Best Cold Steel Knife? Recon 1 VS American Lawman

[@earlpitsch2149]

I have a lawman in s35 van that I carry daily and wouldn’t trade it for any other knife period.

[@Shanes_Sharp_Sheet]

I have 200+knives(spyderco, zt,benchmade, etc. And just bought my first Recon 1... and I haven't put it down since!! I've never had a knife that screams PUT ME TO WORK like this knife does. Very very well done knife. There is a lot of value here. I love it!!

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

I like Spyderco a lot but it's true there is a lot of utility in the Recon 1

[@Shanes_Sharp_Sheet]

@@Kevinclearysharpstuff oh yeah, spyderco is king in my collection. I was pleasantly surprised by my recon 1. My only complaint about mine, was the that the blade grinds were off quite a bit...something I have not dealt with from spyderco

[@Shanes_Sharp_Sheet]

Correction....the blade grinds on my recon 1 are some of the worst I've ever seen, I could see they were off with my eyes, but now it sits in the wicked edge and ....yeah its awful!!! Still love the knife, but wow!

[@wayned3137]

Shane miller how do you compare it to Microtech socom elite manual?

[@Shanes_Sharp_Sheet]

@@wayned3137 the socom is a great knife as well, only thing I could say there is. If you were going to use them, the recon will perform the same at a much better value

[@narq5099]

The Recon Tanto is a beast. It's the ideal tactical EDC in every way.

[@jorgefernandez6407]

I like that knife! I have the half serrated model tanto. Ordered the clip point. Heard and seen some really good reviews on it. Always room for a recon 1...

[@davidlocke1668]

Sr1 lite Tanto

[@rbs1889]

The ergonomics of the Recon 1 are fantastic.

[@infra_r3d133]

If you can’t decide, they made the Code 4 in all the flavors that the Recon one comes in and it’s the size of the American Lawman. Best of both worlds!

[@danielmeneses2334]

Your right chicken Nuggets aside, or fish tacos, I sometimes need to use slacks for work, but can't use my large frame cold steel knives, thus American Lawman fits the bill for slimline contour and knockout performance😍👍🏻

[@MrCacarocha]

I love the look of the Recon 1 but it’s just too big for edc. What I also love about the lawman is the finger choil...Lawman all the way!!

[@brianf9619]

I LOVE all my COLD STEEL KNIVES. As soon as CS changed to XHP I went on a CS Binge and bought just about every model . I own 2 Am.Lawmans and every version of the Recon 1 made over the last 4yrs including the Canadian Blades Exclusives with the flat grind like yours and I never would have guessed that version was 30 thousandths behind the edge , it's just a great cutter for being that thick . CS makes some of the Best Cutting Blades in the Business period ... A lot of people dog CS for what they do or say , but there's no denying that CS makes some of the Best and Strongest , hard use , work knives , for the best Bang for Buck around . Today on Amazon , Broken Skull -$63 , Code 4 - $68, Recon 1 -$88 , Lawman - $94, now that's crazy . Sorry Kevin , I Hate BladeFU , but White Mountain Knives is an Excellent knife store , I've done lots of business with them.

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

I agree but are you sure you're not secretly Lynn Thompson?

[@brianf9619]

@@Kevinclearysharpstuff NOOO , but I wish I had his money . lol.

[@michealmorris3766]

lol. The marketing is ridiculous, but the quality, and value for dollar is great.

[@Damen0530]

I really like both, but for day to day hard to beat the American Lawman...

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

agree

[@Tarheelsteel]

I have a Code 4 and an AD10. I've been trying to decide which of these to get when I next get the Cold Steel itch. Great video and info!

[@faceinthecrowd5810]

Have a recon 1 spear point, a broken skull, and an air lite drop point, no lawman. Love my recon as a folder substitute for a fixed blade. Ergonomics are great, not bad on weight, if I’m concerned that day, the air lite or B skull...light. My recon has a smoother handle texture than your video and I’m very happy with the total package.

[@donkeyblue3094]

Recon 1 is a beast, especially in the tanto version.

