Cold Steel Zy-Ex Ty-Lite Knives

Once the ‘must have’ badge of honour for any self-respecting 50’s Teddy Boy or a mandatory piece of self-supplied kit every G.I. would have concealed about their person, a stylish switchblade or flick knife was and is a classic edged weapon. Now illegal in most countries, although there are still places where you can legally buy and own the real thing, whilst the self-opener is a collector’s piece and a thing of the past in the main due to legislation, Cold Steel’s Ti-Lite recreates the style, looks and elegance of these iconic knives.

A blade style that first gained popularity during the Renaissance period as a weapon for both protection and underhanded skullduggery, whilst the quick to deploy folding blade first came about around the mid-18th Century as an addition to the single-shot flintlock pistol and coach guns, allowing the user to have two weapons in one.

Manufactured in numerous countries, the switchblade came in a variety of guises, some operating by a variation of pushing a button or sliding a switch that activated a spring, others using gravity to allow the blade to slide down and out.

But whilst blade length and method of opening the blade varied dependant on the designer or the country of origin, the purpose of these stiletto bladed knives more or less remained the same throughout the ages. And yes, once you’ve seen and more especially handled one, you quickly appreciate as to why they became popular amongst members of the armed services as a personal accessory, especially for those who valued stealth and absolute silence as they went about their work.

Cold Classic

Personifying Cold Steel’s ability to take a classic design, add their own spin and the latest top quality materials, the new range of Ti-Lite are the perfect addition to any edged weapon or Cold Steel enthusiast’s collection. Designed by the late, great Phil Bocuszewski, the Ti-Lite VI comes with either a 4- or 6-inch stiletto, made from CTS XHP Carpenter bead blasted alloy steel. Razor-sharp with a point that redefines needle-like, a false edge runs halfway along the top edge and 4mm across at the widest part. Complete with a large single thumb stud, the smooth opening blade culminates with two opposing serrated quillons, which with practice, allow the blade to be opened as the knife is drawn from the pocket.

Locked in place by Cold Steel’s unique leaf spring, the company’s take on the familiar liner lock, smooth, black CNC anodised 7075 aluminium billet milled handles run the entire length, an electric discharge plated coating covering the entire handle surface. Neat rows of symmetrical holes run along the entire handle length, whilst an unobtrusive belt or pocket clip allows for secure carry that is where permitted of course!

The 6-inch version of the Ti-Lite VI as tested measures 13-inches when open; 7¼-inches closed and weighs 9oz with a balance point 2½-inches to the rear of the hinge. Hefting with purpose and equilibrium, once you’ve held one of these new Cold Steel knives it’s easy to understand as to why they became the close quarters weapon of choice throughout the ages, the effectiveness and usability without question something Cold Steel have perfectly recreated.

As near true to the original styling of this type of knife as its possible to achieve, the Ti-Lite has got to be an absolute must for any serious collector of significant and historic knives.

The 6-inch version as tested has a retail price of £148.80p the 4-inch model slightly less at £112.80. And for the collector on a budget, the almost identical 6- and 4-inch Zy-Ex Ti-Lites are £76.80 and £60 respectively, the difference being an Aus 8A stainless steel blade and reinforced Zy-Ex plastic handles.