Initial Thoughts on the Cold Steel Rajah I

Confederate said:
Are there any differences in strength between the Rajah and the Rajah II? I like the cosmetic appeal of the Rajah I, plus its polished blade (I don't like the bead blast.) But other than cosmetic differences, is there an advantage to the I?
Click to expand...

I think the Rajah II might be stronger in some ways. Cold Steel's site states it has steel liners, while the Rajah I is aluminum. FWIW, it doesn't say if the liners are the same thickness.

http://www.coldsteel.com/62kseries.html
 
They both weigh the same, which indicates that the aluminum model doesn't have the steel inserts. Yes, it might be stronger. But equating these knives to revolvers, I think they're akin to having magnums with 8+-inch barrels. At some point you've got to think "rifle." In this case, at some point you have to just think "fixed blade."

The Rajahs are discreet, but I don't need it. For that kind of money, I could get quite a nice fixed blade. One with better steel than AUS8. I love AUS8 for a folder steel, but would not be as enamored with it as fixed blade steel.
 
They don't weigh the same. The the Rajah I is 2 oz heavier, and the blade .2 mm thicker. The Rajah uses 7075 Aluminum billet in the handle frame and bolsters, which from what I've read is very light and very strong (used in aircraft construction).

The Rajah is definitely not for everyone, and probably wouldn't be the first choice for an EDC for most. As I said in the review, this thing is a beast for a folder.
 
the rajah I (al/g-10) is 12.5 oz and the rajah II comes in at 13.2 oz at least that's what my weigh. The R2 may have a little more overall strength but the lighter frame of the R1 handles a bit better. both will be about the same in lock strength tests. The R1 has cnc time and quite a bit of hand work, that with the price of buying and importing 7075AL and G-10 bring the cost up a lot.
 
You designed the Rajahs, Andrew, so I'll defer to you, but the specs on coldsteel.com say the Rajah I is 2oz heavier...
 
I have a mini-Kukri from CS and I can say its a great utility piece, particularly for cutting back vegetation in my often over-grown garden.

That said, I cannot quite fathom the concept of a folding kukri. Especially at that price point. I personally cannot see a folding design having nearly the strength of a fixed blade, no matter what lock is used.

Personally, I would far rather pack a GB mini-hatchet or SFA if I was hitting the trail (at around half the price of the Rajah).

I would really like to see this design in a regular size version, though. With a 4-5 inch blade it would be an awesome folder.

[Oh my, I just hit 800 posts on the 8/8/2008. How bizarre is that?]
 
That is one COOL knife. I have a Voyager X2 and would really like to see how this compares. It appears to be TWICE the weight of the X2, and 3 qtrs of an inch longer overall length. When I carry my X2, I don't use the clip, but rather have it completely concealed in my pocket as it rides in a 9mm magazine pocket holster (desantis mag pack, pic below) .... wonder if this will fit?

pix2312822312.jpg
 
Last edited:
Question, Chasden:

Sir, was wondering if you could provide the distance measurement as indicated in the red line below? This would enable me to determine if this portion of the knife will fit in my magpacker!

Much appreciated!

rajahwidth.bmp
 
Hey, CF. I'll take the measurement tonight and let you know. How is the pocket holster secured to the pocket? How is the holstered item secured to the holster?
 
Hey, Chasden. The best way I can explain this is in the context of carrying a firearm in similar fashion. Small pistols can be carried in the pocket using a pocket holster. The holster is designed/shaped in such a way that it

1- Holds the pistol at a fixed angle in your pocket, so it won't be flopping around with barrel up, or barrel down

2- The gun is "loosely" held in the holster such that it can draw fairly easily. The gun literally sits in the holster with a snug but loose grip.

3- The holster is shaped/textured such that when you draw the gun, the holster catches onto the pocket material/seam. etc. The gun comes out, but the holster remains in the pocket.

So the mag packer I mentioned above works the same way. You can carry an extra pistol magazine in your pocket, fully concealed, and draw it for use as required. Mag rides in pocket in stationary position, comes out when accessed, and pocket holster remains in pocket.

Generally speaking, I prefer to have my blades fully concealed. So when I bought my Voyager X2, I was pleasantly surprised it fit perfectly in the magpacker. So it sits in the mag packer at around a 45 degree angle in my pocket, and remains in that position. It is easily gripped and drawn, and when drawn, slides right out, pocket holster remains. I also own a Spyderco endura, and carry in similar fashion. The beauty is I can draw, and catch the "wave" on my pocket seam, in one smooth/fast/easy motion.

So when I was checking out coldsteel, and saw that kukri, and also saw it had a thumb notch than can be waved, I was getting a bit excited.

Hope that answers the question. I might have some pics of this at home, and maybe a good time to break out with the camcord ;)
 
CF -- the measurement is 2 3/8" -- hope this helps. How wide can your rig accomodate?
 
CF -- one more thing. There is a screw that allows you to remove the thumb plate, which would slim the profile a bit, but then of course no one handed opening...
 
FINALLY, a proper sized penknife!

DSC02319.jpg


wish more companies would make their pocket knives this size, god i would buy the ENTIRE emerson & spyderco line if they were sized like this.
 
Bushman5 said:
FINALLY, a proper sized penknife!
"......"

wish more companies would make their pocket knives this size, god i would buy the ENTIRE emerson & spyderco line if they were sized like this.
Click to expand...

Agreed. I really like larger folders, but other than Cold Steel, it's pretty much a wasteland when looking for quality megafolders these days.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top