2010 Cold Steel Recon 1

[myowngod]

2010 CS Recon 1

How it came:

Now:

First Impression:
Well it's a rather large knife. Locks up with some serious authority. Initially I hated the black blade, but that was fixed shortly after. Very ergonomic for my hand.

Overall Design:

I bought this knife after reading so much about the awesome lock. Due to a stint of joblessness I've sold everything in my folder collection that was really valuable (including my XM18). I wanted another heavy duty blade and bought it with the intentions of modifying it to my liking. The lock is ridiculously strong, steel is OK but could be better, blade shape is good if you like tanto's. Feels good in hand. I'd like the guard to be smaller, so your hand can be closer to the blade (or make the front of the handle like a Lawman) For $60 or so... it's a lot of knife.

[8/10] Smaller guard and it should have an option to come uncoated, otherwise it's a comfy tough SOB.

Ergos:

The handle is rather large, but feels very nice in my medium sized hands. Jimping is not useful at all. G10 is very grippy, almost too much so. It is one of the most comfortable knives I own.

[9.5/10] Fits my hand fantastically. The pattern on the g10 has a somewhat sharp transition from where it is smooth g10 to the grippy part, this was easily fixed with sandpaper... but it's why there is .5 off from 10.

Build Quality:

I've heard some bad things about CS quality, but I couldn't find a fault on the knife.


[10/10]

Price/Bang4Buck:

~$60. Strongest lock available. Comfortable. G10 handles.
The ONLY faults I have with the knife at this price point are personal preference because I prefer uncoated blades and dislike tanto's (not a fan of the clip point version either, would like a drop point model)

[10/10]

Size/Weight and EDCability:

It's rather large (but packs a 4" blade). Not as heavy as I expected (I don't have a scale, but I'd guess 4.5oz or so). The handle is somewhat thick and that combined with the size means it takes up a LOT of pocket space. It's definitely not for everyone, but for an HD folder it is very EDC-able.

[8/10] This knife is meant to be big, and for a big knife it carries well. That said... this category is meant for overall carry-ability and it is certainly not the easiest knife to carry, but gets bonus points for the strength/weight ratio.

Materials:

Good: G10, TriAd.
Bad: Teflon, AUS8

I can live with the AUS8 because I know how to sharpen a knife, but the teflon had to go. Atleast give us DLC if you are only going to offer coated blades.


[6/10] I would LOVE more models of this knife with higher end steels.

Thoughts from use:

I didn't use it prior to making my modifications. I have used it after though. The only thing functionally different is the blade shape, so I still think my experiences would be relevant to the factory knife.

I've batoned with it. Didn't phase the lock. Blade definitely dulls faster than my S30v manix2. I found the handle comfortable even after extended use. I still wish I could choke up on the handle more. When using it, I can't help but think about how amazing the back for buck is (even more so given how sexy it looks stripped and stonewashed).

Anyone who wants a tough inexpensive blade should check out the CS TriAd knives. Anyone looking for a knife to beat on should too. I trust this lock enough I sometimes don't carry my Izula when I carry it (I ALWAYS carry a small fixed in my back pocket and a folder in front pocket).

As long as you know how to sharpen, the AUS8 isn't a real drawback, heck it gives me some practice since I rarely have to sharpen my remaining blades. This knife is my "super budget XM18" - spanto (or Lum-ish tanto) and all. I absolutely have to recommend everyone give it a shot if you are considering it.


Individual Scores:

Ergos ----------- 9.5/10
Build Quality ----- 10/10
Materials -------- 6/10
Bang 4 Buck ----- 10/10
Weight ---------- 8.5/10 (very light for how big it is)
EDCability ------- 8/10

Overall Score: 9/10 (not an average)

 

[Bigfattyt]

I have been using an old Recon1 (Zytel handled) for 10+ years with the axis lock.

I am thinking about ordering one of these.

I have a Black Rhino, which has the Triad Lock (I am sending back the knife for the 2nd time for lock issues. The spring won't stay put, and moves forward and hits the blade, keeping it from closing all the way).

One of these with the clip point would be great.

 

[45Shooter]

How did you strip the coating?

 

[Kingofthellamas]

Good job. I own this knife in the clip point version. I agree 100% with everything you said. I personally dont use it as an edc because its size, not its weight, is noticeable. Some people might not mind. My brother actually has the same knife and loves it as his edc. I have put mine through some pretty hard cutting and the blade dulled very quickly, but as you stated the Aus8 is pretty easy to sharpen. Mine currently is razor sharp, and i use it more for around the house task that i dont want to use a higher end knife on. The black coating is coming off a little so far, but i kinda expected that it would when I bought it. I like how you took it off yours, looks nice. Anyways, for the money it is an EXTREMELY good knife. Exceptionally strong, and all around practical for most cutting task. Just a little bulky in my pocket.

 

[powernoodle]

 

[iwouldhurtafly]

I recently bought the recon 1 tanto... love this knife... Built like a tank. Looking at other people who have the same blade I see some denting in the edge and they swear they have only used it to open cardboard boxes. Otherwise blade is fantastic. Locks up great and is sharp enough to shave your face with right out of the box. beautiful EDC and defensive blade. Love what myowngod did with the blade looks amazing.

 

[Gambrinus]

I sold the bowie version of the new Recon only because the blade/handle ratio was less than good and the handle a bit soo slim for my taste, otherwise it was a great "pocket fighter". Can´t wait for the delayed Voyagers with this lock !!!