Cold Steel Rajah III vs. Cold Steel AK47 vs. Cold Steel Counter Point II

K

KungFuFighting

Joined
Sep 12, 2011
Messages
8
I've been wanting to try my hands on a Cold Steel folder. I'll use it mainly as a sd knife. It needs to be able to open by inertia, like with a flick of your wrist (or be able to be easily modded to do so). The handle needs to have a good combat-oriented grip, so it fits into the hand nicely. The blade needs to be tough and be able to hold up very well to both stabbing and slashing, considering I may use this knife to practice on the Kali tires at my martial arts school. The folders I like best are the Rajah III, AK47, and Counter Point II but I really can't decide between them. I need some opinions on which one would make the best sd knife, help me out guys?
 
I don't have any of these by after looking at the AK47 I think you would need some adjustments to get it to open like you want to. I gave a CS TiLite I can do thus with but would be more difficult with the AK - in my opinion.
 
The heavier the blade the easier it will overcome the Tri-Ad lock if you want to do inertia/kinetic openings. You can wave even a Large Voyager out of your pocket by using the thumb studs - all the folders are a little different in that.

Most important thing is the handle and an overall sturdy build - then a blade shape that goes with your training if it isn't pretty much neutral.

You should try to go to a store with a large selection of them so you can hold a couple in your hands.

You will be ok regardless if you practice with it and it's a solid knife - the whole "It's the indian, not the arrow" thing.

I've been doing a lot of experiments and practice with my Large Voyager Vaquero and love it so far.
 
Rajah II sounds perfect to me. I had a Rajah III and its a good knife but the Rajah II lends itself to SD much more. Longer reach, more options for gripping the handle etc. Plus, the blade is much easier to flick open- almost effortless. However, the size may be an issue depending on your preference/legalities.
 
I'd go with the ak47. You can wave it open and it has the glass breaker which would work pretty well in a fight.
 
You might want to stay away from triad lock models if you're dead set on inertial opening. It's a great lock, but unless you're handling one of the larger models it keeps the blade closed pretty tight.
 
Which grip do you prefer, or like to draw into?

I have a Rajah III and find that it wave much more efficiently/quickly into a reverse grip (edge out).

If you prefer a saber grip, I'd think the AK-47 would be better since it sits higher and you can get more grip on the handle before waving.

No experience with the Counter point.

If you prefer inertia open after you've drawn the knife then the triad lock might not be the best (especially in a smaller folder). It take a little more then a conventional lock back to over come and usually require a thumb assisted wrist flick to open (again for their smaller/lighter blades).

Hope this helps.

-sh00ter
 
Thanks guys. I'll probably stick with the Rajah III. My kung fu master has the Rajah III and he can flick it open pretty easily, and it's somewhat new. Length is an issue, so no Rajah II or Rajah I for me. I usually draw in a reverse grip.Thank you for the help.
 
KungFuFighting said:
Thanks guys. I'll probably stick with the Rajah III. My kung fu master has the Rajah III and he can flick it open pretty easily, and it's somewhat new. Length is an issue, so no Rajah II or Rajah I for me. I usually draw in a reverse grip.Thank you for the help.
Click to expand...

After a little break in I could thumb flick my Rajah III. A smaller lanyard helps on the draw (I say smaller because when you grip the knife you don't want the lanyard to depress the lock bar). I switched the pocket clip to carry reverse in the pocket too. I grip the knot with my middle finger and support the knife with my index finger and thumb with slight outward pressure on the blade while drawing and then just go into a reverse grip edge out; it quick and easy reproducible using this method:thumbup:

I can try and post some pics if the above doesn't make much sense:D

-sh00ter
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top