Why do people complain about the Cold Steel Recon 1? (Opinions)

J

JDX

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Mar 2, 2014
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I just recently picked one up. It's light, and that triad lock is great. I have no issue using a little wrist action to open it, and also have a sheath that deploys it by pulling it out.

The g10 was super grippy, but if you're in a self defense situation that's good. I sanded mine down easily. Then I removed the Teflon and gave it a vinegar bath. I like it. For the price point, I don't mind the small adjustments needed to get it to my standard.


What do you all think?
 
Other than choice of blade steel, or mabe an overly strong back spring, can't think of any complaints people have had. what are you refering to?
 
The biggest complaint I hear is the new price. Bought a few aus8 recently they should last a long time.
 
I have most other CS knives in that category and really like them. I am tempted to get a recon 1. My favotite is the Americal Lawman. Haven't `heard` any complaints about the recon1 other than g10 tearing the pants, but that is easily remedied by sanding
 
I had a few older recons and some none recon newer triad locks. IMHO they were excellent knvivee that for the price I was very very happy with.
 
Who complains about the Recon 1?

But, at 5.3oz, it is certainly not "light"!
 
The Recon 1 was my first "real" knife and was my gateway into high-end EDC. I carried it everyday through a tour in Afghanistan along with a SOG Seal Pup. I stripped it and practiced sharpening on it, changed the tanto to a curved belly after some rough use, then sharpened it better than new in under an hour. I don't carry it around anymore, but I have a soft spot for it.
 
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I really like mine as well as my mini. What can you do for the pocket clips that are so strong you can't use them?
 
For instance, people complain about the g10 being too grippy. The Aus 8 steel, the strong lock/difficulty disengaging, the pocket clip. I mean I think those were all easy fixes. I want the American lawman really bad.

Also it doesn't feel that heavy to me. I wear jeans in this 20 degree weather of upstate New York, and I forget it's there half the time.
 
I'm not complaining; Recons, American Lawman, Voyagers - all good and good value in the AUS8 varieties.

I have adjusted the fit of the clips two ways - both involve bending.

One is to remove the clip and place the end that attaches to the handle slab in a vice;
the other is to gently but firmly place the clip and knife in a vice so as to support the clip/slab interface while bending the clip ever so slightly outward.

YMMV and I'm not saying that my way is the best or CS approved way - just sayin'
 
The Recon is my favorite CS folder. I prefer the clip point. The lock is not as strongly sprung as on some other models like the Hold Out II. The clip can be loosened a bit and that solves the problem with pocket shredding. XHP steel solved the problem with mediocre edge holding. Not sure if the Recon can go head-to-head with the Para II as its current price implies- but I'm happy to own both.
 
I've never heard a genuine complaint about the Recon 1's quality, nor have I heard one regarding the practicality of its design. Love it so much, I had to get two, and I carry them very frequently. It's my favorite folding knife because it exemplifies functionality and pragmatic knife design.
 
Handles are uncomfortable when you have to really push on it. Other than that it was a great knife.
 
[video=youtube;HHU-_fo4fts]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHU-_fo4fts[/video]
 
Weird video. It would be interesting to know what happened to that knife prior to filming.
Cold Steel quality control has always impressed me as being very tight.
 
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