I have had one of these for a couple of years now. I have never carried it and never used it. It's a member of my knife collection and sits in a line, on a shelf, with my other Recon Tantos, inside one of my display cases. It is truly beautiful, these knives are like jewelry to me.
I have been using the Recon Tanto for 5 years! It is absolutely my favorite knife among my 20+ Coldsteel fixed blades. I even enjoy using more than my Fallkniven Xs, and Bark Rivers. I have both the SK5 and the VG10, but wish they still sell the 3V version. The Recon Tanto is a great chopper, I have used it to chop bamboo stalks and palmetto fronds. The Recon is extremely easy to sharpen, in both the SK5 and VG10. Batoning with the Recon is effortless and satisfying! It out classes all of my SRKs, even my 3V srk. The curved long blade causes one to intuitively believe that the handle may torque up excessively during batoning, but instead it is quite well behaved with proper batoning technique. This is a great knife for around $80 in VG10 on Midway 10/08/23!
Got my Recon Tanto, back in the mid 80's. Made from Carbon V steel. Its a lovely blade, and I've carried it on many a hike and camping trip. Oh, and I love your channel. You tell it how it is. The pros and cons of things. Keep it up.
Some videos, you just have to see twice! Just ordered my San Mai Recon Tanto today and I remembered this video from a while back! Nothing's changed with me. I can still relate to everything you said about Cold Steel and now, looking VERY much for to my Tanto delivery! Once again, "GREAT" video here!!!
I was so taken aback by this video, I got mine out of my knife drawer. I have the old school San Mai 3 version, made from Japan, with the VG1 core. So now I am sitting here, typing this reply, with my Recon Tanto SM3 AND Voyager XL Tanto folding knife. This Recon Tanto is my favorite knife and I am glad that I bought it when I did. I do have an SRK in SK5 with orange handle and sheath for work, especially in low light conditions. But my Recon Tanto SM3 is for home defense. The Tanto point is my favorite point style, and Cold Steel does them the best for every budget, among other point styles. Love this video!
Man, when I got mine(about two years ago) it was my very first Cold Steel, and oh boy, what a first it is! I bought it at my local knife and gun shop, and when I went in that day, I had no intention of buying a new knife, much less the Recon Tanto San Mai! But the guy behind the counter knows me, and he said ‘hey Jimmy, check this one out?’ As soon as I put that bad boy in my hand, I knew that I was leaving with it! It’s that good. Like you said, there’s no bullshit about it, it’s a 100% full combat fighting blade! I own many many high quality great knives. Some that cost two to three times what this one does. But when it comes right down to it, and you ask me to grab one knife to take into a combat arena? I believe my instinct would be to reach for my recon tanto san mai. It’s absolutely perfect in hand! It likes to move, and it moves extremely well! Almost surprising, being the size it is. At a 100 bucks, it is one of my best value bang for the buck, knife and just items in general, that I’ve ever purchased. My only regret, is not looking into this 10-15 years ago. Pretty fly, for a knife guy🤙🏼
Cool video. Been a fan of CS for decades. They are responsible for the Popularity of that blade style. They have ranges to fit most people's budgets. That's a Good Blade.
Just bought this, a CRKT Clever Girl and CEO for my missus. A little stabby de stab and slashy de slash in case anyone gets any bright ideas. Great work as usual Dan.
My Recon tanto is so stiff to get out of the sheath. I have to use two hands to get it out safely. The finish on my black blade has pimples. It’s not great. The San Mai version looks very tidy.
I can't argue with San Mai for your application. The whole idea is that the softer steel taco adds some flexibility while the hard steel core provides a cutting edge and tip. Given your knives get thrown a lot, some ability to suck up that extra shock is important in terms of durability.
I have the master tanto and now looking at the recon tanto. Mainly, cuz I've got the sickness. That cold steel sickness. They just do stuff that nobody else does and I love'm for it. Recon Tanto..Come To Pappa!!!!!!
I told you about the Snipersling S Airship slingshot. I just found out that Snipersling has a UA-cam channel.They have a new video up showing their new slingshot.
