Cold Steel Espada Large: "Nasty Habit" by Nutnfancy
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 มี.ค. 2010
- There's few if any major knife makers that make the aggressive fighting knives that Cold Steel does. Say what you want but Cold Steel continues to deliver some impressively capable fighting blades in both fixed and folding blade formats. Witness the excellent "Espada" series of fighting knives. Poster child for this Nutnfancy blade review is the Large size Espada knife. It is my favorite of the series. It offers an amazing 5.5 inch beautifully swept hollow ground AUS8A blade that arrives razor sharp. In the emergency defensive role, the Espada Large would excel due to its sharpness, good belly, reach, and strong tip (thrust cuts possible too). Finish on this blade is impressive with Scotchbrite sides and polished flats. The CS Espadas feature a solid 7075 frame milled from aluminum billet. This rock solid frame is responsible for its strength, authoritative heft (not too much though), and head-turning snap as the knife deploys (it's loud and I love it!). No skeletonizing is attempting on the frame. Polished black G10 scales are a beautiful contrast against the polished aluminum frame, achieving the same striking contrast we saw in the Cold Steel Black Rhino tactical blade ( • Cold Steel Black Rhino... ). Don't expect high traction from these G10 scales however...they suck for that. With the well-designed and low profile clip burying this knife deep in the pocket, extraction under stress might be an issue. That's why I fit up my own lanyard system for this Espada Large. Drilling and chamfering the 7075 aluminum backspacer allowed the attachment of a hollowed-out 550 cord lanyard that was sewn for more stability and durability. Speed of deployment of the Espadas is blinding fast in practiced hands; the thumb plate snags on the pocket readily and is used to wave the knife into the deployed configuration (Note however that the thumb ramp CAN bury too deep into some pockets and snag). Espada deployment (and overall actuation) should be done carefully and slowly to gain proficiency. This is a blade that should be given your highest respect so YOU don't get cut with it (or your pants too apparently)! With larger sized hands, manual actuation of the ambidextrous thumb plate is possible but expect a longer reach on this Large Espada (longer still on the XL). Lockup is tight and secure and the bulletproof Triad lock is has been well-demonstrated in abusive tests. Weight is substantial but serves a purpose in this fighting blades: 5.4 oz Med (reasonable), 9.8 oz Large, and 15 oz XL. Ergonomics throughout are squared away. While lacking jimping, the long sculpted handle of the Espada Large accommodates all kinds of grips with security and the sub-hilt finger grooves allows for extra reach. The lock situates nicely for disengagement in a conventional hold. The Cold Steel Espada Large is my top recommendation for the a large tactical blade POU; the XL is just too big for most users. If you want to impress your buddies and just have a cool knife this knife or its monstrous big brother, the Espada XL, are excellent choices as well (great collectible blades). Admission fee to this blade might be pricey for some (XL $285, Lrg $185, $130Mar 2010 prices) but I say its worth the price. On all accounts then, the Espada Large is an epic blade that achieves equally high levels of good looks, cutting capability, toughness, durability, coolness, and functionality. Whether placed in a serious defensive POU or just collected, the Espada Large will give great satisfaction to its owner. //////////////////////// Nutnfancy Likeability Scale: 9.5 out of 10 ////////////////// Music: Nutnfancy original music, "Slightly Stricken"
- วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
I am a private military security contractor, and just ordered one of these as a 'hold out' in the event that I find myself cornered/out of ammo/etc. Not a likely scenario, but I'm not getting beheaded on the internt because I was so defenseless that I got taken alive. I think this knife screams "you're going to have to kill me".
You make some good points
why do people keep saying that smaller is better in a knife fight? take a look back in history and a 7in fighting knife was TINY. a normal belt knife for a fighting man was atleast 12" . nobody who gets in a knife fight says wow i wish I had less reach.....
"Why do people keep saying that smaller is better in a knife fight?"
Because they're stupid.
Knife?
This...
Is...
ESPADA!!!
I've watched this vid like 4 times in anticipation of the arrival of my new espada.
I'm jealous.I really want one of these puppies myself,just can't afford it at this time.Enjoy;-)
"hey man whats that in your pants?"
"Oh, thats just my XL espada"
"lol wat?!?"
AWESOME!!!! I've been wanting a review of this exact knife, you freakin' rock Nutn!!!!!
Outstanding review! Immediately after watching it the first time I ordered an Espada medium. I now have it and it's one of the best looking knives I've ever seen. Everything about it says quality. Cold Steel should pay you a commission.
Keep producing your excellent reviews.
I first saw it in the expendables when Mickey rourke used it
Finally!!! Thanks Nutn. I have been waiting for this vid a LONG time! Absolutely in love with the XL Espada. Lotta coin for me to produce, but I WILL own one..... someday. Thanks again broham, awesome video!!
THANK YOU i have been waiting for this vid
thank you for sharing your knowledge and for your service to our country
I've been waiting for this one!
The Cold Steel Espada needs to go to Hollywood.
