Cold Steel Recon 1 Tanto or Spartan

upnorth

upnorth

Joined
Nov 25, 2006
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I'm thinking about getting a Recon 1 (Tanto, for a change) or Spartan, because I'm tired of waiting for the new Voyager release. What do you like or dislike about these two folders in regard to size\weight\ergonomics etc? If you don't like Cold Steel and just want to bash, please do not reply, thank you.
 
I don't have a Spartan. I wanted it but the handles seem to bulky and would take up too much space in my pocket. The Recon 1 Tanto at least, is slimmer and possibly a bit lighter. The ergos on Recon 1 Tanto are outstanding. At $50 ish, the Recon 1 Tanto runs circles around most Tactical knives. Not to mention the triad-lock hype seems to be true. It's tough and solid.
 
I have the Recon 1, love the grip. Best feeling grip that I have. Blade gets really sharp, really easy. My only complaint is handle being rough on jeans, I may smooth it out some. Im just afraid the Spartan might be a little hard to carry.
 
roncunningham said:
I have the Recon 1, love the grip. Best feeling grip that I have. Blade gets really sharp, really easy. My only complaint is handle being rough on jeans, I may smooth it out some. Im just afraid the Spartan might be a little hard to carry.
Click to expand...

I took the clip off, a piece of sand paper and smoothened the G10 on about a 1/3 of the carrying side. No snags, and a lot less wear and tear on the jeans.
 
upnorth said:
I'm thinking about getting a Recon 1 (Tanto, for a change) or Spartan, because I'm tired of waiting for the new Voyager release. What do you like or dislike about these two folders in regard to size\weight\ergonomics etc? If you don't like Cold Steel and just want to bash, please do not reply, thank you.
Click to expand...

Depends on what you want from them. I love both but admittedly the Spartan is a pain in the rear to carry because of it's bulk. The Recon1 after I sanded down the clip side handle is much easier to pack around and the blade length is a good size for most tasks. It's really up to you, but if you have about a $100, maybe just get both:)
 
go with the recon 1 if you actually plan to carry the knife. i have both......recon 1 i use.....spartan stays at home. i like big knives but spartan is just too big for a carry knife.
 
I think the Recon 1 is a better choice though then sand down the pocket clip area. I have a 2010 AK-47 and didnt have to sand it but that's because I went through an adjusting process of taking the clip off, bend, re-install, repeat, YMMV.
 
I have a Spartan and love this monster. It's true it completely takes all of your pocket. The big difference between Recon 1 vs the Spartan is size and weight. I carrie my Spartan once and a while, just for fun. If weight and size matters to you go with the Recon 1 but if you don't mind the size and weight go with the Spartan.
 
The spartan is great and you wouldn't be disappointed with is but if your a pansy about weight it ain't for you- I carry mine every day with my other 5-6 knives
 
I really like all the Cold Steel Recon knives, and the Ak47 and lawman. I have owned all the different versions (mini's too) And the one I kept was the American Lawman.
I have no experience with the Spartan, but it looks like the handle would be a little too specific for me.
I have not had any issues with the g-10 texture ripping up my pockets.
 
The Spartan is half a foot long when closed. Though the Recon 1 is only 5/8" shorter, its a big difference especially when you factor in the shape of the handle. So I prefer the Recon 1.

I also sand the G10 (under the clip) on all of my CS knives, but thats just a matter of personal preference. It takes about 2 minutes.

recon_1_bare.jpg

Recon 1.
 
Attn Spartan haters...

Too bulky? I think not...

1306688046.jpg


1306687928.jpg
 
It would be interested if they could do the Spartan in lined G-10 like the newer Espadas coming out. That would make carry a lot less.........difficult.
 
One thing to remember the Spartans handle is thinner than you think I guarantee it

The only thing I didn't care for was the way the edge was grounded I hate it- I'm still trying to get it to where I want it
 
Charlie Mike's Spartan is so sick. Cold steel should make it. Didn't you write them a letter or something, CM?
 
Yup... Just waiting for another letter from em.
 
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