Pros: Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness
Cons: Weight
You Get It Once In-Hand
As a long time fan of Cold Steel due to Demko's technical contributions, I have a true appreciation for the simplicity of some of their designs, and rock-solid construction. Large knives - which are as subjective as anything else - are my daily grind. While I've recently snagged down from the Recon 1 series, I am no stranger to larger blades. But with years of pocket time on what most would consider irrational already, I'd long been hesitant about the Large Espada in G10. Now with Cold Steel well into the years of change, I figured it was time to grab one before I missed my chance again. So what do I think? Well, for starters, GSM has maintained the quality and fit that I would have expected from Lynn's ownership. There may be exceptions, but I was expecting the worst. Though some of the satin finishes have changed with GSM, the overall product remains sublime. Solid lock-up, equal centering, and flawless functional fit and finish. And it is silly sharp. Like, don't look at it the wrong way sharp. Now before I go into the next part, it's pretty darn hard (heh) to get into without innuendo, so let's get into it hard and fast. This thing gets you giddy when you first see it. It is a beautiful monster, and you just want to put in it your hand. It's big. It's going to be a little scary at first, but I promise you'll enjoy it when you do. For when you go hands-on, this thing just locks in and feels like a natural extension. Hammer grip, ice pick, it doesn't really matter. This long running design from AD and Lynn hit the ergos on the head, and the size, well, you really start to forget about it. But what about when you tuck it in your pants? Well, aside from a little sticking out the top, it just seems to disappear. The slender fish-like profile doesn't disturb the pocket, but I'm doubtful it'll be an every day thing. There is no way you're cutting a label of the lady's purchase in the checkout isle with this thing. Even if you don't plan on giving this knife a world of pocket time, you owe it to yourself to have this experience. To enjoy this experience. To hold it. To move with it. To embrace it's odd curves, and learn to love it. Resistance is futile. I can't say that you won't regret buying it, but you'll definitely regret missing out.
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