Anybody have a Mini Recon 1 yet?

I think the tanto version was JUST cleared to ship, haven't heard of them hitting the stores yet
 
There's plenty up for sale on a popular auction websites, with a few already sold. I'm really interested to see how that is possible because CS hasn't even confirmed that they're shipping yet.
 
Misanthropia said:
There's plenty up for sale on a popular auction websites, with a few already sold. I'm really interested to see how that is possible because CS hasn't even confirmed that they're shipping yet.
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Youre right! And wow they are going for quite a premium..
 
I think the $60ish range is going to be the norm, a few other retailers have their preorders at that price. I'm quite tempted by them because I am dying to get a mini Recon, hopefully someone takes the plunge and can tell us what the result was. I think I'm going to ask Cold Steel directly what the deal is here.
 
Might go ahead and grab the tanto version, should be a tough little pry bar at 3.5mm. I usually don't like handles shorter than 4 1/2" but still want to give these a try.

freedom, do you have any photos of the micro along side other folders?
 
Misanthropia said:
I think the $60ish range is going to be the norm, a few other retailers have their preorders at that price. I'm quite tempted by them because I am dying to get a mini Recon, hopefully someone takes the plunge and can tell us what the result was. I think I'm going to ask Cold Steel directly what the deal is here.
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But that is what I got my original Recon 1 for!

So is it prices going up or our money devaluing?
 
Well the MSRP of the Mini's is only $15 less, so I think the prices are going to be very similar, although the mini should be slightly cheaper than what it is being sold for now. Also, Cold Steel responded a little more vaguely than I had hoped, with "only the tanto points have been shipped", which I guess confirms that those people aren't getting their knives for a while.
 
All the Mini Recon models are now shown as in stock at Knifeworks. I ordered two of the spearpoints and will post some pictures when it gets here.
 
I've got a tanto and spear point. And I gotta say... wow.

This little knife has completely blown me away, I will post a detailed review w/ pics later, but it just feels amazing in the hand! Full 4-fingered grip with the quasi-subhilt makes the best grip I have ever gotten on a 3" knife. Blade is still 3.5mm thick, which is pretty darn thick for the size. Handles like it was part of my body. I did have to reprofile the blade, and now it is at a 30 degree inclusive edge, no microbevel.

I was a bit wary at the high going price, but I believe it was worth every penny.
 
Hey, do you also happen to have one of the full size models? The blade thickness seems to be the same for the Mini Recon, are the G10 handles also as thick as on the regular Recon?
 
Good to hear you like it. I'm waiting for my dealer to get them in here.
I'm going to buy a couple ; I'm confident it will be my new EDC from now on as I find the AL a bit large.
 
hiwa said:
Good to hear you like it. I'm waiting for my dealer to get them in here.
I'm going to buy a couple ; I'm confident it will be my new EDC from now on as I find the AL a bit large.
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I am sure you will love it. I have handled all of CS's triad folders, and this one is the most comfortable one they make.

J.Vervoorst said:
Hey, do you also happen to have one of the full size models? The blade thickness seems to be the same for the Mini Recon, are the G10 handles also as thick as on the regular Recon?
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Yes, both the large and the mini have the same exact blade thickness, and the same exact handle thickness. The mini's handles are less wide though.
 
I hope they eventually drop the price, but I doubt that will happen because the 2011 Voyagers are still at the exact same price as they were when they first released, so I guess the new Recon 1's are staying at their current price for a long time.
 
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Yeah, I bet the price is a turnoff for lots of people, and it is quite unfortunate. However, I love both of mine and will buy backups eventually. For the ergonomics, toughness, and overall feel, I am willing to put down ~60 bucks for that. That is about the same price as a minigrip, and even though the minigrip has "better" steel, this handles better all-around, and I am becoming quite fond of the CS HT on their AUS8
 
Got one of the spear point versions on the way. Don't like doing the whole ebay/paypal thing, but have been attracted to these for a while.

Looking forward to more of your thoughts and some photos res1cue
 
I agree res1cue. I have a mini-grip in D2 and love it, but Cold Steel's AUS-8 is def underrated by those that have never used it IMO..wicked stuff.

Just ordered a "mini" Recon 1 Tanto minutes ago...can't wait. I have it's big brother but I'm not a fan of wearing an extra belt to support it, and the mini's 3" BL will be legal for my state carry.
 
I may grab one, but not unless the price comes down a little. They are more spendy than their 4" big brothers.
 
powernoodle said:
I may grab one, but not unless the price comes down a little. They are more spendy than their 4" big brothers.
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I agree powernoodle, it is 10-15 bucks overpriced right now. However, seeing the reviews you have down on other similar CS knives, I believe you would really enjoy this one.

So more thoughts on this one, if you have a full size recon 1, it is really easy to imagine how it might feel. Handle thickness is the same. G10 roughness is the same, same clip style (but I removed mine as I do on all 3" folders). CS website says it weighs 3.6 oz, my scale says 3.4 oz without the clip. It is completely unnoticeable in the pocket, but in the hand, it is a very solid 3.4 oz. It is hard to describe, but it has a very dependable and dense feel in the hand, which I am a big fan of.

Also in the past, I have noticed that a for a few 3" knives, CS has claimed that the blade thickness is 3.5mm, then when it came out it was actually 3 mm, and they eventually corrected their website. This, I can confirm for you guys, is a solid 3.5mm thick blade, which is quite hefty for a 3" folder. Rocker bar tension is not too bad, on par with the voyagers. Thumb stud action is very very fast, better than the original recon 1, on par with the voyagers.

Ergos, are really what make this knife. I loved the finger choils on the larger recon 1 and the rescale it perfectly on the mini. I wear medium gloves and my pinky rests fully on the handle with a quarter-inch to spare. That is probably one of the best grips I have gotten from a 3" folder. Combine that with the rough G10 and you have a very locked in grip. :thumbup: Grind is hollow, but as the original recon 1 was the knife that made me like hollow grinds again, it is a high hollow grind, and in normal cutting tasks, I have not had any shouldering problems yet. I've got a 34 degree inclusive relief edge and a 40 degree microbevel on it. Clean pushcut through toilet paper, and hair whittling sharp. BTW for those who like thick tips, like me, the spear point has a surprisingly thick tip.

This knife is my favorite 3" folder now, and a perfect companion to my Contego as my new EDC.

Here are some pics comparing them to the original recon 1
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Here is the mini recon 1 tanto vs full size recon 1 tanto thickness comparison
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Mini recon 1 tanto vs spear pt
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Comparison with some popular 3" ones
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Comparison of spear point mini recon 1 with mini grip
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img4757oh.jpg
 
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