First Impressions of Cold Steel 62KGC. Rajah II. 6.125in Folding Knife by Andrew Demko
The Cold Steel 62KGC. Rajah II. 6.125in Folding Knife by Andrew Demko isn’t your average pocketknife; it’s a statement. This discontinued model, part of Lynn Thompson’s personal collection from Cold Steel, promises a blend of tactical prowess and unique design courtesy of Andrew Demko. The oversized kukri-style blade immediately grabs your attention, suggesting a folding knife ready to tackle tasks far beyond simple everyday carry.
My search for a folding knife capable of handling heavier tasks than my standard EDC led me to the Rajah II. I needed something that could serve as a backup blade for camping trips, capable of chopping small branches and preparing tinder, yet still be reasonably portable. While many smaller folding knives exist, and fixed blades certainly offer more robust chopping power, the Rajah II’s promise of combining both intrigued me.
Unboxing the Cold Steel Rajah II was an experience in itself. The knife’s sheer size was immediately apparent; it felt substantial in hand. The Grivory handles, while synthetic, felt surprisingly solid, and the Tri-Ad lock inspired confidence.
Compared to my Spyderco Paramilitary 2 (a benchmark for EDC folders) and a smaller Gerber StrongArm fixed blade, the Rajah II occupies a unique space. The Spyderco is a refined EDC tool, while the Gerber is a dedicated, if compact, outdoor blade. The Rajah II aims for the middle ground, offering more chopping power than the Spyderco and greater portability than the Gerber.
Initially, I was both excited and slightly intimidated. The size and shape of the blade were unlike anything I’d carried before, but the promise of its capabilities was alluring. Could this behemoth of a folding knife live up to the hype, or would it be too unwieldy for practical use?
Real-World Testing: Putting Cold Steel 62KGC. Rajah II. 6.125in Folding Knife by Andrew Demko to the Test
First Use Experience
My first real test for the Cold Steel Rajah II was on a weekend camping trip in the local national forest. I used it primarily for processing firewood – batoning small logs and creating kindling. The downward curved blade, reminiscent of a kukri, proved surprisingly effective at chopping, making quick work of branches up to 2 inches in diameter.
Performance in dry conditions was excellent. The Grivory handle provided a secure grip, even when my hands were slightly damp from sweat. The Tri-Ad lock held firm throughout, giving me the confidence to apply significant pressure during batoning.
The learning curve was minimal. While the size took some getting used to, the ergonomics were surprisingly good. The handle fills the hand well, and the blade shape naturally lends itself to chopping motions.
One initial concern was the potential for the blade to close accidentally during heavy use. However, the Tri-Ad lock lived up to its reputation, remaining rock-solid even under significant stress.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Cold Steel Rajah II has proven to be a surprisingly durable and reliable tool. I’ve used it for everything from clearing brush in the backyard to preparing food on camping trips. It has tackled every task with surprising ease.
Durability has been impressive. The AUS-8A blade has held its edge reasonably well, and the Grivory handle shows no signs of wear. The Tri-Ad lock continues to function flawlessly.
Maintenance is simple. I wipe the blade down with a lightly oiled cloth after each use, and occasionally clean the pivot point with compressed air. The Grivory handle is easily cleaned with soap and water.
Compared to my previous experiences with other folding knives, the Rajah II stands out in terms of sheer cutting power. It far outperforms my smaller EDC folders in chopping and batoning tasks, although it sacrifices some of the finer control and precision of a smaller blade.
Breaking Down the Features of Cold Steel 62KGC. Rajah II. 6.125in Folding Knife by Andrew Demko
Specifications
The Cold Steel Rajah II boasts an overall length of 14 inches. This makes it a substantial folding knife, larger than most standard EDC options.
It features an 8-inch closed length. While this is large for pocket carry, it still allows for relatively convenient transportation compared to a fixed blade of similar size.
The blade length is 6.125 inches. This downward-curved kukri-style blade is made from AUS-8A steel, offering a good balance of edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance.
The handle is constructed from injection-molded Grivory. It’s a durable and weather-resistant polymer reinforced with steel liners for added strength.
The knife utilizes Cold Steel’s renowned Tri-Ad lock. This locking mechanism is known for its exceptional strength and reliability.
These specifications contribute directly to the knife’s performance. The large blade provides significant leverage for chopping and slicing, while the Tri-Ad lock ensures safe and reliable operation under heavy use. The Grivory handle offers a comfortable and secure grip, even in wet conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Cold Steel Rajah II excels at tasks requiring significant cutting power. Its kukri-style blade geometry makes it particularly effective at chopping, slicing, and batoning.
The knife’s strength lies in its ability to handle tasks typically reserved for larger fixed blades. However, it’s not ideal for delicate tasks or fine work.
The Rajah II largely meets expectations. It delivers on its promise of providing a powerful and reliable folding knife capable of tackling demanding tasks.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is solid. The materials used are durable and well-suited for demanding outdoor environments.
Despite its size, the knife feels surprisingly comfortable in hand. The Grivory handle provides a secure and ergonomic grip, and the blade shape promotes efficient cutting motions.
The learning curve is minimal. The knife is relatively easy to deploy and use, even for those unfamiliar with larger folding knives.
Durability & Maintenance
The Cold Steel Rajah II is built to last. The durable materials and robust construction suggest a long lifespan with proper care.
Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning and lubrication will help ensure smooth operation and prevent corrosion.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Cold Steel Rajah II does not come with any additional accessories in the box. The knife has no customization options beyond aftermarket lanyards.
The Rajah II is primarily intended as a standalone tool. Due to its specific design and construction, it’s not readily compatible with accessories from other brands.
Pros and Cons of Cold Steel 62KGC. Rajah II. 6.125in Folding Knife by Andrew Demko
Pros
- Exceptional chopping power for a folding knife.
- Incredibly strong and reliable Tri-Ad lock.
- Durable and weather-resistant Grivory handle.
- Relatively easy to maintain.
- Unique and eye-catching kukri-style blade.
Cons
- Large size and weight make it less suitable for everyday carry.
- AUS-8A steel, while decent, is not a premium steel for edge retention.
- Discontinued model, may be difficult to find and potentially more expensive.
Who Should Buy Cold Steel 62KGC. Rajah II. 6.125in Folding Knife by Andrew Demko?
The Cold Steel Rajah II is perfect for: campers, hikers, and survivalists who need a robust folding knife capable of handling heavier tasks. Anyone appreciating the unique kukri blade shape and wanting something with serious cutting power will also enjoy it.
This knife is not ideal for: those seeking a lightweight and discreet EDC knife, or those requiring a knife for delicate or precise tasks.
A lanyard can improve grip and ease of retrieval from a pocket. A sharpening stone or steel will help maintain the blade’s edge.
Conclusion on Cold Steel 62KGC. Rajah II. 6.125in Folding Knife by Andrew Demko
The Cold Steel Rajah II. 6.125in Folding Knife by Andrew Demko is a unique and powerful tool that occupies a niche between standard folding knives and larger fixed blades. While its size and weight may not be ideal for everyday carry, its exceptional chopping power and robust construction make it a valuable asset for outdoor enthusiasts and survivalists.
Given its performance and features, the price of $147.99 seems reasonable, especially considering that it is a discontinued model.
I would personally recommend the Cold Steel Rajah II to anyone looking for a folding knife capable of handling demanding tasks. If you need a backup blade for camping, hiking, or survival situations, the Rajah II is a solid choice. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to own a truly exceptional and unique folding knife. Grab yours while you still can!