I carried my cold steel voyager tanto xl and my spartan throughout my time as a paramedic. Those knives never failed me or gave me any kind of buyers remorse!!!!!!
I carry an XL Voyager serrated-tanto. I use it to chip ice, as a chisel for wood work, cut rope, dig a water drainage trench, breakdown thick appliance boxes. The blade is heavy enough to swing open with a quick flick, the serration, and pistol grip provides firm grip, and guards against thrust-slips.
@@ramtrucks721 If you have a big knife, then you can put someone out of their misery. Sometimes people would prefer to die than to live as a paraplegic. Therefore, as a paramedic, it is your duty as a first responder to be able to kill someone if they want to die.
I have a 6" Ti-lite for my street clothes and a 5.5" Voyager Tanto for work. I consider cold steel XL knives to be ESSENTIAL to my life. My state is NOT gun friendly so I am already at a disadvantage in that regard. The Espada XL is a dream knife for sure. Thank you for making knives others are afraid to at a price i can afford.
I had an altercation about a year ago and I knew it was headed to violence. My XL Talwar came out my pocket open with a nasty clack. Homeboy ran away immediately.
lerch400block those DO “clack” open!! 😆 I love mine!! Probably my best defensive folder.... I also love my black talon 2... That makes even good friends piss themselves a tiny bit when deployed! 😂
I hate to admit, but as ludicrous as he makes it all seem, you have to give it to him. He has a valid point. They are made for getting sh*t done. No frills, no BS. Just serious work knives. Good man, great company. Keep up the fantastic work!
I showed my friend my Luzon large one day and he was so impressed. (He’s not really a “knife guy”)....he’s looking at it, holding it asking me different things about it..... so then I tell him “what if I told you I’m carrying another knife that can make that one look small in comparison” his answer was “that’s impossible” CLACK! OUT CAME THE ESPADA XL 😃 I think to this day his jaw is still dropped on the sidewalk down the street 🤣 his reaction when seeing the espada xl was perfect! I mean shit when I first took it out the box I almost cried because it was so beautiful lol
Lol dude that's so wholesome. My brother and dad love my Espada XL. Whenever knives come up, my dad will go grab it to show everyone. My brother also loves that it can be deployed by flicking down then back up
Thank you for presenting the benefits of a large blade. By educating the public on blade designs and their uses, you are enherently advocating knife rights for everybody. Thank you Lynn Thompson. As a side note. It would be wonderful to have you present how to sharpen each of your blade models.
When you " pop " open any large Cold Steel folder , your opponent will stand back for a second . I truly believe that most men fear being carved up alive , than being shot with a gun , PERIOD . I know on the occasions that I've had to deployed my knives , they've made my advisory take the " big step theory " to a new level . Your knives are ominous , the sword cane is great as well , and less than a hundred dollars . I got the " edge " and the " spike " and mount the " EDGE " on a chain rope necklace , and the " SPIKE " on a skull necklace people have no clue that I'm wearing them , until now . Your knives are like no other , THANK YOU , LYNN THOMPSON !!!!! AMEN !!!!!
If I saw someone whip out a coldsteel I'm running as fast as I can in the opposite direction. I honestly think the reason we fear blades more (than say a gun) is because it produces more of a primal fear response. Just like humans are programed to be scared of spiders and snakes.
I did that working at an airport years ago. I went to open a parts box, whipped out my 4" Tanto Voyager, a nearby passenger saw it. TSA said dude's eyes got bigger than dinner plates! I stopped carrying that one for work. Fortunately, CS came out with the Micro Recon about that time, and I got one of those to start carrying.
True story, a long time ago when my dad was a young man working in the mountains in Cuba, he would sometimes carry fruits and vegetables and other goods at night from the mountains to the city so he could sell them during the day. On one of those night treks 2 men riding bicycles came towards him and got down from them, and got into a fighting stance and told him to give them the bag. Luckily for my dad, he was carrying a 12 inch custom made camp knife that he was hiding by gripping it with the blade pointing towards his elbow, hiding it with his forearm. All he did was switch his grip to a saber grip and waved the knife in front of them in a fighting stance, without dropping the heavy sack he was carrying on his other shoulder. Without even saying a word, both men ran back to their bikes and peddled away as fast as possible. Big knives really are a great deterrent.
