Cold Steel Recon 1 vs Cold Steel Code 4

J

JDX

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Mar 2, 2014
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Besides that the code 4 is slightly smaller and the handles are different materials, is there anything that would make you choose one over the other? I don't care for the paint coating on the recon 1, and I don't care for aluminum handles on the code 4. So which do you prefer?
 
I chose the recon 1; with the aus8 version I just stripped the blade and it was just right... I don't think you can do that with the new dlc coating. If the code4 was with g10, it would be my edc. Now, if the new xhp recon 1 was stonewashed and had that thumb plate it would be just about perfect in my book... I like it regardless, and will likely buy a new one.
 
Code 4. Cold Steel's ridiculously aggressive G10 along with their pocket clips that hang on for dear life make me hesitant to get a Recon 1.

And I think the Code 4 looks nicer and is more sheeple friendly
 
Recon 1. You can remove the coating on the blade fairly easily. Can't change the metal handles on the code 4 into G10.
 
Have both. I find the C4 is more pocket-friendly because it's thinner. Clip blades on both seem about the same , but I like uncoated better. A bit less hand-filling grip on the C4 , but because of it's EDC comfort I don't mind it.
Lock takes a bit to break in , but now it's smooth and faster opening/closing.

For G-10 , I'd rather EDC the Lawman than the Recon. I just find it too bulky.
 
Like all good BF members, I have both. And both are fine knives. As between them, I would chose the Recon 1 if for no other reason than because the Code 4 scales are really slick. The slickness does help with pocket extraction, no doubt, but the Recon's G10 can be sanded gently under the clip area (it helps to remove the clip first) in a 5 minute operation which eliminates the pocket shredding problem. The Recon comes in various sizes and flavors, so if you get addicted, you will have additional flavors to waste your money on. But yeah, the Recon 1 gets my vote. Even the Micro is cool, and quiet functional for a knife that weighs 1 ounce.
 
I dont have the recon 1 so I cant really give a good comparison between them. I like my code 4. Its a very slim yet strong and functional knife. It also looks good and is sheeple friendly. I have several female friends who arent into knives at all and some of them has actually complemented me on my code 4 saying that its actually kinda nice. If you want a good edc blade then you should go for the code 4 I think.
 
Don't forget that it is an option to engrave the handle of the Code 4 too, to help add some traction.

I have both and carry both. I am not carrying the Code 4 or any other metal-handled knives right now because of it being Wintertime.
 
I have a code 4... which I never use for 3 reasons:

1. The blade is so thinly ground, it feels like it's going to break if you put any pressure on it.
2. The triad lock is so dark stiff, it's impossible to close with one hand.
3. It's ultra thin... which is ok, but it's not all that comfortable to hold.

So, I'd probably go with a Recon 1, but I just can't live with the lockback design. My least favorite lock type.
 
I've bought both are as for the recon 1. I love how sturdy it felt as being a thicker blade. And the texture of the handle was nice bc it wouldn't slip. I never really had an issue with being able to unlock or lock it with just one handed even tho the handle is a bit larger than was needed. Eventually I tipped it so I decided to buy the code 4 to give it a try.

As for the code 4 everyone is correct in the fact the blade is not painted which is nice but I'm not a fan of a few things. One being the blade was only edged on one side which to me makes it not as sharp but it may be intended (I'm not a blade connoisseur so that opinion is questionable). Also the handles lack of texture since it's aluminum makes it very hard to hold onto which in my line of work I need to be able to pull it quickly even under extreme stress so to me that's an issue. Plus that and the combination of how hard the clip is makes it very hard to draw quickly but maybe my pants are just think.

I'm currently debating trying to swap the recon handle only the code 4 blade since both of the tantos are so close in size shape.
 
I once made a complete bow drill divot set with the recon 1. The ergonomics are really good for extended cutting. The Code 4 rides better in pocket and is great for short cutting sessions but I would not want to use it for long durations.
 
I prefer the Recon 1 because I have larger hands, and because the aluminum handles on the C4 are a bit too slippery for my taste. I realize other folks are just fine with those.

OP, if you want a slim lightweight EDU knife with aluminum handles and a premium steel, here are two that I own and prefer to the C4, both USA made, both in M390: Kershaw Link, Kershaw Dividend.
 
I've owned both in the past and ended up selling both. I liked the ergos of the Recon 1 better, but I liked the Code 4s less tactical look. I've seen people put grip tape on the code 4 to help with the slick aluminum scales.
 
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