Recon 1 or Code 4?

Razor

Razor

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Dec 8, 1999
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I am in the mood for a new CS folder. Which would you all recommend? Also, would the lawman be better? I was thinking about trying a serrated blade. Are they any harder to sharpen than the spyderco serrations? I have a sharpmaker.
 
Recon 1 or Lawman have grippier handles . I love those wicked CS serrations for a knife reserved for emergency / SD , but no so much for a frequent user . PITA to sharpen but there is a special sharpener : https://www.knifecenter.com/item/LSLTRCS/Lansky-Crock-Stick-Cold-Steel-Serrated-Knife-Sharpener . Spyderco serrations for a real working knife are much easier and can be dealt with using the corners of the triangle stones in your Sharpmaker . I prefer to just stay with a PE for working knives generally . In any case , try CS and you'll like it ! :)
 
Recon 1 is just right.
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SR1 is too big and bulky unless you know you're going to be using it heavy. Lawman is nice but the Recon feels good in hand and it carries well too.
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The Recon 1 is a great knife. It’s big, but basically indestructible.

I have a fully serrated Recon 1 and the Lansky sharpener works well with it. I prefer my non-serrated Recon 1 though.

The American Lawman is smaller and thinner but I prefer the feel of the Recon 1.
 
I own all three, American Lawman, Code 4, and Recon 1; all in spear or clip point. I think you may find some have other options still in stock on the Recon 1. CTS-XHP is going going gone.... I bought all 3 after the announcement.

Blade and Handle Size
American Lawman(smallest), Code 4, and Recon 1(largest).

American Lawman: grippy; nice 3.5 inch blade that may come in handy depending on local EDC laws
Code 4: perfect dress knife; beautiful but slick in the hand; very dressy and clean looking
Recon 1: grippy; allegedly a 4 inch blade like the Code 4, but I'd say the blade length and blade height are larger by 3/8 of an inch in each dimension, and the handle by 1/2 an inch longer

My fav? Depends on what I plan to do. The Recon 1 offers the most "protection" of the 3, very nice knife but you see all 4 inches of the blade. If you are in Illinois like me, you have a 3 inch max blade law to contend with and the American Lawman may be all she wrote..
 
In terms of ergonomics, Recon 1 is among the top 3 of all folding knives I have/had. I sold my aus8 recon 1 a while ago. Bought a cts-xhp plain edged. Too bad it has up and down blade play so I had to return it. Will try another one.
 
recon 1.......and for me personally the old Japanese one....BUT....the old one does not have triad lock, so the new one, especially in the newest steel looks good
 
I have a Code 4, and it's a bit slick. (A G10 version would be nice.)
 
Tommy-Chi said:
I own all three, American Lawman, Code 4, and Recon 1; all in spear or clip point. I think you may find some have other options still in stock on the Recon 1. CTS-XHP is going going gone.... I bought all 3 after the announcement.

Blade and Handle Size
American Lawman(smallest), Code 4, and Recon 1(largest).

American Lawman: grippy; nice 3.5 inch blade that may come in handy depending on local EDC laws
Code 4: perfect dress knife; beautiful but slick in the hand; very dressy and clean looking
Recon 1: grippy; allegedly a 4 inch blade like the Code 4, but I'd say the blade length and blade height are larger by 3/8 of an inch in each dimension, and the handle by 1/2 an inch longer

My fav? Depends on what I plan to do. The Recon 1 offers the most "protection" of the 3, very nice knife but you see all 4 inches of the blade. If you are in Illinois like me, you have a 3 inch max blade law to contend with and the American Lawman may be all she wrote..
Click to expand...


The Code 4 is a 3.5 inch blade, as is the American Lawman. The Recon 1 has a 4 inch blade.
All carry well for their size. The handle on the Recon 1 is most comfortable. The Americam Lawman is the best compromise of strength, lightweight, and usable size. The Code 4 has excellent ergonomics but the handle is a bit slick, easily remedied with a couple of strips of grip tape.
All are excellent knives for the money. The Lawman is comparable with the PM2 for overall utility. The Recon 1 compares favorably with the Military for hard use ability as a work knife. Both are better priced than the Spyderco competition.
 
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