Recon 1 - full size or Mini?

My thoughts, if anyone cares...:

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I love the Recon 1 full size, but I'd have trouble using it in public, it is admittedly too large for most public places or around people. For camping, gardening, and hard tasks can't be beat, though, and extra inch comes useful.

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The smaller AK47 feels much sturdier and even more capable in the hand than my Recon 1, but blade is 3.5 inches. If you hard use and plain beat your blades, the pommel comes in handy (I've opened paint cans, broken glass, deformed wood and steel plates, crushed ceramics and smashed ice on occasion).

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Weighs a lot, though

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The best for most people, as an EDC, is the Broken Skull, period. Normal tasks for most people are perfect for it. Slim ,strong, lightweight, not nearly as heavy or aggressive looking as the Recon or AK47.

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Excellent carriability and comfort, not so strict handle (less grooved) but still very grippy G10, various colors to choose from, blade might be a bit more fragile and thin but most people won't really ever need the extra thickness of the other 2.

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Just my two cents, any of the three would be an excellent choice, choose according to your uses and needs!

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Good luck!
 
Thanks for your thoughts and pics! The BS is a strong contender for sure. Ideally, I would like all three. If I really like the new steel, I can definitely see more CS folders in my future.
 
Had a brainfart and decided to check YT. Found this comparison which is pretty interesting. It appears the Mini has different G-10! That is a definite factor to consider.

Also appears those stated blade lengths are a little on the optimistic side. Take a look...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7cB86mAAzU

I'm glad I watched it because its definitely given me pause.... ALWAYS try to watch video because pictures on the Interwebz are deceiving!
 
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Buffalohump said:
While we on the subject of YT, here's Nutn's review of the Bkn Skull.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZTO1jXWsb8
Click to expand...

I was going to mention that but I'm not really a fan. When I want to take a long look at a knife though I'll check out his vids. They are certainly long enough and he usually does a lot of comparisons to other knives so I can get a better estimate of actual size. My BS came in at 4.10" so it really is 4". I think I remember my R1 was under 4" though. Still, I keep the R1 on me when I'm at home working outside. I've pried, cut, shaved, chopped, used it as a screwdriver, and done some stupid stuff with it and the R1 just took it. But it's designed as a hard use knife.

The BS is designed as a EDC, and it shines in that regard. Boxes, picking out splinters, hoses, food (it halves sandwiches perfectly), letter opener, plastic clamshells, it has done everything I've asked without fail. It does have a thin tip, but it's more practical than tactical. It really is my favorite EDC and someone would have a hard time coming up with something to beat it that checks all the boxes that the BS does.

I did a mini review on BF, here's the link-http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1377100-Broken-Skull-IV-thoughts-and-pics!!!-(Pics-in-2nd-post)?highlight=mastiffhound
 
Good thoughts! I was keen on the BS when it first launched but my feeling after viewing those vids is that the Recon 1 would be the one to go for. The Mini is too small for me, the BS handle I think a tad too thin and narrow. If the scales were a bit fatter it would be much closer but if its thinner than the Endura that's not going to work for me.

The blade of the Recon 1 is just right, the handle is a little bigger than I would prefer but honestly, I would rather go for too big than too small. If I could make my specific choices I would like a flat ground blade on R1 but I can live with a hollow grind. I'm still a bit nervous about the clip, to be honest. Previous experiences with CS clips werent great. I would like to see a slightly beefier clip on that R1 with better lip clearance, for want of a better term.
 
You'll be surprised with the strength on the tip. They've got plenty of beef up there. The mini feels the stoutest due to the shorter blade.

I've owned the xl, the full size, and the mini. This is coming from a guy who loves mega folders. (Recon xl, REKAT sifu, camillus cuda maxx, etc.) The one I liked the most was the mini.

The xl is ridiculous. The full size is a great knife, but a little much to lug around and use to cut everything (can't believe I said that). The mini is perfect for everyday carry. It ain't too "mini" either.







Here's the xl:









I don't have any pics of the full size. I gave it to my oldest daughter so it would get carried. She loves it. But, she carries it in her purse, won't fit in her pocket.

The full size is one hell of a knife. You'll like it. Let us know what you think when you get it.
 
Thanks for the pics! The other factor is the scale colour. Not keen on black/black knives. I do like OD green and black though. :)
 
No problem.

With all the Griptilians you own, you have that size well covered anyway.

Go get the knife you want. You won't be happy until you do.
 
Indeed, I have EDC size knives covered well, big AND light not so much. That's what appeals to me about the Recon 1, it's big but its not a brick due to the absence of liners.
 
If you want big and light, you're looking in exactly the right place. The recons are beasts. They're VERY light for their size.

The g10 handles are plenty tough with no liners. They're super thick, but g10 is light. Couple that with the triad lock, psheeeeit. You've got one tough, light folder.

Just go on and get the one that calls to you. Let us know how you like it.
 
I've never given the XL or mini versions a serious look on account of size (too big/small) but I have the full-sized AUS8 tanto and spear point versions of the Recon 1 and have mixed feelings. The size is great in terms of actual utility, and Cold Steel is the only brand whose handles I consider sturdy enough without liners, which helps with weight. The problem is, a full-sized Recon 1 is pretty big for pocket carry, and I really don't need the blade length for most EDC tasks.

For outdoor use where the size is more appropriate for my needs, I have an old MOD sheath that is a perfect fit for a Recon 1.
 
I F'n love cold steel recon one's! I have the XL, regular, and micro. All in AUS8a. I recently decided to get a recon in their new carpenter steel. But the CS voyager was half of the price with the tri-ad lock. I trust cold steel with my life. I own roughly 40 of their products. From folders, Fixed blades, tomahawks, axes, war clubs, machetes, even sunglasses lol. Back to my point. I have zero problems paying 100$ for the recon and I knew that they voyager would be a decent knife. So I tried it. I got it for 50$ and I really like it. I bought that and the CS tuff lite, and CS finn wolf at one. I love them all but EDC the voyager at work. Because and I hate to say it but.... It would be inappropriate to carry a fixed blade. I usually carry a CS mini Pendleton hunter on my days off.
 
CTS-XHP is awesome steel. Love my Recon 1 drop-point; handle is very ergonomic, while also thin (G10), quite easy to carry in hip pocket or a jacket or IWB. Great slicer and I like the extra steel behind the tip. I may make a formed leather sheath for it though for occasional belt carry. Also have an American Lawman, smaller cousin, but it gnaws pockets :mad: so I usually carry it IWB or in a jacket pocket. BTW both have the DLC coating, very scratch-resistant (plus it looks cool).
 
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