Comparison Console
Cold Steel Espada Medium vs CRKT Otanashi Noh Ken
EDC Knives comparison. Compare price, weight, specifications, materials, and real-world use case.
Command Brief
Recommended read
Cold Steel Espada Medium stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 14% gap from the closest alternative. CRKT Otanashi Noh Ken stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 37% gap from the closest alternative.
Decision Signals
What stands out
CRKT Otanashi Noh Ken stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 37% gap from the closest alternative.
Cold Steel Espada Medium stands out as the most expensive option for retail price, with about a 59% gap from the closest alternative.
Cold Steel Espada Medium stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 14% gap from the closest alternative.
CRKT Otanashi Noh Ken stands out as the heaviest option for weight, with about a 16% gap from the closest alternative.
Cold Steel Espada Medium stands out as the shortest option for blade length, with about a 23% gap from the closest alternative.
CRKT Otanashi Noh Ken stands out as the longest option for blade length, with about a 30% gap from the closest alternative.
Cold Steel Espada Medium stands out as the shortest option for overall length, with about a 16% gap from the closest alternative.
CRKT Otanashi Noh Ken stands out as the longest option for overall length, with about a 19% gap from the closest alternative.
Specification Profile
Relative dimensions at a glance
Each axis is normalized against the largest raw value among the products in this comparison. Farther outward means a larger value, not necessarily a better result. Axes with an unverified value are omitted.
Price & carry
Retail price
US$179.99Most expensive
US$113Cheapest
Weight
156 g (5.50 oz)Lightest
181.44 g (6.40 oz)Heaviest
Dimensions
Blade length
89 mm (3.50 in)Shortest
116 mm (4.57 in)Longest
Overall length
216 mm (8.50 in)Shortest
257 mm (10.12 in)Longest
Closed length
Unknown
138 mm (5.43 in)
Blade thickness
4 mm (0.16 in)
4 mm (0.16 in)
Materials & mechanism
Blade steel
CTS-XHP (Japanese Aus 8A Stainless also mentioned in source)
AUS-8
Handle material
G-10 with 7075 Aluminum bolsters
G-10 Laminate
Finish
Blade DLC coated black (in one version), plain edge
Dark coating
Lock type
Tri-Ad lock
Frame lock
Opening method
Thumb Stud
Thumb Stud
Clip type
Tip-up pocket clip (left or right hand)
Tip-up pocket clip
Use case profile
Best for
EDC (Everyday Carry)Cutting, slashing, piercing tasksTactical use
Tactical useEveryday carryCombatMartial arts practitioners
Not best for
Very compact carryLightweight carry
Left-handed users (clip right hand only)
Common praise
Strong, reliable Tri-Ad lockHigh-quality materials and craftsmanshipAmbidextrous pocket clipSharp out of the box
Solid lock-upWell ground bevelSlim profile for a large pocket knifeGood qualityPositive customer reviews and ratings
Common complaints
Large size may hinder pocket comfortPotential wear of G-10 handle near clip area
Pocket clip right-hand only
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