Cold Steel XL Espada?

[Boberama]

I saw this thing a long time ago and thought to myself "Oh man. Lynn Thompson really outdid himself this time."

It seemed like a stupid, ridiculous knife. Why not carry a fixed blade if you go that large?

Later on I learned more about the Spanish navaja. It seems like some of the old navajas were actually larger than the XL Espada, even stretching up to the length of a sword.

The Cold Steel Espada XL

Now look at these:

What I've read makes it seem like these were very common in 18th and 19th century Spain.

 

[Kaizen1]

I wouldn't feel comfortable using the really large one in the photos for any real combat. And if you're gonna go that big, why not use a sword/spear? That said, I think the CS Espadas are hugely impractical, but pretty cool because of their size and the history of the design.

 

[HuntBomb]

I agree...Impractical, but cool-looking.

 

[canuckBSO]

try it, I bought one. I'll never carry it, but I still get all giddy when I hold it.

 

[Boberama]

I wouldn't feel comfortable using the really large one in the photos for any real combat. And if you're gonna go that big, why not use a sword/spear? That said, I think the CS Espadas are hugely impractical, but pretty cool because of their size and the history of the design.

The large one also puzzled me...even the smaller ones could be replaced by fixed blades...

Interesting though, they seemed to be all the rage back in the old days.

The second picture is from Manual del Baratero (1849).
I have a suspicion it is exxagerated.

 

[DD1]

I love my Espada, this is the new G-10 Large version. I am never without it..

 

[Boberama]

I love my Espada, this is the new G-10 Large version. I am never without it..

You EDC that? I was thinking of getting one just for kicks.

 

[DD1]

Yeah, I edc it, mine isn't the XL, its the smaller Large version, the blade is just 5 1/2 inches. It carries really well

 

[bomber258]

I too own that same model and have actually carried it a few times.

I wear it in a SOB location and it is SO large that it just sits there.

I often carry a C/S X2 Voyager,and that is a toy next to the Espada.

Just re-read the rest of the postings,mine is the 7 1/2" bladed model.

 

[cutter17]

Yeah, I edc it, mine isn't the XL, its the smaller Large version, the blade is just 5 1/2 inches. It carries really well

"the blade is only 5 1/2 inches." I LIKE that train of thought!

I think I read that swords were not permitted for the common folk, hence the LARGE size on some of these knives.

 

[Boberama]

I am seriously considering buying the large size G10 Espada because the XL just seems too big.

At first sight I thought these knives were ridiculous fantasy blades with no real-world value.

After reading about how so many Spaniards used to carry knives very much like the Espada series I have re-evaluated them and now I feel that they are a nice modern update on a classic design.

Funny how a bit of history behind the blade changes my perspective.

 

[230grains]

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...E-I-VE-EVER-SEEN-the-Cold-Steel-G10-XL-ESPADA.

I love mine.

 

[Boberama]

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...E-I-VE-EVER-SEEN-the-Cold-Steel-G10-XL-ESPADA.

I love mine.

I love that Natchez.

 

[Appletz]

what is this I don't even

I'm guessing this is decorative or ceremonial? I can't envision a situation/universe where this could be used for anything. I mean, I can see a use for one even a couple feet long, but google netted me some 73-inch monstrosity and I gotta say I'm intrigued but dubious.

 

[Boberama]

what is this I don't even

I'm guessing this is decorative or ceremonial? I can't envision a situation/universe where this could be used for anything. I mean, I can see a use for one even a couple feet long, but google netted me some 73-inch monstrosity and I gotta say I'm intrigued but dubious.

I read that the largest navajas (those exceeding three feet) were meant as examples of a knifemaker's skill.

I'm guessing that's what this is. I still think it's pretty cool though. It might even be the world's largest folding knife, who knows? I've certainly never seen a larger one.

I checked your link, I wonder how large the one hanging on the wall is.

 

[singularity35]

Ever see those large shoes that old-time shoemaker's had outside their shops? I guess the large navajas serve the same purpose.

 

[Boberama]

Ever see those large shoes that old-time shoemaker's had outside their shops? I guess the large navajas serve the same purpose.

A bit of further research and I found a reliable source talking of an even larger navaja than the ones about, weighing 26 lbs and being 4 feet in the closed position (compared to 37.5 inches for the 73-inch one Appletz mentioned).

that is correct, the large navajas were show pieces.