G-10 Large Espada, 5 1/2"

I am an old guy and I have been carrying a pocket knife since I was 5 years old (a Texas "thang") and the Espada large never fails to bring a grin to my face and though I paid slightly over $100, it is more than worth it. I just got it as a moving-back-to-TX present (legal to carry in the state). I had always thought Cold Steel knives were a bit pricey for "plastic" handles (sort of influenced by a Zytel handled Black Jack Folding Mamba from decades back) but I read a lot of reviews and watched a number of videos and now I can say the positive points for the G10 were true. It is a large pocket knife but it will practically disappear in the right pants or shorts. While it is large over all it is thin enough that it clips in front pockets of a pair of Dockers ( 34 waist, not "size tent") with just the the tip end of the knife showing, no printing and room for other items. Useful hint, start the clip into the edge of the pocket nearest the zipper and then slid it around the edge of the pocket to come near the seam on the outer pant leg. The pocket clip is tenacious (well you wouldn't want to lose it out of a pocket) and trying to slip it in the lower pocket edge first is like trying to push the pant leg off. Works similar in jeans but check the pocket depth first, some back pockets are too shallow to allow the clip to catch. As to fit and finish it is very well built, robust construction without the weight, good handle texture, no flex in the handle or blade, no blade wobble, and it feels good in the hand. The handle shape provides multiple grip positions while functioning to keep the hand, even when wet from sliding onto that blade. For a large knife it feels very well balanced and graceful not bulky. As to function, I have a number of knives (expensive to cheap) that came shaving sharp, sort of the new standard, this one came "a very close shave sharp" seeming just a touch sharper. With the up swept curve of the blade it gives it a long cutting edge that seems to slice with ease. For the lockup, it is firm to say the least and the release takes a bit of effort which is fine, not an item to carelessly close with fingers in the way of the blade. Lastly, the Demko thumb disk works well for my hands (size XXL) and the fanning technique will work out of either front or back pockets with a little practice. The only negative, I have used the butt end of my Kershaw Oblivion as an impromptu ice pick, somehow I don't think I will do that with the G10 but then again I probably won't need an impromptu ice pick in TX.

great knife bigger than expected but feels great in the hand and decently sharp

The classic Espada.i love this knife i have the XL version. As well. Even though this is still ridiculously large but manageable. All Cold Steel fans know about the sizes of some of there knives, but still great quality and usable. This knife been around forever so it isn’t a whole lot to say great fit & finish surgical sharp out he box i love clip point Bowie style blades, and Cold Steel ergos are second to none one. Nice slim handle profile for the size, good texturing G10, and the famous tri-ad lock bank vault tight. I had to jump o n this, because at the time i bought it there were a crazy low price of $60. NO Brainer.

You either like it or don't like it because its big. I also have the Kershaw Strata XL, about the same length. I like the Espada for the grippy deep cut handle. If one ever had to fight with it, it would be harder to be disarmed. Even if you have big hands there is a pointy "pommel" end that sticks out. It could be a leverage point for the capable opponent. Nice for camping replacement for a full size kitchen knife in a folder. AUS-A10 steel. The new factory edge is super sharp and they put a warning wrap-around card on it about the sharpness. It has an opener tab but the opens and closings are stiff. On the first many tries to perform a fast-open one-hand maneuver, after a few minutes I cut my thumb real good. AH! The Strata is slimmer, lighter and easy on the pocket and still be a big folder and easier on the open and close. The Espada in the folded position is 1/2" wider and 1-1/8" longer on the handle tip than the Strata. Blade length on the Espada is only 0.1" longer. The Espada is going to ride in the backpack or other. Strata XL still OK for my pocket.

This knife is an amazing everyday carry option for people who love big folding knives or just big knives in general. I love the espada XL but it can be a hassle to carry sometimes so when I saw this thing pop up for 70 bucks I knew this was an amazing deal and this was sold by amazon on prime day so it was sweet and fast. no blade play at all when open and barely any blade play when closed as well so this knife won't get too beat if you ever drop this thing. it is a thick knife and takes up a lot of pocket space so beware if you're a practical idc type of guy. the g10 handle feels great and came super sleek with an amazing cross grain styled pattern to the black g10. Lastly the tri-ad lock on this bad boy is one of the strongest folding knife lock mechanisms on the market especially for how Low the price was.