I LOVE ur big blades !!! Your company is the only one that makes the big long folders. I appreciate that very much. I have been carrying your knives for 30 yrs & Love em !!! I carry two of your knives every day w/me, broke the tip off the XL Tanto & still have the XL 6" Voyager that's been all over w/me. I plan to buy the 7.5" Espada in the next couple of weeks. Keep up the fantastic job....
Me too, but don’t dig the XL linerlocks, especially hate the small detentball and weak liner in the Luzon Large(already got cut cause it opened in pocket), well its my XL work knife now. Gonna stick to Tri-ad as it’s just perfect.
I dont go out to Intentionally Abuse my Knives or Tools..However, Cold Steel's Locks have proven to Me on a Few Occasions that they Hold when needed and the Blades hold a decent edge..I know my Rajah II,III and Spartan are not what Folks call Super Steels( I have had them for 10 plus years), a few times when asked I have opened up a Can of Stew or Soup with them..No Real Damage to speak of and a couple of minutes on a Diamond Rod or Crock Stick they are back to newspaper cutting sharpness..I have a lot of different Knives from a lot of Manufactures I carry for the Most Part what I choose to for the Day, a Whim ,or what I anticipate I might need my Knife for during my Waking Hours..I consider my Cold Steel Folders my "HARD USE KNIVES"..Some of Cold Steels Designs might seem a bit Outlandish, but what Lynn Thompson says is True that there is a Reason behind it..and I cant fault a Man for putting something out there that appears a bit over the top to get it to Sell..Thats the Point of bieng in business.
@@petecwalina8789 , I agree with you Pal ,but Lynn is straight up keeping it real when other companies be faking the funk ,Lynn let's it be know that, yes it a knife and it can do knife stuff well but the truth is it's also a weapon even if you hope to never need it for that reason it's a life saving tool and he not afraid to say it. Other companies don't want to be real about that so they say it's tactical or tactically designed, and Lynn tells you it's a knife to cut stuff and if needed can save your life and that factor should be added in as well.
Lynn the CEO of Cold Steel and his team are today what Jim Bowie and his brother was in their day with knife designs. Cold Steel is the knife trail blazers.
This man is passionate about his knives and obviously tired of the comments that his knives are too big and are more of a gimmick. I agree with him. Bigger is better. Thank you for making your big folder knives.
I've learned to really appreciate your knives Lynn...Everything from clearing trails, skinning white tails, to self defense....I really could careless of what people think of me carrying a Cold Steel...I use them when it's time to get serious work done...I have alot of the hipster 1,000$ knives that are awesome for Instagram, but I always go back to my CS when it's time to do real work. No bullshit here.
Hell yeah. I agree. I just don't care what idiots who likely don't carry a real knife anyway have to say. Keyboard warriors who likely don't have a job either.
I laughed at the very notion of spending more money on their knives for less blade size. I can understand if one is buying custom for unique design, craftsmanship, and materials - those justifies the price. Company manufactured blades ought to offer more for the money - Cold Steel consistently delivers on this basic premise.
@Stacy Robbins i own two folding knives under 3 inches both are cold steel tuff lites one a mini and the other just a regular tuff lite they make surprisingly good close quarters self defense knives the mini can't be seen when your thumb is on the spine of the blade. It can cut a phone book in half with two passes you can wear it inder your shirt on your belt loop if you want. The regurlar size one WELL i hope you get the picture lol. If your life is on the line and someone tries to wrestle you to the ground the tuff lite will not be seen and it cuts like a razor or light saber!!! Lol.
I own close to 28 Cold Steel, 8 Spyderco, 4 First Edge and 4 Tops knives. Out of all my knives I always have a CS knife on me. My CS knives never let me down unlike Spyderco and First Edge. My large Espada will always be with me on Hiking, Camping and fishing trips, my recon 1 and AK-47 are my work knives, My TL and Mini TL are my EDC knives, my Frenzy 3 is also my EDC normally worn IWB. Straight to the point I love my Cold Steel Knives and Trust them with my life and my Family's Life. Thank you Mr. Thompson and the Cold Steel crew.
