Cold Steel Mini Recon 1 Vs Esee Zancudo

Twank69 · Nov 2, 2014

I am caught between two knives again

I'd like to know which one people like better, which has better quality and what the warranties are. I will be using either for EDC but I want something built like a tank and weight doesn't concern me. The Recon 1 is about $10 more so is it justifiable? Is the triad lock good? I wouldn't mind other suggestions too. Thanks everyone in advance!

RemyKaze · Nov 2, 2014

ESEE Avispa. Bigger version of Zancudo, much more comfortable handle, and about the same price as the Zancudo. Love the CS Mini Recon, but I gave mine away to a friend. The Avispa flat grind and sturdy blade stole my heart.

Twank69 · Nov 2, 2014

RemyKaze, Im looking for an EDC and I think the Avispa is just too big

RemyKaze · Nov 2, 2014

Twank69 said:
RemyKaze, Im looking for an EDC and I think the Avispa is just too big

It's definitely an EDC. Unless you work in an office. About the size of a PM2. Very thin.

GlockandBalls · Nov 2, 2014

[video=youtube;ZiHLRkCKoSw]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiHLRkCKoSw[/video]

coldmrk · Nov 2, 2014

Isn't there a "which knife should I buy section by now &#55357;&#56860; or a very very long thread

RemyKaze · Nov 2, 2014

coldmrk said:
Isn't there a "which knife should I buy section by now 😜 or a very very long thread

It should be a constantly updated sticky.

Twank69 · Nov 3, 2014

RemyKaze said:
It should be a constantly updated sticky.

That would make things much easier.

AntDog · Nov 3, 2014

Twank69 · Nov 4, 2014

Antdog, is that the regular or the mini? I have no idea why Cold Steel covers that beautiful stone-wash with that shitty teflon.

AntDog · Nov 4, 2014

It's the mini. The mini isn't all that "mini". You can get a full 4 finger grip on it. The regular Recon is what most people would consider a big knife. The XL is ridiculously huge.

Yeah, I have no idea why they do that either. That stonewash is so nice, and that "coating" is about as durable as latex house paint. Everybody just scrapes the schitt off anyway.

HFinn · Nov 4, 2014

This Mini Recon has nice lines. I Don't like the front end of many Cs folder handels, they are too boxy to my taste. They also take your grip farther from the blade than necessary which in my opinon is bad for the ergonomics. The Talwar and Recon mini look better, the nicely curving line of the finger guard appeals to me. If you look at this picture of regular Recon 1 and compare it with the mini you see what I mean. Another thing, I really hope that CS would make the opening plate/vawe a feature of their every knife.

grownstar · Nov 4, 2014

Twank69 said:
...but I want something built like a tank and weight doesn't concern me.

Sounds like you're already leaning toward the Cold Steel. I say go for it and let us know what you think.

BJE · Nov 4, 2014

Cold steel, I really don't find the Esee frame locks very comfortable to squeeze hard in the hand, the rat lineup is better IMO.
The recon series are well made and tough as they come.