That's funny, I use $2.00 flea market knifes for opening boxes & other abusive things around the house. I use my quality knifes in the field or if I really need a knife with a super sharp blade.
Yep got a tanto probably around 2010. I've beaten the SHIT out of it and it's as sturdy as it ever was. The hinge still has ZERO slop. Dunno how they're made now but they used to be fantastic. I'm pretty sure I didn't spend more than $40 on it.
I bought my recon 1 spear point in 2019, absolutely zero wiggle in the blade! Tri-ad lock is no joke! Ran the crap out of this knife when I was on the Mississippi River tow boating and I did things with this knife that you're just not suppose to do to a blade and this thing eats it up and asks for more. Absolutely love it
In a SHTF scenario I would grab the Recon 1 every damn time. I have some blades that cost way more and marketed as tactical but the Recon 1 feels like a folding fixed blade and holy hell did it come sharp out the box.
@@dztripp2491could you tell why not the tanto? I find the tanto very practical and has had no drawbacks for me other than sharpening as 2 blades. I'm buying one again and I'd like to know why you specifically would avoid tanto. Thanks man
Ive owned one for several years and use it for every thing. I literaly abuse the blade and it still never fails. I wouldn't trust my life to any other knife Its awesome
I have an older one. It has the steel recessed liners, the Axis lock and AUS 8A steel. I have been EDC'ing it almost 20 years. It has some cosmetic battle scars but it is still mechanically perfect
It's over $150 (AT THE VERY VERY VERY VERY LEAST) in Europe...my goodness we're ripped off big time, we're practically funding lower U.S. prices here in Europe, taxes notwithstanding.
I have four, one in each blade style and a clip point that I ground a finger choil on and sprayed with KG Gunkote in coyote on the handle and od on the blade. If you grind a couple thousandths off off the lock spring or bend it down slightly, it is much easier to close without having to exhert so much pressure. Love the Recon . I edc one along with a 4 Max.
I have had the drop point/spear point version for a couple of years now and love it. My Recon 1 came with the blade sharpened all the way to the choil, so not sure if yours was a factory error or if that's just how they make the tanto versions or something! 🤔
In regards to the pocket clip, I just took the clip off and bent it. It still sits well enough in my pocket for an EDC, and it can be drawn quickly, without damaging your pants.
I like the tanto becouse the point is nearly indestructible. As far as utilitarian, the tanto point won't skin deer or dress game as well as a clip point but you can still make do with it just fine. It will do other things much better than a clip point. I have a tanto point on a free 4" stainless folder I got from Brigade Quartermaster in the 90's when I ordered a bunch of stuff. I've abused the point at times & it hasn't broken off yet. If this cheapo knife point can hold up well, the CS Recon 1 tanto I'm sure will hold up so much better. I just can't decide if I want the 50/50 serrated or the straight edge.
@@MattRoseKnives I just got one of these, and I just wanted to mention that its now sharpened all the way to the sharpening choil I think you called it :P. That little unsharpened piece is no longer present :)
I just recently bought an SR1 Lite, and the pocket clip was literally unusable. I mean, it was so stiff that it would not clip onto a pocket. Like you, I had to remove the clip and file down a little bit of the handle material where the clip touches the handle
Hi Sir...a great review....I'm unsure about which tanto blade to choose...but this looks super....could u recommend any tanto FLIPPER that would be LEFT hand friendly??thanks man
Awesome video👍. I own the spear point version. but I like that tanto version you have looks like a powerhouse.. 👍 are you able to do a video on the recon tanto fixed blade ?
My cousin loved the feel of my Cold Steel Immortal's G10 handle, but he wanted an American Tanto blade like my Voyager Large Tanto. So, he bought a Recon 1 Tanto off of my suggestion from MidwayUSA. He loves the knife. And he keeps it in his truck. And as regards of folding knife blade length, for me 4 inches is PERFECT!!! Short enough to EDC, long enough to use as a deterrent against fools that want to try you. As a Cold Steel fanboy, all 9 of my Cold Steel folders are between 4-6 inches. The only Cold Steel blades that I own shorter than 4 inches are my Cold Steel Click N Cut and Kitchen Classics Paring Knife. Anyway, beautiful video on a beautiful Cold Steel folder!
