Recon 1 and AK47 Discontinued?

Bushido185

Bushido185

Joined
Sep 21, 2013
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A popular knife retailer I frequent has the Recon 1 series and the AK47 line listed as discontinued. Is this true?
 
So basically CS has decided to destroy the mass appeal of two of their flagship models. I could see making the XHP an option or limited sprint run but to completely do away with the AUS8 version seems a bit extreme and a step in the wrong direction. AUS8 isn't my favorite steel but it works well for its intended purpose on my Recon 1.
 
I would expect the price to be lower on regular production CTS-XHP knives. Heretofore, knives made by CS from this steel have been limited runs, and thus, more expensive.

The change from AUS8 will undoubtedly bring in a lot of customers, and bring back old customers, with the steel upgrade. I really like CTS-XHP. It is D2 made stainless and, for those of you who like to do such things, unlike D2, it will take a mirror polish.
 
Doc, I agree. A 20% increase is one thing but doubling the price could also turn off a lot of people. I have zero experience with CTS-XHP steel so it would be interesting to try one out. Of course it's all marketing, the Recon line must be getting stale for CS to put this type of effort into rejuvenating the series. The Code4 lineup was a nice try but I don't think it really caught on. Looks like those have been discontinued as well. I wonder if the Code4 knives are getting the same treatment as the Recon or are they gone for good?
 
The main complaint that has been directed at Cold Steel over the years is the steel they use. AUS8 is a tough steel that takes a good edge but it is a lower level steel these days.

Companies like Spyderco have shown that people will pay extra for a high quality steel and Japanese steel prices appear to be going up, so Cold Steel have picked two American made steels CTS BD-1 and CTS XHP and are switching their folders over to it. Unlike Spyderco they don't appear to want the hassle of running multiple steels per knife so they'll use BD-1 on their lower level knives like the Voyager, and XHP in the higher level knives like the Code 4, Recon and AK-47.

An AK-47 with XHP steel would be a very cheap alternative to one of the ZT Hinderer designs.

They are expanding their market appeal among dedicated knife owners, and that cannot be a bad thing.
 
When the American Lawman comes out in CTS-XHP it will be THE knife to buy. This is very good steel and holds an edge quite well.

The BD1 is a good steel and better than any stainless CS has used, as far as I can recall.
 
I bought two more HoldOut's last week . I very much hope they produce some Holdout's with XHP. I'd have at least two. Hopefully the price tag on these XHP knives their producing will be under $100.
 
Freman Bloodglaive said:
The main complaint that has been directed at Cold Steel over the years is the steel they use. AUS8 is a tough steel that takes a good edge but it is a lower level steel these days.

Companies like Spyderco have shown that people will pay extra for a high quality steel and Japanese steel prices appear to be going up, so Cold Steel have picked two American made steels CTS BD-1 and CTS XHP and are switching their folders over to it. Unlike Spyderco they don't appear to want the hassle of running multiple steels per knife so they'll use BD-1 on their lower level knives like the Voyager, and XHP in the higher level knives like the Code 4, Recon and AK-47.

An AK-47 with XHP steel would be a very cheap alternative to one of the ZT Hinderer designs.

They are expanding their market appeal among dedicated knife owners, and that cannot be a bad thing.
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Well said, Freeman!
 
I just hope they offer the Lawman and Recon series with un-coated blades as an option. I know, I know, I could always remove the coating myself, but I just don't feel I should have to. Especially when the market is flooded with good knives that I don't have to.
 
I like aus8a that they use, doubling there price and ditching aus8a stinks. People will find another reason to not like cold steel no matter what steel they use, there marketing, Lynn Thompson.. etc.. the value in there current line up sets them apart. 50 to 60 bucks for a recon 1 or ak47 freaking rocks. The people who complain about aus8a make up such a small percentage of there sales... most customers have never heard of bladeforums and are not seeking the latest greatest super steel. Just my 2¢.
 
Kudos to CS for taking chances like this. Now, will all the people who said, "gee I would buy a CS knife if it came in a better steel" actually put their money where their mouth is or will they moan it's too expensive for a Cold Steel knife.
 
I'm already saving my pennies.
2015 is gonna hit the wallet pretty hard.
Money is definitely gonna gowhere my mouth is.
 
I was able to own the XHP AK for a little while and the steel was a huge step up as well as the new DLC coating. I payed about 125, since it has not been released and good guy on here helped me out.
I think it is a great value even at 120$. The lock as we know is superior to most others. The steel change was a great choice. I use my knives way too much to keep up with AUS 8 for those uses.

But I had no idea that they would discontinue the AUS 8 models. I think that is a bad move. After owning the XHP I would still love to own a regular AK again. Ive seen them new lately for about 50 shipped. That is hard to beat.
 
I wonder if the Code-4 is intended to backfill the market for the AUS-8 AKs and Recons?

With the Carpenter steel and DLC, I imagine the price will double from current street prices.
 
Yes, I can see that there will be a price increase for the Cold Steel knives that use CTS-XHP steel.

However, they should still be reasonable compared to other brands that have been using it in high-end knives.
 
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