Recommendation? Waved Recon 1: Replace the clip or sand the G10?

[BJ987]

I want to EDC my Snaggletooth-waved Recon 1. I have the newest version with the smoother G10 scales, but that super-tight and short pocket clip essentially renders the wave mod useless for speedy deployment/tactical/SD situations.

I'm looking for recommendations and hopefully proven solutions that you guys have implemented. I'm totally open to aftermarket clips as I feel that even if I mod the clip (whether by sanding the G10 or washer-method) it's still a small clip for the knife. I would prefer being able to get a larger purchase on the knife (possibly with a larger clip) for optimum wave deployment.

I saw one listing on Etsy with some Ti clips but man are they pricey... I was hoping other CS fans on here might have found other, cheaper replacement clips or can suggest solutions I might not be aware of... Thanks guys.

 

[Dadpool]

For aggressive G10, I buff it on an old pair of jeans for about 15 minutes a side, and then blow it out with canned air. Works like a charm, doesn't produce any G10 dust; it basically just replicates several weeks of pocket wear.

If you decide to sand the G10, make sure to do it wet or with proper respiratory protection. G10 dust is incredibly nasty stuff.

 

[BJ987]

For aggressive G10, I buff it on an old pair of jeans for about 15 minutes a side, and then blow it out with canned air. Works like a charm, doesn't produce any G10 dust; it basically just replicates several weeks of pocket wear.

If you decide to sand the G10, make sure to do it wet or with proper respiratory protection. G10 dust is incredibly nasty stuff.

My man Dadpool! lol. So, I'm actually thinking the sanding solution might be my last (cheapest) resort, as I also don't know if it will have much of an effect as I already have the newer version with much much smoother scales. IIRC, you don't have one of the newer CS knives with the G10 upgrade. I also forget what other knives you might have, but in front of me I have my Recon 1 with my Manix 2 XL, and the newer Recon 1 scale's are actually a tad less aggressive than the Spyderco. So, IMO, they really went for it when smoothing out these new scales. I actually think they went too smooth...

Anyway, I think this is important because 1) don't think sanding will solve my issue, 2) I still can't stand the clip.

EDIT: Interesting, random realization after comparing these two knives side by side for the first time. The Spyderco Manix 2 XL is within a mm or two of overall length (even blade length) of the Recon 1. I really would consider the Manix 2 XL for my first-choice tactical/SD carry but the wave feature is important to me for this application.

 

[jux t]

I have multiples of all the recon variants, Snaggletooth devices, and Ti pocket clips you mentioned. My suggestion is to get the Ti clip from the guy on Etsy if you’re not liking the retention even with the new handles.

 

[BJ987]

I have multiples of all the recon variants, Snaggletooth devices, and Ti pocket clips you mentioned. My suggestion is to get the Ti clip from the guy on Etsy if you’re not liking the retention even with the new handles.

How would you describe the difference between the stock clip and the Etsy Ti clip? Is it worth the price?

The retention with the new handles is not a significant improvement at all from the old handles. I know because I have two Recon 1s (one with the pocket-tear scales and the newer version). The supreme retention definitely lies within the clip itself. Like I also mentioned earlier, I'm no expert, but I feel like if the clip was wider and longer (and less retentive OC), and if consequently the indent was lower on the clip, it would allow for a better initial grip purchase on the knife (say, in a high-stress situation) and equate to a more fool-proof and faster deployment.

 

[Mitchell Knives]

This is the fix for a tight Cold Steel (or any other brand) pocket clip.

1. Lay the knife down clip side up. Leave the clip on.
2. Locate a 1" - 2" diameter piece of PVC pipe. (Wooden dowels work fine too.)
3. Press the PVC pipe/dowel into the center of the clip. You will have to press hard, as the clips are quite strong. You could also use a vice to squeeze the PVC against the clip.
4. The idea is to create a slight dip near the center that will result in the tip of the clip being lifted up. A 1" or 2" diameter pipe is large enough that you won't really be able to tell that it's bent very much.
5. Repeat and test as necessary until you get the tension you want.

