Cold Steel Recon 1 (2010 Model) or Spyderco Manix 2

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Nick Dufresne

Joined
Oct 28, 2010
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20
I'm looking for a new large, heavy use folding blade, and I'm stuck between the above models. They're both marketed as "heavy duty" blades, and their prices are relatively close. Anyone had experience with either (or both)?

Please, no comments on Cold Steel as a company. We all know that you either love them, or hate them. Take it elsewhere.
 
I'm sure they are both strong but I would choose the recon because I prefer the lockback and the longer blade. There are a lot of videos of the recon 1 being put to heavy use.If you were to get one of the bigger tri-ad folders though than you would have a whole other level of capability.
 
The Manix 2 is more refined, smoother opening, and more of a medium duty slicer IMO. Recon 1 takes a little more effort to open, snaps open with an impressing "clack", and has the feel of a folder that you could really beat on with no adverse consequences. They really are not that similar in my book, but either would make a fine user.
 
They're both good. The manix is better IMHO for cutting tasks, due to the hollow grind and better blade steel, the recon is probably more resistant to abuse, as I believe the steel is tougher and the blade is thicker at the tip and edge. Both locks are more than strong enough for just about anything. The g10 is grippier on the recon, but only by enough IMHO to shred your pants, the manix g10 is very grippy, yet not shreddy. I vastly prefer the clip on the manix, the little bitty cold steel clip just doesn't do it for me. In the end, if you need a large edc you can depend on, get the manix. If you want something almost as abuse resistant as a fixed blade, go recon. As always, ymmv.
 
I like the fact that the Spyderco has the full stainless steel liners, but I've never had any experience with their ball bearing lock. Is it as strong as the Triad lock? I know a lot of people who swear by Spyderco knives....
 
I bought a 2010 Recon 1 but ended up selling it because I found it to feel somewhat imbalanced: the linerless G-10 handle just felt a bit too light and made the knife as a whole too blade-heavy. (I much prefer my American Lawman for a CS around that price point.) So in a choice between the Recon and the Manix 2, my vote would go to the Manix.
 
I can't comment on the Cold Steel, but do have a Manix 2 Spring Run (Stag Arms edition) ins S30V, with a full flat grind. I really like the knife. It is sharp, smooth, well built and strong. A very good EDC. I don't consider it large. If you really want a large, heavy use knife, I'd go with something like a BM 710 or ZT 03xx, or 0551 series. They are both tanks, especially the ZT.
 
The Recon 1 is a bigger heftier knife, stronger too. The Manix 2 is a better slicer with much better steel. These knives are in fact so different, they're hard to compare. Ergonomics and purpose should decide your choice, the Manix is the better EDC knife (IMHO), the Recon 1 is more heavy duty, perhaps more tactical?
 
You can't get much more of a heavy use/large knife than the Recon 1. For the money I think it's a fine choice. Check out Ankerson's vids showing the Manix up against the Recon 1 if you want more input.

edit: Sorry, it was Manix vs American Lawman vs BM Griptillian. But since the construction is so similar between the Lawman and Recon 1 I think it's fair to say that the knives are comparable.
 
I don't think you'd be disappointed with the Manix 2. It's quite a knife - the lock mechanism has quickly become one of my favourites and the 154CM steel is quite good. I don't have any experience with the Recon 1, though.
 
Nick Dufresne said:
I like the fact that the Spyderco has the full stainless steel liners, but I've never had any experience with their ball bearing lock. Is it as strong as the Triad lock? I know a lot of people who swear by Spyderco knives....
Click to expand...

Hi Hot Soup,

I think you're drinking too much Kool aid. We've broken Tri-Ad locks and they aren't any stronger than Compression, Ball bearing, lock-backs or Axis locks.

sal
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http://www.spyderco.com/forums/showpost.php?p=633016&postcount=60
 
I have both the Manix 2 and the Recon 1 (2010) folder. Both are good knives, but I tend to prefer the Spyderco Manix 2 for ease of opening as well as overall ergonomics. The Manix 2 just feels better in the hand and is a very efficient cutter. Also, the G10 scales are nowhere near as abrasive as the G10 on the Recon 1. Now, if I had to choose one over the other based on lock strength I'd go with a fixed blade instead.
 
