The Recon 1series vs. the AK-47

Southern14 · May 13, 2014

Hello fellow knife enthusiast. I recently acquired a cold steel recon 1, however it's One of the older models that they discontinued. It has the ultra lock which I love. So before we get to the vs. portion, I must ask, is the lock back as trustworthy or even more trustworthy than the ultra lock? Also, do any of the new models have the ultra lock or did they all switch to back lock?

My final question is, which knife do you consider better in quality and performance, the ak-47 or the recon 1 (clip point model).

Thanks for reading.

FlowerOfLife · May 13, 2014

love my spear point recon 1, i want to add a Xl recon 1 in tanto point to the herd...
im no help on cold steel's ak-47..doesn't appeal to my eye or hand..

Freman Bloodglaive · May 14, 2014

I haven't tried the ultra-lock (although from the appearance it looks similar to the axis lock) but the tri-ad lock is extremely strong. Cold Steel no longer make any knives with the ultra-lock.

The Recon 1 and the AK-47 seem much alike to me. The Recon 1 is slightly larger, the AK-47 has the thumb plate that I like. Both are good quality knives, although I do have to confess my preference for full flat grind over hollow grind, which leads me to preferring the Voyager series to either of the G10 knives.

jjoanty01 · May 14, 2014

Whoo hoo... I just scored an AK-47 with the Triad for $17 on the auction website!!! Looking forward to it. I have three Recon Ones. I have the older Ultra lock model with a spear point, the triad lock model with a clip point and another Triad with the tanto point. I am stocked to get the AK-47.

Southern14 · May 15, 2014

Freman Bloodglaive said:
I haven't tried the ultra-lock (although from the appearance it looks similar to the axis lock) but the tri-ad lock is extremely strong. Cold Steel no longer make any knives with the ultra-lock.

The Recon 1 and the AK-47 seem much alike to me. The Recon 1 is slightly larger, the AK-47 has the thumb plate that I like. Both are good quality knives, although I do have to confess my preference for full flat grind over hollow grind, which leads me to preferring the Voyager series to either of the G10 knives.

No more ultra lock!!!???

I really liked it because it was so unique. Also, thanks for the input you guys. I've decided to try out the Ak-47 first.

Jason B. · May 15, 2014

Don't know if I would call it unique but it was strong though sometimes sticky. The tri-ad lock is far better and can shrug off abuse like no other, plus it's always easy to operate.

I have a original and new model AK-47 and had a original recon 1 tanto point but it was stolen. The AUS8 and deeper hollow grind on the newer models is a improvement along with the ergonomics which have greatly improved IMO.

Personally I favor the AK but I'm bias

I have held the new recon and they melt into your hand better but I like the wave feature of the AK.

jjoanty01 · May 19, 2014

jjoanty01 said:
Whoo hoo... I just scored an AK-47 with the Triad for $17 on the auction website!!! Looking forward to it. I have three Recon Ones. I have the older Ultra lock model with a spear point, the triad lock model with a clip point and another Triad with the tanto point. I am stocked to get the AK-47.

Got my new used knife! I must say that I like this better than my Recon One knives. It just seems to lock in my hand better. I like it!

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TrueBlade1 · May 25, 2014

Well it breaks down into your intended use and personal preferences, For me, I'll take the Recon 1 every time. Both are great knives and I love the G10 handles on both. But here is why I go for Recon 1 over AK 47

Recon 1 Pros,
1. outstanding ergo! the most comfortable knife I've ever held in my hand. I really love the extra beveling on the finger choils, what a great little extra detail. I also love the double choils, my index finger and middle finger fit so comfortably in those groves.
2. Longer blade for POU, 4'' blade on the Recon 1 gives you longer reach than the AK 47, also the Recon series has a lot more blade style options, I love my spear point.

AK 47 - (things I personally don't like about it)
1. The Thumb plate (as opposed to a thumb stud) I find the thumb plate on the AK to be annoying to use, so the thump studs are fine for me and the thumb plate/disk makes the AK 47 look like an ugly duckling. Again just my preferences.
2. I looked at the AK 47 for some time before choosing the Recon 1, one reason is that the AK 47 doesn't have the deep finger choils the Recon 1 has. I have large hands so the ergo and comfort are important to me.
3. at the online store where I bought my Recon 1, I was shocked to see that the AK 47 was more expensive, not by a great amount but enough to persuade me to go Recon 1 instead.

Kels73 · May 25, 2014

TrueBlade1 said:
Well it breaks down into your intended use and personal preferences, For me, I'll take the Recon 1 every time. Both are great knives and I love the G10 handles on both. But here is why I go for Recon 1 over AK 47

Recon 1 Pros,
1. outstanding ergo! the most comfortable knife I've ever held in my hand. I really love the extra beveling on the finger choils, what a great little extra detail. I also love the double choils, my index finger and middle finger fit so comfortably in those groves.
2. Longer blade for POU, 4'' blade on the Recon 1 gives you longer reach than the AK 47, also the Recon series has a lot more blade style options, I love my spear point.

AK 47 - (things I personally don't like about it)
1. The Thumb plate (as opposed to a thumb stud) I find the thumb plate on the AK to be annoying to use, so the thump studs are fine for me and the thumb plate/disk makes the AK 47 look like an ugly duckling. Again just my preferences.
2. I looked at the AK 47 for some time before choosing the Recon 1, one reason is that the AK 47 doesn't have the deep finger choils the Recon 1 has. I have large hands so the ergo and comfort are important to me.
3. at the online store where I bought my Recon 1, I was shocked to see that the AK 47 was more expensive, not by a great amount but enough to persuade me to go Recon 1 instead.

+1. The knives are very similar in terms of material and basic construction, so it ultimately comes down to your needs and personal preferences. I have a Recon 1 clip that I absolutely love. The ergonomics are outstanding, and I really appreciate its simple, clean looks. Another factor which pushed me toward the Recon 1 is how it rides in the pocket. The Recon 1 sits pretty deep in the pocket for more discreet carry; however, the full-size AK 47 leaves a fair amount of knife showing. But that's me. Again, you have to figure out what works best for you. They're both great knives.