Cold Steel Espada Large: "Nasty Habit" by Nutnfancy
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- Опубликовано: 2 окт 2024
- 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"
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!!!
"hey man whats that in your pants?"
"Oh, thats just my XL espada"
"lol wat?!?"
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;-)
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 LOVE THIS KNIFE!!! I HAVE ALL THERE SIZES. I CARRY THE LARGE EVERYDAY. THANKS FOR LETTING YOUR FANS AWARE OF THE DANGER OF THIS KNIFE. IT WILL TAKE YOUR FINGER OFF, LIKE SLICING A BANANA.
No kidding those espadas are beautiful, can't wait to get an extra large... Better start saving
I first saw it in the expendables when Mickey rourke used it
"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!
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 XL Espada...is a monster,it just looks monsterous but,beautiful blade,that wowed me...
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.
I've been waiting for this one!
I love when Mario first gives you the O_o look, then whips out the huge ESPADA :D.
Falchion anyone?
this knife had been around for more then 5 years.. in fact. every knife in csgo is way older then the game. valve can pretty much aford any rights they want,
You have amazing communication voice and product knowledge is amazing you diffenitely have done your homework I enjoyed your presentation very much
Just saw this knife on Better Call Saul! Tuco/Mijo whips that shit it.
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...
1:43
Anyone else notice the band-aid on his arm? Nice blade, and thanks for reviewing it.
Wow! Nice. Again, another great review by NUTNFANCY!
hey nutn i do fabrication for a living, just a tip i want to share with you, start with a smaller drill bit when drilling hard steel/ aluminum, use drilling oil, and always go slow other wise you will burn out your drill bits :)
I agree with you that no folding knife could completely cover the role of a fixed blade...however, by his own admission the Lone Wolf T3 Ranger (as previously reviewed by the NutnFancy Project) is the closest knife that does and I wish he would have displayed it as such for size comparison if nothing else.
The XL for me. I have big hands and this looks like a knife that will fit for a change.
Since I couldn't ever take it on in public, I also carry an Ontario RAT1 for general use.
I held the XL Voyager Vaquero up against the Espada in the shop, and it was a case of sure, it's big compared to another knife, but compared to the Espada? Baby knife.
i love the large espada. its large, but not as extreme as the extra large. also love the new intro! keep it up.
Just won my auction on ebay for a Large one! 202.50 USD (CAD $200.70) bucks (worth between 300 to 400, here) for a brand new one, in the box... Damn I'm happy! Wanted that particular knife for so long, but it's so hard to get it here, in Canada. Those CS dudes should go Worldwide.
@isamtator Those are blood grooves on longer blades they are to make the pulling out of a blade easier after stabbing and to direct the flow of blood away from the user
OK, now I'm drooling over here. WOW!!! =)
AWESOME!!!! I've been wanting a review of this exact knife, you freakin' rock Nutn!!!!!
When he pulled out that espada xl, I was stunned just seeing that pocket sword.
If you get in a situation where somebody pulls a knife on you, and you don't say "that's not a knife" and pull this out, I will be very disappointed in you.
"Now that's a knife" (You have to say it with the Paul Hogan / Crocodile Dundee voice)
I love the espada series as much reasons why i love my Rajah II. Gotta save up to get the XL Espada, Cold steel blades always impressed me thanks for showing me a good close up on that large model! someone once asked me "Got a knife on ya?" i was not kidding when i said " no i got six." ..err i'm sick right? ahaha carry weight issues is no hassle for me i got many pockets a useful belt and and careful weight placement.
I think you'd need to check out this knife personally before coming to that conclusion. Most of the knives I have with this configuration do not unlock easily simply by gripping firmly.
If you ever get mugged just whip out that badboy like crocodile dundee and be like "Now that's a knife"
Actually it does kind of sound like you have him under a microscope. Why not do yourself a favor and stop watching. It will give your nerves a rest. -- Veri
Amazing Knife! Not something I would opt for EDC use, maybe the medium size one would work for EDC>
Love the video great reviews keep up the good work
From watching Better Call Saul I think I needs me one!!
that draw was fast as hell hahaha
HAHA
Espada made me lol when i saw this in nutnfancy's videos.
@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.
@jsh1284 GREAT response there jsh1284 and much appreciated. All I have to add is "What he said!"
I'm a bit disappointed he chose to review the keychain model rather than the XL version, but what can you do? I know he later got one because he was flipping it open and laughing like a kid. Guess they were right about the difference between men and boys! I remember feeling wealthy after getting the proceeds from my paper route nearly 45 years ago. Now I'm still enjoying toys. They're just a bit more expensive. And instead of a mother to reign in my excesses, I have a wait, what'rethey called? Oh yeah...a _wife_. (It's like living with your parole officer!) So it's nice that these things fit in your pocket where they can't be seen.