Been waiting for the Espada review since the first time you flashed it in a vid. Good info, thanks nutn
ive been waiting for a review, thanks
Love the video great reviews keep up the good work
Got one. Love it. Sharp as heck. The large is big and beefy. Beautiful!
I am dumbfounded at the shear AWESOMENESS of Mario carrying that big blade. Geeezzz!
THANK YOU I ASKED FOR THIS 2 MONTHS AGO im so happy you did it
10/5 like always
Wow! Nice. Again, another great review by NUTNFANCY!
great review nutn. sick blade
Watching this video again, I'm pretty sure Cold Steel heard you (once again) because they made lower cost versions of the Espada series last year. Bead blasted finish, liner-less G10 handles, blackened pocket clip. It's full-on tactical now!
I have been my eyes on Espada XL for a moment now nut. I'm just waiting for your postive review on that blade series. Thank you so much nutnfancy.
That IS SICK!
AWESOME looking blade!!!!
love in new desktop background! 1080p photo looks great!!! cant wait to buy 1.
Just received my large Espada, all I can say is WOW. You wont get it until you handle one. This is one serious bad ass blade. Cold Steel hits another home run.
awesome looking knife, gonna have to start saving up for one
Dude thats wicked!!
wow...that is really nice....keep up the awsome reviews!
Nutnfancy your channel is awesome bro!
Great review! Thx
thank you for this great review... i got XL and let me tell you L looks extremely small next to XL... when you open XL in the room it dose not turn heads but they start running away immediately... it is scary and great 21-st century navaja knife...
No kidding those espadas are beautiful, can't wait to get an extra large... Better start saving
Awsome review nutn great blade.
Nutn . . . awesome review as always. Your vids just get better and better. Interesting size perspective with the Buck Vantage which is in my pocket. Very cool.
I used to have a Spanish knife similar to this one but much smaller.
They make them in all shapes and sizes in Spain.
This particular knife will be a collectible for sure.
Cool.
Great Video Man!!
I Have Two of these and EDC one of them. I carry a smaller knife for light/public use.
LOVE my Espada's
Just bought the XL version off amazon for $250. Thank you Nutn for all your videos and hard work.
5/5
Thanks for posting Nutn.
Nice knife. I reminds me a lot of the one I had as a kid in the early 80's. (Of course NOT that large but the design is similar.)
It's good to see a good design come back or stay in production in any form.
That's a wicked blade!
When he pulled out that espada xl, I was stunned just seeing that pocket sword.
You have amazing communication voice and product knowledge is amazing you diffenitely have done your homework I enjoyed your presentation very much
That's just beautiful, amazing craftsmanship *starts dreaming*...
good video nutn and veri keep up the good work
glad I stumbled on to you guys. Subscribed!
I just ordered the Espada XL 7.5" G10. Can't wait for it to come in!
i really love the aggressive, defensive design of the blade the steel finish and i also like the Espada name given! GJ nutnfancy!
Yeah that thing is a beast, Very nice HD intro camera shot too btw
Awesome review.
"And that tip on the handle looks good for non-lethal impacts." Yes, exactly...I forgot to mention that. Great comment, thanks.
Freakin' Crocodile Dundee size folding knife! :O
Thanks for the review!
That's a wicked blade for sure.
THAT is a monster!
I have a friends espada now putting a lanyard on it for him, and holy crap there's no way i cant go pick one up! Just holding it feels so good and the polished look is just outstanding!
These are gorgeous, and the rounded handle adds much comfort in longer term cutting.
If you are on a budget, check out the Voyager XL Clip Point. It has a great FFG Bowie blade, similar length and strength and lighter weight, and you can get one for less than $60. With 7075 Aluminum & Grivory, ( not Zytel,) strength is phenomenal and value is thru the roof.
With its FFG blade, Triad Lovk and lighter weight, it's a great backup Survival knife in the woods, and of course, a world class tactical tool.
OK, now I'm drooling over here. WOW!!! =)
hey nutnfancy,
big fan, but i got a question for you
i've got the cold steel spartan g-10 handles. and i was wondering how i can get it to open one handed like you did in this vid. cuz it's really stiff, maybe cuz its a lockback but considering how you just opened that large espada one-handed, idk. any ideas on how to make it faster? besides loosening it, cuz that doesnt seem to work either
this video is great
Great vid love the pocket snag open. I have a Rajah II, and love it lock is so good. AUS 8 steel rocks. I do carry other thing for edc knifes like gerber or kersha. Still big knife like the Rajah II or an Espada are just to cool, and a must have if nothind else u could take off someones arm or head in one swipe. Again Great vid man.
So I hear the new to be released ones are using American steel vs. Japanese on this one. Supposed to be even better. Do you have the XL?
just received the large espada. jeez... you were right, nutn. can't keep my hands off of it. you actually DO fondle it:) it's a beautiful blade.
need one! lol keep doing your thing, Nutnfancy
i love the large espada. its large, but not as extreme as the extra large. also love the new intro! keep it up.
the XL is crazy. i just stared when the guy pulled that out. and the deploy was so fast it looks like it's already extended in the pocket. very cool and intimidating. there is a risk the psychological advantages when pulling a blade like this would save you from actually using it against someone.