 

[BJ987]

This is the fix for a tight Cold Steel (or any other brand) pocket clip.

1. Lay the knife down clip side up. Leave the clip on.
2. Locate a 1" - 2" diameter piece of PVC pipe. (Wooden dowels work fine too.)
3. Press the PVC pipe/dowel into the center of the clip. You will have to press hard, as the clips are quite strong. You could also use a vice to squeeze the PVC against the clip.
4. The idea is to create a slight dip near the center that will result in the tip of the clip being lifted up. A 1" or 2" diameter pipe is large enough that you won't really be able to tell that it's bent very much.
5. Repeat and test as necessary until you get the tension you want.

Thanks for the suggestion. I have to say, though, that I have read these instructions 5 times and I can't seem to visualize the process you describe here. I understand it's supposed to lift the clip carefully and "unbend" it without going too far and ruining it, but I can't see how the PVC part works. Do you mean like thread the clip into the PVC? But then the dowel wouldn't make sense...ok, I give up. I don't get it.

 

[jlauffer]

Thanks for the suggestion. I have to say, though, that I have read these instructions 5 times and I can't seem to visualize the process you describe here. I understand it's supposed to lift the clip carefully and "unbend" it without going too far and ruining it, but I can't see how the PVC part works. Do you mean like thread the clip into the PVC? But then the dowel wouldn't make sense...ok, I give up. I don't get it.

Think he's saying to put the pipe/dowel across the middle of the clip and press down. So the roundness/radius of the pipe/dowel puts a slight bend into the middle of the clip, which in turn raises the tip a bit.

 

[jux t]

How would you describe the difference between the stock clip and the Etsy Ti clip? Is it worth the price?

The retention with the new handles is not a significant improvement at all from the old handles. I know because I have two Recon 1s (one with the pocket-tear scales and the newer version). The supreme retention definitely lies within the clip itself. Like I also mentioned earlier, I'm no expert, but I feel like if the clip was wider and longer (and less retentive OC), and if consequently the indent was lower on the clip, it would allow for a better initial grip purchase on the knife (say, in a high-stress situation) and equate to a more fool-proof and faster deployment.

I thought the Ti clips were worth it, personally. To be fair, I don’t mind the original clips either because I tend to wear Levi’s and they haven’t been torn to shreds.

The above suggestion sounds like it would work.

 

[Bigfattyt]

I've also done a stack of dimes or pennies. Press them under the clip, a few at a time....will slightly raise/bend the clip as you increase the number of coins.

But that said, I actually like the excellent retention of cs pocket knives.

I tent to hook and drop them less than other brands.

 

[strideruser]

I saw some of these aftermarket clips but they always look on close inspection to not fit the milled out shape of the old clip? some used two screws when the original used three? it's like they found a clip that sort of fitted and by luck the two holes fitted the two of the three holes in the knife? does any of that make sense I will look again to confirm my earlier opinion..........done go away

 

[strideruser]

it's even worse! one of the company's are showing (if I have it right) that you use some snips to cut your old clip and put the sharp and jagged insert in the space and put ther "custom" clip on the top! err no thanks unless it was $5!

sorry that isn't a custom clip! the pops clips look better but still not a custom clip that fits the original space...

 

[BJ987]

I thought the Ti clips were worth it, personally. To be fair, I don’t mind the original clips either because I tend to wear Levi’s and they haven’t been torn to shreds.

The above suggestion sounds like it would work.

it's even worse! one of the company's are showing (if I have it right) that you use some snips to cut your old clip and put the sharp and jagged insert in the space and put ther "custom" clip on the top! err no thanks unless it was $5!

sorry that isn't a custom clip! the pops clips look better but still not a custom clip that fits the original space...

Thanks for clearing it up. I'm gonna try adjusting the retention on the stock clip first, since it's obviously a cost-free fix if it works. What do you mean the Pops clips don't fit the original space?

