just the other day. It's amazing
Hi Brandon Lewis, they are amazing. They’re a crazy knife when you see them in person.
@@totesmalotes oh yeah
me to. just came today. cant wait to open some boxes
@@colemasse7177 nice.
Congratulations. Welcome to the club. Now you have to buy another one for the other hand .Two is one .One is none.
I got some shorts with deep enough pockets, now I want one of those
With ANY of those XL knives, if you ever wave them out in front of someone, you’re guaranteed to get the “How-the-hell-did-that-just-come-out-of-your-pocket” look.😳
😆‼️
Vince F ha ha yeah, it can be faster than a switch blade with practice.
Yea & probably a call to 911 😳 😬 🤨❗️
You forgot one. The Luzon XL. With the slim profile and six inch blade. It really fits nicely into a pocket. And also has a self deploying function from the pocket.
A lot of people have recommended the Luzon. I’ll probably check it out some day. Thanks.
I don’t mind if people see my knife, but it’s good to know I’ll look like a badass whenever I get my espada xl. Very informative video 👍
Nice. Thank you.
You have some of the best big knives Cold Steel has produced on that table. As a Cold Steel fan myself, they are the only ones making the "Pocket Swords" out there. I had the 6" TiLite with AUS8A steel and Griv-Ex handle. I now have the Counter Point XL with CTS-BD1 steel and Griv-Ex handle. I don't EDC that knife, but it is for defense at my house or a hotel room. But I EDC the Cold Steel Immortal (jeans/shorts), SR1 Lite Tanto (work pants), and the newest Voyager Large Tanto (dress slacks). Anyway, nice collection, man!
Thank you, there’s something super nice about large knives. And yeah, Cold Steel are the only ones that make pocket swords that are also very functional, I hope they keep making them.
Nice video, that was helpful in making me feel comfortable with my recent large Espada purchase. Currently, the biggest thing I have EDCed is a 4 Max. Looks good to go!
Thank you. I’m glad the video helped. 4 Max and an Espada, very nice.
Great video on Cold Steel monster folders. I love large knives from Cold Steel as well as Spyderco Tantanka, Camillus Max, REKAT Sifu and a few over 5" folders out there. I can routinely carry a Rajah, XL Voyagers ect. BUT I have finely found a too large pocket sword in the Espada XL. Just as you have shown it really sticks out of the pocket ( a lot)..very cool knife to sheath but too large for pocket... Thank you for showing people how they carry.
Thank you. I agree that, even though the Espada XL is a great knife, it’s just too big to carry all the time. In terms of use though, super fun knife.
Great video. I have the Espada large and love it
Thank you. The Espada Large is the best all arounder.
Great idea to show all these large blades in pocket. Very helpful, thanks.
Somebody in comments gave me the idea. I’m glad it helped.
Bruh. SICK collection!
Thank you sonicnofadz.
Awesome video full of really good info thank you for your time and effort brother
Thank you too. That’s very nice of you to say, I’m glad it helped.
Thank you. been looking for something like this
No problem, I’m glad the video helped.
Those DLC coated blade are very nice , it would be cool if they bring that back for the Espada large & XL
but I must say I like the AUS10a steel very much.
My personal favorite is the
G10 large ,although the polished G10 are of a higher quality.
Hi power play 4 real, it would be nice if they gave the option of DLC coating with the Espadas. AUS 10a is good steel and the all G10 version is slightly thinner than the aluminum one. I forgot to mention that but it does help when you have it in pocket.
Thank you for posting this 👍
Thanks.
Nice video mate, appreciate it
Thank you. I’m happy this video is helping.
Thank you! This helped heaps!
I’m glad it helped.
I was wondering what they looked like in pocket. Thx so much!
Happy it helped.
Well presented!!! Thanks..
Your welcome and thank you too for the compliment.
Great and useful video. I love my Espada XL! I've had both the aluminium one and the G10. I prefer to carry the G10 one, it fits most of my pockets and I often carry it. I never seem to carry my Limited Edition Ti-lite, surprisingly people think the kris blade Ti-lite looks scarier than the Espada XL. I'm considering getting the Espada large now.
Hi wilowhisp, thank you. The difference I experienced from showing my Espada XL and the Kris Ti-Lite to friends was the jokes. They liked the Espada but when I showed them the Kris, they liked it too, they immediately asked me if I was doing any sacrifices and that they were pretty sure Chucky had the same knife. Glad the video helped.
Just got my 4 6 in cold steel ti-lite last week WOW should have just gotten the 4 in. They are bigger than I thought. I still EDC mine to work every day so far. I like them.
