Emerson Roadhouse or Cold Steel Recon 1 tanto?

Finedges

Finedges

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Jul 6, 2009
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Well, I was looking at the Roadhouse, liking it for a nice strong Edc/defensive blade. However the more I looked at it I thought, "I've seen this knife before". Sure enough, the Recon 1 is basically same length, same handle design, steel is subpar but not by much. Thing is the price is 1/4 as much, and I wouldn't buy an Emerson just to have one. Is there something I'm missing, exclusivity, prestige, USA made? What gives?
 
They are both great knives, for pure value the Recon 1 is by far the winner. Except for the wave opener, it's just as good, the steel CS uses is easy tonSbarpen but it's a bit too soft in My opinion. But I am a knife junky, I have plenty of CS knives and Lots of Emersons. If the Brand, Made in US, Steel, Grind etc. Don't sway you get the Recon 1. But honestly, you need tO hold any knife to really know if you like it.
 
The Emerson uses a titanium locking liner and has the best blade grinds of any knife I own. It is worth the coin, IMO. That said, for the dollar, the Recon 1 is a heck of a knife that lives up to it's press. Not everyone is comfortable owing an Emerson, but if you are, you won't be happy with alternatives.
 
Well, I found that the recon1 with its triad lock is very difficult for me to open quickly where as the Emerson wave is very fast. Have you ever opened a knife with a triad lock? Have you ever waved an Emerson open and would you plan to use that for SD?
While I'm at it those knifes are also rather different in design also. The Emerson has a much larger thumb ramp, the point of the blade is in line with the middle of the handle rather than in line close to the top and the Emerson handle has a much different curve to it.
Also, there are a lot of reasons that an Emerson costs more than a Cold Steel.
 
GMAHN said:
Well, I found that the recon1 with its triad lock is very difficult for me to open quickly where as the Emerson wave is very fast. Have you ever opened a knife with a triad lock? Have you ever waved an Emerson open and would you plan to use that for SD?
While I'm at it those knifes are also rather different in design also. The Emerson has a much larger thumb ramp, the point of the blade is in line with the middle of the handle rather than in line close to the top and the Emerson handle has a much different curve to it.
Also, there are a lot of reasons that an Emerson costs more than a Cold Steel.
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My rajah 2 waves quite nicely.
 
Cold Steel are just too heavy in the pocket for me. I go Emerson every time and the fact they are made in the USA is always a plus, as is the resale value on them.
 
GMAHN said:
Well, I found that the recon1 with its triad lock is very difficult for me to open quickly where as the Emerson wave is very fast. Have you ever opened a knife with a triad lock? ....
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They're a little difficult to open/close at first but it's been my experience with my Rajah III that the lock smooths out fairly quickly with a little use.

I think ya get more 'bang for your buck' with the Recon 1. I like Emerson's designs but think they overpriced for what they are, that's just my opinion though.

-sh00ter
 
Cold Steel Recon 1 tanto would be my choice. I have the clip point and it is a really nice knife. The steel does hold an impressive edge for a long time from what I've seen in my use. As far as weight is concerned, based on feel, the Cold Steel is not a heavy knife compared to the latter. I am a fan of tanto style knives for many reasons, the ease of sharpening 2 straight edges, precision cutting, strong tip, etc. Fnally, the lock on the Cold Steel is amazing. Liner locks are cool, but the Tri Ad is much better in my view.
 
singularity35 said:
Well, that's why I said my rajah waves open very well and it has a tri-ad.
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Recon1's don't have a wave, so he can't wave it out. The triad lock has a lot of resisting pressure on it compared to the Emerson so it will probably be harder to open quickly. It is not an issue of smoothness it is the resisting pressure of the Triad.

You guys all keep saying the recon1 has more "value" but how valuable is it as a defensive blade if you can't open it fast easily? That is what this guy has to decide and he probably won't know until he has held both.
 
If you're just looking for features, and it sounds like you are, I don't recommend getting an Emerson. An Emerson is the kind of knife you get when you want an Emerson. The Recon 1 is going to meet and exceed your expectations in any of the uses you listed.
 
GMAHN said:
Recon1's don't have a wave, so he can't wave it out.
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You think I don't know that? Lots of people don't prefer waving a knife out anyway.

If it's just a wave he wants then maybe a rajah 3 will do. And for only about 60 bucks. With the tri-ad.
 
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XanRa said:
I'm curious what you mean by that
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Some people think the fit and finish on the Emersons could be better or a bit more refined. I have found that any minor gripes disappear once you handle an Emerson. The balance, ergonomics of the handle and flawless blade grinds make an Emerson worth the money, to me at least.
 
GMAHN said:
...The triad lock has a lot of resisting pressure on it compared to the Emerson so it will probably be harder to open quickly. It is not an issue of smoothness it is the resisting pressure of the Triad...
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If its smooth then the pressure on the lock isn’t as noticeable, I can thumb flick my tri-ad, no wrist needed.

GMAHN said:
…You guys all keep saying the recon1 has more "value" but how valuable is it as a defensive blade if you can't open it fast easily? That is what this guy has to decide and he probably won't know until he has held both.
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It’s all what you practice! If you don’t practice, then just having a wave isn’t going to save your ass in a SD situation.

Look, obviously you’re an Emerson fan, and that’s fine, no one here is trying to sway you into liking the Cold Steel Recon 1. The OP asked a question and we’re just giving our opinion on the matter.

-sh00ter
 
singularity35 said:
You think I don't know that? Lots of people don't prefer waving a knife out anyway.

If it's just a wave he wants then maybe a rajah 3 will do. And for only about 60 bucks. With the tri-ad.
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They can be had for less, I only paid $44 shipped for mine. It waves just fine; it’s a nice smaller, yet still robust, folder.

-sh00ter
 
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