Hi, Powernoodle, thanks for the very informative review. Your post prompts me to try out the Recon 1. From the photo it seems that the Recon 1 has a longer blade than the Lawman; I suppose that it's also heavier too? Does the weight bother you to use it as an EDC? Thanks!
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A few thoughts on Cold Steel Recon 1, Lawman and mini-Lawman [AK-47 added]
- Thread starter powernoodle
- Start date
Powernoodle, based on your experience with the ZDP-FRN Stretch 2, which would you say is a better knife for your needs?
I ask this after I read your Stretch 2 8 month review thread, and your uses are more or less identical to mine. I also realise that the POU of both knives is rather different, but I think you'd better comment on that
Thanks for another great review
I ask this after I read your Stretch 2 8 month review thread, and your uses are more or less identical to mine. I also realise that the POU of both knives is rather different, but I think you'd better comment on that
Thanks for another great review
powernoodle
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The weight is not a problem, but it does take up some pocket space. Makes it a little more difficult to get your hand in your pocket as compared to a thinner knife.
I don't really need to carry a knife as beefy as the Recon 1. I've been carrying it recently just because I like it. For my uses, I'd say that the Stretch is a better EDC knife, because for the most part I'm just slicing, opening packages, envelopes, maybe some food prep, stuff like that. And, the Stretch (or most Spydies for that matter), takes up much less space in the pocket than the Recon 1.
powernoodle
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EDC comparo:
Stretch 2 FRN: 4.4 oz.
Para 2: 3.75 oz.
Recon 1: 5.3 oz
The Recon 1 feels heavier and bigger than these stats and pics indicate. At least in my view.
Top to bottom: Stretch 2 FRN, Para 2, Recon 1.
Top to bottom: Stretch 2 FRN, Para 2, Recon 1.
Top to bottom: Stretch 2 FRN, Para 2, Recon 1.
Stretch 2 FRN: 4.4 oz.
Para 2: 3.75 oz.
Recon 1: 5.3 oz
The Recon 1 feels heavier and bigger than these stats and pics indicate. At least in my view.
Top to bottom: Stretch 2 FRN, Para 2, Recon 1.
Top to bottom: Stretch 2 FRN, Para 2, Recon 1.
Top to bottom: Stretch 2 FRN, Para 2, Recon 1.
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powernoodle
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I have taken the clip off of the mini, and am carrying it loose in the pocket like one would a slipjoint. That works fine, but you lose the fast deployment of a clipped knife.
powernoodle
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Well, after carrying the Recon 1 and Lawman for more than a month, I must say that the Lawman is growing on me. That backspring is still too stiff, but I have gotten used to it and its no longer troublesome. It provides probably the most resounding thwack of any knife own. Its a nice, heavy duty knife with a serious lock that does not take up too much pocket real estate.
The teflon finish wears quickly, but thats fine with me. Much of the wear is from cutting up sod. Not the best thing for an edge, but as they say, its what I had with me.
I'm almost liking the Lawman more than the Recon 1 these days, which was not my initial opinion. Just keeping it real.
The teflon finish wears quickly, but thats fine with me. Much of the wear is from cutting up sod. Not the best thing for an edge, but as they say, its what I had with me.
I'm almost liking the Lawman more than the Recon 1 these days, which was not my initial opinion. Just keeping it real.
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Nice edge!
Powernoodle,
Thanks for the review. People diss CS a lot, but they have made some good knives. I had one of their original kraton handled, laminated tanto folders back in the 80s. It was way ahead of its time and was a great knife.
But seriously,
You should try some CS throwing stars, and a CS Death Shovel. They kill zombies real good and I think youll find they fulfill an inner need that you never knew existed.
Just sayin.
Thanks for the review. People diss CS a lot, but they have made some good knives. I had one of their original kraton handled, laminated tanto folders back in the 80s. It was way ahead of its time and was a great knife.
But seriously,
You should try some CS throwing stars, and a CS Death Shovel. They kill zombies real good and I think youll find they fulfill an inner need that you never knew existed.
Just sayin.
powernoodle
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bearcut said:
I lived in the back of a funeral home for 3 years - by myself - so I know all about zombies. I'm pretty sure that in order to properly deanimate zombies, they require the application of buck shot rather than ninja stars. I slept with a S&W K-frame for those 3 years, but thats for another thread.
Looks like you are really getting the hang of that Edge Pro.
You are to thank for that.
I've done that lots of times, try a knife out for a while, and end up liking a different one better. Sometimes they can really grow on you. Especially when they get all messed up, those scratches are character marks. I'm much fonder of the knives that have embedded memories in them than I am of a brand new knife.
I was going to say nice edge also!
I was going to say nice edge also!
Mistwalker
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Thanks for the review. I'm still looking for the right heavy folder. I do like the handle on that Recon-1 but I like the blade shape of the lawman better I think. I've had a few CS knives I liked, but never had one of their folders. May have to give one a try.