I always thought a folding sword would be a great invention, but I guess this crazy man had the same idea with the Espada. With both hands on that thing, you could actually torque-slash through their spine, at the mid-section, effectively cutting them in two, with just some back flesh connecting the two halves. This guy gets it.
I love your blades. If people don't like big blades I'm sure they are aware that you make blades for people who like small blades but there's a lot of us who like large blades keep up the great work
Real life scenario about a week or two ago NRA instructor: Hey Nathan, you got a knife I can use really quick Me: slides Rajah II out of pocket NRA Instructor: *speechless*
Real live scenario: 3 years back me and some friends sat outside in the garden of a restsurant, when another friend just came back from Italy. He had a full block of original Provolone, and offered it to us. While the owner of the restsurant went for bread, everybody was asking for a knife. Two Swiss Army knifes, that I like a lot, were used to scrape around the block of cheese, when I slid my old Vaquero Grande out of the pocket. Lots of "uuuuh's" and "aaaaah's", and the cheese was eaten. Now I am the man that is carrying "this gigant cheese cutter" every time somebody needs a knife.
Cold Steel won me over ages ago with their 4"+ folders, while other companies were afraid to meet or breach the 4" limit - and these companies also charged ludicrous prices for less blade! I still carry my 6" serrated clip Voyager to this day.
great video, exceptional quality knives i personally carry the rajah 2, the large luzon, and my favorite the xl espada everyday. Even at its massive size its invisible in my pocket , and can be called up in a split second... it has saved me being mugged/attacked twice both times just the sheer sight of it changed the assailants mind ....keep these awesome knives coming !
Our guys are big fans of the cold steel XL series. We grapple, spar, and teach with edged weapon trainers all the time and a folding knife that has the reach of a large fixed blade had proven to give one hell of an advantage. Love the thought behind the designs Lynn
Your videos are awesome I’ve enjoyed them for years.I was attacked by multiple assailants. I was able to withdraw my Cold steel neck knife. I showed some mercy and they ran away.. ( i have waited for years to possibly see the video on television because it occurred in the middle of a popular fast food restaurant . The police let me see the video and I swear to God a real fights just like a Jackie Chan movie against multiple attackers )i’ve always wanted to meet you and make a documentary about you. You’ve got charisma my friend.
I love all my cold steel blades, edc big blades all the time! I love my serrated talwar, voyagers, 4max and my colossus. Im sad they discontinued the talwar and colossus, those 2 blade are amazing and are highly useful
Agreed! Spartan is my edc, then serrated talwar or 50/50 edge large voyager tanto for dress pants. XL tanto voyager and large luzon for when I'm in unfriendly territory, Rajah 2 is next on the list! Always a Cold Steel, always a 4"+ blade!
I carry a Vaquero Grande as my EDC and have for 25 years. I can't tell you how many knife collectors get wide eyed when they see mine. You know how many people have become Cold Steel fans because of that blade? Many. Many that before never heard of Cold Steel. Cold Steel talks and sells itself.
As a soldier I agree with this man. But in my country we don't have access to such companies products. We carry 12 inch fixed knives locally made by local high carbon steels. Large knives are tremendously practical.
I got my Luzon today. Cold steel folders exude the thinking of aficionados seeking a perfectly devastating weapon down to every detail, with very high quality control, legal to carry in many restrictive places and at whatever price point someone can afford, truly adhering to the "good, better, best" spectrum. Having lived in California for a time, I feel the influence as I view the product line. It is a peerless commitment to excellence. Mr Thompson, I do appreciate it.
I've always loved the big knives. I get more use out of them, and in certain social encounters they have a huge intimidation factor. Keep on making them!!!!
I got an XL Espada last week and I started giggling like a little girl and said "WHAT THE F**K" out loud when I pulled it out of the packaging. That's the point!
I like the "What the F**K" that comes from the people asking for a knife when I pull out my XL Recon 1 from my pocket. Then I pull out my XL Espada, open and ready for business from the other pocket and tell them, no, this is "WHAT THE F**K!"
I love Lynn's passion and intensity. This was an awesome video and I couldn't agree more. I'm a tanto guy and I love my Kobun, GI and Recon. I'm definitely in the market for a good fold and the Rasha 2 is calling my name haha!