Nice, congratulations. The 6 is pretty big. If you end up really loving the style I would recommend looking into the hold out too.
Kershaw Starta! 🔥 thinner profiles
"Discreet"
This is kind of a video about why shirt-tuckers shouldn’t carry pocketknives with clips. I genuinely appreciate the resource though. Thanks for the vid!
No problem. I’m glad it helped.
Great knives for pruning :) I have all of them except the xl espadas.
Nice.
Aaaa yea - but pruning who ✨🤔❓ - figuratively speaking. 🐗 🐮🐷 👽
Awesome demonstration, Bro. You should try the Talwar XL. In my opinion, it's the best of the big CS Mega Folders to SDEDC. If you can, try one out. I like the Hold Out when I am wearing a Leather Vest. It tucks away nicely in a Biker Vest Inside Gun Pocket. But, for front right pocket carry, the Talwar and the Espada are best. The Talwar is about an ounce lighter than the Large Espada and is flatter, too. And, like you said, about the Espada, it has a rounded imprint. Plus, the handle is much better in extended grips, too. Also, the Voyager XL Series and Recon 1 XL Series are great Mega Folders to SDEDC, also. Awesome demonstration, Bro! Peace, Stiletto :-)
Cool, hi Stiletto, it’s nice to hear from you on this subject. I’ve seen the videos you made of your collection and you have a lot more experience in how a variety of Cold Steel knives handle and carry. I don’t currently own a Talwar XL. I keep checking eBay but I want a Talwar XL in CTS-XHP and a good price, which don’t really go together. Haha I think I’m asking for too much, maybe later I’ll buy one regardless of the high price. Thanks for the compliment.
I have several of the Large and XL Cold Steel knives and I agree the Espada Large is about as perfect as you can get. In size, blade, weight, printing/carrying comfort, its the tops. I do have other CS knives I want to buy but I don't think anything will really beat out the Large Espada in all of those categories.
I agree. The Espada large is a perfect all arounder.
If you were to angle towards the front of the pocket getting the clip all the way down they all carry without looking like a folding sword.
Thanks for the tip.
Great video! I never knew thats what the xl Espada carried like. I have the large g10 Espada it is my absolute favorite knife, my two next most carried are the xl vaquero serrated an the rahja2. I carry the vaquero most because it is easy to replace if anything happened to it.
I've really turned to a fan of Aus10 also.
Hey an I put a deep carry clip on my Espada large an my spartan really helped with the crazy coldsteel clips it wouldn't work on the rahja2 or the xl Espada but the large an the xl vaquero it works amazingly
Thank you ScalpingYour TP. Where did you get the deep carry clip from? I’m a big fan of all the knives you mentioned.
@@totesmalotes pops clips on Etsy very nice man an he was very fast I’m left handed so I had to left hand ones they are amazing fixes the coldsteel only downside the clips. But his work is great
@@richardhenry1969 nice. Thank you. I checked them out I’m going to get one for my Hold Out.
Great video thanks.
I’m happy it’s helping.
@@totesmalotes I have big pockets in my pants and my XL Espada will just barely completely fit in my pocket with out sticking out if I do not use the pocket clip. Usually just use the pocket clip with my shirt covering the end of the knife that sticks out. My thought is out of site out of mind. I think most attackers will run from the shock of the speed and size of the knife if it is a surprise and for their sake I would hope they would run.
@@thomaschainey3230 that’s a good way of carrying it. I think seeing someone pull out a knife of the size seemingly out of no where would be a shock to the mind and spirit. Ha ha.
My next big purchase is the Espada xl in g10 and the AD15 😍😍😍😍
I haven’t tried the AD15 but it’s a cool looking knife.
I have the G10 Espada xl and edc it on my waistband literally every day, it's absolutely freaking perfect, if I'm worried about getting looks I just untuck my shirt😇
Hi Brandt Smith, thank you for the idea for this video. Cool, a longer shirt would work for how I wear it too. I’ve heard of other people carrying it inside the waistband but that turned out to be too uncomfortable for me. Haven’t tried outside the waistband though.
Yeah I have a Luzon 6 in I EDC it. I think that is big enough. But like you said that 5 and a half in is big as well. Good information video
Hi Kyle C, thanks. The Luzon is a cool blade too.
@@totesmalotes I just carry it as a back up to my Swiss army knife. Pull it out in public I have never done but it's a good self defense if you ever had to use it. Do you use your espata on a regular basis or do you just keep it as a back up knife? I would love to use my Luzon as a one knife every day use without having my Swiss army knife but people would freak out in my opinion. But if I was on a farm ranch or Bushcraft or camping that would be a good knife to use all the time.
