3.5- 4" folder

P

pello

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Mar 4, 2006
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hey guys im looking for a folder around 4" in lenth that is of good quality and will not break. i have been looking at the recon 1 from cold steel. i would be using the knife for light use (the occasional hike once and a while and the rest just for show). i like the idea of the assisted opening knives but i don't know if the recon 1 has the assisted opening. i would like to hear your comments on the cs recon 1 and any other knives that would fit this purpose.
:) thanks guys!
 
The Recon 1 is non assisted. The new Recon 1 has G10 handles and aus8 steel. It is a heavy folder and would take some abuse. It depends on what you want to spend as to what I could suggest. In the speed assist line Kershaw makes some nice folders and so does SOG, Camillus, Benchmade, and CRKT. The price will help us help you what to choose. I do like the NEW Recon 1. Hope you find what you are looking for. Kevin I should also say I like the Doug Ritter Griptilian and the Swamp Rat Rat Trap. I have both of those and they are Great.
 
The Recon 1 has something like a thumb stud on it to assist in opening so I would say that it is assisted opening. I think the Recon 1 would be a good knife for that purpose. It has a rock solid lock that held 150 pounds on the end of the handle with the blade locked down in a vise. Cold Steel has done that in just about every dvd they have made. But, if you want to save some money get a 4 inch Voyager and you will be about as well off and you will save about 30 bucks.
 
The Cold Steel Recon1 is NOT an assisted opening knife. There is a big difference between a tumb stud, and an actual assisted opening knife! It would help us suggest a knife if we knew how much you want to spend. And there are far better knives to buy than CS!! I would suggest something from Spyderco or Benchmade.
 
TheKnifeCollector said:
The Cold Steel Recon1 is NOT an assisted opening knife. There is a big difference between a tumb stud, and an actual assisted opening knife! It would help us suggest a knife if we knew how much you want to spend. And there are far better knives to buy than CS!! I would suggest something from Spyderco or Benchmade.
Click to expand...

Well what makes a knife assisted opening?
 
though not assisted opening the new cs recon 1 is one of the smoothest opening knives I have owned or used. At around 60.00 bucks its a hell of a good folder though its not small or lightweight. My favorite assisted opener is the Camillius Dominator buts its about 3 times as much as the recon 1. Kershaw makes a bunch of AO folders in the 30-150.00 price range and they are excellent knives, sharp and fast opening with nice fit and finish. I think its worth your time to take a look at some of the lower end Spydercos as well, waved enduras and delicas are sort of assisted openers and everything I have heard about the 4th gen spydies makes them sound like winners. Another Spydie in that price range to consider is the D'alara drop point. All that said, my cs recon 1 is a fast opening, very sharp, super solid hunk of g10 and aus 8 and if you like its looks then get it.
 
KyleTuck said:
Well what makes a knife assisted opening?
Click to expand...

A spring i believe.

You have to partially, manually open the blade, then the spring takes over, opening the blade fully.
 
If price is no object, how about a benchmade Ruckus it's a little over 4" I think it's 4.25" but it's a great knife that doesnt ness. feel big in the pocket
 
sorry guys i was doing alot of kayaking last night and yesterday im 14 (just to let you know) and id be willing to spend around 100 canadian... a little more a little less.
 
I cannot recommend Cold Steel, CRKT, or SOG. They are not bad, but I feel there are much better companies out there for the same money.

Two very popular knives that fit your size range and price are the Spyderco Endura and Benchmade Griptilian. They are both fantastic. The Endura may cut a little better, and the Griptilian is easier to open and close thanks to the Axis lock.

If you decide you do want assisted opening, I recommend either of the two budget Spec Bumps. There is the Speed Bump and the Spec/Speed Bump. The Speed Bump is cheaper and has rubber-esque scales. The Spec/Speed Bump has G-10 scales just like the real Spec Bump. They both have Sandvik steel instead of the S30V on the Spec Bump (or CPM154 on the older Spec Bumps).

If you decide to go a little more expensive, I recommend any of these (all fantastic):

Spyderco Manix
Spyderco Military
Benchmade 710
Kershaw Spec Bump
Al Mar SERE 2000
Masters of Defense ATFK
Emerson Commander
Emerson CQC7
 
I own a Recon 1 and I like the knife but I agree with others that a Manix or a Military would be a better knife.....lighter, smoother G-10 and S30V steel. All around the same price as well. If your lookin for an assissted open they have thos S30V Kershaw Blurrs at knifecenter or the Spec Bumps. There's alot out there so give it a look.
 
I would recommend the Spyderco Endura IV and Benchmade 550 Griptilian. They both have excellent blade steels (VG-10 on the Endura, 154CM on the Griptilian), good strong locks and comfortable handles.

The Endura is flatter and more compact than the Griptilian, it carries amazingly well for a knife its size. The Griptilian has a more hand-filling handle and the AXIS lock makes it smoother to open than the Endura (which is a lockback).

The Endura costs around $45 and the Griptilian around $65 (US dollars), both of them excellent deals.
 
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