Some New Folders...

[johnnywizzo]

I've been on a bit of a buying spree lately; I just received a CS XL Espada G-10, an XL Voyager serrated Tanto, and a serrated Black Talon ll. Of the three, the Black Talon is my favorite already. The scales are quite grippy and feel good, the clip is very useable, the blade perfectly centered, and the lock is easy to operate. Oh yes, the steel is CTS-XHP, which I was lucky to find.

The Tanto is a nice knife, but I've never been a big fan of the blade shape. This one, however, appeals to me with the serrations. Again, the lock is smooth with a properly centered blade. But the clip is an abomination, almost impossible to use due to stiffness. Just like my other Vaquero.

I've always wanted an Espada and finally took the plunge. I'd probably like it much better if I could close it. Many of my knives have the Tri-Ad lock mechanism, and I know that they can be stiff and require break-in. But several of them came smooth right out of the box. The Espada has to be closed on the edge of a table. In my opinion, there is no excuse for this knife getting past QC at the factory. I'll probably send it back for an exchange or send it to CS for adjustment. At least it has a proper clip and a centered blade. And oh yes, she is a beast of a knife!

 

[Cold Steel Knives]

I've been on a bit of a buying spree lately; I just received a CS XL Espada G-10, an XL Voyager serrated Tanto, and a serrated Black Talon ll. Of the three, the Black Talon is my favorite already. The scales are quite grippy and feel good, the clip is very useable, the blade perfectly centered, and the lock is easy to operate. Oh yes, the steel is CTS-XHP, which I was lucky to find.

The Tanto is a nice knife, but I've never been a big fan of the blade shape. This one, however, appeals to me with the serrations. Again, the lock is smooth with a properly centered blade. But the clip is an abomination, almost impossible to use due to stiffness. Just like my other Vaquero.

I've always wanted an Espada and finally took the plunge. I'd probably like it much better if I could close it. Many of my knives have the Tri-Ad lock mechanism, and I know that they can be stiff and require break-in. But several of them came smooth right out of the box. The Espada has to be closed on the edge of a table. In my opinion, there is no excuse for this knife getting past QC at the factory. I'll probably send it back for an exchange or send it to CS for adjustment. At least it has a proper clip and a centered blade. And oh yes, she is a beast of a knife!

Please do! That's not right. They are stiff but you shouldn't have to use a table.

 

[johnnywizzo]

I gave the XL Espada a few days with the blade open 90 degrees. It helped a bit, but I decided to return it for a replacement. It's too big and sharp to be having trouble with closing it.

Also, I ordered a large Espada in CTS-XHP while there are still a few available (I dragged my feet on the CS Christmas sale and lost out on that one). Live and learn.