DennisStrickland
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great review powernoodle & great mirror edge . ankerson has prompted me to order the apex edge pro also.i do'nt what all the noise is about cold steel ---i have used & owned many of them since the trailmaster was introduced--good products
powernoodle
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After years of ignoring CS products for reasons I can't articulate or even understand, I have become quite a fan as of late. I pulled the trigger just today on an XL Voyager clip point closeout for under $50 shipped. Thats goofy. If nothing else, CS is a top contender when it comes to value.
What I'm really looking forward too, though, is the 2011 Voyager.
What I'm really looking forward too, though, is the 2011 Voyager.
Mistwalker
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It was the first Tanto that caught my eye but the Trailmaster that really caught my attention. I have a friend who has one with a custom handle, really sweet blade that.
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IMO the smartest move CS have made is to get Demko on board with the Tri-Ad lock. They now have a very special property that they can really leverage to take the brand to a whole new market.
However, they need to get the rest of the knife up to scratch. The middling steel, half-assed coating and dodgy clips all let the side down. I do commend them on the move to G-10 though.
Granted, these are 'budget' knives. What I would like to see is a new range of premium knives that offer San Mai steel and other superior materials and finish that also use the Tri-Ad.
But hopefully not at the crazy price point they were asking for the likes of the Black Talon, Hatamoto etc.
BTW P-Noodle, based on yr comments re: the AL and the Recon, I would suggest you take a look at the AK-47. It fits nicely between these two models, size-wise and offers some pretty cool ergos and the added bonus of a nice skull cracker to boot.
However, they need to get the rest of the knife up to scratch. The middling steel, half-assed coating and dodgy clips all let the side down. I do commend them on the move to G-10 though.
Granted, these are 'budget' knives. What I would like to see is a new range of premium knives that offer San Mai steel and other superior materials and finish that also use the Tri-Ad.
But hopefully not at the crazy price point they were asking for the likes of the Black Talon, Hatamoto etc.
BTW P-Noodle, based on yr comments re: the AL and the Recon, I would suggest you take a look at the AK-47. It fits nicely between these two models, size-wise and offers some pretty cool ergos and the added bonus of a nice skull cracker to boot.
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Great review.
I just bought a recon I tanto plain edge.
Of course, like you, sanding the handle and ease the clip were my first move.
I strop the blade and that big folder is razor sharp.
Great ergos.
The lock is such an improvment. I hope all backlocks could beneficiate from that great invention.
I will try light wood chopping soon.
A folder "that" strong should handle it.
I love it.
I just bought a recon I tanto plain edge.
Of course, like you, sanding the handle and ease the clip were my first move.
I strop the blade and that big folder is razor sharp.
Great ergos.
The lock is such an improvment. I hope all backlocks could beneficiate from that great invention.
I will try light wood chopping soon.
A folder "that" strong should handle it.
I love it.
Because of Powernoodle's excellent reviews in this thread I ordered a clip-point Recon 1 and the knife arrived today. A few early observations:
(1) The knife literally sails through with ease the brown wrapping paper that they use to stuff packing boxes. No ripping whatsoever.
(2) I then use the knife to de-stem 2 lb. of vegetables. The stems are about 0.5 to 0.75 of an inch in diameter. Clean cuts every time.
(3) The G10 handle is grippy but not excessively so. I like it. The length of the handle is appropriate for this knife, no cramping of the figures. (A big issue for me).
(4) The knife is surprisingly light for its size; the website said the knife weighs 5.3 oz., but it doesn't feel like it.
I like the knife so much that I send an email to Cold Steel urging them to use a more premium steel (S30V or the like) in a later version. The knife has good ergos, is very sharp and a strong lock (seems to be a little too strong in fact, but not intolerable); throw in a better steel and you have a complete package.
Thanks again to Powernoodle for his leads to this knife -- from a guy who hadn't touched Cold Steels for a long time.
(1) The knife literally sails through with ease the brown wrapping paper that they use to stuff packing boxes. No ripping whatsoever.
(2) I then use the knife to de-stem 2 lb. of vegetables. The stems are about 0.5 to 0.75 of an inch in diameter. Clean cuts every time.
(3) The G10 handle is grippy but not excessively so. I like it. The length of the handle is appropriate for this knife, no cramping of the figures. (A big issue for me).
(4) The knife is surprisingly light for its size; the website said the knife weighs 5.3 oz., but it doesn't feel like it.
I like the knife so much that I send an email to Cold Steel urging them to use a more premium steel (S30V or the like) in a later version. The knife has good ergos, is very sharp and a strong lock (seems to be a little too strong in fact, but not intolerable); throw in a better steel and you have a complete package.
Thanks again to Powernoodle for his leads to this knife -- from a guy who hadn't touched Cold Steels for a long time.