Suddenly my Endura 4 feels inadequate. I must get my hands on an XL Espada.
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.
Would love to get Fitzen's take on this design.
Great review Nutn!
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.
Does it come in Stat Trak?
Ha csgo
Got one. Love it. Sharp as heck. The large is big and beefy. Beautiful!
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 $60. With 7075 Aluminum & Grivory, ( not Zytel,) strength is phenomenal and value is thru the roof.
With its FFG blade, Triad Lovk and lighter weight, it's a great backup Survival knife in the woods, and of course, a world class tactical tool.
excel exceedingly. that it does. got the G10 large. love it.
work on snow cruise and deliver ! PLeaaaaase?? lol, nice knife, I do not see the POU though. Thanks for you r review on the SR9, I bought one today and am VERY impressed. I also had an unfired Kel-Tec PF9 and shot it today, it broke after 5 rounds. Good thing I decided to test fire it after a week of carry only. This was really a liablility on my person. It conceals reallllyyyyy nice though, too bad. Will carry the SR9 now and send the PF9 back for repair.
I wish they could put the wave style thumb plate on the voyager series. I have the new version of the XL voyager and love it and the wave feature would make it even better.
This is the Knive from the Movie "The Expendables"
that knife is sick dude that knife is bigger than it looks
Great vid love the pocket snag open. I have a Rajah II, and love it lock is so good. AUS 8 steel rocks. I do carry other thing for edc knifes like gerber or kersha. Still big knife like the Rajah II or an Espada are just to cool, and a must have if nothind else u could take off someones arm or head in one swipe. Again Great vid man.
Please do a review on the G10 versions of this knife! Please!
agreed. Im curious as to the differences in handle dimension width-wise
Damn nice knife but the spartan seems a bit more practical (for me) and within my reach($).
very nice change in the review 6/5
@TwistedxJester Well, Espada does mean Sword in portuguese and spanish, so you know what they were aimimg at when they made this one.
this video is great
FALCHION KNIIIIIIFFFFEEE. Anyone who plays csgo will get this
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?
Im getting the XL for my girlfriend this xmas, yea she is a knifenut just like me and she just loves the XL :D
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
I would get so arrested if I carried that in my city but still a very cool blade
Why can't I watch this on my iPod touch? :'( I watch so much of your stuff on my iPod. Why this video? there are longer ones that I could still watch.. Oh well..
that's a gangster knife
Must. Get. One.
"Espada" means "sword" in spanish also the design looks like the traditional folding knifes of Toledo and spain, i have seen "navajas" with a blade like a forearm
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.
I just ordered the Espada XL 7.5" G10. Can't wait for it to come in!
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!!
Great review nutn. I thought I heard you mention an authority on fighting knives favors the large Espada is so who was it?
If it is worth the price, then how is the value just "close" to being "fair value"?
@MrSalmon5 he probably bought it from cold steel's website or through their magazine that they send out ever once in a while.
my Spartan came last week and i can definitely second that you need to treat this blade and similar ones like they are armed bombs: with the greatest of care. pushed the lock on the back to fold up the blade while i was holding it straight out and had my index finger in the way. if my finger had been further forward, the cut would have been a lot worse. it's not a flaw in design. just my own damn fault. i am please with the sharpness though lol. looking forward to getting an Espada soon ^_^
¡Popcorn time!
When my father was in the core, he brought back a couple Kbars, he gave me one, what is the purpose of the groves on the sides of the balde?
"That's not a knife . . . . THIS is a knife!" xD
Why didn't you get the Espada G10 Large, its got better grips instead of the wood looking handle grip?
The Cold Steel Espada needs to go to Hollywood.
Nutnfancy, why don't you have any Strider knives? Or have you just never gotten the chance to review one?
Please respond.
Thanks
I MUST HAVE IT!!!!
Now thats a folder. Does it ride low in the pocket? :))
When are you going to baton this sucker? And why did you get the kiddie version? I think the XL would be best for an EDC.
I'll say this, the clip doesn't work so well with jeans, unless you barely clip it. The pockets are a bit too thick.
That drill bit flex made me cringe so badly it got the person sitting next to me to ask what I was watching... Good video though!
Nutn, it pleases me that you like this knife too. I've always carried large folders so when the Espada came out I bought the XL. As you well know, no folder will ever cover the role of a large "survival" blade, but it's really neat to have advanced capability in something fold-able, even if it cost you some weight. While I'll never EDC a Trail Master, it's neat to carry something very durable and beyond the normal order of "pocket knives." Thanks so much for your thoughts and impressions! 5/5
thank you for sharing your knowledge and for your service to our country
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
glad I stumbled on to you guys. Subscribed!
looks cool
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.
awesome looking knife, gonna have to start saving up for one
great knife dude but 469 dollars for the big xl holy s***lol