Cold Steel

Can any of you elaborate on why the 3rd gen. Recon is better? Or do any of you disagree? Thanks.
 
Kaizen1 said:
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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My Ak47 had wonky locks. Couldn't one-finger close. My recons were and is butter smooth. I thought I had a bad egg/orange/apple outta the basket or whatever the saying goes. :D

Still, the AK47 has less gaps separating the knife and handle at the pivot region (I don't know the common terminology). A prying or lateral deflection action shows the AK47 IS a TANK and has no lateral (or commonly refered to as side-to-side) movement at all! My recons had a half mm gap on both sides and with heart wrenching bending it has a little (small though) movement side to side. None on the up-to-down except my oldest recon (2nd hand and I suspect it's been batoned before).
 
ChrisAHF said:
Can any of you elaborate on why the 3rd gen. Recon is better? Or do any of you disagree? Thanks.
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3rd gen (I call it that (3rd gen) but I'm not sure it is for the record :D) has G10 handles (gripper than Zytel and not slippery when wet) and Aus-8a steel (which does hold an edge better than 440A). The cost is more expensive though and in my honest opinion that's a helluva big step backwards!

Also the 3rd gen's locks are supposed to have less lemons where lemons being 'sticky' locks due to improvements in manufacturing.
 
Sorry for so many questions but im pretty sure this is my last deciding point(no pun intended). Do you preffer the tanto or point style blade. What is better for each or why dont you life one or the other? Thanks.
 
ChrisAHF said:
Sorry for so many questions but im pretty sure this is my last deciding point(no pun intended). Do you preffer the tanto or point style blade. What is better for each or why dont you life one or the other? Thanks.
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Tantos were designed for stabbing with minimal damage to the tip of the knife. Drop points are better for slicing movements, I doubt they'd break if you really needed to stab something anyway. Both blades cut well enough. Drop points are thought of as overall, more practical for daily use. But a tantos isn't going to stop you from opening boxes and cutting rope. I say if utility is more important, go for the drop point. And if you really like the looks of the tanto, go ahead and get it, it'll get the jobs done regardless.

Welcome to the forums:). Stick around awhile.
 
Kaizen1 said:
Tantos were designed for stabbing with minimal damage to the tip of the knife. Drop points are better for slicing movements, I doubt they'd break if you really needed to stab something anyway. Both blades cut well enough. Drop points are thought of as overall, more practical for daily use. But a tantos isn't going to stop you from opening boxes and cutting rope. I say if utility is more important, go for the drop point. And if you really like the looks of the tanto, go ahead and get it, it'll get the jobs done regardless.

Welcome to the forums:). Stick around awhile.
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Thank you. Everyone has been very helpful.
 
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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I got both and they are two solid users. The Recon 1 carries a little easier but I like to wave open the AK. Don't like serrations much, but Cold Steel's work as well as any other but I still prefer a plain edge for the ease of sharpening. Either will make a great choice for a user.
 
I definitely prefer the Recon 1. I have two of the new models and two of the old, and the axis locks on all four of them are perfect. Also, the blades of all four came "scary sharp" right out of the box.

Serrations? Your choice. I don't usually care for 'em, but COLD STEEL's serration pattern is fantastic for my purposes, so two of mine have 'em and two don't.

I'm not too fond of the AK-47s, as the blades and handles are just too fat and cumbersome for my tastes. But if you like it, the quality is there. (The thing should have an LED built into it because there's plenty of room for a reflector and two AA batteries! :D)

For the money, the Recon 1 is the way to go.
 
The AK-47 I have locks up great and unlocks very easy. It came sharp and the handle has a very secure grip. Blade is 3 and 1/2" and very wide for it's length. It definitely would make a good self-defence knife and it's not a bad deal for it's price.
But, I never carry it because its handle catches on pockets and belt sheathes. You can get the blade to "wave" out on withdraw from a pocket. (has a flat tab on-top the blade) I don't care for a blade popping out like that, myself. It tends to do it whether you want it to or not, if it's withdrawn fast. All in All, it's a very strong knife and there was a picture posted once of a man standing on its handle, with the blade in-between a cut in a tree.
I have the clip point Recon as well and it carries a whole lot better, plus it's just as sharp and probably as strong. Plus it comes out of a pocket or belt sheath with a smoothness the AK-47 can't hope to match. (both open very easy once they are out) I used to carry it a bit while hiking but it mostly just sets on my shelf, these days. I still like it and would get rid of the AK-47, before I would it if I was going sale one. (plus the Recon is made in Japan and the AK in Taiwan, I tend to like knives made in Japan over those made in Taiwan)
 
both are very fine knives for the money, I like wide blades and an extra secure grip, that's why I carry an AK
 
Production of the Recons have been moved to Taiwain from Japan if I recall properly so all new Recons are Taiwanese :)

Tanto or Clip, good Q. I bought a Tanto (Combination Edge) first and then a clip point (Plain Edged). At 1st the tanto was a delight to stab stuff but the cutting wasn't so impressive on the plain section but the serrated section was lovely. The 2nd recon (Clip with PE) cut like a machine but couldn't saw and I didn't like to stab with it...

CONCLUSION...
I went for something in between a clip point and a tanto... A spear point. For the type of edge I went for conbination because I really can't live without the serration. I rationalize to myself that if the serrations were buggered/damaged to severely I would grind them away and have a recurve belly!

Good luck mate, let us know if we helped you in your choice!
 
If you're dead set on Cold Steel, the Recon 1 is pretty decent. Solid, nice blade shape. I'd go with plain edge cause CS's serrations are a PAIN to sharpen
 
Nah, they're easy to sharpen. I use a Lansky dogbone made for CS serrations, but I've used diamond rod cones, too, without any problems.

I've noticed that the Recon 1s are going for $75+ on eBay when I bought my two new ones for $50-62. So the prices have gone up.

Anyone know of a cheaper price?
 
Good prices. I personally get mine from ebay at bidding. Never paid more than 60 (USD 45, USD 36, USD 57 (current newest)) for it as well as cheap shipping to Malaysia. Might been more attractive if I am living in the US.
 
I wouldn't pick either one. Go with the Cold Steel Voyager. It comes in whatever size and blade style you want, and can take whatever you dish out to it. It is the ultimate folding knife! I've carried Voyagers ever since they came out, both in and out of the military, all over the world, and not one has ever failed me. I currently own 4 Voyagers in different sizes and blade styles.
 
Gigmaster said:
I wouldn't pick either one. Go with the Cold Steel Voyager. It comes in whatever size and blade style you want, and can take whatever you dish out to it. It is the ultimate folding knife! I've carried Voyagers ever since they came out, both in and out of the military, all over the world, and not one has ever failed me. I currently own 4 Voyagers in different sizes and blade styles.
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For lockbacks it's among my most sturdy. I got the XX2 Clip point and the XL Serrated Tanto, love them scary babies to bits :) Only gripe I have about them is the lockback is TOO secure! I find it hard to unlock my knife and a recent accident with my XX2 almost chomped my right index off! Luckily (or unluckily...) it stopped short due to being embedded deeply in my nail!

Basically my advice is to take both hands to firmly grasp the voyagers to close them. One handed can be deadly to your digits. But because the lock is so secure, you don't need a Boye dent (negligable improvement IMHO) since a really firm grip is unlikely to unlock it accidentally.

The Voyagers are all worth their money, have decent steel, durable and built to last, a good recommendation Gigmaster. I hear the new 2008 model has a special design called the Tri-Ad lock which is touted as the next generation lockback, I'm getting them for sure! :D
 
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