Which Cold Steel Model?

Badhammer

Badhammer

Joined
Jun 8, 2009
Messages
4,528
Thinking of getting a Cold Steel Large American Lawman or clip point Recon 1. This will be my first foray into Cold Steel territory and so far these two models look like decent, entry level models and are of a design and size I tend to favor for EDC.

Price seems to be pretty close between the two and of course they use the same materials and lock. My preference as far as blade design (between these two knives) tends more towards the drop point of the Lawman. I do like the .5" longer blade on the Recon 1 but 3.5" is fine too so again, not a deal breaker either way.

For those of you who own or have owned one or both of these models, is there anything in particular that caused either to stand out from the other? Getting both is also an option. TIA
 
Last edited:
Have the previous edition of the Recon. Brute of a knife, none ever sharper from factory. Quite heavy. Aggressive G10 scales. Sort of opposite of the 4" Voyager, which is very light for roughly same size knife.

Haven't held the new model Recon and new Voyagers still haven't appeared, never held a Lawman.

Lock mechanism is different on the new Recon; even though the "Ultra Lock" was very strong, I didn't much like it all in all, too complicated, current Tri-Ad I'd probably like better.

- OS
 
Last edited:
I've owned both. I ended up selling the Recon but keeping the Lawman. Both are very well built, but the balance of the Recon 1 seems off -- specifically, too blade-heavy -- due to the combination of a large blade and linerless G-10 handles.* The Lawman is linerless, too, but the balance seems significantly better due to the shorter blade. I also strongly prefer the handle of the Lawman, which, unlike the Recon's, allows for both a choke-up (index finger in the finger choil) and regular grip. So my vote definitely goes to the Lawman.

*This applies to the newer Tri-Ad version of the Recon. The older Ultra Lock version did have liners and seemed much better balanced as a result.
 
They are pretty similar, and I bet you will be happy with either. For me, the most noticeable difference is that the back spring on the Lawman makes it a little stiffer to open than the Recon 1. Seems like most folks I've talked to - who have both - tend to agree with that assessment. Thats not a deal breaker - just a data point. Having used both extensively, I can't really pick a favorite. Its very subjective.

IMG_0303.jpg
 
I am with Powernoodle. Both knives are sufficiently different to require a purchase of both. I have a slight preference for the Recon 1, as it fits my hand better. However, as an EDC, the Lawman is a more practical size IMO.
 
Well FWIW my new Lawman came the other day. It's the newer model with solid clip and no steel liners. I must say I'm very pleased with it in most regards. It came sharp with, to my eye anyway a perfectly centered blade. Action is smooth and lockup appears very solid with no play at all. Grind is even and there are no blemishes or other factory issues. The G10 is extremely grippy and coupled with the tight clip it's not the easiest to remove from my pocket but I expect that will change/improve over time.

It came with a second clip that from the looks of it I presume is for a left hand carry. The only thing that I'm not 100% happy with is the way Cold Steel did the finger groove. You can choke up on it for better control or stay behind the finger groove for a more normal grip. My hand isn't particularly large but I find that when I grip to the rear it feels a little odd. Like my hand just isn't as far forward as I'm used to. Gripping in front feels very nice and gives great control for detail work. Guess I'll get used to it over time. For around $50 + shipping I feel it was a very good value and a nice introduction to Cold Steel products. I'll for sure consider more of their product line in the future based on this piece.
 
Sand that G10 a little under the clip (easy if you remove the clip), and maybe bend that clip up just a micron, and it will be just right. If you do bend it, just be careful not to overdo it. One micron at a time until its just right.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top