Recon 1! Is a fantastic knife! So much so I own 4 models... Recon 1 XL (AUS8-A), Recon 1 (AUS8-A), Recon 1 micro (AUS8-A), and my personal favorite Recon 1 (in carpenter steel). All great knives minus the micro. I must've got a dud there because it came sharp-ish but won't take a new edge worth a crap! I own over 50 CS products that's only one I don't care for. I think it was a "friday afternoon knife". Meaning the dude that made it half assed it to hurry up to go have beers with his buddies!
Long story (kind of short) I feel like my life could depend on my CS Recon 1 in carpenter steel!
I most certainly can't afford the 4 Max. I see many guys recommending that. I have never handled one but fantasize about it frequently! If you want to spend that much money I'm sure it's worth it.