Black Talon folding knife from Cold Steel

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Conchovtx

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Anyone own one of these? I have and opportunity to pick one
up for a very, very good price and wonder if they are what
Cold Steel says they are. Also, are they made here or over
seas somewhere?

Thanks for your input
 
What exactly does Cold Steel say they are?

To my knowledge, all San-Mai III® style Cold Steel knives are made in Japan, as is the Spyderco Civilian that this model seems, shall we say, based on.
 
Tony_A said:
What exactly does Cold Steel say they are?
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"The Black Talon™ is indeed an awe inspiring, ferocious looking knife. It’s efficient both coming and going and will rip, cut, or slash through just about any obstacle or material you put in its path. This is because of its needle sharp, talon-like point, and its sinuously curved blade. The blade is made from our own exclusive San Mai III® stainless steel so you know it will hold an edge for a long time and will rarely require re-sharpening.

The elegantly simple grip of this all-out cutting blade is strong and sturdy. It features a robust Titanium frame, which supports the forged Titanium bolsters and highly textured G-10 scales. The well built, yet highly refined, Titanium leaf spring lock will protect one’s fingers from the Black Talon’s™ razor sharp edge. This lock, in our tests, has proved itself peerless when it comes to withstanding great shock and stress."

Only $399.00 list price too...........:D

That's a lot of bucks, just wonder if it's worth 1/4 of that?
 
Conchovtx said:
"The Black Talon™ is indeed an awe inspiring, ferocious looking knife. It’s efficient both coming and going and will rip, cut, or slash through just about any obstacle or material you put in its path. This is because of its needle sharp, talon-like point, and its sinuously curved blade. The blade is made from our own exclusive San Mai III® stainless steel so you know it will hold an edge for a long time and will rarely require re-sharpening.

The elegantly simple grip of this all-out cutting blade is strong and sturdy. It features a robust Titanium frame, which supports the forged Titanium bolsters and highly textured G-10 scales. The well built, yet highly refined, Titanium leaf spring lock will protect one’s fingers from the Black Talon’s™ razor sharp edge. This lock, in our tests, has proved itself peerless when it comes to withstanding great shock and stress."

Only $399.00 list price too...........:D

That's a lot of bucks, just wonder if it's worth 1/4 of that?
Click to expand...

$100 is about 1/2 the street price of this knife. Typically ~$200---only suckers actually pay Cold Steel's list prices.

If you like this type of design, materials, warranty, etc buy it. You probably won't ever find a new-in-box Black-Talon so cheap again.

It seems like a decent enough copy of the Civilian. They appear to have made some improvements to the design (like the reversible pocket clip.) As well as have introduced some potential drawbacks. Besides the "unique" opening hole (to avoid paying Spyderco extra royalties,) it's a liner lock:barf:.

However, considering this design is (obviously) more for cutting/slashing than stabbing, lock failure shouldn't be too much of a concern.
 
I agree with Dave and Tony. The price seems mighty high for what you actually get (a liner-locking, Spyderco Civilian clone with AUS-8 laminated steel). I'm not saying it's a bad knife, I'd just go with the original, a Spyderco Civilian, over the Cold Steel version of it.

Regards,
3G
 
Tony_A said:
$100 is about 1/2 the street price of this knife. Typically ~$200---only suckers actually pay Cold Steel's list prices.

If you like this type of design, materials, warranty, etc buy it. You probably won't ever find a new-in-box Black-Talon so cheap again.

It seems like a decent enough copy of the Civilian. They appear to have made some improvements to the design (like the reversible pocket clip.) As well as have introduced some potential drawbacks. Besides the "unique" opening hole (to avoid paying Spyderco extra royalties,) it's a liner lock:barf:.

However, considering this design is (obviously) more for cutting/slashing than stabbing, lock failure shouldn't be too much of a concern.
Click to expand...

I'm going to retire my PIG that I've carried for 23 years and I need a carry
knife. The Black Talon is "Slightly Used" and there is also a NIB Civilian in the
deal for a buck and half. Hard to pass up. I haven't seen the stuff and will
pick it up tomorrow if it is as advertised.