Brother I am so glad that you all make such beautifully made fully functional large folders!! I own the Rajah 2 Midnight limited edition. I carry it each and everyday. Even when i go on long camping trips I still have my Rajah 2 right there with me as a back up. I have gone as far as baton’d 4” diameter logs for firewood with my Rajah 2. You all please keep doing what your doing. Dont let the haters get to you my friend. I will be purchasing your Espada xl within the next 2 months. Thank you guys for what you all do. I have been using Cold Steel products since i became a cop in 2002. Been rocking the cold steel line ever since.
Our ancestors would laugh at us for the little wanna be knifes we carry. A big knife is always a better choice. And a lot more effective in a self defense situation than a small knife. All of Mr. Thompson points are excellent points.
@@racerx1508 I agree 100% Racer X these so called laws only effects law bidding citizens who try to live by the rules criminals don't so i'll risk my chances going to prison and being alive then 6ft under never to see my family ever again. So like you i'll carry what the HELL i want peace brother.
Wow I can't believe people would question this! One of my favorite knives is my voyager XL tanto, but i also love that mini tuff lite!! Cold steel makes great tools in all shapes and sizes.
I bought mt first this weekend. I bought the voyager XL tanto, unfortunately its illegal where i live so i had to take the L version which was cheaper so i asked if i could get the rest of my money back. He said ill give you the kudu and the kudu light free of charge which outweighs the original purchase price. Got them in today fantastic knives.
All the greats taught this about blades. I’ve heard so many people talk about this guy but he is speaking truth. I’ve unfortunately had to defend myself with a knife when I couldn’t get to my sidearm. It was a cold steel Bowie and the guys eyes lit up when he saw I and and backed off. I was fortunate to have it with me.
I carried a rajah 2 for a few years then switched to the espada xl and have carried every day for 6 years. I've worn out a few pairs of pants in the pocket from the knife rubbing. i love my huge knife. I cut my thumb in half with my rajah 2 lol. its very impressive seeing a 7 inch blade flip open on the draw. especially when someone asks if you have a knife to cut something small.
Thanks for having the balls to make the big folding knives. Been carrying the xl voyager sence you have made them . Your xl tanto is the best work knife ever made.
Great video and good for you Lynn. Too many people are naive about end use of knives. I would love more videos like this of your philosophy and explanations behind serrated vs plain edge as well as different blade shapes and grinds and how once can choose them for their intended use.
Yeah i hope he brings that folding kris to production!!!...i can hear those titanium dainty 3 inch flipper guys saying i cant sharpen it..Well the ancient peopke who carried them had no problem!
@@thechristiansamurai8459 There's so many good ways to sharpen a blade nowadays. There are no excuses for avoiding certain blade shapes. For a Kris blade, I'd use diamond/ceramic rods for hand sharpening for touch ups, and a 1" belt sander/sharpener for more removal/correction.
I got my first cold steel 2 years ago and its been amazing ever since It was the voyager XL tanto and now that you mention that bullet proof vest story im even more happy I bought it
Дядя Лин Томпсон говорит чистую правду! Большой нож это нож! Я имею полностью такое же мнение. Большой нож может тоже, что и маленький, но еще в два раза лучше и два раза больше возможностей)
I like Cold Steel knives period. Their 4" bladed knives are what I EDC outside my home. Anything Cold Steel knife of mine under 4" is either in the kitchen or the tool box. But I do own a Counter Point XL, Voyager XL Tanto Point and Voyager XL Drop Point, as well as their 4 inch "little brothers" and others. Great knives all the way around!
Sorry to see Cold Steel sold. I only found out about this brand and Lynn’s philosophy lately, really sorry to be late to this party. This man is a realist. Hope he continues to guide CS in the years to come.
Thank you Lynn for telling it like it is. I love Cold Steel knives and have carried them exclusively for years. Can't wait to purchase a TRAIL MASTER!!!
My everyday carry is a Rajah 2, Would love to get a Espada XL and would definitely mix it in with my edc but a little out of my price range... Also have the vaquero love cold steel brand...You sir have a loyal customer...
XL Voyager Vaquero serrated, left pocket. XL Counterpoint serrated in the right. Well armed in a NO gun carry country, to keep my wife and me safe. Been safe for 35 years now, thanks to CS, and Thank you Lynn!!