WOW, what a knife! Rumor has it that Betty White packs an Espada as an EDC blade. I would hate to mess with her snickers bar.
Another excellent review Nutn!
nice review
hey nutn, i have been carrying the spyderco military as my tactical folder for about a year now and i have been thinking about buying a large espada and making that my new tactical folder for my usual carry what do you think?
hey nutnfancy I have a big problem, I ordered an Espada XL and just received it today, but I realised the spring was TOO strong, and I have a hard time compressing it low enough before it disengages the lock. Any suggestions on how to fix this without opening the knife? i'll have a hard time reassembling
@11:22, that would appear to be of some concern especially if your thumb were to accidentally depress the lock. The solution would be to drill a hole low enough in the thumb release and enable a small pin to be slid through to prevent the engagement.
I MUST HAVE IT!!!!
i like the looks of it
Im getting my birthday check next month and I just cant decide if I want the espada Large or XL. I already carry the rajah on a daily basis but wondering if the xl will be comfortable to carry, Any advice ?
very nice change in the review 6/5
awesome vid, thx again and keep em coming!!! i know you cant be everywhere but it would have been cool to see a cold steel shot show review.
Would love to get Fitzen's take on this design.
Great review Nutn!
What do you think about using this knife as a general purpose knife? Something I could use at the cottage or just around the house whether it's cutting rope or chopping tomatoes? This is such a beautiful knife and i'm really tempted to buy it, however i'm not really in need of a fighting knife. Any responses are appreciated.
Bro, do you buy everything that you review o rdo the Manufactures supply you with the stuff?
Thanks.
Ive been considering this one. Collector here...I think you just convinced me!
Amazing blade !!! ... Is it chipped (close to the tip) or i am seeing things ???
Holy crap, that blade is gigantic!!! I doubt I'll ever need something like that, but it's still sweet.
looks cool
thx for another awesome review. plz keep them coming, too bad you didnt get a chance to do a coldsteel shot show vid though.
Geeez Louise what a knife! Rumor has it that Betty White packs an Espada for an EDC blade. I'd hate to mess with her snickers bar.
Another excellent review Nutn!
I love when Mario first gives you the O_o look, then whips out the huge ESPADA :D.
could you use the Espada like a make shift machete if needed if you got the XL?
I LIKE YOUR VIDS
I had a Folder that was similar to this back in the late 60s.
It was made in Spain and had a toggll lock.
These big folders are popular over there, and even this knife isn't that big by their standards.
Cool folder.
wow Nutn! You have impressed me with your spanish pronunciation! Great review for a wicked knife.Thanks.
that is awesome coolness
HAHA! Demonic "excellent" at 21:20. anyway just got this blade and you were spot on with your review. Beautiful Nutn, as usual.
very cool knife !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That XL Espada...is a monster,it just looks monsterous but,beautiful blade,that wowed me...
I have the G10 large espada and the rocker pin rattles on mine. I have dropped it once or twice but it hasnt seen any hard use. When I did drop it it fell off my bed or out of my lap so it fell from about 2 or 2.5 feet onto a hard tile floor. The rattle only occurs when the knife is open and locked. Any suggestions on how to fix this? I have tools and time so I would rather fix it myself than wait a few weeks for Cold Steel to fix it or send me a new one.
great review, i would love to get an espada, but it would be terrible timing if i did....
ive been watching your knife review for quite some time now and i must say, i like the intro of this video..
oh and great close up shot of the blades =)
you're right! didn't notice that the first time
@jsh1284 GREAT response there jsh1284 and much appreciated. All I have to add is "What he said!"
Unbiased comments: ....Thank you for your reviews. After careful consideration and watching this (and g10)... I purchased the large espada. .. you are 100% correct. One must see, feel, and experience this gorgeous beast in person. 1st time wave try and what a snap. .. I have a ken onion worksharp with larger belt mod n leather strop... and I dont know how they sharpen knives at CS.... but this is the sickest edge out of box I've ever seen... (that's 20+ instructor yrs talking)... I do everytning support hand w knives so will work a clip install for opposite side. This is my only corrective comment for the piece. .. I could not believe how light this knife was... as huge as it is It wasn't noticeable once clipped in duty pants and no issues sitting etc.... highly recommend it and yes worth the money. I wish they still made the talwar in this finish. Just my 2 cents for anyone who may be considering the purchase. Did I mention if this blade comes remotely in contact with your skin you will bleeeeed! Use caution and a glove when cleaning factory oil off.
@wingzero7X under the pressure of a self-defense, tactical, or otherwise life-threatening situation? aiming at a moving target that may also be firing at him?
Wow, the "Espada" sure lives up to its name.
O_o