Cold Steel

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ChrisAHF

Joined
Nov 11, 2007
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Im looking to buy one of the cold steel folders. Either the Recon 1 or maybe the AK-47 version. My question is which would you suggest and why? Do you preffer serrated or not? It will be for my EDC. I like the longer 4" inch blade on the Recon but an intersted in the AK-47 model. I know some people really dont like cold steel but ive made my mind up so any info would be appreciated.
 
ChrisAHF said:
Im looking to buy one of the cold steel folders. Either the Recon 1 or maybe the AK-47 version. My question is which would you suggest and why? Do you preffer serrated or not? It will be for my EDC. I like the longer 4" inch blade on the Recon but an intersted in the AK-47 model. I know some people really dont like cold steel but ive made my mind up so any info would be appreciated.
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Based on appearances alone, I'd go with the Recon-1. The AK-47 doesn't look like it would be as comfortable.
 
I'm not sure about the recon, but I've heard disappointing reviews of the CS axis lock (on the AK). The benchmade axis may be great, but no one else can do it the same.
 
On the Recon Is it just as easy to use the thumb release to open it using the pocket or pants? Ive heard/seen that feature on the AK version.
 
ChrisAHF said:
On the Recon Is it just as easy to use the thumb release to open it using the pocket or pants? Ive heard/seen that feature on the AK version.
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I would imagine not. While I hate when people suggest things that weren't asked for, have you considered a waved Spyderco?
 
kiahs, thanks for the suggestion. Im fairly new to knives but I just did some quick research and am interested. One question is still unanswered though, do you preffer plain or serrated?
 
plain all the way. serrations are harder to sharpen and make really jagged, untidy cuts. A plain edge will do everything a serrated one can. Serrations on a folder would kill the deal for me.
 
I have been carrying mine for years. They are very stout (the recon 1). They are super strong. The blade is rather thick and stout. The newer ones with the g-10 handles are even stronger and better. The AK-47 looks like the blade will be a better slicer for things like apples etc. I don't really like the hook thingie on the back of the handle seems kind of in the way for when you have it clipped on your pocket etc. It would not be hard to remove, however. Just shop around for the best price as the price varies widely depending on where you look (I don't ever order from their normal website. but i have ordered lots of stuff from their ltspecpro.com web site).
the finish has actually held up quite well after 6 years of carry. Plain edge for me, easier to sharpen. The thumb disk on the recon1 won't open on the pants like the AK will. I have been happy with all my cold steel products and I own quite a few. I think their folders like the Recon1 and the AK are a good solid value (again have to shop around).
IMG021-1.jpg
 
Got three Recons and one AK47 (Aluminium handle). Both are fine and the lockup is good.

I like the Recon cause the shape is simpler than the AK and does not catch onto my clothing in my pockets. The new 3rd generation Recons (G10 with Aus 8a 'premium' steel) is better than the 2nd generation (Zytel with 440A) but the 1st generation from Japan (zytel with Aus 8a) is not too bad. I concluded that the combo edge is my prefered choice cause there are times I need to rip through thick cardboard and the serrations help.

Keep in mind the fine serrations on CS' folders are rather fragile and will damage easier than coarser serrations (like my emerson hardwear).

The AK47 has a good weight, I like a moderately heavy folder. The knife is bit short in this case made more apparent by the large handle. If you have large palms it'll be great but I'm asian so it's bordering on too-large.


PS: The 'wave' feature on the AK47 is pretty nifty. Not too small so it rips and can even serve as a thumb rest or whatchamacallit.

I recommend the Aus 8a steel choice (3rd generation Recons and any AK47s).

Note that the 'Ultra-Lock' (Axis wannabe) is a bit hit and miss here. The newer models have smoother locks which can be unlocked with one finger but the older models tend to be stuck due to the honestly crappy design and dimensional tolerances.

I recommend the Recon with combo edge (Spear point) cause I can't decide between tanto (great for punching/stabbing ... cardboard) vs. clip (not too good punching but great cutting) so I go for a bit of all!
 
Go with the recon reconn 1. I have it and it is a pretty decent knife, that said i bought the combo-edge and really would have prefered a plain edge.
 
Was at a local store and they had the Recon 1 on sale and was about to buy it until I unlocked the blade. It took two hands to un-do the "ultra-lock"...very stiff. Put it back and went on my way.
 
Cotherion said:
Got three Recons and one AK47 (Aluminium handle). Both are fine and the lockup is good.

I like the Recon cause the shape is simpler than the AK and does not catch onto my clothing in my pockets. The new 3rd generation Recons (G10 with Aus 8a 'premium' steel) is better than the 2nd generation (Zytel with 440A) but the 1st generation from Japan (zytel with Aus 8a) is not too bad. I concluded that the combo edge is my prefered choice cause there are times I need to rip through thick cardboard and the serrations help.

Keep in mind the fine serrations on CS' folders are rather fragile and will damage easier than coarser serrations (like my emerson hardwear).

The AK47 has a good weight, I like a moderately heavy folder. The knife is bit short in this case made more apparent by the large handle. If you have large palms it'll be great but I'm asian so it's bordering on too-large.


PS: The 'wave' feature on the AK47 is pretty nifty. Not too small so it rips and can even serve as a thumb rest or whatchamacallit.

I recommend the Aus 8a steel choice (3rd generation Recons and any AK47s).

Note that the 'Ultra-Lock' (Axis wannabe) is a bit hit and miss here. The newer models have smoother locks which can be unlocked with one finger but the older models tend to be stuck due to the honestly crappy design and dimensional tolerances.

I recommend the Recon with combo edge (Spear point) cause I can't decide between tanto (great for punching/stabbing ... cardboard) vs. clip (not too good punching but great cutting) so I go for a bit of all!
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With the serrations do they get beat up or no? I have a kershaw that I will admit I put through some rough use and the serrations are literally deformed and jagged. Also why is the "G10 with Aus 8a 'premium' steel" better than the Z"ytel with 440A".Thanks.
 
ChrisAHF said:
kiahs, thanks for the suggestion. I'm fairly new to knives but I just did some quick research and am interested. One question is still unanswered though, do you prefer plain or serrated?
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I think serrations are rather silly on a carry knife. They may be useful if you cut a lot of rope though. Others love them, so it's determined by what you'll be using it for and personal preference.
 
Serrations are good if you have been cutting for a while (thick cardboard boxes to put into dustbin) as they can still saw long after my knife (plain edge section) is too dull to cut butter! :)

The CS serrations have two sections, the deeper and longer serration followed by the smaller pin-like serration. What I mean about them being fragile is that they break (them pin-like serrations) easy. My Emerson hardwear has no puny serrations and while it's rougher to draw-cut through cardboard with it, it last longer. FYI those damn staples are the POSs that messed with my serrations and edges! :)

To be totally honest I'm not too sure about why Aus-8a being better than 440A. I came into this conclusion by reading the many threads and posts in this forum regarding steel types and their edge retentions. This is of course assuming that the processes (heat treat and quenching for example) are done ok for all cases to avoid discussion of topic de-railing factors.

My own Aus-8a is very good at killing cardboard, paper, rope and etc with minor re-sharpening. My 440 a is not too good and needed a reprofile to around 30 deg (hard cutting) for different use after it didn't do to well at cutting.

Hope this helps.
 
Yeah i forgot to mention my findings regarding serrations. Courser serrations are more durable and can saw through hard stuff but they are not 'smooth' when cutting compared to finer serrations. Finer serrations damage easier.
 
For whatever reason, I've seen a few complaints about the AK-47's lock malfunctioning or the knife having issues. I don't believe I've read any bad comments on the Recon-1.
 
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