Cold Steel 6" Ti-Lite

L

Lethal Overdose

Joined
May 17, 2009
Messages
73
I recently fondled a 6" Ti-Lite, and I just gotta have one. :) They're friggin big!

I've decided that if: I were to ever get jumped by a gaggle of ninjas, shambled towards by a herd of zombies or even be confronted by a zombie of the hoodlum variety; I would like to have this blade in my pocket.

The only problem is that I can't decide if I should pick up a Zytel handled version for around $45 or an aluminum handled version for about $85. Both versions have AUS 8 blades. The only difference, except for the handle material, is that the Aluminum handled version has a bead blasted finish on the blade. The handle's hole pattern is slightly different also.

Which version would you get, and why? Thanks in advance for your input.
 
if you are carrying for self defense, go with zytel, its grip is more secure than aluminum, especially if your hand is sweaty or whatnot.
 
I have all the smaller model ones in the three different handles, and the large one in zytel only. I agree as a user the zytel is the best choice. Just note this is a big knife, so it is hard to carry, and considered a weapon by design leagally almost anywhere.....
 
Thanks for the replies. I suppose 'yall are right, the Zytel should have a bit more grip. I should be good to go legally with this knife, in Va at least. I'm pretty sure that it would be considered a weapon if I ever used it for self defense. But, I'd rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6.
 
I'd go with the zytel. For the longest time I wanted an actual milled titanium one, but I settled on a 4" zytel. I have to say, it's a very well built knife. Not practical by any means. However, I carry one when I go down town from time to time. I've never had an issue, but it's not an ambiguous knife should you pull it. 4" of polished steel and pointy as all get out. For SD, I think it would work fine. 6" is pushing it for me personally. "Is that a ti-lite in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?":D
 
I EDC a 6" Zytel in my vest pocket. My vest has large game style pockets.

I love this knife.

When closed it is a very efficient kubotan and the guard can do some nasty damage.

I have a collection of science fiction novels so I spend considerable time haunting and hunting through thrift stores. All these stores seem to have shelves way over my head, I'm 5'4". The long slim blade slips nicely into these overhead books allowing me to get them down without crawling upon chairs and such.

If I were to be limited to one SD folder it would be the 6" Zytel TiLite.
 
Tonie, you're going to give the old ladies a heart attack! I'd be careful where you whoop out such a big knife. Most people just aren't used to seeing one that big. Unless it's an emergency, I wouldn't pull out anything that's 13" long out of my pants while in public. It seems to frighten people, especially while flipping through "Novels". That's my experience anyway.
 
It's not a knife I'd EDC, but if I were to choose, I would get the Zytel. I had a 4" Zytel, and I liked it. I can't see why anyone would get the Aluminum-handled Ti-Lite other than looks. Plus, I think the black Zytel looks better on a knife like the Ti-Lite than the gray/silver Aluminum.

Oh, and if you get it, I recommend you change the direction of the D-Bolts for prettiness :)

Ti-Lite1.jpg
 
I have the 6" aluminum model and really like it for the super solid feel it has. The bb surface of the aluminum handles gives a very good grip for me.
 
I have the Zytel 6-inch (and 4-inch) and think the Zytel handle is by far the best for the money. I don't know why people keep saying the 4-inch is a poor EDC, but I have to take their word for it that it somehow doesn't suit their purpose. The blade configurations make these knives good for mail opening, and they open packages and cut rope very well. They also debark wood and cut chips.

The knives also are exceptionally strong, and the 6-incher can make for a formidable self defense knife. It could use a bit more belly for slashing, but it has a strong, solid point and should penetrate well.

Everyone should have one.
 
I have both sizes in Zytel and the 4" is definitely the better sized letter opener than the 6". I see no other reason for carrying this knife other than for intimidating people, and admittedly sometimes that's all you will need in a "Call that a knife? This is a knife" scenario.

Actual performance in SD? That straight narrow blade (like the FS Commando knife) is optimised for stabbing only = covert assault/sneak assasination - not SD/CQC. There are much better CQC designs. But if it's the one that pushes your buttons........
 
one could make the argument that a slender straight blade is a poor choice for sd, and there is truth in it-alot of belly does indeed aid in slicing/slashing. but on the other hand, an overall 13" folding sword is definately not something id want to face in a dark alley, slender blade or not....period. i think it would make a great SD knife, and when your not SD'ing yourself, it makes a great sheeple scarer...;)
and after looking at the pic THG posted...i gotta say...that thing is SICK!
 
THG said:
I'm wondering how many people who say they hate CS knives would actually like them if the CS label were detached.
Click to expand...

I did not say anywhere that I hate Cold Steel knives.
I have several and they are just fine.
I just do not like this model, looks like a useless stiletto.
Not good for anything but sticking.
I prefer a wide blade with some belly.
 
For self defense, I'd rather have a Voyager X2 or Vaquero Grande. The recurved blade of the latter ensures monstrous slashes, and the Voyager's Bowie style gives it outstanding penetration. Both of these knives had advantages over the Ti-Lite.

I don't know many people who wouldn't be intimidated by the Ti-Lite, though. The tip is quite capable of creating nasty slashes and its penetration capability is self evident. I don't like to reference Lynn Thompson's video, but he does a fair job slashing a slab of meat with the Ti-Lite.

As for having a .45, yeah, anyone would rather have a .45. But we're talking knives here.
 
i edc'd a 4" zytel one for 5 or 6 years, until i got my izula. it's ugly as hell now, but it's got a nice convex edge, and i can tell mine from anybody else's. i used it almost daily at work opening frieght and destroying boxes. for such a narrow blade, it's a decent cutter. that flipper destroys pockets though.
 
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