History of Cold Steel Tantos - Unauthorized and Probably Incomplete

Welcome

Looking at the auction pics is like an eye test. I think I can faintly see some markings on the blade but not sure.
 
rycen said:
Welcome

Looking at the auction pics is like an eye test. I think I can faintly see some markings on the blade but not sure.
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There are no markings on the blade. I'll try to take some pics next to a 3V magnum tanto tomorrow in daylight with a better camera.
 
kobunny said:
This knife is an interesting piece, it was sold to me by a former employee of Alcas /Cutco of Olean, NY. Their claim is that it was part of a joint collaboration between Cold Steel and Cutco and was made sometime during the 1980's. As I understand it was a prototype that Cutco produced as a sample run for Cold Steel and it ended up not going anywhere or sent to a full production run. It does not appear to have any markings on it from what I can tell. The finish of the blade, pommel and guard appears to be bead blasted and has had the brass darkened.

Unfortunately I do not have any documentation on the story above but I knew the individual it came from quite well and have no reason to doubt their claim. Take it for what you will.

The pommel appears as though it may have been dropped at one time as it is dented in a bit compared to other photos I've examined of this pattern knife. The edge of the knife is excellent with a couple minor dings but does not appear to have ever been used.
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It's definitely a Recon Tanto. With the exception of blade markings, it's identical to the final production version of the Recon Tanto. I don't doubt the history, that it may have been a sample Recon Tanto that Alcas developed for Cold Steel's testing and manufacturing consideration. But the question arises as to why your friend had it, why it never left the factory. My guess would be that the damaged pommel is the reason. The damage would have prevented it from being supplied to Cold Steel, and your friend likely acquired it as a manufacturing second.

Nevertheless, if it's true that Alcas supplied the original Recon Tantos, that's a new item of Cold Steel history that we didn't have before. Your knife is a great piece of the puzzle, and thanks for sharing it!


-Steve

P.S. - Addressing your storage inquiry, keep it protected from moisture. Bead blasting was not good for preventing corrosion, and many Recon Tantos developed rust easily.
 
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