I love big knives and could never discount the value of a large knife vs a small one, there's just too much fight stopping potential even just seeing a big knife, just like the deterance factor of a gun. My dad had went on a trip out of town and was confronted by a mugger with a knife, so what does he do? Flips out his 5 inch stilletto switchblade and made himself appear a less ideal victim, the guy ran. However though, while I'll always carry a big knife for defense or emergency, I'll always also carry at least one smaller knife for two reasons; discreteness and overall practicallity. Discrete because you may not want people to know you're carrying a big knife, like a gun, until an altercation quickly comes up. Exposing that you're armed, outside your own terms, is dangerous. You could be singled out first, they could go for the weapon themselves if they know of it. It may not print as easily as a gun sometimes depending on how you carry, but people can spot it. Practicallity because while yes, a big knife can handle much the same tasks as a small one, I don't find it universally true. Sometimes you need to get to a confined space where a big knife just gets in the way, you may risk cutting yourself or others with excessive length of blade. Sometimes it just pays to have that small palm sized blade for the edge control and manuverability, or sometimes you want a thinner blade, or the blade shape of your larger knife isn't quite appropriate for the task.
Sure miss you Lynn. Sure wish you and Andy Demko still had total control of Cold Steel. Miss the proof Dvds, and the Special Projects Catalog with your comments and feedback on the world of knives. Yeah I know you gotta do what you gotta do, but know that we miss you and appreciate your contributions to the knife world.
Owned a rajah 2, a few Spartans, a few push daggers, vintage tanto voyager xl, don't have any of them now unfortunately. I think my next one will be a Vintage Vaquero XL serrated. Thank you for your truly unique products!!!!
You have to love this guy... A large part of not carrying a big blade is not because of a person being to PC, it's more about not going to jail when you run into the police while your in a State with stupid knife laws...
Watch midwayusa for their Cold Steel sales you can pick up some really good deals if you are patient and watch the prices for a couple months and email deals. Oh and they always ship CS free.
Bit late to the party but this just popped up in my feed and maybe the guys at CS see this. Love my Cold Steel blades and I love my XL folders I have the Luzon (6inch and 4inch) the Rajah 2 and the Lynn Thompson Ti-lite that are always in my EDC on rotation. My work horse is my Crawford model 1 and it's taken a daily beating for the last year and is still going strong. For camping and bushcraft I always fall back on my SRK (SK5) and Bushman Bowie and they've never let me down, no matter how hard it use them. Thatlnks for the great knives guys!
I carry a large knife every day for the reason you just said. A large knife can do much more. I'm uncomfortable carrying anything under three inches. What's the point. I luv what you do. Thanks Lynn. Maybe they just don't belong carrying a Cold Steel knife. Cold Steel for life.
Your 5.5" Recon1 Folder saved my life. I was up against a rogue older pit bull. Nonetheless, I was on a cane taking photos on a desolate country road. He charged, and along with my combat training with my beloved Cold Steel 5.5" Recon1 Folder, I ended the fight. I was 60 with a TBI from a 30' fall leaving me with vertigo. I have an extensive knife collection. Anything less than 5" is for cleaning your fingernails. Keep up your philosophy. I own countless CS knives and look forward to many more.
I carry your blades in my concealment vest, the Rajah 2- 6 inch is my personal favorite. I also carry the 5.5 inch Voyager. Actually ordered it by mistake after giving my fireman nephew a 4 in Voyager serrated, which he Carrie's every day on duty, ropes and hose no problem. Best concealment blades going in my opinion for reasonable money. Absolutely the best large folder on the market it can save your life.
Thanks Lynn, I love my Cold Steel xl folders, miss the Recon 1 xl..got the tanto xl came back for the clip point and it was gone. Love to see it made again..COLD STEEL BIG FOLDERS 👍
I love everything he says in this , and I agree with all of it. I personally carry a very small knife for primary defense (canku 1104) but I don't train to knife fight with it , I train for when I've really fucked up and I'm on the ground or in really close quarters will it, I also carry a slim 3.5 inch folder. It comes down to practice for what's likely, train what you practice, carry for how you train. And what feels comfortable to carry
I like big knives. Cold Steel has never failed me in any way. From the Recon 1s to the SRK and even Recon xl. If I know I have to trust my knife 100% that day ,I get a Cold Steel