Thanks for your input.
 
The Cold Steel Black Talon is actually a surprisingly robust, well-made folder.

My current EDC combination is a Spyderco PE Native and the Spyderco Civilian. Both the Black Talon and Civilian are in my collection and share some similarities.

The fact that the Black Talon features a liner lock is not an issue for me---Cold Steel, despite their awful politicking and controversial ad text, makes one of the most solid, deep-seated, strong liner locks in the business (they call it their "leaf-spring" lock).

That being said, for a lot less money the Spyderco Civilian can be had, and Spyderco can't be beat for quality of knife, and warranty. :thumbup:

In regards to country of origin, both are made in Japan. The Civilian has G10 handle scales with a single stailness steel liner, a VG10 blade and a lockback lock with a Boye dent, whereas the Black Talon has titanium bolsters and G10 handle scales over a full titanium frame with a San Mai III blade.

I prefer the overall composition of the Spyderco. If you prefer tip-up carry, however, the Black Talon is better suited to you.

I believe Mr. Glesser said something (positive) about their use of the Spyderco-style opening hole and Civilian design over on the Spyderco thread. I believe they were asked before the Black Talon came out, but I can't specifically site the post (Questionable Tag Lines & Shiny Footprints, I believe).

Anyways, after that rambling, incoherent post, my advice is, unless you get a killer deal (sub-two-C-note range) stick with the Spyderco Civilian. It's the original, and it's a Spyderco. :D

God bless.

KATN,

Wade
 
Conchovtx said:
I'm going to retire my PIG that I've carried for 23 years and I need a carry
knife. The Black Talon is "Slightly Used" and there is also a NIB Civilian in the
deal for a buck and half. Hard to pass up. I haven't seen the stuff and will
pick it up tomorrow if it is as advertised.

Thanks for your input.
Click to expand...


You can buy NIB Civilians online for <$140 from e-bay, knifesupply.com, etc.

You'll have to decide for yourself if it's worth saving $40 by buying a used clone.

FWIW, I've regretted many purchases I've made (guns, knives, tools, etc) trying to save a buck.

I've never regretted buying quality. Personally, I'd pay the extra $40 to get a real Spyderco.
 
Tony_A said:
You can buy NIB Civilians online for <$140 from e-bay, knifesupply.com, etc.

You'll have to decide for yourself if it's worth saving $40 by buying a used clone.

FWIW, I've regretted many purchases I've made (guns, knives, tools, etc) trying to save a buck.

I've never regretted buying quality. Personally, I'd pay the extra $40 to get a real Spyderco.
Click to expand...

I guess I wasn't explicit enough but the deal is for a NIB Civilian AND a
slightly used Black Talon for $150.00. Two for $150.00.
 
Between the two I like the civilian better...but the black talon is MUCH better for non-sd tasks than the civvie. I mean, the knife comes with a tag telling you not to use the thing for utility purposes because the tip is too thin and delicate. Not a complaint, it's just not designed for anything other than defense. The black talon has a thicker blade that allows it to be used for more typical tasks.

I love the civilian, but I'd have to carry another knife with me if I wanted to actually DO anything. That being said I typically carry at least three knives on me daily, so what would one more be? If you're someone like me, get the civilian, if not then get the black talon. :D
 
New Civilian and slightly used Black Talon, $130 the pair.
I apologize for the poor picture quality.


today.jpg
 
Well, if that's for real - its a bargain.

Always wanted a Civilian myself, but I've always questioned its day to day practicality.

But for that price - hell yeah!
 
I just ordered the last Black Talon on closeout ($130 shipped) from the Specpro site. It should be here in a day or two. I'll be waving it of course.
 
I have at one time owned both but not at the same time. CS is closing out the Talon for cheap. That being said hands down the winner for robustness and if you are going to own a knife like that is the Talon. Way way better grip ergo's, alot better locking system, VG1 San Mai and just an over all excellent quality of build bar none. Don't let the nay sayers kid ya the Talon is a beast of a folder and has a more robust tip than the Civilian. But you're getting them both so you'll be good to go. Decide which you like more and carry it. keepem sharp
 
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