OMG This CS XL Espada!

4 Ranges

4 Ranges

Joined
Apr 5, 2002
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If you want pics you can always google it, but this thing literally DWARFS my Randall 1-7. It literally makes it look like a toothpick compared to the CS XL Espada.

The lockup THUDS into position, and requires quite a bit of concentrated effort to unlock. The tri-ad lock, simply by virtue of this, is a true winner.

I have been interested in the Navaja methodology for quite some time, and train a version of it for myself. The Espada is the ultimate navaja. Nothing else comes close.

Hair popping sharp out of the box. The youtube videos speak for themselves in terms of the durability of construction and design.

I have no affiliation with either Lynn Thompson or Andrew Demko...but thank you BOTH for producing such a high quality product that is functional and also aesthetically pleasing.

Rolando Garcia, III
www.badfactory.net
 
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Wow! 4 Ranges ,I was beginning think that I was just about the only guy on this forum who thinks CS makes some very cool knives. I have the large Espada and I think it's an excellent knife and an absolutely devastating SD folder. The only reason I don't have the XL Espada is price. I hope to rectify that situation around Christmas.

Although the knee jerk slamboys will never deter me from buying CS products I think it's unfortnate that so many people, who have no experience with CS, will deprive themselves of very good, generally affordable products ,thanks to the ravings of a bunch of know nothings.
 
Larry, I buy knives that I like from all kinds of companies. If it's a good knife, I'm buying it. :)

I've been very impressed with CS's recent products, particularly the work of Mr. Demko. His folders are really off the charts, and their overall performance is very impressive. How the Large Espada took the kind of abuse it did on the youtube video is beyond me.

BTW: the XL also dwarfs the Large Espada. If you think the large is "large"...it's puny compared to the XL.
 
I have owned the Med and Large. I still have the Large. They are amazing knives. I'd say CS hit paydirt on these. I hope to have a XL sometime.
 
I'll post pictures in a bit, but this is how BIG the XL is: I can grab the handle comfortable with TWO HANDS. Yep, like a SWORD.

It really allows for some nice Navaja flows I've been working on. Good stuff for practice.

After carrying the XL a bit, it really puts the Large Espada in perspective. I used the think the Large was MASSIVE - now it's just. Good SD knife, good utility knife.
 
I also buy from any company that has a product that appeals to me. And 4 Ranges you're right, I just saw the XL Espada in a knife store today and it does indeed dwarve the Large Model.

Like I said before ,the only thing that's stopping me from buying is price. If I'm lucky I'll get some money for Christmas.
 
I am familiar the Large Espada and the Medium Espada they are great. I think the Medium Espada is an overlooked quality beauty.


People often fail to realize that these knives are Navajas, Navajas made with modern materials and modern locking technology, but Navajas nonetheless and as such they are supposed to be very large. That is their design.

The larger Espadas are the only mass produced, modernized, upgraded Navajas that I know of.

By the way I read that a lot of the original Navajas of Spain even dwarfs the Extra Large Espada as they were huge. They were intended to be concealable substitutes for hard to hide swords.
 
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Greater, love your post, and that's exactly why I got them.

When I was younger and started studying Navaja methodology, it was hard to find a true QUALITY Navaja that could actually do what a knife...is supposed to do. Medium chores, while designed for SD.

Most of the navajas I saw were laguioles or joker knives, but I didn't like the construction or steel choice.

I wasn't necessarily looking for an antique navaja either because I wasn't crazy about the ratchet locking system either.

I firmly believe that the CS/Demko design IMPROVES on the Navaja design and construction. The tri-ad lock has been proven to be a true workhorse, the blade is super sharp and tough, and the "wave" function simply takes the design out of old Spain and into the 21st century.

What I would really like is if they did a LIMITED run on different handles, like ironwood, ivory, or mammoth. It'll make the knives more classic.
 
If you're happy with it, then I'm happy. I'd never own a folder that big.

To Larry: Many folks can like CS products but not like Lynn Thompson. Many folks don't like Lynn for his marketing strategy. Likewise, many folks are probably turned off by CS products because of Lynn Thompson.

Larry Turko said:
Although the knee jerk slamboys will never deter me from buying CS products I think it's unfortnate that so many people, who have no experience with CS , will deprive themselves of very good, generally affordable products ,thanks to the ravings of a bunch of know nothings.
Click to expand...

I'm willing to bet that the majority of people who criticize CS on this site have owned a few CS products in their lifetime. By and large, this tends to be a rather mature bunch of folks who have bought, sold, and used a variety of makes and manufacturers over the years.

Btw, I have owned two CS products in my lifetime. A Bushman (fixed) and a Recon 1. The Bushman isnt bad for $20 but I thought other knives were better in value then the Recon 1 for the same $ (spy endura for example).
 
Larry Turko said:
Although the knee jerk slamboys will never deter me from buying CS products I think it's unfortnate that so many people, who have no experience with CS, will deprive themselves of very good, generally affordable products ,thanks to the ravings of a bunch of know nothings.
Click to expand...

This is the General Knife Discussion. Please discuss the knives, not the other members. Constantly complaining about other people's opinions only distracts from the topic, and may even stir up the behavior you're opposing.
 
If you like the Espada serie, take a look at the Rajah serie !
It could be great if CS make an espada more "cheap" like the rajah 2.
 
Well its indeed perfect idea. If Coldsteel would make more workhorse Grivory handle version of XL Espada I´d have to buy one them too.

Pc080011.jpg
 
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I have a Large Espada, and currently it is my edc. As such, the only complaint I have with them is all of the shiny metal, which is never that way after purchase. To remedy this, I disassembled the knife and using some fine Scotchbrite, slightly roughed up all the exterior metal pieces. Made them look like a satin finish instead of chrome. Much more enjoyable this way.

Anyhow, the aluminum used on the frame parts scratches way too easily. So a roughed up look holds its appearance better than the shine.

I too would love to see a version of this knife with different handle material, such as the above mentioned Grivory. This would be much more suiatable for edc than the fancy stuff.

For those who have not taken one apart yet, when you remove each scale, put the screws back in loosely to keep the backlock from coming apart. Remove one scale, put screws back in. Do the same with the other. This way you can roughen up the metal pieces without doing any damage to the composite parts.
 
If anybody is interested, Tactical edged knives in mukilteo, wa. has all three priced to move. I dont think you will be able to find them at these prices any where.
 
In this photo:

- At the bottom is my Randall 1-7, 7 inch blade.

- The CG Fusion Battle Mistress. Nuff said.

- The CS XL Espada. Yep...you get the picture.

The best part is that it's not a "joke" knife. It's a truly functional piece.
 

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EDC is a CS Spartan and that is a working mans friend right there, I am looking for an Espada too, just not the XL, that's a little too much of a good thing for me personally. However, I can attest that I hated Cold Steel products and deemed them junk until I owned this knife, its a tank, its really pick and choose with them. I would never buy their Strider knock-offs or a plastic baseball bat, I hate the fact that Lynn Thompson wastes good sides of protein to demonstrate his products but those are all my hang-ups though.
The simple truth is I would buy and recommend the CS Spartans, Espada's and Recons without hesitation as great knives.

Thanks.
 
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