[@MikeUman]

For me, it's the four inch blade Recon 1. I have it in three flavors: Spear Point, Clip, and, Tanto. All three in XHP. The Recon 1 is my favorite working folder. Number two would be the Spyderco Military's, but, truthfully, I carry the Recon's wayyy more. As far as value goes, the Recon 1 has most of the other folders in this "Tactical"/working folder genre beat, hands down. At least, in my opinion. :)

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

I agree I review lots of knives in this category and often ask myself would I rather have this or a recon 1

[@MikeUman]

@@Kevinclearysharpstuff When it comes to carry knives, this is the very same question I ask myself, all too frequently. The knife really is _that_ good.

[@nitrorc4life1]

Agree, strong second for me is the ultimate hunter.

[@danielmeneses2334]

I'd rather beat the crap out of my cold steels(slightly)than the Spyders... don't know why🤔

[@danielmeneses2334]

Cold steels are just made to get the job done....❤

[@Greg_M308]

I have the Recon 1 and not the Lawman. I love the Recon 1. The extra thickness in my XL hands provides so much confidence. Out of all my knives, and I have a lot, if I had to pick one to defend my life it would be the Recon 1.

[@samuelleahy4780]

I’m a recon 1 kind of guy, I’ve got big meaty hands and it fits perfectly, I also like bigger knives, 4 inch or bigger is my preferred for knives. The only down side I have is the pocket clip, it’d be perfect with a deep carry option.

[@robertdouglas4293]

If you are in public, your usage, demeanor, etc., play a factor, Grandpa gets less looks, used as a tool, less looks, Good topics you brought up, Thanks!

[@603predator4]

Get snaggletooth wave mods for them, game changer.

[@jamesgurr4401]

Fantastic video, Mr Cleary!- been waiting for just this comparison from you👍👍👍

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

Thanks for watching glad you enjoyed it

[@Spitsz01]

Have the Recon 1 Tanto in CTS XHP and love it.

[@MrBlessed70]

Same here. I have an XL Tanto and will never sell it!! I just wish the G10 scales were a bit smoother especially under the pocket clip!!

[@bettss4597]

Anybody else notice Kevin spitting on the lawman?? Lol. Thanks for the vid

[@MrTJohnston]

Keeps sucking his teeth too like a teenage girl

[@tonycanniffe2360]

Both great. Good talk Kevin. Lawman lock disengage is tougher. My recons are fidgetable.

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

yeah my lawman is a bit stiff as well I don't really notice it because I've had it so long but others do when I let them check it out

[@markw7303]

Cold Steel Hatamoto or Specter, from back when men were men and high end steel was san mai VG-10 :)

[@tolkienboutstuff446]

I wish they still made the spectre:/ both of those are classics.

[@billclancy4913]

I have both and really like them! I choose based on the day ahead...In town, Lawman. In the bush, Recon 1. I have a slight preference for the CTS-XHP steel on the lawman, over the S35VN on my Recon 1.

[@theblishknovk]

i find 4 inch knives are the best do all size for me. just big enough for batoning and self defense, just small enough for majority of edc tasks and also still small enough for back pocket carry. i have bigger and smaller sizes that i love but if i could only own one knife, it would be a 4 inch blade.

[@jaypowell0185]

For me I tend to lean more towards the American Lawman. It just fits my hand very well and is easy to carry.

[@PowerMadHeadBanger]

The fixed blade version of the Lawman would rock! Normally the smaller fixed blades from Cold Steel are very weak and have budget steel. Imagine the fixed blade version of the Lawman with S35VN G10 handles with a scandi edge to be carried horizontal on the belt with IWB belt loops.

[@johnparinellojr.2035]

For the mcdonalds scenario just pull out the Swiss knife for the cutting tasks. Have the recon 1 in your pocket and have the Sak as your multi tool when you go out.

