Comparison Cold Steel Recon 1 vs Code 4

Been wanting to do this video for a while here are two great Cold Steel knives both very good which one will win?

[@JBPistheanswer]

I working in construction and I love knife and have started my my own little collection. with that I know that a tanto blade shape is usually labeled tactical, but I found on the job site the blade shape out preforms better then most other shapes

[@James-ke5sx]

Make a Scandi or Saber grind Tanto and I'll buy it. I'm a 40+ retired wood worker/ carpenter and the Tanto is like a skew point chisel which is better for my chores cause the only skinning I do is a banana at lunch so a clip point is not as useful. Also a Tanto point should be really good for cleaning up all the joints used in Bushcraft plus a perfectly straight blade is really good for carving joints sometimes compared to a skinning knife. My first Cold Steel knives were all three versions of the Canadian limited edition. It stops me endlessly upgrading by buying the best the first time as I do all tools

[@PH-hk8mb]

I’ve used the Tri-Ad lock for the last 7 years or so and close it one handed very easily over time you can do anything safely and effectively with practice I’ve never cut myself and they are 4 and 5.5”

[@andrewlynch6238]

Ordered the Code 4 today: impressive library by the way👍

[@andrewlynch6238]

S35vn. Tanto. Can’t wait(know nothing about steels but my Military is S30 I think so I’m excited 😊)

[@guncotton1950]

2 girlfriends in a row liked to wave kitchen knives around when angry so I deleted all of my kitchen knives years ago this being said I use knives from my personal collection for everything including opening milk bags and have for decades -crazy i know - cheers

[@dubglock2312]

code 4 is the best at so many areas!!! love it as a edc and its great dressed up or down and gives u a whole lot of bang for the buck....…that said i also love the ultimate hunter and swift and lawman and recon.....i want to see a comparison between swift and ultimate hunter

[@mrowoofers101]

I know this is an old video, but I just ordered the Code 4. Both are quire similar from what I can see, in fact, they are both using S35VN steel at the time of me making this comment. The main reason I got the Code 4 is due to the price, but thinking about it, I'm not gonna be using knives for tactical stuff any time soon anyway, so the lighter and slimmer Code 4 is probably the better option for me anyway. Oh, also, I'm getting the spear-point version since it has a strong tip while having a good belly, sorta an intermediate between the tanto and the clip-point in my opinion. Also, great review, man. First time watching a video on this channel and I will be watching more.

[@ScottieG59]

I have the Code 4 and a couple Recon 1 knives, and, when my hands are dry, I have to be careful handling the Code 4. Once the blade is deployed, it is easy to hold onto the Code 4. I may try some friction tape on the non-clip side and back of the Code 4. For now, I put spare screws in the unused pocket clip holes, which helps slightly in pulling it out of my pocket. Also, I am using a lanyard to help hold on if I flip the knife open.

[@jerryknight257]

I liked the tanto for skinning deer.

[@General_Manager_Radahn]

Any opportunity(within reason) too use my knives, I happily take. Milk bags included.

[@pavlepetrovic6846]

Thank you so much!!! God bless you man!!!

[@notanundercovercop8851]

I pulled out my Recon 1 at work to slice open a bag in front of a co-worker and he said, "What the fuck? Are you going to kill a bear later?" LOL!

[@cameronutt6383]

Code 4 CTS XHP spear point gets my vote. Put some friction tape on it and it's no longer slick. Leave the knife about half open overnight and it makes the triad lock smoother (it's not all that bad to begin with honestly, the recon 1 I tried was way more brutal). The only thing I don't like is it's "assisted closing" for lack of a better way to put it, it just seemed a little sketchy at first and kinda took me by surprise. Great knife overall though.

[@enigmarocker]

Great video and thanks for making! My only two cents is that the G10 scales on the Recon 1 (that I already own) is so rough that it destroys pockets, even my jeans after some use. Im going to buy a Code 4 after watching this video because the less agressive scales are exactly what Im looking for while keeping a very similar feature set like the Recon 1 has. Thanks again!