BTW, the Manix 2 is one of the few knives in Spyderco's lineup with a lower profit margin, so you're getting a better deal than you normally would. G-10 SS lined handles, 154CM blade, BB lock, US made is pretty good at the Manix 2's price. Now I know that AUS-8 is a serviceable steel, and Taiwan puts out decent stuff (not considering the excellent F&F from the Taichung factory), but they really don't compare favorably IMO.
 
"Hi Hot Soup,

I think you're drinking too much Kool aid. We've broken Tri-Ad locks and they aren't any stronger than Compression, Ball bearing, lock-backs or Axis locks.

sal"


From my experience this is not true, so I would love to see a video proving this.

edited to add: To the OP, having handled both knives, I own a Recon 1. I like the Manix 2, in-fact I plan on buying a Manix again (Sold my original Manix 1 and regret it), but if you are talking "hard use" I just feel the Recon 1 will take more without failing.
 
Last edited:
mogmz said:
"Hi Hot Soup,

I think you're drinking too much Kool aid. We've broken Tri-Ad locks and they aren't any stronger than Compression, Ball bearing, lock-backs or Axis locks.

sal"


From my experience this is not true, so I would love to see a video proving this.
Click to expand...

Both locks are plenty strong. Ive never even worried about the BB lock failing on me. Its a really stout design and much faster and smoother than the tri ad. I say go for the manix 2. Its faster, lighter, and a better slicer. I used to love beefy thick folders until I realized they sucked at cutting things. The manix 2 is one of, if no the best value folders out there.
 
I'd say the Recon 1 is no slouch in the slicing department. It has a much higher hollow grind on it and it's 3.5mm thick, that's got to be around the same stock thickness as the Manix. Unless the Manix has some sort of magical properties I don't see how it slices so much better. Speed? I can open the Recon 1 plenty fast with minimal effort. Weight? The recon 1 is 5.3oz vs. the Manix at 5oz, per manufacturer's websites. Bottom line, the OP is looking for a "large, heavy use folding blade" and i don't think the Spydie fits the bill, sorry guys. It's not particularly large (2 & 7/8" cutting edge? seriously?) and judging by Ankerson's vid, it's not particularly suited to hard use.
 
crom said:
I'd say the Recon 1 is no slouch in the slicing department. It has a much higher hollow grind on it and it's 3.5mm thick, that's got to be around the same stock thickness as the Manix. Unless the Manix has some sort of magical properties I don't see how it slices so much better. Speed? I can open the Recon 1 plenty fast with minimal effort. Weight? The recon 1 is 5.3oz vs. the Manix at 5oz, per manufacturer's websites. Bottom line, the OP is looking for a "large, heavy use folding blade" and i don't think the Spydie fits the bill, sorry guys. It's not particularly large (2 & 7/8" cutting edge? seriously?) and judging by Ankerson's vid, it's not particularly suited to hard use.
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A sample size of one and a loose pivot is not much to rule out a lock design. Have you ever heard of anyone else breaking one? I also trust Sal in what he says about strength as Spyderco has one of the few machines designed to break knives and give reliable scientific data even if the results are kept in house for the most part. The Triad lock gets its strength from a stop pin just like many other lock designs. Either lock type will be more than strong enough for any task a folder should be subjected to.
 
The lock is fine on the Manix 2, just don't pry with it because the blade is a distal taper with a pretty thin tip.
 
I have both of the knives in question and I find it almost impossible to pick one over the other as a 'tough use' folder. Both knives are plenty strong and if used properly, should give you a lifetime of service. The Manix 2 is more refined, whereas the Recon 1 holds a slight edge in handle comfort for extended use.
 
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