Thoughts on Cold Steel Recon 1?

C

Confederate

Joined
Sep 5, 2005
Messages
2,826
I have a couple of Cold Steel Recon 1s in my collection, but they're pre-2006 models with Zytel
handles and 440A blades. These knives are so datgum sharp that I'm wondering how much better
the new ones are. Does anyone have any experience with the old and new models? If so, I'd like
to hear your opinions. Also, how about the axis locks on them...are they as strong as they appear
to be?

Thanks!

recon105.jpg


The review of the knife by the Martialist says the blade
is AUS8; however, the knife being tested and shown is
the 440A version. Is the new model substantially better?
 
I have one of the older ones..........from 02 or 03, I can't remember. It has been through a lot and is still kicking. I have never done more than cut with it, so the lock has never been an issue, so I can't really speak to it's durability in regards to spine wacks and prying, but it is still strong through the years.


I'd be curious to try one of the newer 440 models though, but I can't see replacing what I have in favor of the newer.

If you can find a source for one, in either, I say get it.

Cerberus
 
I bought a couple when they went to AUS8a blade steel. Very excellant knives imho. The clip point I have just seems to take an unreal edge. My son has been abusing them for the past several months doing sound and lighting for various playhouses in the city and they have stood up to that outstandingly well. I am going to get a drop point just to have I think. Just wish it wasn't pse. keepem sharp
 
My old 440 blade hasn't been tested, but I have numerous Cold Steel 440A knives such as the Night Force and Pro-Lite. I'm astounded by the incredible sharpness of these knives right out of the box. I spoke to a techie at Cold Steel when the Night Force came out and he told me point blank that they got an exceptional price on some 440A and that when it ran out, the models using it now would likely be discontinued. He also seemed not to have a good opinion about 440A. Still, I've had 440A knives made by other manufacturers and I've found it to be a very good blade steel. It's exceptionally strong and it takes a wicked sharp edge that can be restored with just a couple of swipes of an extra fine ceramic rod.

The Recon 1 itself is very nicely balanced and it gives the impression that the blade is larger than 4 inches. If the locking system is as stable and strong as some people say, this knife could be one of the best EDC knives made. Is the AUS8 version worth upgrading to? Beats me. That's what I'm hoping some of you can answer. I'm just very impressed with this knife. I'm also impressed with the CRKT M16-14SF, but don't know yet which I like better. I'm inclined towards the Cold Steel, but I'm nervous about some of the threads here that imply that axis locks aren't as strong as they're made out to be.

I'm glad we have folks willing to jam their knives into wood and hammer it to pieces to prove its strength. Testing is the only sure way to determine this stuff.
 
I've personally have postponed buying the Cold Steel Recon 1 folder because of the switch to VG-1 as of this year from the AUS-8A. I did,a few weeks ago email them and their response was that they were getting burned by the rising cost of VG-! steel.
 
I don't understand. The current Recon 1s are AUS8. What does the price of VG-1 have to do with putting off getting a Recon 1? Was COLD STEEL planning to change the Recon 1's steel to VG-1?

The price of all steel is rising, but I don't find CS's prices to be so low that they can't cover it.

I wonder if they're having problems with VG1? I haven't heard of any. Or are they going to raise prices again?
 
I'm sorry for the confusion,I actually ment to say that almost all their other knives in the Cold Steel line, that were AUS-8A have been switch to VG-1 except the Recon 1 and AK-47 folders.I emailed them,inquiring whether the Recon 1 was going to be switched to VG-1.
I do not know if they will be switching steels or if they're going to raise prices.
 
It does not look like CS is changing the steel on the Recon 1 at this time. On the CS web site they changed the descriptions of knives to say VG1 last Feb (well before VG1 blades were available), but the Recon 1 still says AUS8.
 
Is there any way to tell the old model Cold Steel knives (AUS8) from the new (VG1)? Does CS score, or mark, the knives in some way?

I know that VG1 is considered an improvement over AUS8, but how much better I don't know. CS wants people to think it's a premium steel, but I don't think it's quite there.

The real value of the Recon 1 is its balance and the strength of its lock. It wouldn't hurt them to offer one knife itwo different steels. Like I said, I have one in 440A, and it's an astounding knife.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top