Well I used to think that the XL versions of the voyagers, Recon 1's etc. were just too big to ever carry around on a daily basis. After seeing a few videos on the Rajah 2, I am all the sudden fascinated with the big boys of the Cold Steel folders. My next CS will definitely be the R2, but I need some opinions by those who own and carry some of the others as to which other one to start looking at, since I may need to switch it up every now and then. I am considering the XL voyager tanto and the Spartan. I like the voyager for the ergos and awesome blade shape, the spartan for the wave and general badassery. So which ones do yall like best? Pics are welcome, especially for size comparison.
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Opinions needed: The Big Boys. XL's and other pocket swords..
- Thread starter oxman198
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XL Clip Point Recon 1 here, I have wanted a Raja for a while, they're killer knives. I definitely not a great "EDC" blade
I am sure the Recon 1 XL is a beast! I carry the 4" Recon 1 tanto just about every day. The only thing stopping me from grabbing the XL Recon is the fact that I can get the Rajah AND either the voyager or the Spartan for around $150. And you're right, the Rajah isnt something to open mail and cut apples with, but that isnt why we carry CS now is it
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Well, oxman; I have owned every knife you have mentioned in your OP. I'm selling my Rajah 2 right now... Anyway, I agree that the Voyager Tanto has a flair about it that the others just don't.
I had to trade it off a few years ago, but the blade profile and length really made it feel more lively and point-driven than something like the Rajah or Spartan. It was like a really sharp index finger. Don't make my mistake and let yours go. I might go hunt down another, come to think of it.
I did not care much for the Spartan because it felt like the blade was too stubby to match how robust and overbuilt the handle was. I don't miss it much. I would suggest an XL Espada... Just once for the experience.
I had to trade it off a few years ago, but the blade profile and length really made it feel more lively and point-driven than something like the Rajah or Spartan. It was like a really sharp index finger. Don't make my mistake and let yours go. I might go hunt down another, come to think of it.
I did not care much for the Spartan because it felt like the blade was too stubby to match how robust and overbuilt the handle was. I don't miss it much. I would suggest an XL Espada... Just once for the experience.
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Go with whichever CS design you think is the most attractive. When I first decided on buying an xl, I thought the tanto was the coolest blade, but now I'm all about the belly. The talwar and recon clip point are exceptional slicers, full flat with acute tips, they're like pocket kitchen knives.
Some old phone pics.
Some old phone pics.
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I am not gonna let an XL folder thread go by without plugging for my fave, the old Vaquero Grande. I prefer the old style handle with no clip, but if it broke tomorrow and I wanted another pocket sword I would go with the new Vaquero. The Hold Out III has worked out for me too, so the Hold Out I would also be a strong contender--with the added bonus that it would look right with a Scottish targe in my off hand. I prefer to wear carpenter pants or shorts, and the leg pocket is great for a large folder; it never gets in the way and is always available. With the right carry system a big folder is no problem, with the added bonus that you have to carry a smaller knife for dinky little tasks.
Well, most of the "XL's" are just 5 1/2" blades. Maybe the Hold Out is 6". As far as I know, only the Espada XL is really "XL" and the others are just "L." The reason I think this makes a difference is because at 5 1/2", the large folders are space efficient. They have a nice size handle and when folded the blade fits into considerably less space than a fixed blade. However, going beyond a 5 1/2" handle becomes somewhat absurd. Although it does give the blade additional reach, with the excessively long handle the knife starts to get very long when folded for only half as much gain in blade length versus length overall. At some point, you start to get more size efficient with a fixed blade because there just isn't much use for a handle longer than two hands can hold.
The Marauder is 14.125" overall for a 9" blade. The Espada XL is 16.75" overall but yields only a 7.5" blade. While the Espada folds into a 9.125" package that's smaller than the Marauder, it must be only slightly easier to carry and yet it would give up significant blade length and strength.