@@floppinfish Nah, it's all fixed now, it wasn't to do with the tension. It was the DLC coating on the Triad lock itself. It was sticking and causing the blade to not sit properly in the lock. It all fixed itself when the DLC wore off the contact point on the lock.
@@elllelf leave it in the open position until the back lock rises to its highest point (opening knife about half way). I have done this with all my Cold Steels. 2 days should be enough. There is a spring in the handle, like a leaf spring that will break in over time and let you thumb flick in no time.
I’m sure cold steel wouldn’t recommend it. If you do do it at your own risk. Personally I have batonned wood while camping. My recon 1 handled it just fine. I believe nuttenfancy did a torture test on a recon 1 tanto like 9 years ago. Check out his review on this knife.
In all my years of backpacking & camping out (I'm 66), I've always been able to find fire wood easily without batonning for it. Batonning, IMHO is too much work, only useful for knife reviews & testing the durability of various knifes or for starting & maintaining a fire quickly in an emergency situation.
I can't open mine that fast even though I've adjusted the spring tension and smoothed the machine marks. Still love the blade. Only problem is the pivot can rust. I wish they'd upgrade that and it would be about perfect.
You showed us. Imagine the arrogance of someone trying to inform others in something they may or may not enjoy, but can make a better informed decision.
Reality of modern world - "I use this military knife to open cardboard boxes ".
That's funny, I use $2.00 flea market knifes for opening boxes & other abusive things around the house. I use my quality knifes in the field or if I really need a knife with a super sharp blade.
You forgot amazon packages
@@bobsmith2404the corn field?
I carried mine in Afghanistan, and it ROCKED!
I bought a Recon 1 around 2010. I've bought a bunch of different knives since then. To this day it's still one of my favorite knives.
Agreed man!!! Got one in 2013 and it's dope!
Yep got a tanto probably around 2010.
I've beaten the SHIT out of it and it's as sturdy as it ever was.
The hinge still has ZERO slop.
Dunno how they're made now but they used to be fantastic.
I'm pretty sure I didn't spend more than $40 on it.
It’s good enough for Bosch.
I bought my recon 1 spear point in 2019, absolutely zero wiggle in the blade! Tri-ad lock is no joke! Ran the crap out of this knife when I was on the Mississippi River tow boating and I did things with this knife that you're just not suppose to do to a blade and this thing eats it up and asks for more. Absolutely love it
It truly is a great knife! Durable, high quality… you just can’t go wrong with a Recon 1
In a SHTF scenario I would grab the Recon 1 every damn time. I have some blades that cost way more and marketed as tactical but the Recon 1 feels like a folding fixed blade and holy hell did it come sharp out the box.
It is nearly as strong as a fixed blade! That's what I really enjoy about CS's stuff. Tough as nails!
Not a tanto. But yes, If I need an end all folder I'm grabbing my spearpoint Recon 1.
@@dztripp2491could you tell why not the tanto? I find the tanto very practical and has had no drawbacks for me other than sharpening as 2 blades. I'm buying one again and I'd like to know why you specifically would avoid tanto. Thanks man
Ive owned one for several years and use it for every thing. I literaly abuse the blade and it still never fails. I wouldn't trust my life to any other knife Its awesome
I have an older one. It has the steel recessed liners, the Axis lock and AUS 8A steel. I have been EDC'ing it almost 20 years. It has some cosmetic battle scars but it is still mechanically perfect
That’s so freaking cool man. Keeps going!
I just got the spear point version a couple of weeks ago and it's become my favorite cold steel folder.
I have had a 4in folding Cold Steel Tanto for nearly 30 years now as a work knife and it has been incredible, holds a good edge and is tough as nails!
Awesome man!
I rotate between my rajah 2, and recon 1 clip point. When it comes to folders, i actually love this company.
Great choices. The Rajah 2 and Recon 1 are the best folding knives Cold Steel makes.
My dads company gave him one for Christmas because since he wasn’t carrying one they said here you can have a good knife for work
It's over $150 (AT THE VERY VERY VERY VERY LEAST) in Europe...my goodness we're ripped off big time, we're practically funding lower U.S. prices here in Europe, taxes notwithstanding.