The Pops clips seem to be the most popular choice for aftermarket replacement. But I don't want a deep carry for waved knife... I wish there was something out there that had the width and less retention of the Pops clips but wasn't deep carry... Also, 28 bucks?! Come on... I already saw some mentions of the black finish coming off easily (and I would definitely go for black).

 

[Mitchell Knives]

Think he's saying to put the pipe/dowel across the middle of the clip and press down. So the roundness/radius of the pipe/dowel puts a slight bend into the middle of the clip, which in turn raises the tip a bit.

Exactly.

You are using a 1" or 2" diameter pipe to ensure that the bend is very slight and not noticeable.

 

[AF]

I like Mitchell's idea but I typically start by relieving tension on the clip by pulling up on the end with a piece of paracord looped underneath. I bend up, test to see if it changed, bend a bit more until the clip has less tension but is still touching the scale. If after doing that, the clip is still too strong (which occurs more the shorter or thicker the clip is), I will take other measures such as grinding the clip down to a narrower size or even dremeling it from the underside with a small carbide or diamond ball.
Bottom line is that every single problematic CS clip can be fixed so that it offers retention without pocket destruction.

 

[AF]

Here's an old photo that shows a few that I slimmed down and one that I drilled a hole in.

 

[Jdubb]

I like the size of the Recon 1 clip and the tightness. I do find that the lip is too shallow to slide over many pocket materials. My solution:

1. Smooth out the scales under the clip. Start with rough grit and work to fine until it is as smooth as glass. I go a bit past the end of the clip.

2. Bend the tip of the clip upwards, just a bit like 1-2mm. That’s enough for me to pass over most materials. To do this I Remove the clip and use needle nose pliers to grip the portion that touches the knife. Then I use regular pliers to grab the tip. You really have to put your back into it. Or perhaps use a vice.

I purchased a Pops clip after one of mine broke. It works well, but I don’t care for deep carry clips. If the spacer doesn’t fit they’ll send a different size.

 

[Jdubb]

I want to EDC my Snaggletooth-waved Recon 1. I have the newest version with the smoother G10 scales, but that super-tight and short pocket clip essentially renders the wave mod useless for speedy deployment/tactical/SD situations.

I'm looking for recommendations and hopefully proven solutions that you guys have implemented. I'm totally open to aftermarket clips as I feel that even if I mod the clip (whether by sanding the G10 or washer-method) it's still a small clip for the knife. I would prefer being able to get a larger purchase on the knife (possibly with a larger clip) for optimum wave deployment.

I saw one listing on Etsy with some Ti clips but man are they pricey... I was hoping other CS fans on here might have found other, cheaper replacement clips or can suggest solutions I might not be aware of... Thanks guys.

I personally think the wave feature is overrated. But if you want wave and to be able to get a better purchase , then maybe get something that rides higher like an AK47? You could probably put a deep carry clip and it would still ride somewhat high.

If you find a quality Ti non-deep carry clip for the Recon 1, let us know!

 

[BJ987]

I like Mitchell's idea but I typically start by relieving tension on the clip by pulling up on the end with a piece of paracord looped underneath. I bend up, test to see if it changed, bend a bit more until the clip has less tension but is still touching the scale. If after doing that, the clip is still too strong (which occurs more the shorter or thicker the clip is), I will take other measures such as grinding the clip down to a narrower size or even dremeling it from the underside with a small carbide or diamond ball.
Bottom line is that every single problematic CS clip can be fixed so that it offers retention without pocket destruction.

I'm not getting the paracord part. Are you saying you loop paracord under the clip and then pull up on the clip using the paracord? I assume all of these techniques are devised in order to not break or bend the clip too far? I say this because I've tried to loosen the clip on one of my old nameless knives by just pulling it up with my fingers and immediately used so much force that it bent the clip so far there was about 2mm space between the clip and the handle.

 

[AF]

The paracord is a more comfortable and controlled way to flex the clip compared to using your finger. I brace my hand against the handle side as I pull up on the cord. I go slow and test repeatedly.