For me, the appearance in EDC is important because the law requires I carry openly. As you can imagine, this isn't an easy thing for a lot of people to be comfortable with. I'm still working this out. But I am starting to believe a large folder on the belt is less conspicuous than a medium-sized Bowie in a sheath. I carried a 5.5" fixed blade for a while and after being disappointed with the sheath, I've started to consider the folders. The polished Espada (Large) dresses up better than the G10 knives which look too "tactical" for open carry. The Espada could look too "bling" though. If you wanted to switch it up, I'd say get one of each. A blingy Espada (or the discontinued Rajah 1), and then a tactical G10 Espada, Talwar, Rajah, or Recon.
The Marauder is 14.125" overall for a 9" blade. The Espada XL is 16.75" overall but yields only a 7.5" blade. While the Espada folds into a 9.125" package that's smaller than the Marauder, it must be only slightly easier to carry and yet it would give up significant blade length and strength.
For me, the appearance in EDC is important because the law requires I carry openly. As you can imagine, this isn't an easy thing for a lot of people to be comfortable with. I'm still working this out. But I am starting to believe a large folder on the belt is less conspicuous than a medium-sized Bowie in a sheath. I carried a 5.5" fixed blade for a while and after being disappointed with the sheath, I've started to consider the folders. The polished Espada (Large) dresses up better than the G10 knives which look too "tactical" for open carry. The Espada could look too "bling" though. If you wanted to switch it up, I'd say get one of each. A blingy Espada (or the discontinued Rajah 1), and then a tactical G10 Espada, Talwar, Rajah, or Recon.
TIZWIN
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I've carried my Hold Out I, Recon 1 XL, (both CTS-XHP) and Talwar XL (AUS8) in the waistband of my Levi 501s at 11:00 (I'm a lefty) with no problems. I dig all of them. A new Talwar XL PE in CTS-XHP and coyote scales is inbound to me, arriving middle of next week.
Very good insight guys, thanks for the comments. I think the Espada XL may be a hair too "XL" for me, but dang StryCoShaw I want every folder in those pictures! I have to say I think its gonna be the Tanto Voyager after the Rajah 2, but that DLC espada is mighty badass now that I see it next to the other ones. Fullpower I know what you mean about selling the voyager, I have 3 4" voyagers that I have sold then 6 months later I buy another. Something about the tanto with the handle shape on the XL version just looks like that was the way the voyager is supposed to look. Seems that the Vaquero is pretty popular around here too.
I saw those Talwars on a certain website, I wasnt sure if they were legit or not. Gotta post a picture when you get it, I bet that coyote tan is going look sick on that blade.
powernoodle
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These giant knives are pretty pointless in my view, but they sure are fun.
These giant knives are pretty pointless in my view, but they sure are fun.
Umm... mine has a very sharp point, as a matter of fact.
I 've carried an Extra Large Voyager Vaquero Plain Edge for over a year and there's nothing about it that I don't like.
TIZWIN
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A huge, well-known, on-line store named for a very long river is where I found the XL Talwar in coyote brown G10, black steel parts, and CTS-XHP blade. The actual knife is sold through a "gear" company named for a color, in possessive form. Other than being a customer, I have no association with these vendors. I am being coy about these vendor's names so as not to violate any forum rules; perhaps that's unnecessary. I imagine other dealers will have this version of the mighty Talwar very soon. I just couldn't wait for those knife-specializing dealers to list it.
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Here's another XL collection pic to help you decide.
Ha I know exactly the river and the color. Hopefully when these colors become more readily available, they will stay that way long enough for me to grab one.
Here's another XL collection pic to help you decide.
Whelp this did it. Just ordered the Voyager XL tanto. I was going to wait until after the Rajah 2 but I guess the voyager will be a good one to see how I like carrying a big boy around. That Talwar is freakin mean looking too.
Thats my main reason for opting for it. Light, excellent ergos with a whole lotta blade. Now if we just get a thumb disk on there..