Yes, if you do hard chopping or throwing. It’s a great knife. I came to a lot of conclusions with the SRK test and that is the realization that it’s OK for a knife to have its limits. This one would have no combative limits. I wanted to believe these were as Indestructible as the Strong Arm but they aren’t
Cool knife,I like the more modern combat look for a tanto blade rather than authentic Japanese one. Laminated blades ,sword blades anyway,aren’t strong enough for me. Im sure it doesn’t matter on a smaller tanto blade,though. You ever tried wielding a katana?
Thanks for the vid bro I’ve been looking for more reviews of this blade, how do you like it compared to the master tanto? I chose the recon due to the handle and length.
@@411Outdoors can’t blame you it’s a beautiful blade I even picked it over the 3v master tanto altho I was concerned about scratches because it’s pretty soft in the outer layers but my use will be the same as yours so it shouldn’t be too bad can’t wait to get it in hand, keep up the great vids!
Master tanto with the skull crusher pommel, and my Master Tanto comes in 3V. Unfortunately the Recon is no longer offered in 3V. As a matter of fact I have carried the Recon concealed on my left hip for a cross draw and my USP9 on my right without any issues! For concealment carrying with a sidearm the Master Tanto may draw attention with the chrome skull crusher pommel. But in the woods concealment wouldn't be an issue.
VG10 is everything the SK5 is plus more! The SK5 has a very good edge. I can baton with it all day and is still razor sharp after a brief stroping. The VG10 holds an edge even longer but will break out on you so becareful of any inadvertent impacts with metal or stones. Also for food preparation the SK5 will stain your food black where the stainless VG10 will not and is more resistant to oxidation.
I actually ended up selling haha! It’s crazy how we change when in comes to knives. I think the volatile handles on these knives caused me to turn away. I’m actually going to be doing a video on this subject
I've got the recon tanto. My EDC. I won $500.00 on a $5.00 scratch off the other day. I've always wanted a Randell model 25. I just ordered one. There's a 9 month wait time for the knife. My wife is going to kill me.
A knife is not meant to be admired, admiring a knife is to come later after its been proven by the owners abilities to put it through a use and it survives anything that's been done to it, I myself would baton the shit out of wood with it to see if it's capable of survival capable tasks, as well as any combat tasks, any soldier knows this, for if he is in a S.E.R.E. situation, he needs a knife that performs any task or situation he is thrown into, till then, admiring your knife will not prove its worth if it isn't put through, or to the test....END OF STORY
I’ve got other blades that I beat the heck out of including my SK5 version of the recon tanto. There’s no doubt in my mind this blade and supercede that one. I appreciate your perspective but I think anything we love can be admired. I have a lot of knives. Ones that I use and ones that I don’t. Not to mention the fact that I’ve watched a lot of torture testing on this knife.
@@411Outdoors you always use the very knifecyou are gonna survive with, fight with, or anything, I myself am curious to see if it could survive the tests I would put it through, batonning wood, or life out in the wilderness, I'm not talking bushcraft either, I'm talking a serious survival plan
@@sniperforce34 I have been known to go back and re-review certain products in phases. I may very well take that path with this blade. I appreciate your input 🙂👍. I’m thinking about getting a San Mai SRK and making that my ultimate blade. I’m kind of navigating through some of these right now. My current all purpose blade has been the Gerber Strongarm. That’s a pretty awesome indestructible blade I just think it’s over priced
@@411Outdoors I have a buddy who uses these San Mai knives, he's paid a stupid amount of money for each one, they're all the same knives, paying 200.00 to 250.00 per knifevis crazy, he's an ex marine Corp veteran, so obviously there must be something good about them, I use the gerber strongarm for survival tasks, not saying they're the best, but budgetly they work, if I'm to pay 200.00 plus for a knife, I'm skeptical to use it, because I'd be worried about breaking it and being out of all that money
@@sniperforce34 I think that’s what I’m going through right now. I’m actually starting to step out and pay about 100 plus certain blades and I’m not even wanting to use those🤣🤣. I just recently picked up some budget friendly SK5 SRK Knives. I’m really liking them so far.