In Poland, $180-230
I have four, one in each blade style and a clip point that I ground a finger choil on and sprayed with KG Gunkote in coyote on the handle and od on the blade. If you grind a couple thousandths off off the lock spring or bend it down slightly, it is much easier to close without having to exhert so much pressure. Love the Recon . I edc one along with a 4 Max.
Cool. I bet your mall aint missing its ninja
I have had the drop point/spear point version for a couple of years now and love it. My Recon 1 came with the blade sharpened all the way to the choil, so not sure if yours was a factory error or if that's just how they make the tanto versions or something! 🤔
The newer ones are definitely sharpened wayyyyyy better
In regards to the pocket clip, I just took the clip off and bent it. It still sits well enough in my pocket for an EDC, and it can be drawn quickly, without damaging your pants.
Cold steel recon 1 ctsxhp clip point coated blade and Para military 2 35 vn in stainless my 2 favorites.
The CS Recon 1 has always been one of my personal all time favorites. :-) Peace, Stiletto :-)
My husband and I purchased a Recon 1 for our sons 21st birthday.
Great choice
What did you get him ;) lol
When I 1st started getting into pocket knives I bought a cold steel American Lawman for under $100 and it's a great beater knife.
Great blade!
forgot to list, mine is also the Tanto combination serrated blade.
Love the handle. Love the steel quality. If I could just have it with a drop point blade, i would buy one every year.
the newer recon 1s are smoother. after bending the clip a bit mine is fine
Will be replacing my beaten and battered buck 110 with this.
Awesome! Great choice
Recon 1 in my opinion ss quintessence of folding knife!
P.S.Cold Steel did the best!
I’ve got one of these. I never got tantos before but now I’ve tried that blade shape I really like them.
I often heard that it wasn't as utilitarian... not sure I agree anymore. Especially if you open a ton of boxes haha
My experience with tanto blade shapes is limited to a kitchen knife I use, but compared to everything else I’ve tried, it’s really nice.
@@MattRoseKnives Would like to know what those guys thought was utilitarian instead, lol. Clip point, spear point?
I like the tanto becouse the point is nearly indestructible. As far as utilitarian, the tanto point won't skin deer or dress game as well as a clip point but you can still make do with it just fine. It will do other things much better than a clip point. I have a tanto point on a free 4" stainless folder I got from Brigade Quartermaster in the 90's when I ordered a bunch of stuff. I've abused the point at times & it hasn't broken off yet. If this cheapo knife point can hold up well, the CS Recon 1 tanto I'm sure will hold up so much better. I just can't decide if I want the 50/50 serrated or the straight edge.
Is the backspacer aluminum does the inside parts rust?
you can easily sharpen the edge all the way and a pliers will fix the clip - just bend it a bit
Indeed
@@MattRoseKnives I just got one of these, and I just wanted to mention that its now sharpened all the way to the sharpening choil I think you called it :P. That little unsharpened piece is no longer present :)
I just recently bought an SR1 Lite, and the pocket clip was literally unusable. I mean, it was so stiff that it would not clip onto a pocket. Like you, I had to remove the clip and file down a little bit of the handle material where the clip touches the handle
Hi Sir...a great review....I'm unsure about which tanto blade to choose...but this looks super....could u recommend any tanto FLIPPER that would be LEFT hand friendly??thanks man
This knife can be, just remove pocket clip and put on other side.
@@leviathanskeeper thanks for the reply....
Civi brazen tanto
I’m left handed, I have a few of these recon 1 blades of various sizes and they are awesome.
I’ve bought 3 since 2010
4" blade is great for EDC and self defense, of course box opening.😄
I've had a cold steel recon one for 2 years I find the handle to be uncomfortable have double extra large hands and I find the s35 vn chips easy
Totally fair
Get the recon 1 xl lol if u have huge hands
Just got the half serrated tanto version a couple weeks ago and, I couldn't be happier! My new favorite EDC!
That’s awesome!
I have that knife too it’s awesome 👏 😎
I`ve had my eye on the exact blade that you have and that`s what brought me to your video. I like a tanto blade, especially on a knife of this size.
It’s a great option!
If you haven’t bought it yes knife center is having a sale on CS knives and i just bought this knife
They've really revamped the recon one since 2010 even better durability
I am for sure sold on this knife now after this review.
Been wanting one for years, gonna order one today!
Sweet!
