Cold Steel Recon Scout

I have had a Recon Scout in the past. I no longer have it, but it's only because I needed some quick cash a few years back and sold it. It wasn't because I didn't like it.

Mine was made of Carbon V steel. I have no idea what that steel actually is either, but I can tell you this much - it was great stuff! It was tough, pretty easy to sharpen and held a sharp edge a long time. The little I know about SK5 points to it being comparable.

As for the handle - Kraton actually means the exact opposite of hot spots. It is soft, grippy, and squishy. It is one of the most comfortable materials a knife handle can be made of for prolonged use! The handle is molded over a full tang. The lanyard hole at the end of the handle passes through the tang.

Sooooo, to sum it up, it should have pretty great steel, an extremely comfortable handle, and it is a great size. It's smaller than a trailmaster, but it's still a large blade.
 
I don't have a Scout, but I do have a Cold Steel Recon 1 and their Spartan. Both are very solid knives and I have no complaints on either.

They both sharpen easily and take a super sharp edge. The G10 scale on the Recon is so far my favorite I've come across. It's super grippy and I like that. My Spartan is what I use for super heavy duty hard use because I don't see it failing or breaking on me.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy other cold steel blades if I like their look or if I was interested in a specific type of blade.
 
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I have a Scout and I would recommend it highly. Great knife, great grips. Cold Steel makes some really great stuff and it's usually priced right.
 
Don't have a recon scout but have handled one and have their sk 5 trailmaster and the recon scout is literally a smaller trailmaster. Thick blade with good weight, the hands is very grippy and not uncomfortable even when hacking away at wood. I don't know what sk 5 compares to but I have beat the crap out of my trailmaster without it breaking or bending. 90% of the stuff I've used it for is better suited for a hatchet. Stays sharp for a very long time and doesn't rust very easily as long as it stays dry obviously. The hand guard can be a problem when chopping for long periods of time, bit uncomfortable until you get the hang of holding it correctly.

I've had many things from cold steel. Loved every one of them.
 
If you can hurt 5/16" thick carbon steel you have bigger problems than most
 
I had a Carbon V Trailmaster with stag handle and it was such an outstanding knife that I wish I still had it. I turned the cash into something more useful at the time, so no regrets, but I do remember how great a knife it was. Were I to go for another, it would be the SK5 Recon Scout, for sure. I'd probably have to do something about the upper guard, though, as that's where I like my thumb to be. Maybe that's why I was able to let it go.

Zieg
 
The Kraton handles are a friction fit on the tang and staked with the lanyard tube. Some people complain about the handles, but most seem to use them just fine. I'd like some Micarta just because I think it would offer some improvement, but Kraton has worked well for me for years and has been very sturdy. SK5 is great and they will be shipping 0-1 models at some point. To each his own, but avoiding CS products will only cause you to miss out on some great knives. Good luck.
 
I have to admit, I've been considering one heavily, myself...just need that little push over the edge, I guess. ;)
 
Ive bought several CS Carbon V, San Mai etc knives with kraton handles and they all work fine - the SRK, Master Hunter, a handful of tantos etc.

Kraton is grippy even when wet and offers an excellent hand hold. Over time and with use, some kraton handles can develop a slight gap.

Cosmetically, some dont like kraton but for sheer practical purposes/usefulness, its hard to beat. Ill admit, that kraton isnt easy on the eyes, but kraton handled CS knives were meant to be used.

Besides, its simpe to get a knifemaker to replace the kraton with leather washers or an exotic wood handle.

As for your initial comment; if you 'dont respect CS' just stay away from their knives - simple.
 
Their advertising may not be to everyone's taste, but Cold Steel make very good products at reasonable prices.

Just buy a Recon Scout. They're a good knife.
 
Despite some cheesy marketing cold steel' s kraton handles are great. I have the outdoorsman and its a fantastic product. The handle has a tackyness that gives a solid grip. People either hate em or love em. I would try to find one to hold for yourself and see. No complaints here
 
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