I have had one of these for a couple of years now. I have never carried it and never used it. It's a member of my knife collection and sits in a line, on a shelf, with my other Recon Tantos, inside one of my display cases. It is truly beautiful, these knives are like jewelry to me.
I agree 💯🙂
TELL EM
I have been using the Recon Tanto for 5 years! It is absolutely my favorite knife among my 20+ Coldsteel fixed blades. I even enjoy using more than my Fallkniven Xs, and Bark Rivers. I have both the SK5 and the VG10, but wish they still sell the 3V version. The Recon Tanto is a great chopper, I have used it to chop bamboo stalks and palmetto fronds. The Recon is extremely easy to sharpen, in both the SK5 and VG10.
Batoning with the Recon is effortless and satisfying! It out classes all of my SRKs, even my 3V srk. The curved long blade causes one to intuitively believe that the handle may torque up excessively during batoning, but instead it is quite well behaved with proper batoning technique. This is a great knife for around $80 in VG10 on Midway 10/08/23!
3V😭😭😭😭😭
TELL EM
Got my Recon Tanto, back in the mid 80's. Made from Carbon V steel. Its a lovely blade, and I've carried it on many a hike and camping trip. Oh, and I love your channel. You tell it how it is. The pros and cons of things. Keep it up.
Thanks bro!👊
Some videos, you just have to see twice! Just ordered my San Mai Recon Tanto today and I remembered this video from a while back! Nothing's changed with me. I can still relate to everything you said about Cold Steel and now, looking VERY much for to my Tanto delivery! Once again, "GREAT" video here!!!
Thank you brother! Hope you enjoy 🙂👊
I was so taken aback by this video, I got mine out of my knife drawer. I have the old school San Mai 3 version, made from Japan, with the VG1 core. So now I am sitting here, typing this reply, with my Recon Tanto SM3 AND Voyager XL Tanto folding knife. This Recon Tanto is my favorite knife and I am glad that I bought it when I did. I do have an SRK in SK5 with orange handle and sheath for work, especially in low light conditions. But my Recon Tanto SM3 is for home defense. The Tanto point is my favorite point style, and Cold Steel does them the best for every budget, among other point styles. Love this video!
Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed 🙂
Man, when I got mine(about two years ago) it was my very first Cold Steel, and oh boy, what a first it is! I bought it at my local knife and gun shop, and when I went in that day, I had no intention of buying a new knife, much less the Recon Tanto San Mai! But the guy behind the counter knows me, and he said ‘hey Jimmy, check this one out?’ As soon as I put that bad boy in my hand, I knew that I was leaving with it! It’s that good. Like you said, there’s no bullshit about it, it’s a 100% full combat fighting blade! I own many many high quality great knives. Some that cost two to three times what this one does. But when it comes right down to it, and you ask me to grab one knife to take into a combat arena? I believe my instinct would be to reach for my recon tanto san mai. It’s absolutely perfect in hand! It likes to move, and it moves extremely well! Almost surprising, being the size it is. At a 100 bucks, it is one of my best value bang for the buck, knife and just items in general, that I’ve ever purchased. My only regret, is not looking into this 10-15 years ago. Pretty fly, for a knife guy🤙🏼
Thanks for sharing! Good stuff 🙂
“You can’t copy a Recon Tanto. You can only envy it.”
-Lynn C. Thompson
I love San mai sharpens so well
Cool video. Been a fan of CS for decades. They are responsible for the Popularity of that blade style. They have ranges to fit most people's budgets. That's a Good Blade.
Really good review, thinking of treating myself to one. Gotta get those sober rewards in :)
Cold Steel is my go to for crazy big knives. Just got a All black espada XL and it is a monster! It's Literally a pocket sword!!! I love cold steel.😊
Awesome looking knife bro! I like it 👍 thanks for showing it 👊
Thanks for watching brother! 🙂
Very, VERI NICE!!! And I can relate to "everything" you said about Cold Steel... New to it myself too! Great knife man, great video too!!!
