CRKT Carson M4 or CS Recon 1

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JTR357

JTR357

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I get the feeling neither manufacturers get much respect here,but if you had to choose between the two,which would it be?They're about the same price.
I think I like the Recon 1 a little more.

The CRKT Carson M4
5029_1.jpg

The illustrated CRKT knife is the CRKT Carson M4 Knife, designed by custom knifemaker Kit Carson. This CRKT Carson M4 Knife features a 3.75" drop point blade made of AUS8 stainless steel, .12" thick, with a Rockwell hardness of 56-58. The blade of this CRKT knife has a non reflective bead blast finish, dual thumb studs and OutBurst assist for ambidextrous one hand opening. The textured black Zytel handle, 4.375" closed, has dual stainless steel liners, brushed stainless steel bolsters, an anodized aluminum back spacer, a liner lock and AutoLawks. A removable metal pocket clip is mounted at the pivot end of this CRKT knife. The CRKT Carson M4 Knife has an overall length of 8.125" and weighs 4.6 ounces.



I just put the specs for the CS...instead of their two pages of hype:barf:


Cold Steel Recon 1
recon1.jpg


Specifications:
Weight: 5.6 oz.
Blade Thick: 9/64" (3.5mm)
Blade Length: 4"
Handle: 5 1/3" long. G-10
Steel: AUS 8A Stainless
Overall Length: 9 1/3" Black Teflon¨ Finish
Sheath: Ultra Lock™ with Ambidextrous Stainless Pocket Clip


...just looking for different opinions

Thanks,
 
I would also add that the thumb stud on the m4 sticks out a ways and, in my opinion it gets in the way of sharpening a little.
 
I think CRKT suffers because of some of the venues at which they are sold. Cold Steel has been noted as having poor quality control; sort of a crap-shoot getting a good one. At that price, though, I can't see how you could go wrong with either. Unless you really need or want the extra size, my preference would be for the CRKT. I have a couple and the LAWKS system really does seem to improve the locking design. CS has the "ultra lock" with which I'm not familiar, so this review might help.

http://funditor.110mb.com/Cold Steel Recon 1 Review.html

I also just like the looks of the CRKT more.
 
Halbie said:
OK, that clinches it! I'm gonna have to get one! :)

After reading the review of it, it's very tempting...
Click to expand...

I hear it's a good knife. I only wish CS would use better steels than AUS8. Imagine if they used VG10 or ZDP in some of these knives.
 
Halbie said:
Cold Steel has been noted as having poor quality control; sort of a crap-shoot getting a good one.
Click to expand...
The Cold Steel knives I've bought have been flawless in quality and function. They're far and away better knives than the CRKTs, though my CRKT S-2, with its titanium frame and ATS-34 blade, was an incredible production. Sadly, CRKT no longer produces knives of such quality.

I've bought many Cold Steel knives in various configurations and I carry and use them. Every single one of them has been exceptionally made. The AUS8 steel used by Cold Steel also seems to be better treated than the same steel in CRKT folders.

I have Recon 1s in both the old version (with 440A) and the new, and they're both great knives. They're easy to sharpen, they're strong and they manage to keep their edges well enough.


ColdSteelRecon1_BS_Sm.jpg
 
Just wanted to let you know,despite all the pro votes for the recon,I've decided to get the Carson M4.
Reasons--I like the AO,I Like the LAWKS system.,I like the blade shape more than the recon,I like the overall sleek design.
I just pulled the trigger on it yesterday.
The Recon 1 is a good knife,but a bit too tacticool for my tastes.

Thanks for all your advice/opinions everyone.They are always appreciated.

Take Care,
 
I have a few Cold Steel knives and all of them are very well made even the pocket bushman. I have yet to get a cold steel knife that did not come shaving sharp out of the box. Many of my other reputable brand name knives did not come very sharp as well as some of my handmade knives. Some of my more reputable brand name folders have had lock failure and fixed blade of mine known for being very tough and strong was cracked at the tang handle joint.
I have enough cold steel knives to form the opinion that they are up there among the best since not one of them ever failed. I also belive the way CS heat treats their steel more than makes up for any of it's relative short commings when compared to so called "better steels" I would rather a company choose to keep costs down by purchasing a lower grade steel and giving it a superb heat treat (Cold Steel) than to buy a top quality steel and cut cost by giving it a crappy to so and so heat treat just so they can hype the "super steel" in their ads.
Buck uses really cheap steel but makes up for it by giving it a great heat treat and bucks are well known, used, and admired by many collectors and users.
 
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