Click to view our Accessibility Statement or contact us with accessibility-related questions
agordinier
4
Oct 10, 2016
I own two of these. One is the original version that was all shiny and more a show than carry knife, slightly different lines on the blade and a ball pommel. The other is the current incarnation, plain edged with a black handle. I agree with a lot of the discussion about the practicality of this knife as an EDC for anything other than combat or self defense. However, every cold steel knife I own has stood up to the test of time and every use I have thrown at it. Their folders have an excellent locking mechanism and have never failed me, either with ease of opening or staying locked. I have minimal martial arts training and am not an experienced fighter, but I had to pull this knife on a mugger several months back. I got the drop on him and had my knife out first, all because of the plate that catches on your pocket opening the blade as you pull it out. That snapping sound of the lock was like music to me. The mugger backed off and it was over. Questions of price, fear factor, and how practical it is as an EDC are all reasonable. But, I prefer this knife over all others in my collection (even though it is not legal to carry in Chicago). Take my opinion with a grain of salt, because I know I am biased from my encounter. But, see the reliability and dependability in this knife. It WILL work when you need it to, no doubts, no questions.
search
NoOneSpecial
1
Oct 14, 2016
agordinierThe pocket opener is a poor imitation of the emerson wave and a 5yr warranty on a +$100 blade that is supposedely one of the toughest out there is a joke. Not to mention this is obviously a combat blade not an EDC.
agordinier
4
Oct 16, 2016
NoOneSpecialLike I said, a grain of salt, I have a bias on this knife. As for not being an EDC, I don't even approach the argument. Every one covered it better above. I'll take a look at Emerson, always willing to expand my horizons... but not give up my Talwar :)
A community member
Oct 23, 2016
NoOneSpecialI've used the Talwar and it's a very solid knife. I'm curious as to what you consider an "EDC" blade because everyday carry can vary greatly for anyone. The thumb plate/pocket catch works just as well as any Emerson I've used; besides the functionality of a thumb ramp, I actually prefer the flush form factor. If you've ever handled any of the all G10 Cold Steels, you'd understand how tough these lock backs are. The only joke here is conformity.
I rotate my Cold Steels alongside my Kershaws, Spydercos, SOG, CRKT, and Bucks; call me bias all you want.
NoOneSpecial
1
Oct 23, 2016
agordinierEDC for me is a $100- $120 3-3.5" under 5oz weight, dependable, non flashy blade. Something for use not for show. Preferably serated. My favorite is a spyderco native but I've also rocked a griptillian. Not something to bash in a skull or chop wood with, I keep that one in my trunk ;) Over a foot long full length and over 8oz is not feasible for an edc.
agordinier
4
Oct 23, 2016
NoOneSpecialTo me an EDC is more mulit-tool than fighter. "NoOneSpecial" has a very good point about price point (and you should listen to him more than me). An EDC fighting knife should be essentially replaceable without giving up the qualities that YOU need it for, and are comfortable with. It is too easy to get into a situation, come out unharmed, and without pulling your knife... And still lose it when/if the police get involved. As a side note... a few years back some gang banger pulled a machete on an EL platform and attacked a couple of teens he though were in a rival gang. People got hurt, but as I recall every one lived. It proves size isn't everything, and that not every threat should be met head on.
slotted
6
Jan 10, 2017
agordinierGood on you mate, they have a stellar reputation and work perfectly as an edc, some people are way too fussy about carrying folding knives, when the shtf and you need it one day, every mm counts. Glad you like you C/S, they are very good value for money.
Deathproofbum01
51
Mar 24, 2017
agordinierInteresting story, I would imagine from what I hear about Chicago, you would need some form of protection. I'm from the UK and live in a bad area myself and even to own such knifes never mind carry one, even if just stored in a cupboard at home, would be breaking the so-called law. I understand that owning guns in Chicago is not permitted, but didn't extend to knifes. I don't know whether you would agree but these law's are draconian, and proved not to work because Chicago has the worst murder rate in the US in spite of such regulations, at least at my end guns are not readily available so at least a potential mugger will not be carrying one, however, it's unfortunately potentially worse for you over there. I went of the topic a bit, however, not having the ability to legally carry a knife for self defence has not stopped me as you carrying one, I personally have been attacked several times, but fortunately could handle the situation's without protection, but having come away with to many scars for comfort. After getting into a life theartening vehicle collision which has left me semi - paralysed, and can't handle myself in the same way, legal or not I'm carrying protection and think about the consequences later. I'm happy you were in the position to protect yourself, and gladly read your situation with a smile on my face as the mugger met his match, seen his backside and fled. We all should have the inane human right to defend ourselves, especially because cowardly villains don't read the rule books, and as far as carrying a knife, neither should we.
agordinier
4
Apr 11, 2017
Deathproofbum01What was that bit in "Highlander"? "How do you fight such a monster?" "With faith, and steel!"
Views on the laws aside, I have made the choice not to carry a handgun. Here in Chicago there is currently a conceal and carry law. You take a class, pay for a license, and can carry a gun ALMOST anywhere. I'm better with a gun than I will ever be with a knife (actually not the typical "Yank") , but I've made the ethical choice not to add to the stupidity of my city or country. Like you, I do not feel that I should be without means to defend myself though. I work nights and take public transportation at dangerous times, my ethical choice may get me killed some day, we shall see. In the mean time, I trust my life to my Talwar. I would be a fool to think it was perfect for every one, in every situation. But, Cold Steel has my trust. Best of luck to you, and safe travels.
Deathproofbum01
51
Apr 16, 2017
agordinierYou to, Bro.