Thanks brother!
Beautiful knife and I really really love that clip that's on the seth 😊
Got mine today. Will practice my attack katas when I get home. Semper Fidelis.
🫡👊
Just bought this, a CRKT Clever Girl and CEO for my missus. A little stabby de stab and slashy de slash in case anyone gets any bright ideas. Great work as usual Dan.
Thanks bro! Great purchases 🙂👊
Ordering mine soon, amazing content.
Awesome! I know you’ll love it. Thanks my friend
My Recon tanto is so stiff to get out of the sheath. I have to use two hands to get it out safely.
The finish on my black blade has pimples. It’s not great.
The San Mai version looks very tidy.
Batoning some wood will cure those pimples immediately and give it the well worn character a good knife should all have!
have had mine for awhile great knife deff need to start carring it more.
Heck yeah buddy 🙂👍 it’s awesome
Living in South Africa with 20 000 murders per jear, this tanto is a necessity!! Thanks for your review.
my neighbor told me about cold steel around 99 gave me a catalog and I've used them for years you don't always need a $200 knife they make good stuff
💯 agree 👍
I can't argue with San Mai for your application. The whole idea is that the softer steel taco adds some flexibility while the hard steel core provides a cutting edge and tip. Given your knives get thrown a lot, some ability to suck up that extra shock is important in terms of durability.
💯! That taco steel is fascinating. Scratches easy but is so beautiful
@@411Outdoors Meh! Scratches are a badge of honor. They show that knife has seen some shit and is still going strong.
@@forksandspoons7272 yep haha
Great review, brother. Subscribed.
Great news! Thanks my friend🙂
I have the master tanto and now looking at the recon tanto. Mainly, cuz I've got the sickness. That cold steel sickness. They just do stuff that nobody else does and I love'm for it. Recon Tanto..Come To Pappa!!!!!!
Exactly 🙂👍👍
Which knife do you like better - CS Master Tanto or Recon Tanto San Mai?
Definitely the recon. I would stick to slicing or piercing because I’ve noticed that these handles can’t handle a lot of beating.
I told you about the Snipersling S Airship slingshot. I just found out that Snipersling has a UA-cam channel.They have a new video up showing their new slingshot.
Awesome brother thanks!
Perfect length for a snap cut.
That cold steel video sold me haha
do you have a link for those pocket clips?
discreetcarryconcepts.com/HLR-Discreet-Gear-Clips%E2%84%A2-c26960683
This should take you to where you need to be
Same potential handle issues as the SRK though, right?
Yes, if you do hard chopping or throwing. It’s a great knife. I came to a lot of conclusions with the SRK test and that is the realization that it’s OK for a knife to have its limits. This one would have no combative limits. I wanted to believe these were as Indestructible as the Strong Arm but they aren’t
@@411Outdoors So just get it for food prep and cutting rope then? lol
love your content
Thanks for watching my friend 🙂
Cool knife,I like the more modern combat look for a tanto blade rather than authentic Japanese one. Laminated blades ,sword blades anyway,aren’t strong enough for me. Im sure it doesn’t matter on a smaller tanto blade,though. You ever tried wielding a katana?
I have not but I’m going to be getting one of theirs soon👍👍
Good looking Knife!
Been dreaming bout it lately🤣 had to get this bad boy haha
@@411Outdoors Sometimes wanting a tool is good enough reason to buy it if it's in the budget!
Good review
Thanks! 🙂
Thanks for the vid bro I’ve been looking for more reviews of this blade, how do you like it compared to the master tanto? I chose the recon due to the handle and length.
I think I prefer the Recon Tanto myself. The Master is a hair behind it though. Both were my obsession haha!
@@411Outdoors can’t blame you it’s a beautiful blade I even picked it over the 3v master tanto altho I was concerned about scratches because it’s pretty soft in the outer layers but my use will be the same as yours so it shouldn’t be too bad can’t wait to get it in hand, keep up the great vids!
