Really Don't Need the CS Talwar but...

R

RedLynx

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Aug 5, 2011
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It looks pretty cool. Looking for opinions on it, particularly from guys who, like me, may own similar knives already.

Problem is

a. It looks quite similar to the Voyager and I'd get it in a similar size to the Voyager I have
and
b. It's G10 which means the clip is likely quite grippy, one of the reasons I turn to the Voyager more often than, for example, the AK-47 although I like the latter a lot.

Just thought I'd see what owners have to say. Thanks guys.
 
I don't have one but I want one. Differences I'm aware of besides shape of blade and handle material, is that beautiful 4MM (not like 3.5mm on the Voyager and Recon series) thick SATIN blade.
 
I have a bunch of knives I don't need but I enjoy them nonetheless. Go for it and let's us know how you like it. I think it looks cool also.
 
I've got a couple of the now discontinued 4" Scimitars. For years I hoped that Cold Steel would bring out a 5" version of that knife but they never did. The XL Talwar ,although it has a different handle shape, strikes me as a 5.5" version of the Scimitar [so Cold Steel even went an extra .5" longer than I had hoped for in the past!]
If you like giant Persian blades the Talwar is an awesome knife that opens in a flash using the thumb stud. I've got the plain edge version but I have a hankering for the serrated one as well.
 
The Talwar is a nice knife, I had the XL. I wish I had the 4", if I did, I would probably still own it (I just don't carry the big ones so they get sold or traded). I cant speak to the G10 as the one I had was sanded down by the previous owner. One advantage I find over the Voyager series is the use of the thumb-plate vs. thumb-stud. Its a personal preference I know, but I like the larger plate instead of the smaller stud when trying to open a folder quickly, especially on the Triad-lock, which can be a bit stiff sometimes. Plus you get the added benefit of "waving" the knife open, if you like that sort of thing. Mine was very sharp and light for its size, but I will say the design is rather pocket filling due to the way the handle curves. If the blade was not quite as wide, and the handle didn't curve quite as much, it would be nearly the perfect folder for me. I will also add that i prefer the stone-wash finish of the Voyager to the satin on the Talwar. The Cold Steel satin is a fingerprint magnet for me.
 
I'm jealous of your scimitars, I missed them and wish they'd bring them back. The Talwar is nice but not quite the same, maybe the steel ball on the butt is what's missing.
 
Larry Turko said:
I've got a couple of the now discontinued 4" Scimitars. For years I hoped that Cold Steel would bring out a 5" version of that knife but they never did. The XL Talwar ,although it has a different handle shape, strikes me as a 5.5" version of the Scimitar [so Cold Steel even went an extra .5" longer than I had hoped for in the past!]
If you like giant Persian blades the Talwar is an awesome knife that opens in a flash using the thumb stud. I've got the plain edge version but I have a hankering for the serrated one as well.
Click to expand...

Thanks Larry, they always have reminded me of the Scimitars as well.
 
I handled the XL version head to head with the Recon 1 XL at a knife shop. (Knives Plus in Amarillo, TX) The Talwar was nice - big, just evil looking, but the Recon 1 XL just had the more ergonomic handle to me. If I had enough to get em both I would have.

Since when has not needing a knife stopped any of us?! I've had plenty I didn't need....

Check out the typeface they used for the word "Talwar" on the blade - it looks Klingon. Didn't know wether to laugh or think it was cool!
 
I noticed that too AntDog. The typeface is kinda cool but also kinda massive. I do think it looks aesthetically nice though.

You're right about not needing a knife though. ;) I am trying to curb myself a bit and lately I think I've done a pretty good job... this one is just harder to convince myself not to buy just because I don't NEED it... selling other knives helps though.
 
I have the Scimitar. Love sweeping lines of the blade to handle. I pined for a Talwar for to long then it was gone. Same sweeping lines.

The new Talwar just isn't pretty. That grip was fugly. Looks like a lazy use of the Voyager grips. Not happy.
 
jstrange said:
The Talwar is a nice knife, I had the XL. I wish I had the 4", if I did, I would probably still own it (I just don't carry the big ones so they get sold or traded). I cant speak to the G10 as the one I had was sanded down by the previous owner. One advantage I find over the Voyager series is the use of the thumb-plate vs. thumb-stud. Its a personal preference I know, but I like the larger plate instead of the smaller stud when trying to open a folder quickly, especially on the Triad-lock, which can be a bit stiff sometimes. Plus you get the added benefit of "waving" the knife open, if you like that sort of thing. Mine was very sharp and light for its size, but I will say the design is rather pocket filling due to the way the handle curves. If the blade was not quite as wide, and the handle didn't curve quite as much, it would be nearly the perfect folder for me. I will also add that i prefer the stone-wash finish of the Voyager to the satin on the Talwar. The Cold Steel satin is a fingerprint magnet for me.
Click to expand...

This about sums it up, IMO.

I will say the G10 is too grippy, if you intend on carrying it, you will probably want be like the previous owner jstrange mentioned, and sand it down.
 
crom said:
I don't have one but I want one. Differences I'm aware of besides shape of blade and handle material, is that beautiful 4MM (not like 3.5mm on the Voyager and Recon series) thick SATIN blade.
Click to expand...

I wasn't aware of that, thanks.
 
RedLynx said:
I noticed that too AntDog. The typeface is kinda cool but also kinda massive. I do think it looks aesthetically nice though.

You're right about not needing a knife though. ;) I am trying to curb myself a bit and lately I think I've done a pretty good job... this one is just harder to convince myself not to buy just because I don't NEED it... selling other knives helps though.
Click to expand...

Yes, the never ending internal debate. Should I concentrate on some hard core outdoor users, or buy more eye candy.
 
I have a bunch of Voyagers. I also have the 4 inch Talwar. They are totally different feeling knives. Totally!
I don't use the Talwar too much. I do not like the thumb plate. I like the control of a thumstud. My thumb slips off the plate sometimes during deployment. Maybe it' still a little stiff. I don't like my knives to open when I am taking it out of my pocket either. That's just me.
I like Persian style blades. I think the Talwar is a serious looker, has great ergos, and one of the best values in the Cold steel lineup. I paid $73 and it is still available at this price if you know where to go. The large is $102.
The Medium Espada is now available in stonewash. This may be my all-time, favorite Cold Steel knife.
 
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XL for the win.. Believe it or not, it fits just fine in all my pockets and carries just as well as any other folder (ZT 560, Military, 4" Recon 1)

IMG_20140905_152503.jpg
 
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