Pictures can be deceiving. The Rajah II from Cold Steel is an absolute monster of a knife.
Like many of you, I am something of an edged-weapon junkie. Especially when I was a young man with no responsibilities ( some would also say sense) and an E-7 paycheck, I had a tendency to buy anything that looked cool. Well, today I am bringing you a review of the knife that taught me to always check the dimensions before you press order.
Folded up.
The Cold Steel Rajah II looks great in pictures, sharing a kopis blade shape, not unlike the Cold Steel Spartan I wrote about in Ep. 2. It is kind of unique, and Cold Steel has an excellent reputation, so order I did. And the look on my face when I pulled it out of the wrapper must’ve been priceless.
The Rajah II is exactly like it looks in the pictures, as a far a shape. But what is missing from the pictures is any frame of reference with respect to size. Because this knife is absolutely HUGE for a folder.
With 5.56 round for reference.
With a 6-inch blade and an 8-inch handle, the Rajah II is the largest folder I have seen outside of novelty grade knives. At 14 inches overall, it surpasses many of the fixed blades I recommend in size. The Spartan is what I would consider a very large sized folder. The Rajah II makes it look like a baby.
A large thumb stud to help you deploy the blade.
I did consider sending the Rajah II back but decided to take the loss since it was my fault for not checking. And I am actually glad I did. Because while the Rajah might look ridiculous, it actually does turn out to be a useful tool particularly when you have a big job to do.
It is very surprising how well the Rajah II carries in a pocket. That sounds like nonsense, but given its relatively thin handle profile, it actually does. If you front pocket carry, it doesn’t feel much different from any other large size folder. Cold Steel included the Demko thumb plate, which can be used for the pocket snag opening.
Triad Lock is very robust.
The Rajah II features the patented Cold Steel Triad lock, a redesigned take on the traditional lock back we know and love. I am partial to lock backs, there are very few liner locks I trust. With something as big as the Rajah, this was absolutely the right call. It locks up like a bank vault and feels as sturdy as a fixed blade.
The stainless pocket clip.
As a defensive tool, the size plays a factor. While I don’t think this is for everyone, it would be the weapon of choice if you had to use a folder in a life or death situation. It has a size and a reach that is well outside anything else in its class.
The Rajah II is also an excellent choice in areas that ban fixed blades but put no size restriction on folders. The Rajah II is like a Kukri that fits in your pocket, and sometimes that is exactly what the doctor ordered. The Rajah 3 is also available, in a much more compact package.
MSRP $184.95. Street Price $110. For more information visit ColdSteel.com.
Size matters!
Specs
Weight: 13.4 oz.
Thickness: 4.8mm
Blade Length: 6”
Handle: 8″ Long Griv-Ex™
Steel/Material: Carpenter CTS BD1 Alloy with Stone Wash Finish
Overall Length: 14″
Additional Feature: Stainless Pocket / Belt Clip
MSRP: $184.99
I’ve had that knife for ove a year I love it. I also have a g10 espada that carries better but the rahja2 is my going for a day in the woods toy an if i have to travel in city. Well size matters just the site of that will make bad guys rethink life choices. But what amazes me is the quality an strength of the knife its has close to a fixed blade as you can get an I feel confident it will do anything I ask it to coldsteel is the only choice I use in self-defense an camping it’s not pocket jewelry like alot of today’s stuff.
Had this knife since November of 2010. Great survival tool and defensive weapon. Never leave the home without it and my Glock.
Dude,
That’s huge! There I said it… lol
😂I’ve done that… the cold steel 6″ ti-lite is close to that length and a little silly for an everyday carry blade. Great if i had to pierce a skull.