@@kylec166 I used to carry a leatherman along with my Espada but recently I only carry my Espada. I don’t use it in public much but when I do I get weird looks sometimes. My thought is that as long as it’s legal it’s fine.
@@totesmalotes so you use it as a do all every thing kinda knife? I live in the state pennsilvania. What state do you live in? Thanks again Kyle
@@kylec166 I live in California. Knife laws vary from county to county and even city to city but yeah I use my Espada as an everything knife. But people should do what they’re comfortable with. For example: I wore the Espada XL for a while and I felt weird having it in pocket when I was in public let alone taking it out to use it.
Most of my blades are gerber's , cold steel tantos and al mar and an applegate / fairbairn knives
Beautiful assortment of fine cutlery.
I just got the hold out 6" haven't carried it yet. I won it the other day in a drawing off the cold steel sight. I'm thinking bout finding someone to trade for something a lil smaller lol
You should do a video on your whole Cold Steel collection
Hi RickLopez, I probably will in the future. Might be kind of cool to do. Thanks for the idea.
I've been looking forward to that video
Getting my espada XL this Friday going to EDC it with my to lot 6 in going to go esay on the espada XL trying not to break the blade got it for 150 off Amazon I think I got it as cheap as I could I hope.
Nice. Congratulations, for brand new I think you got it for a good price too. I hope it serves you well.
I rock a X2 Voyager 6in clip point that i really like. It carries well too.
Nice, that’s a rare knife. I really like the blade shape.
@@totesmalotes Just picked up a X2 Vaquero in brand new condition for 80 bucks on craigslist. It is so old school it isnt even milled for a pocket clip. Came in a nylon pouch. Glad the X2 Voyager I got to replace my old one I carried for forever before that was at least cut to accept a clip, so I just took my old clip gave it a fresh shot of flat black, and put it on the new one, then gave the Vaquero the hard shell sheath that the Voyager came in. The Vaquero blade shape fits it much better anyways. Thought it was a hella score though. Feel a little dirty... lol. Not really.
@@studdaman420 that is a super nice deal, especially right now that Cold Steel knives are going for a high price. I have a Vaquero too and it’s one of my favorites. I wish your good luck streak continues.
@@totesmalotes Thanks. Ever since Lynn sold the company prices have gone full retard with everyone trying to scoop up everything . I just try and swoop in and get the deals when I can. Let a lot of what Im looking for go, but I am patient, and have some Ebay skill's getting in that 3 seconds left bids. Lol. Got a Rawles Tanto Voyager in XHP for like 120, and over the last couple weeks got both the D/e and Tanto serrated Triple Action for 250ish each. I remember a few years ago, those were going for $500 a pop. Both are minty fresh too. Wanted those since forever now, and finally added them to my collection. I think the price was fair on those 2. Even the boxes are mint. I was bummed when they were suddenly absent from the special projects catalogue. Need to find another d/e one that is used to play with though. Lol. I know they will get beat up once you start flipping them so with these ones, I am trying to forget about them for now. Have them tucked away for special occasions only. And have a no flipping rule imposed on myself. Till I get one that is not mint. Then it is game on with that one. 😁👌
@@studdaman420 the triple action knives are beautiful. They have been really hard to find new for a long time now, especially at that price. I guess it isn’t a lucky streak, your just lucky all over and have some high eBay skills. Ha ha nice.
Just got the Xl luzon, and gotta say it's really nice. Prints Even less than the ti lite I'd say
Nice, I haven’t tried the Luzon but I really like the blade shape it has.
Great job! Nice review! I think a lot of knife reviews ( folding or fixed) overlook the carry aspect of the knife. It gets talked about , but rarely tried, especially long term carry.
Thank you. I’m glad the video helped.
Vaquero voyager xl in the front waistband of jeans 😉 that's my sweetie!! #coldsteel
Nice.
if I’m carrying an espada I want everyone to know I’m carrying an espada
Os diferenciados
Can you tell me all the different editions of the espada
Sure, in a general way. There’s the Espada medium, large and extra large (I’ll only explain the large and XL since I don’t know too much about the medium.). The main difference for each generation that came out is basically the blade material. The first generation was of Aus 8 the second was of CTX XHP and the current generation has Aus 10a for the all G10 version and S35vn for the aluminum fancy version. The large Espada had two different blade shapes in Aus 8 the first one being the #62NGL after that it kept the same blade shape in the next generations. The XL has had the same blade shape through out all generations, with only slight differences. So I guess there’s 4 generations for the Espada large since the difference in blade shape and 3 generations for the XL. This is just me so there could be some weird stuff I don’t know about.
