Comparison Console
Cold Steel Espada Medium vs CRKT Squid II
EDC Knives comparison. Compare price, weight, specifications, materials, and real-world use case.
Command Brief
Recommended read
CRKT Squid II stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 13% gap from the closest alternative. Cold Steel Espada Medium stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 3% gap from the closest alternative.
Decision Signals
What stands out
Cold Steel Espada Medium stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 3% gap from the closest alternative.
CRKT Squid II stands out as the most expensive option for retail price, with about a 3% gap from the closest alternative.
CRKT Squid II stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 13% gap from the closest alternative.
Cold Steel Espada Medium stands out as the heaviest option for weight, with about a 15% gap from the closest alternative.
CRKT Squid II stands out as the shortest option for blade length, with about a 24% gap from the closest alternative.
Cold Steel Espada Medium stands out as the longest option for blade length, with about a 31% gap from the closest alternative.
CRKT Squid II stands out as the shortest option for overall length, with about a 18% gap from the closest alternative.
Cold Steel Espada Medium stands out as the longest option for overall length, with about a 22% 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$179.99Cheapest
US$185Most expensive
Weight
156 g (5.50 oz)Heaviest
136 g (4.80 oz)Lightest
Dimensions
Blade length
89 mm (3.50 in)Longest
68 mm (2.68 in)Shortest
Overall length
216 mm (8.50 in)Longest
177 mm (6.97 in)Shortest
Closed length
Unknown
108 mm (4.25 in)
Blade thickness
4 mm (0.16 in)Thickest
3.81 mm (0.15 in)Thinnest
Materials & mechanism
Blade steel
CTS-XHP (Japanese Aus 8A Stainless also mentioned in source)
Böhler M390
Handle material
G-10 with 7075 Aluminum bolsters
Olive wood
Finish
Blade DLC coated black (in one version), plain edge
Stonewash
Lock type
Tri-Ad lock
Liner Lock
Opening method
Thumb Stud
Thumb stud and flipper
Clip type
Tip-up pocket clip (left or right hand)
Deep carry pocket clip, right-hand tip-up only
Use case profile
Best for
EDC (Everyday Carry)Cutting, slashing, piercing tasksTactical use
Everyday carry (EDC)CollectorsUsers requiring a durable and refined folder
Not best for
Very compact carryLightweight carry
Those seeking a reversible pocket clipUsers wanting a hollow grind blade
Common praise
Strong, reliable Tri-Ad lockHigh-quality materials and craftsmanshipAmbidextrous pocket clipSharp out of the box
Excellent edge retention and wear resistance due to M390 steelSmooth opening action with IKBS ball bearing pivotComfortable ergonomic olive wood handleSecure liner lockDeep carry clip for low profile pocket carryRobust, refined build quality comparable to high-end custom knivesExceptional value at its price point
Common complaints
Large size may hinder pocket comfortPotential wear of G-10 handle near clip area
Heavy compared to ultralight foldersNon-reversible pocket clip limits carry optionsLock disengagement area can feel awkwardSome wish for hollow grind blade instead of flat grind
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