[@fredgarvin4482]

stop wearing leotards and yoga pants. then you will not have this problem anymore :)

[@notanundercovercop8851]

"The Tri-ad lock is stiff." You can say that again. If you're used to a Spyderco or a Benchmade this might annoy you a lot. Good idea warning everyone. I personally don't mind. I love knowing my knife's locking mechanism is strong enough for me to stand on it without it breaking.

[@TheAgentAssassin]

Yeah I like stiff locks . My little micro recon can chop down a small tree if I tried.

I bought both knives like the code 4 in SharePoint got the recon 1 in clip point happy with both knives you get,a lot for the money great review thanks.

[@RealBushMonkey]

I haven't seen bagged milk out west here in probably 20yrs or more.

[@countrymusing]

I’ve been using the Recon 1 for a couple years now. The cts-xhp steel really holds an edge for a long time.

[@DPIDDY69]

Broken Skull is sort of a clip point hybrid of both. really want the code 4 tanto just a great looking blade

[@user-ng1kc7xb5n]

Especially like Code 4 in spearpoint blade.

[@powerplay4real174]

I'm getting both !! you made good points Cold Steel is the best IMHO 😕

[@RussianVitamines]

i can see, that the sharpening notch on recon 1 might give some problems for sharpening with flat stones... and in general OCD trigger to some people.

[@abc456f]

Great video. I have the American Lawman and have been deciding to get the recon 1 or code 4. I'm leaning towards the recon, clip point.

[@johnhuey9912]

What is a milk bag?

[@martywilliams7401]

i carry a para 2. this might sound funny but i was wanting a backup knife to carry in my boot. basically for a shtf scenario. i really love the look of the code 4 tonto and thought it would serve the roll well. hard use, light,good size,greatlock and wouldn't rub my leg raw like the recon 1 probably would. what do think?

[@NeilTheKnifeGuy]

LMAO. Love that I'm not the only one that opens my bags of milk with my pocket knife. Think I'm getting the recon 1 in the near future I liked the way it felt in hand when I went to S&R a few months ago.

[@twai8036]

Which would you recommend for camping, hiking, bushcraft stuff?

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

recon 1 or better yet ultimate hunter white mountain knives has them for 105 or so plus you could use my discount code same goes for the recon and code4 I guess

[@grominwithrob1339]

Own both and beat the crap out of them. I carry the code 4 because it’s thinner and clips on the pocket better. I sanded the g10 scales under the clip on the recon so it pockets easier and quits sanding my jeans so bad.

[@ashleygovender4104]

Hi Kevin. Thank you for your video.. Also love your books. I love love good theological books and all things cold steel. The Code 4 is by next blade.

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

thanks I have spent a lot of quality time with the code 4 and the books

[@guncotton1950]

By the way the slippery handle on the code 4 is a deal breaker for me even though I think it is a nicer looking knife than the recon 1 my choice would be recon 1 four inch tanto as I find they perform very much like a clip point or spear point in EDC tasks but are more robust

[@getfucked2164]

Got new US made blade Recon 1 tanto pretty stoked

[@dalecarpenter8359]

The cold steels i have in xhp seem much tighter and they have the made order apostleps sharpening choil

[@mattrosenberg6108]

I've owned both. I think I prefer the Code 4 just slightly. I also enjoy the books in the background. Are you a pastor or did you get a theology degree anywhere?

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

I am a minister yeah

[@benfelland]

Crazy how the code 4 is still lighter

[@dubglock2312]

awesome!!!! love both blades!!! great video

[@martywilliams7401]

i was wandering how you like the code 4 tonto now after you've had it for several months? are you still happy with the blade shape you picked or do you wish you would have went back with the spear point? im trying to decide between the code 4 and the recon 1and between spear point and tonto.

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

Marty Williams tough choice the drop or spear point are probably a little more versatile if you only have one knife versatility is really important all that said I love the tanto and am glad I went with it

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

I actually had a code 4 for years and love it, I would say if you have other knives and want a change a tanto is nice but I find a knife with a belly to be a little more versatile so would lean toward the spear point. I also have the Recon one and love it it's a little big but if you don't mind that it's a winner. these choices are really a matter of preference. Hope that offers a little help.