I ended up ordering the Black Tanto, 100% worth it!
Awesome video👍. I own the spear point version. but I like that tanto version you have looks like a powerhouse.. 👍 are you able to do a video on the recon tanto fixed blade ?
Yes I love Taiwanese knife with American design!
Great Review! Thank You!
RECON 1 WERY GOOD TACTICAL KNIVE !!!! MY EDC NO 1 !!!!
My cousin loved the feel of my Cold Steel Immortal's G10 handle, but he wanted an American Tanto blade like my Voyager Large Tanto. So, he bought a Recon 1 Tanto off of my suggestion from MidwayUSA. He loves the knife. And he keeps it in his truck.
And as regards of folding knife blade length, for me 4 inches is PERFECT!!! Short enough to EDC, long enough to use as a deterrent against fools that want to try you. As a Cold Steel fanboy, all 9 of my Cold Steel folders are between 4-6 inches. The only Cold Steel blades that I own shorter than 4 inches are my Cold Steel Click N Cut and Kitchen Classics Paring Knife. Anyway, beautiful video on a beautiful Cold Steel folder!
Mine had a loose rattling blade retention when folded, is this an issue anyone else had?
Tighten it. Lol.
@@floppinfish Nah, it's all fixed now, it wasn't to do with the tension. It was the DLC coating on the Triad lock itself. It was sticking and causing the blade to not sit properly in the lock. It all fixed itself when the DLC wore off the contact point on the lock.
@@Sun-Tzu- That’s the beauty of tri ad lock,self-adjusting.
@@KY-qx9ip Easily the only lock I'd use on a folding knife I intend to use for hard work or self defense.
@@KY-qx9ip I alternate between my Recon 1 and my Code 4 as my primary EDCs.
I really wish I could get my hands on one, I'm pretty sold but I just cannot figure out if I should go for a tanto style or clip point
Can’t go wrong either way!
I got the clip point in s35vn. I'm going to get the tanto at some point too.
The clip point has good penetration and there is no second edge to think about. So it's a good starter and perfectly usable in most situations.
I ended up getting both!
$90 buck? Price certainly went up! Bladehq asking $130 today.
They have them for around 100 on Amazon usually
The biggest risk buing a CS knife, specialy the ones about 4" blades and more, is....
Wanting MORE!!!!!
🤣🤣
Bought one but it doesn’t slide open very easily, even after oiling the pivot.
Sorry to hear that! Give it a bit of time and it should wear in
@@MattRoseKnives I’ll do that. I don’t want to get rid of it as I like it otherwise. Thanks 😊
Loosen the screw a very tiny bit until It does
Have the same problem on black talon.
After some fidgeting it will run smooth.
@@elllelf leave it in the open position until the back lock rises to its highest point (opening knife about half way). I have done this with all my Cold Steels. 2 days should be enough. There is a spring in the handle, like a leaf spring that will break in over time and let you thumb flick in no time.
Does it really have no liners? or are there nested liners?
There are no liners. The G10 handles are extremely strong.
The handles are very strong// Joex made a few torture videos on this knife and long story short the blade snapped before the handles
Can it be used for batonning wood?
I’m sure cold steel wouldn’t recommend it. If you do do it at your own risk. Personally I have batonned wood while camping. My recon 1 handled it just fine. I believe nuttenfancy did a torture test on a recon 1 tanto like 9 years ago. Check out his review on this knife.
It can handle it… but I’m not sure I’d recommend it
In all my years of backpacking & camping out (I'm 66), I've always been able to find fire wood easily without batonning for it. Batonning, IMHO is too much work, only useful for knife reviews & testing the durability of various knifes or for starting & maintaining a fire quickly in an emergency situation.
Great beautiful knife
The one im goin to get one!😂
Best folder, but the SR1 folder is tougher.
Yeahhh not by much though
Currently the recon 1 is $190 or something.
I can't open mine that fast even though I've adjusted the spring tension and smoothed the machine marks. Still love the blade.
Only problem is the pivot can rust. I wish they'd upgrade that and it would be about perfect.
I always laugh at the arrogance that brings people to say "Watch this before you buy...." And, nope, not watching it.
You showed us. Imagine the arrogance of someone trying to inform others in something they may or may not enjoy, but can make a better informed decision.