Now that would be an interesting pair!
Now that would be an interesting pair!
You've got two hands. Why not two fighting implements?
Now that I finally have a Cold Steel TiLite VI, I see the full beauty of the design…
If you listen to the Knife Junkie Podcast with any regularity, you’ll know that I frequently say that the largest version of any given folder is the best expression of the blade design.
For example, the Hinderer XM-18 Bowie (3.5-inch) looks stubby compared to its fully realized XM-24 (4-inch) brother. The same applies with the Cold Steel TiLite, but less in its looks and more in its use case.
The TiLite is based off the traditional Italian folding stiletto design—yeah, it’ll cut and slash, but where it really accelerates is in a thrust; it is a stabbing weapon.
That is why the 6-inch version of the TiLite has been like a revelation to me.
I EDC’ed the 4-inch TiLite for a long time (roughly) 20 years ago and loved it, but once I put it down, I moved away from it permanently. The handle felt too round for its height, the blade edge was too oblique and it sat up too high in the pocket.
The 6-inch TiLite solves all of those problems through its size, plus its use case, a thrusting attack, is far more effective with the longer blade.
In case you were concerned that it does not have a Tri-Ad lock (with all the stress on the pivot presented in a thrusting attack), the TiLite has an incredibly strong liner lock that engages the blade tang with a folded, right-angle leaf of steal, securing it on both the X and the Y axis.
I have only had the Cold Steel TiLite VI for a week but it has already rekindled my love for this design and my very old love for Italian Stilettos.
Now I think I need to devise a Kali-based system for using the TiLite VI in one hand and knuckle dusters in the other. If I do, you’ll be the first to know.
Knife Junkie Out!
The NoVA-2, is on pre-order now until the end of August 2024. Get yours at store.theknifejunkie.com.
The NoVA-2 EDC Kiradashi knife is a design collaboration between Bob DeMarco of the Knife Junkie Podcast and ABS Journeyman Bladesmith Matt Chase of Hogtooth Knives. Following on the success of the NoVA-1 EDC Bowie, the NoVA-2 takes inspiration from the same source, the Hogtooth Knives EDC Tanto, a fixed-blade knife that’s easy to carry in the uptight environs of Northern Virginia. The Knife Junkie decided to call this series NoVA, in honor of the DC suburbs.
The 3.75-inch 154-CM Kiradashi blade reflects the spirit of the traditional Japanese utility knife with its centerline point and upward-angled straight edge. This traditional blade design sports a refined tip and a hollow grind, delivering effortless and precise utility cutting while excelling at thrusting, slashing, and other self-defense applications.
Geri and Matt Willey, Willey Knives: The Knife Junkie Podcast (Episode 530)
Geri and Matt Willey of Willey Knives join Bob "The Knife Junkie" DeMarco on Episode 530 of The Knife Junkie Podcast (theknifejunkie.com/530).
Willey Knives, founded by Gerald Willey in 1975, continues to grow under the ownership of Matt, who runs the sharpening business, and Geri, who runs the store.
In addition to the store, which sells over 40 top knife brands, Willey Knives offers knife sharpening services to the general public and a comprehensive knife rental program to restaurants across the region.
Willey Knives also throws knife-themed events at their idyllic location, including a "Hammer In" with forging demonstrations and events with knife world luminaries like CJ Buck of Buck Knives in October 2024.
Find Willey Knives online at www.willeyknives.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/willeysharp.
Find Willey Knives online at www.willeyknives.com and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/willeysharp.
