Recon 1 question

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wildmike

Joined
Nov 17, 2007
Messages
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I am looking to order either a Recon 1 or an sr1 next month.

I really like the Recon 1 spear point. However I am concerned about the durability of the handle in use.

Has anyone had problems with the stop or pivot pins wallowing out their holes. Any problems with handles breaking?

Thanks for any insight and experience you can give.
 
I haven't heard of any issues with the linerless G-10 handles on the Recon 1 or others, nor have I experienced any myself. They seem to hold up fine in CS's own abusive videos too. You might want to hold off for a bit on the SR1, since there seem to be some issues that need to be ironed out in future batches (though mine has been fine, there are numerous reports of stripping screws and blade play). For the spear point Recon 1, I'd recommend the dark earth model, as I know for sure it has the new grind (flat grind with edge that goes all the way to the sharpening notch, instead of hollow grind with edge that stops short of the notch). The other colors may be this way now too, but I don't know 100% for sure.
 
g10 is very very durable and strong. no issues and ive used my older recons harder than a folder should be used. older meaning aus8 ones not linered ones. still on g10 scales.
 
Cold steel builds some of the sturdiest knives I know...and the Recon 1s thick G10 scales don't need any liners. Even the really thin G10 liners on my Broken Skull are plenty tough and I did some really hard cutting with it without having the feeling the scales might get damaged
 
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God bless the CS Recon one series! I own four different models. Three in Aus8-A and one in carpenter steel. The same one you're asking about, i adore that knife. Out of any folder out there I'd bet my life on it! Get one you'll be happy! The linerless G-10 is amazing and light! You owe it to yourself to own one!
 
I have an AUS8A Recon 1 that has scraped gaskets, chopped tree branches, briars, and has been my garage and yard beater for about 2 years. I use it on a regular basis when mowing as I always forget a larger fixed blade. I live in the boonies and have to mow around overgrown thorn trees all the time. I've beat this folder like it owes me money and it still locks up tight as a drum. Nothing is loose and I'm still confident enough in it to continue whipping its butt!
 
I have absolutely hammered my recons over the years, there is not a single spec of slop in those holes. You're not going to damage that thick g10 in any kind of hurry. Round pins impacting against rounded impact points distribute the force amazingly well. The recon series are bulletproof, they put 99% of todays modern "overbuilt" folders to shame. Buy with confidence and use the hell out of it.
 
It's a great knife. I briefly owned the new Spyderco Manix 2 lockback which also uses has unlined G-10 for scales. I sold it in part because I prefer the Recon 1. The handle of the Manix is too blocky. It's thick and the edges aren't chamfered. Recon 1 is very comfortable in hand.
 
I m a Manix 2 fan . I discovered the Recon 1 in the last year when I got my first. Great steel , materials, and and fit and finish on both. But the Recon 1 has better ergonomics. With its strength and relative light weight, one of the best big folders on the market, and likely the best bargain in its class.
 
hermit dave said:
I watched a video of a guy trying to break the handle on one. The blade snapped!
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I saw that video. I think that might be one of the things that made Cold Steel switch from hollow grind to flat grind on the recon1 and lawman. Make the blades even stronger.
Those are sturdy knives, particularly for the weight. I just got an SR1 recently and it is very impressive. But for most carry situations, I think I prefer the strength/weight balance of the Recon 1.
 
I have the Recon 1 its sturdy, no worries about the g10. However i do have an sr1 on the way... Ill post some second thoughts when It comes in, however the recon 1 despite its toughness feels weak compared to the sr1 I handled at the cold steel headquarters ;) However its plenty tough puts my tough kershaw emerson 4kxl to shame :D
 
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Can't remember what year they came out? But I've been using mine since then. Never had anything come loose. No wiggles, no wabbles. The lock is tight as ever. I have no idea how you would break the handle by accident under normal use, or even hard use.
 
recon 1 is one of the strongest knives out there . aus 8 or cts . if you break that knife, you should not be allowed to own a knife
 
I think it was around spring this year...the same time they introduced the Flat Dark Earth colored handlescales
 
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