[@danmichell7516]

these cold steels are both hard use folders working man blades . the weight is only noticeable is with the recon 1 xl being a 5 1/2'' blade for me . i love the cts-xhp steel and got a 2nd lawman before they were out of stock ..i have both and carry the lawman more only as the smaller blade is less pubic scary as you mentioned . i have xl glove size both are comfortable ,but have never had to cut 15 fridge boxes . TIP stropping the internal metal to metal surfaces of the dlc coated blade made a HUGE DIFFERENCE to the ease of opening and closing.it seems that the dlc coating or paint leaves a gritty powder that really gums up the smoothness that can be had .OR just open and close 500 times which can be done , but make for sore fingers ..clean out the residue SMOOTH

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

good points I haven't had trouble with the dlc lawman it's really smooth I did take it apart to clean and oil

[@Renaldo135]

Both these knives are winners. Even the older Recon 1 with Aus8 is awesome. I have them both and the newer one is so much better in the hand with it's tame G10 compared to older ones. I also liked the AK45 which has a similar look to the American Lawman. By the way whitemountain knives suck because everything is always out of stock.

[@duggrim3946]

Best cold steel knife? Imho Simple answer is the 4 Max and for me the only cold steel knife I need or want to own. They both look like fantastic examples of what a knife should be but when I compare them to the 4Max they leave me wanting.

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

I love my 4max but find it a bit big for EDC more like once in a while carry

[@Phil-S8]

The Talwar is the best (I know it's discontinued). The recon is a close 2nd. The American Lawman's ergos don't work well for my larger hands.

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

The Talwar is excellent sad that's it discontinued I should really pick one up again while they are available

[@IrishDevil78]

I found the Talwar to be a cramped ergonomic disaster. The American Lawman doesn’t have an over abundance of handle, but is much more comfortable.

[@J_Dukes]

I got the satin s35vn recon too from warrior blades I believe in Canada got mine in drop point.love it great knife

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

Your right Warriors and Wonders is in Canada drop point blade is grate I had one back in the aus8 days

[@gwailotus9154]

@John Dukes - who is your profile thumbnail a picture of? it's a famous criminal right?

[@robertdouglas4293]

If I had to suggest something, owned similar to recon, buy both, you will enjoy both!

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

Yeah buy both is always a great solution

[@FactFinderGeneral]

The handle of the Recon 1 was just too long for me so I sent it back, but I love the American Lawman. The Manix 2 is considered to be an ergonomic king but I grab the Lawman far more because it lacks an obsessive amount of jimping. If the Recon had a slightly smaller handle or the mini Recon had a larger blade I would have loved it. Unfortunately the mini was discontinued.

[@L.T.112]

The code4 has similar ergonomics to the recon1 but is shorter/slimer

[@booishoois309]

Recon is king. PS Recognized your name from CKG. Nice review brother. I told a desert tan lawman in XHP there a while back. I wonder if that's the same one!

[@robertdouglas4293]

This is my Sunday, Great channel, Thanks!

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

Thanks for watching glad you enjoyed

[@lexus9337]

The recon is better to "fight with" the lawman is the king of pocket knife things

[@Baruch-Hashem]

Recon 1, just a nicer grip shape. The difference in blade size, not that much. Will a .5" really matter unless you live in a restricted state.

[@IndianaJoe0321]

That variant of Recon 1 with the non-black-coated blade ... you can only get that from Canada, correct?

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

yeah from warriors and wonders

[@mforrest1508]

Had a recon but sold it. With a lock that stout I feel like the blade has to be on the same level otherwise what’s the point, right? I bought a colossus. It stays in the garage and destroys cardboard or works in the garden. I’ve put xhp through the ringer and it is great. Has almost elmax type edge retention, doesn’t roll, stainless enough, and sharpens well. Too bad they switched. Never gonna find a slab of xhp for 130 bucks again 😂

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

I have not tried a colossus but it's on my list along with the frenzy

[@steelmademance8167]

This video was made 4 years ago and I’ve been using cold steel longer then that and cold steel has proven its mark strong and durable

[@loverofbeers]

I am now intrigued about the Lawman. I have a Recon 1 drop point and want to buy a half serrated tanto and a spear point Recon 1. Lawman after that. Or an Espada.