@@liltoke2946 thanks brother! 🙂
If you could only have one as you were running out the door during a shtf scenario which would it be, Master tanto or the Recon Tanto??
I would have to go with the master Tanto
Master tanto with the skull crusher pommel, and my Master Tanto comes in 3V. Unfortunately the Recon is no longer offered in 3V. As a matter of fact I have carried the Recon concealed on my left hip for a cross draw and my USP9 on my right without any issues! For concealment carrying with a sidearm the Master Tanto may draw attention with the chrome skull crusher pommel. But in the woods concealment wouldn't be an issue.
Which is better vg10 San mai or sk5
I’m thinking vg10
VG10 is everything the SK5 is plus more! The SK5 has a very good edge. I can baton with it all day and is still razor sharp after a brief stroping. The VG10 holds an edge even longer but will break out on you so becareful of any inadvertent impacts with metal or stones. Also for food preparation the SK5 will stain your food black where the stainless VG10 will not and is more resistant to oxidation.
To shelf China Taiwan , I love. Cold Steel. All types
Great blade for the price 👍
The San mia, im jealous
I actually ended up selling haha! It’s crazy how we change when in comes to knives. I think the volatile handles on these knives caused me to turn away. I’m actually going to be doing a video on this subject
Why is Warcraft Tanto so expensive than this ? They are both san mai steel and 2X price
The Warcraft is way way over priced for what it is. That’s for sure.
👍👍👍
I've got the recon tanto. My EDC. I won $500.00 on a $5.00 scratch off the other day. I've always wanted a Randell model 25. I just ordered one. There's a 9 month wait time for the knife. My wife is going to kill me.
😂😂 I understand the struggle bro
You forgot to show off the San Mai lines
Are you referring to wave lines?
If I had a girlfriend, she'd kill me for all the money I spend on knives. Cheers from Montreal Canada.
Cheers, my friend!
A knife is not meant to be admired, admiring a knife is to come later after its been proven by the owners abilities to put it through a use and it survives anything that's been done to it, I myself would baton the shit out of wood with it to see if it's capable of survival capable tasks, as well as any combat tasks, any soldier knows this, for if he is in a S.E.R.E. situation, he needs a knife that performs any task or situation he is thrown into, till then, admiring your knife will not prove its worth if it isn't put through, or to the test....END OF STORY
I’ve got other blades that I beat the heck out of including my SK5 version of the recon tanto. There’s no doubt in my mind this blade and supercede that one. I appreciate your perspective but I think anything we love can be admired. I have a lot of knives. Ones that I use and ones that I don’t. Not to mention the fact that I’ve watched a lot of torture testing on this knife.
@@411Outdoors you always use the very knifecyou are gonna survive with, fight with, or anything, I myself am curious to see if it could survive the tests I would put it through, batonning wood, or life out in the wilderness, I'm not talking bushcraft either, I'm talking a serious survival plan
@@sniperforce34 I have been known to go back and re-review certain products in phases. I may very well take that path with this blade. I appreciate your input 🙂👍. I’m thinking about getting a San Mai SRK and making that my ultimate blade. I’m kind of navigating through some of these right now. My current all purpose blade has been the Gerber Strongarm. That’s a pretty awesome indestructible blade I just think it’s over priced
@@411Outdoors I have a buddy who uses these San Mai knives, he's paid a stupid amount of money for each one, they're all the same knives, paying 200.00 to 250.00 per knifevis crazy, he's an ex marine Corp veteran, so obviously there must be something good about them, I use the gerber strongarm for survival tasks, not saying they're the best, but budgetly they work, if I'm to pay 200.00 plus for a knife, I'm skeptical to use it, because I'd be worried about breaking it and being out of all that money
@@sniperforce34 I think that’s what I’m going through right now. I’m actually starting to step out and pay about 100 plus certain blades and I’m not even wanting to use those🤣🤣. I just recently picked up some budget friendly SK5 SRK Knives. I’m really liking them so far.