Cold Steel Espada AUS10A Steel Ultra-Sharp Blades Matte Black G-10 Handle Scales Tactical Pocket Folding Knife with Tri-Ad Lock

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.

The price was right. Extremely sharp, easy to conceal, 2 handed or 1 handed, opens automatically, the only knife of its kind. If you need to defend yourself, this is the knife to have. The knife is flat, easy to conceal such a big knife, I mean big. A true fighting knife.

Have had hundreds of knives from collecting,never have I ever had such a sharp knife!!! It’s so worth the money! It’s a must have knife! No Joke knife!

Well made knife . Very big and very sharp and .... probably very politically incorrect. Would probably violate most concealed weapons mandates.....if that's a concern. 😊

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.

It's got the triad lock and aus 10 steel. I love it so much that I haven't blemished the factory edge at all. Very nice conversation piece, but make sure it's legal for carry on your state

Re Espada Large G10 Black. It may appear comically large in images and in your hand. You may chuckle wtf the first time you open it. I find however that it is as comfortable and as unobtrusive to carry as my Cold Steel American Lawman and actually feels lighter and less bulky than my Cold Steel AD10. It's construction is the same as that of the American Lawman. The Cold Steel Triad lock is by far the strongest, most reliable lock ever made for folding knives. I'll go head to head with whatever Cold Steel folding knife is in my pocket against any locking folder ever made. They are stronger and may eventake more abuse than many fixed blade knives. AS SUCH THESE KNIVES MAY NOT BE UNLOCKED TO FOLD WITH CASUAL, LIGHT PRESSURE. If you are more concerned with ease of folding than the strength of the knife in the open locked position (you know, the only position in which it may be of any use at all), you should move along in your Spidey pajamas. I do advise paying close attention to keeping the lock area clean and free of debris at all times. YOU MAY BE UNABLE TO COMPLETELY OPEN ONE HANDED USING THE 'THUMB STUD'. This is because of the Espada's size and strong spring and also because you are the village idiot. The unique shape of the Not A Thumb Stud is specifically for opening the knife as you withdraw it from your pocket by snagging on the fabric. If used properly, with little practice it may be opened suddenly with one hand instead of opened sluggishly with two fumbling hands. The Espada L blade shape is extremely effective with a broad continuously curved edge suddenly terminated with flair to a precise tip. The blade points very naturally and is neutrally balanced in the hand. It arrived samurai sharp in aus10a steel which is easily sharpened with adequate edge holding ability in my experience. If you aren't afraid to carry an incredibly effective and authoratative big-boy folding knife, put down your sippy cup and buy this knife.