[@anthonytrojan9501]

Looks like I’m getting both knives. LOL

[@CoordinatedCarry]

Just checked out whitemountainknives.com. Their prices are a bit high but the selection is incredible. Lots of limited edition items in stock. Lights, watches, knives, all the good stuff.

[@jorgefernandez6407]

Recon 1 for me. It's everything I need "plus"!

[@SkyPhoenixGear-Collectibles]

Great comparison Kevin. I’m actually interested in the cold steel bushranger because it looks like it can be waved and it seems an in between size with very comfy contoured handle. Maybe the best of both worlds? What do you think about that knife? Like you said for edc the lawman, for tactical the recon one. My edc doesn’t involve extensive cutting most of the time but then again it NEVER involves tactical use but how us knife and guns guys think, never say never lol!!! For extensive cutting I would want a fuller handle like you said. You touched on every aspect. Great vid again.

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

Bush ranger looks like a capable blade I don't like the way they have done the thumb ramp but otherwise nice looking knife

[@juxtaposition7904]

I own both and I love the Lawman. I’ve owned it for close to a decade and I regularly carry it. But the Recon 1 is in a different class. It’s one of only a handful of folders-in the affordable price range-that can act as both a utility tool and tactical weapon at almost equal levels (I give the utility use of it a slightly higher rating). The Lawman is a great everyday carry folder for going about town. The Recon 1 can fill that role too but it’s also an option for bug out/get home kits and self-defense purposes that IMO the Lawman couldn’t equally fulfill.

[@derikcard6577]

I can't find a comparison of the recon 1 and the sr1. Which one is a stronger hard use (daily home construction) folder? Also looking at the Benchmade Adamas... Any suggestions for a good knife that will hold an edge for a really long time.

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

The recon 1 and sr1 are using the same steel the recon is thinner behind the edge so it will cut better for longer and is very tough the sr1 is a bit tougher the benchmade contego is a good balance between the two as is the cold steel ultimate hunter

[@davidvermont]

I saw a comparison on KZbin between the Recon 1and the SR1 But I cannot remember where. Search it.

[@sakura-mq3yc]

@@Kevinclearysharpstuffш

[@PatrickDustman]

Great knives, love them. SurvivalAustria

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

me too

[@davidvermont]

I like the recon 1 but I am a little concerned about its thickness behind the edge.

[@Apex_grind562]

Recon 1 always wins. I put a deep carry on it (hard to find) but changed the game!

[@gregorygolden1296]

Been carrying a RECON 1 for quite a while, and I have no issues at all. Thinking if someone does, they got too much in their pockets. RECON 1 is a man's man knife.and who gives a shit what other people think when you pull it out to cut something.

[@Chingus696]

When you’re going to cut up a bunch of boxes, why in the heck would you use a pocket knife? Doesn’t everyone have razor knives for that? Or if I’m going to cut up a box or two, OK I can use my knife. Anything more than that and I’m going to get the correct tool for the job.

[@brianf9619]

RECON 1 vs. VOYAGER

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

I will do this if I haven't already I have a neighbour who has a voyager I can borrow

[@jimmycricket7946]

So is the ad10 still your favorite cold steel I know you like Andrew demko designs? The American lawman cuts much better, def better cutting geometry. But the recon 1 is cooler looking and is a bit more secure in the hand. Still wish they were using XHP instead of s35vn, unfortunately I waited to long to purchase these and missed the opportunity. I remember a while ago The ceo or former ceo of cold steel at the time who ....I think his name was lyn Thomas or something like that saying that "the wait time for xhp was too long and it was messing with cold steel's production schedule" so they were forced into setting for the availability of s35vn.

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

I like the ad10 best but the lawman is great for cutting and pocket carry

[@shaunfarrier9060]

How slicey in the Lawman compared to a PM2?

[@tonycanniffe2360]

Shaun Farrier As good or a bit better. My Lawman is hollow ground. Some are flat ground.