Hey so I have an old buck pocket knife with aircraft alum handle, I want to remove the G10 scales from my Espada xl and fabricate new identical ones made from like that aircraft type aluminum, not sure if that would be WAY less strong tho? Thoughts?
Hi Brandt Smith, I’m not an expert in this area but here’s my thoughts: the aluminum handle Espada XL uses aluminum handles but it has a slot cut out for G10 and it’s still really strong. So I think that solid Aluminum handle scales should be stronger because it’s one continuous piece. I have little experience with casting handles from molten metal (I’ve only done silver) but there’s a few methods and in all of them, a lot can go wrong. If you decide to do the handles and decide on shaping the handles from billet, I would recommend a file belt sander to make things easier. Hard idea to do but pretty cool.
Jesus, that Espada isn't exactly low key.
There's more knife sticking out of your pocket than I've got *in* my pocket.
These knives are just so American.
Huge Cold Steel knives are the delicious hamburger of the knife world. Ha ha.
The man who made them is a real life comic book character lmao. He's great.
@@BMikeAD he is. If you start looking into all of the things he’s done he’s a bit of a madman. Which makes sense with the knife niche he made. He is great.
@@BMikeAD Oh yeah, Lynn Thompson grabs life by the balls.
I hope Cold Steel don't lose their unique flavour of cutlery now he's not there
Good sh*t
... thank you
Your welcome.
Longer shirts fix all visibility issues.
cool keris
Thank you. It’s one of my favorites.
Whats is your recomendation, the espada large o the espada xl?
Hello, I would recommend the Espada Large. It’s size and blade shape is good for just about everything. It’s also thin enough to carry well. But if you want something strictly for self defense that you can fold, the Espada XL is the best for that, but it’s cumbersome.
It is hard to carry the espada xl?
@@almagu98 for me, I can carry it but it tends to get in the way. For example: When I have it in my pocket if I’m in my car the Espada XL sticks out enough so that it’s touching my seat belt. And if I wear it in waist I can feel the knife going against my pants and giving me resistance every time I bend down or sit down. It’s doable but it’s a matter how much comfort is acceptable to you.
Hi I am from Germany and we have very strict knive laws here. I would love to get the Cold Steel Hold Out 1.
But on handed knives are forbidden to be carried. I wonder if you could check for me if you can still open it with one hand
once the thumb stud is removed and let me know, would you? I would appreciate much.
Besides, do you know any two handed folder knives with a blade lenght from 5" to 6"?
Hi Joerg, I tried opening my Hold Out 1 without using the thumb stud and I can put pressure against the top part of the blade with my thumb and open it one handed. Also, I can flick my wrist and open it that way, which is also one handed. The problem with large bladed knives is that you can almost always shake them open because of the blade weight, I understand this is also forbidden in Germany. The only knife I can think of that has a 5.5 inch blade and can’t be opened one handed or shaken open is the Cold Steel Paradox. I don’t want to get your hopes up because you still might not be able to carry it because of how it looks. Look up some videos on it, you’ll see what I mean. Last there’s two sizes of the Paradox knife, you want the bigger one.
@@totesmalotes Thank you very much for the sufficient information and for the time you spent to provide it.
@@joerg5985 no problem. Hopefully you find a knife you can carry and that you like.
@@totesmalotes Thanks a lot. Well, I actually found a judgement that has been published stating that the Paradox is ilegal in Germany.
I keep on searching. There a tons of legal folders, but they have a rediculos short blade. Even though there is no limitation on folders that are two handed. The limitaton on fixed knives is 12 cm. And the thing is, that since 2015 we have an incredible increase of knive attacks by psychopaths. Do you think this kind of people care about the restrictions for knives? But me as a citizen with a family
is only allowed to carry a potatoe knife for selfe defense or nothing at all in so called weapon-free zones. Which is anywhere where people gather or could gather.
@@joerg5985 I have never understood why they make these laws. From what I’ve seen they always leave law abiding people defenseless against people who break the law. That’s too bad about the Paradox but I hope you find something that helps. Good luck.
How did you get the rajah 1? Those have been out of production for a while right?
I bought mine off eBay a long time ago. They’ve been out of production for a long time now. There’s currently one of these for sale on eBay but it kind of looks a bit messed up and the photos aren’t too good.
@@totesmalotes ah, ive always loved the look of the rajah 1 but never had a chance to get one
@@williamstoneman6977 yeah, I would highly recommend them, if you like a really big knife. I have another video that’s called “Rajah generations,” I think, in which I talk about how a Rajah 1 should look like if you see one for sale online.
