Cold stel recon scout

cbach8tw

cbach8tw

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Jan 9, 2006
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I just want some honest opinions from persons who have used the new Recon Scout in SK-5 steel, please do not respond if you have an ax to grind with Cold steel or Lynn Thompson. I also do not like the hype and designs being copied, just want the cold hard facts if you used the Recon Scout. Edge holding, overall durability since it is made in China.
 
I wouldn't worry about the "made in China" SK-5 Bowies from Cold Steel. I recently hard-use tested an SK-5 Laredo and found that about the only difference between a Carbon V (great performer) version and the SK-5, was that the Carbon V held an edge a little longer. Key word little. Others who have used the SK-5 Trailmasters have reported the same. Recon Scout is just a shortened Trailmaster.
 
I have a Recon Scout and have used it to baton through some logs and cut up some cardboard. It seems to me to be capable enough, more than what I need it for. As with all the CS knives I have recieved it was very sharp. The only complaint I have is that it is very hefty and that the guard prohibits the abiltiy to effectively choke up on the blade, a feature I like to do with larger blades.
 
;)It's an overal well made knife. Fit and finish are very good. The blade is thick and heavy, good chopper for a 7" blade. Razor sharp out of the box. Good securex sheath. Only complain the handle is a little thin for me. however, it's one of my favorite 7" all purpose knife.
 
I agree with sharp-k.
Solid blades and construction, but both with the new and the old Recon Scouts and Trailmasters, I found the handle to be a bit thin. Tapers in towards the middle and never quite felt right to me. (I have rather long fingers and wide palm.)

I would suggest feeling one before buying just to make sure it 'fits'...

Regards,
Mike
 
GThanks guys, I appreciate the feedback, now just have to decide if I will get it. I never seem to need a new knife, but then again, you just cannot have too many! I have a Kabar short heavy bowiw with a 7 inch blade, not very espensive. I saw a photo of it earlier this week in the forums.
 
Hi ppl! I'm new here. I don't even know exactly how to post a question! but I was wondering if you guys can advise me on the CS Recon Scout San Mai. Is there anything about the San Mai III version that justifies the 200% premium on top of the SK-5 version's price? What is it that the San Mai can do and the SK-5 cannot? Any thoughts...
 
The new SK5 models coming out in a month or 2 will no longer be made in China. They are currently being made in Taiwan.
 
I have one I like it quite a bit .I can see the handle problems other people have with it and the guard can get in the way but thats the drawback for the look you get with a "traditional" bowie blade .The knife is massively thick and more sturdy than I will ever need. The sheath is pretty nice and I almost always make new ones for my knives.If you can get one for the price I did ($40) buy two.
 
Nice Knife although notice that it is 7.5 inches which makes a difference in handling.
It is also 5/16 inches thick at the spine which makes another difference.
I THINK that if you want a FAST fighter there are a number of other CS knives that are better suited for the task unless you want to punch through armour, etc.
If you want a knife/pry bar/chopper/baton this is it as I believe it would give a tank hatch a good go--REALLY STRONG!
I agree with the person above that said IT DOES NOT HAVE THE FEEL--but it is not at all bad either. Current cheaper verisons come with ConcealX sheaths which, for me, have a lot of problems.
It also does not have the feel of its big brother the TRAILMASTER which is a bit long!
Never-the-less, a Combat Recon is an excellent knife and I would but another.
--ho
 
Dodi said:
Hi ppl! I'm new here. I don't even know exactly how to post a question! but I was wondering if you guys can advise me on the CS Recon Scout San Mai. Is there anything about the San Mai III version that justifies the 200% premium on top of the SK-5 version's price? What is it that the San Mai can do and the SK-5 cannot? Any thoughts...
Click to expand...

Welcome to Bladeforums!

SK-5 isn’t stainless. So if your planning on using your knife in high corrosion environments its going to take some extra work to maintain.

That being said I really don’t think that San Mai offers any really performance increases in that type of knife over the SK-5 version. If they where both the same price I would still go for the high carbon version in this type of a knife. Because of the comparatively massive cost. In my mind there isn’t even much of a choice.
 
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