[@martywilliams7401]

Kevin cleary been using the tanto for a boot knife edc it has worked out very well! i dont use it very often my pm2 is my edc. with the code 4 being so thin i forget its there. I use it for more abusive cutting and leave the pm 2 in the pocket. i do love the looks of the tanto and it functions great. i do however sometimes wish i had gotten the spear point because the tanto is a booger to sharpen. great knife though!

[@19ADAM80]

New subscriber here... Great video...., I usually always carry one that size in a sheath.., although I've never owned either of those two, but I have the recon 1 coming in Aus8, I'm gonna strip the black coating from it, as I prefer a satin finish.. I came across a deal I couldn't turn down.., all in AUS8 steel, should be here the coming week. Recon 1 clip Recon 1 mini clip Recon 1 micro clip & the fixed blade SRK Thanks for all the info buddy.. Looking forward to more..!

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

Thanks bro I'm sure you'll love the recon 1 and I'm glad you like the content

[@19ADAM80]

Kevin cleary For sure bud, you're welcome..👍🏼

[@TheAgentAssassin]

Recon 1 is almost like carrying a fixed blade. Awesome knife for the money.

[@deeedeee89]

I like how you first gain some experience with the knives before reviewing them. Can't stand the out-of-the-box-reviews. Greetings from Germany!

[@jdnotariano]

CTS-XHP is just a notch above S30V from what I have been reading. Is that what you would say also?

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

+Pietro B It's tough to call both are very good steel's really not sure what I prefer

[@jdnotariano]

+Kevin cleary Thanks, I was just reading some more forums on the comparison. They are both modern powdered steels but s30v has a bit more vanadium which helps with wear resistance, but XHP will take and hold a finer edge for nearly as long while being easier to sharpen. CTS-XHP is more my preference, since it is basically combining all the best properties of 440C and D2 tool steel. Another way to look at it is CTS-XHP is much like S30V but with a finer micro grain structure since it has less vanadium (V) and more chromium (Cr). I have a Chemistry background, so this is interesting to me. Thanks for the reply.

[@jdnotariano]

+adam faion Both have high corrosion resistance, about equal is my guess.

[@donaldwortham1661]

Pietro B heard it was better chip resistant

[@koengerts]

I like how G10 feels but imo it often looks so cheap and I can't get over that. Love the look of those aluminium scales on the Code 4. Ultimately I would carry the Recon 1 if it was purely and solely about performance, although it wouldn't matter much I think.

[@mattmaiden4920]

Awsome knifes good vid.How do yall get milk in bags that's so different than in USA

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

+MATT MAIDEN just google it you'll see there are tons of pictures out there

[@mattmaiden4920]

+Kevin cleary k thanx

[@TheAgentAssassin]

We have milk bags in the USA , I used them at work to refill the milk dispenser. Ours didn't need to be cut though . It used a crimp on a tube system. When you open the lever the tube un-crimps the tube and milk comes out. It was a huge 5 gallon plastic bag with a tube.

[@notanundercovercop8851]

CTS-XHP is considered a stainless D2 steel or a high hardness 440C steel. It's a 67 on the hardness scale.

[@stormnordnes1189]

Sure? It's verry easy to sharpen on my Worksharp with blade grinding attatchment... yesterday I actually made it so dull, chopping, edge on stone, all just to make it as dull as I could in use because I changed my belts on the grinder.. it took me about 7 minutes to make it cut atoms... so rockwell hardness can't be that high?

[@philipdeppen2890]

At most 64 not 67

[@NNNNabeshin]

If you are slicing your opponent, the fight is over and you are...eating him? The word is slash.

[@BrutalJuice138]

What Would Jesus Carry? My money is on the Voyager Xl tanto.

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

I think it would be a civivi dogma

[@BrutalJuice138]

He has excellent taste.

[@BrutalJuice138]

And I see what you did there...

[@bibigreen6533]

Have you ever seen a policeman stab someone?

[@LB-np5zv]

Have you?

[@getfucked2164]

Expensive tho over $100 :$

[@levimiller5007]

Only if you're a broke ass nigga.

[@dalecarpenter8828]

i find the cold steel tantos to be to blunt

[@davidwatson3035]

Knives and bibles. Typical conflicted American. Break your conditioning guy.

[@StevieDeez]

Jesus said sell your cloak and buy a sword.