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

I agree with Tony as good or better the hollow grind is crazy thin and slicy

[@robertdouglas4293]

Before I start watching, notice right off, ability to add a sharpening choil, depending on what the individual likes, nice to see from manufacturer first though.

[@timtim4525]

i like the am lawman better....mine is in cts....its just super great.....not fun.....but all business.....the recon is good....very good...great....but it is not as good as the lawman. i bet the lawman sells better too...not sure....another great video Sir....you area great christian....i appreciate you.....good Man.

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

Thanks for the kind words and I suspect your right the lawman would have wider appeal

[@robertdouglas4293]

Knives are tools, if you don't abuse them, They BOTH! serve quite well, Happy, or be THANKFULL, Remembrance Day!

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

yep very true

[@PowerMadHeadBanger]

Does the pocket clip on the American Lawman has the same tension of the pocket of the Recon 1?

[@derek223556]

Get both

[@timbo4374]

I need a new American Lawman..I broke mine, doing something stupid..totally not a Cold Steel defect..they weren't made to use as a pry bar, lol.Something I never do, but was away from home and unable to grab something more suited to the task I was doing. I am bummed though, because the CTS-XHP ones are gone, at least here in the states. My Recon 1 is still hanging tough though, as I tend to carry the Lawman much more, due to more friendly to edc carry..which I guess means my vote goes to the Lawman. I do like the Recon when I hit the woods though, as my back up to whichever fixed blade I carry., or as you said, if I know I am going to do lots of heavy repeated cutting. Both are rock solid choices..great knives regardless of which you choose.

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

I'm surprised you can't find a lawman that's from older stock still with xhp but s35 is fine so not the end of the world

[@Boltbacker83]

Anyone prefer the AD-10 to these two?

[@SkyPhoenixGear-Collectibles]

I’ve owned 2 lawmans. The one thing I didn’t like was the fidget factor sucked which isn’t what a knife is for but let’s face it... for most knife guys it’s the most used aspect of a knife lol. When I tried to fidget this knife my thumb would get sore after a while. If I want a good thumb workout I will get another cold steel or if I need absolute toughness which most of the time I’d rather have a fixed blade if possible. Have you noticed if the triad lock becomes a lot easier to disengage after a year or more of use?

[@RWong-wn3pv]

It’s not wise to PRY with almost any knife. They are not designed to pry.

[@jdsolberg7613]

SR1

[@abc456f]

Recon 1, 4 inch, spear point in cts-xhp. If I could only carry one knife out of my collection, it would the Recon 1. I sold my American lawman. Didn't fit my hand. Finger choil too big for one finger and too small for two. Could never get a comfortable grip on it.

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

For large hands the Recon 1 is great my Lawman fits me fairly well but I can see how some could have issues

[@abc456f]

@@Kevinclearysharpstuff I don't have large hands but the recon 1 just melts into my hand. Wish the American lawman had the same size finger choils as the recon.

[@ranoljuta3543]

A.L. rule....best edc.......RECON 1 best for every day hard use

[@barrybueler3356]

American lawman all the way nice simple style better pocket carry better handle look on the other hand if your fighting junkies to the death all day then the recon might be your style

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

If your fighting junkies all day you should find a different back ally to take into work

[@barrybueler3356]

Or just join in with them 🤤🤪

[@707SonomaComa]

Yea, that finger choil right ON the knife blade on the Lawman looks like it could very well be a disastrous situation that could take weeks to recover. I like to be protected from the blade.

[@devatwell334]

Finger choils Re almost always half on the blade specially on fixed blade knives...throughout history more on hunting knives. People that think like the statement u have said shouldn't carry knives anyways if ur regarding "could be injured" that can be said for everything daily

[@albertosbrolla8424]

👍

[@robertdouglas4293]

I can't comment on Recon, I don't own one.

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

well there is a simple solution to that problem :)

[@grimflipz]

I carry my lawman every day. Love it. Check out my modified lawman on my new channel. Apexedc88

[@christamu2]

My $0.02. The American Lawman is the best knife Cold Steel makes but the Recon 1 is a close second.

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

fair point the lawman is a little more versatile perhaps