@@totesmalotes ok thanks! Ive been considering getting a biggier cold steel folder for chopping/hard use, and the rajahs or the vaquero voyagers are what im considering. I love the chopping power a kukri style blade produces
@@williamstoneman6977 cool, for chopping I think the Rajah is the best. Good luck, hope you find what you want at a good price.
Damn bro, got more views and comments on this video. Nice to see the different looks of each knife in the pocket.
Thank you, I’m a little surprised with the views too.
Probably best to go fixed blade???
Fixed blades are harder to conceal which is a good folder with a great locking system are so popular
👍
I got a cold steel Espada large G10. If you going to get a cold steel you better hurry up because the future ain't looking so good
a longer shirt conceals all
Ha ha, that’s true.
“Sold steel”
next gerber
@@EDCwhistlesSCRATCHCARDS if we can hope for that quality
@@koga8100 gerber does quality?
@@BMikeAD I meant gerber is shitty and let’s hope cold steel will go down to only gerber level of shitty
The audio is too quiet...
Is that a sword in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?
Actually, I don’t know what I would do if this situation came up.
Looks cool but is absolutely ridiculous how big they are, at that length wouldn't be better to carry a fix blade instead? Or better yet a gun in case of self defense?
Hi Fuyu neko, for me it comes down to what’s legal to carry. Where I live I can’t carry a gun. If I carry a fixed blade it has to be open carry but if it’s a folder, it can be any size and I can still carry it concealed. The Espada XL is too big but in my opinion: it’s the best self defense folder because of its reach and since it’s well made enough to be actually functional. I don’t carry it since it’s too cumbersome for me. But definitely from best to worst, for self defense, it goes: gun, fixed blade then folder. Berserk is cool.
I wear the espadaXL directly on my waist or I’ll double up on shorts and wear it on my inside shorts just in case my shirt rides up and I’ll have the rajah in my pocket (not clipped) wedged between my phone and pocket So there’s no way any one could notice and can still be easily deployed! If I have the the right pants on I’ll do it visa versa and put the tilite on my waist band next to my hip. No problems just gotta practice sitting down with out smashing ur balls and looking like a doofus 😂
That’s a good way of carrying your knives. The knife behind the cell phone is clever. Nice, thanks for the info.
@@totesmalotes thanks brotha! I must say, You have awesome content. I’m excited to see how u grow this channel! I’ll post a vid about it in a couple days. The pocket works best with a bigger phone. Keep the knife in it’s deployable wave position on the inner part of your thigh then put your phone against it Annnd viola!
@@chrismiss17 thank you, I appreciate the kindness. Thanks again for the tip, it’s always cool to learn new things.
Just pull your shirt over it? It’s kinda like carrying a handgun concealed?
That would work if you carry it in waist, which some people like to do.
Yea know there’s a difference between a knife AND A FOLDABLE MACHETE
Cold steel marketed it as a folding sword.
@@BMikeAD damn it I was trying to make a joke, thanks for the info tho
@@arthurmorgan5887 lmao sorry
@@BMikeAD nah it’s good
So
VGood thing no one wears they’re t shirt out & oversized 🤔😜 👀 right⁉️
I get what you mean but having a video titled “How Cold Steel knives look to other people,” and then naming different Cold Steel knives while I wear a long loose fitting shirt so no one can see them would be a bit too much.
@@totesmalotes ✨🤔If anyone figured it out to use one of those back support goodies& sew a pocket on the inside part & then pull the Velcro belt snap part tight it would form fit under a normal shirt and basically become invisible 🤫😮❗️✨😳 really 🤔❓😎😲 of course this is merely speculation 🧐❗️
@@richardbeard252 nice. That’s a clever way of doing it.
Bro, the appeal of all these cold steel knives is that they are ridiculous. Some of y’all kill me trying to act like these are actual pocketable knives. They absolutely aren’t. What fashionable male wears pants that big?
What? I thought my pants were just regular sized pants. Well... I chose Levi’s because they’re pretty ubiquitous so people could get a good idea of how the knives would look on them.
Apparently I am immune to fashion.
what male wears tight? the pants he's wearing is normal, and are pocketble knifes
None of them stick out of my pocket like that. Only on you 150 pound guys does it. You're just tiny.
I should have mentioned this in the video for reference but I’m 5’10” and 180 lbs.
@@totesmalotes I'm 6'1" 255
@@Broddi169 dang, I walked right into you telling me your height. You win this one.
@@totesmalotes I'll see if I can post a video on the next day or so of my espada xl in my pocket to show this. It sits all the way in my pocket.
@@totesmalotes gonna throw you a sub for being cool about everything