Cold SteelRecon 1 4" S35VN Razor-Sharp Blade 5.375" G-10 Handle Tactical Folding Knife w/Tri-Ad Lock, Ambidextrous Pocket/Belt Clip

When I discovered the Recon 1 series a couple years ago, I already knew from the pictures that this would be my "last knife". Of course preferences, use case, hand/grip, etc. are very personal and can't be generalized. But for me, this is the ultimate knife. Brilliant, simple design, perfect blade form, perfect handling, extremely sturdy. And great value for money - I have blades 3x as expensive that rust away in some drawer because the Recon is just BETTER.I got one with half-serrated blade, CTS XHP steel, that is always in my pocket.And now got the non-serrated version in S35VN steel (slightly easier to hone) as a backup.I am a very happy man. (at least knife-wise...xD)

I bought a Recon 1 about 10 years ago and it is smaller than the current version as you can see from the photos. The blade on the smaller version is about 3 inches and the newer version has a blade that is 1 inch longer. As near as I can tell the older version has been discontinued.I have several other folders of similar size to the older Recon such as a Delica and Rat 1 and some older Gerbers, but the Recon has been my favorite. At first I had problems with my first Recon as I felt the handle was too rough and the clip was too strong making removing from my pocket hard, but I lightly sanded the entire handle and I pried up the clip slightly and that took care of the issue. Also I was concerned about the lack of metal liners in the handle, but that turned out to not be a problem at all as the handle is very strong without metal liners.As I said my older Recon 1 was my favorite folder and edc for 10 years. The blade was sharp and sharpened easily, I think the blade is Aus-8, and there still is no play in the blade in either direction, the blade is still centered perfectly, and it is light for its size. I used it for edc and for hiking and camping making feather sticks, cutting cord and food prep.Then I decided a larger Recon 1 might be better for outdoor use, so I bought the newer version which is considerably larger. I was not disappointed. All the desirable traits and qualitys are there in the newer and larger version and they say it has better steel. The blade has no play and is perfectly centered like the old one. It is remarkably light for such a large folder. The handle on the newer one is not quite as rough as the older one and won’t require any sanding although the pocket clip is still too strong and I might have to pry it up a little, but no biggie. I didn’t baton with the older version but I think this newer one might take it. The newer one is a little big for edc, but certainly viable in that capacity and definitely more intimidating if an unfortunate situation for self protection should arise.Anyway I am very happy with my new Recon 1 and don’t anticipate buying another folder for a long time.

The Recon 1 has been around in one form or another for almost 25 years. I got the Recon 1 clip point with a 4” blade on it. This knife checks a lot of boxes- Hunting fishing, camping, EDC and the list goes on and on. It also eliminates my need for a fixed blade and could be used in a self defense situations. Like a lot of Cold Steel knives, it is pretty big but it carries well due to the handle because my so slim. The Tri-Ad lock works awesome. The blade material s35vn and comes super sharp out of the box. Be careful with it. All in all a true all purpose banger. New Cold Steel fan for sure.

I am not new to cold steel or knives, this is actually my 4th recon 1. I got two with XHP and now two with seven. Both are good steels but prefer the older xhp models. One thing that was immediately noticeable was the G10. This newer one came with a smoother finish not like the older grippy ones, it will save your pant pockets but it won't be as grippy on your hand. I don't know why they made it so smooth. These better steel ones run from $80-$120 depending on the blade shape, edge style and where you get it. It is great large knife very well built and strong lock up. It is heavier construction built to last. It is one of my favorite cold steel knives for edc. It is designed for larger hands or while wearing gloves it has good ergonomics and really needed for its weight. I alternate between this style and spyde4co endura both great knives. This one is well suited for heavy use, it is not my preferred serrations but needed some. I know lots of people don't like serrations and don't care for sharpening them when in reality a plain edge needs way more maintenance. I wish they made a fully serrated model. Overall it is a great knife for the money I got 4 recons and would not hesitate to purchase another one.

So I just got this knife but I might change my review if anything comes up.First thing out of the box this knife is a little stiff. Also first thing out of the box I tried closing it one handed. Not a good idea with a lock back style knife (I know it’s a tri-ad) but I figured it’s a little stiff so not a problem and it then dropped shut on my finger. Also a first impression man is this thing is sharp.Haven’t done that much cutting with it but it’s handled everything I’ve thrown at it like a champ. Oddly it became smooth while opening and developed a bit of lock stick, so no one handed closing for now. It feels very secure in the hand and there’s no flex in the scales/handle despite there being no liners and it only being G10. The finger groves also fit comfortably in my hand I have no problems with them.The tri-ad lock is kinda like a lock back but not quite. It definitely is easier to manipulate the blade open but a little weird to close it. On mine, and it might work it self out, it requires a little bit more force to really make sure that it is unlocked. For me I sort of feel less secure about closing it two handed because it require so much force that I am afraid I’ll push the blade into my finger that are holding it.. If it’s a major issue I will return it and update this review.For now I really like this knife it’s quite solid and no other problems which I expect go with time

Quality affordable and sharp

Knife is well made. Came razor sharp. Triple lock locks up tight and secure. Worth the purchase.