Master Of None? - Cold Steel Recon Tanto Quick Review

It's about time I reviewed this blade, trying out my new camera too so that's where the quality jump comes from. Quick news too the house has been sold so I'll likely either tease or surprise drop my new product. Rivera Edge.

[@thomassmith8314]

Jack of all trades, master of none.... Often better than a master of one.

[@gideonstactical]

Hey, great video. 👍😀

[@gillianriveralim]

Thankyou so much! I wasn't expecting you to find this video but I am glad you did :D I've been watching you for 3 years now and you've inspired me to do reviews and videos. And on the side note, would you like it if I sent you a knife I made to review? I'm working on a design and it will be finished end of this year and I was wondering if you would like to have one. Kind regards

[@powerplay4real174]

Master of Kombat buddy , it's not really suited for the woods although it will work when your out and about. But it's a soldiers Killin Tool 🔫⚔️

[@phillipmargrave]

It’s a combat knife. It’s made to stab through bone and slice through flesh and arteries.

[@chrismichellijr9217]

I convexed my Recon Tanto and it carves MUCH better now. You may want to test the convex out on a user RT. It works!

[@ibelieveicansoar]

I sometimes carry my smaller version called the Kobún so I intend to get this one as a “trunk knife” for my car. I love over-engineered tools. The handle material is far grippier than it might appear. By the way, I’ve always heard tanto pronounced “tonto.”

[@hernandogomez6053]

The recon tanto it’s a beast of a knife! But it’s mostly for tactical self defense use. Good review tho 👏👍🏼

[@Wildwestwrangler]

Your higher end steels won't dull much on the secured sheath, unless you purposely and with pressure run that edge hard against the sheath.

[@longrider42]

I've had my CS Recon Tonto, since the mid 90's, came with a very nice stiffened nylon sheath with dual retention straps. I've used it a number of times in camp. From prepping small wood/tinder for a fire, then cutting up food to eat, plus all the other camp chores you use a knife for. Mine is so old it was made in the USA, and out of Carbon V steel. Holds a great edge. As a "Bushcraft" knife, its okay, but it was never made for chopping or battoning wood.

[@Ten_Mil_Will]

Sorry to reply to a post from so long ago but wanted to say - HEY! I have one of the old U.S. made Carbon V Recon Tantos as well. Helluva knife and a cool piece of Cold Steel history 👍

[@Bigo0121]

what finish is on the recon 1, looks like a very nice knife

[@peterem]

If the finger guard of this knife was 5 to 10 mm longer, then it would be an excellent self-defense knife. You won't be at peace during an attack, like when you're watching TV. In addition, you need to handle the knife quickly and skillfully. With this short finger guard, it's more of a ticking time bomb in your hand. Sooner or later you will cut your fingers. An ideal finger guard that works for me is on a Glock 78 knife.

[@dicksonanthony1]

Honestly I really like this knife. Definitely something I'd use

[@Wildwestwrangler]

The San Mai version while thick is a better cutter with the hollow grind.

[@adammcguinness9950]

Aussie!😉

[@riverstones-wd40]

Yep

[@stevanoutdoor]

Very good review. You actually named everything as it is. To bad CS is not making this and the SRK in Aus8 any more, but the SK5 versions are not bad at all.

[@gillianriveralim]

I agree. Aus8 was in my experience far superior than SK5. SK5 had a bit of edge retention going for it, but id rather have the extra toughness and stainles

[@stevanoutdoor]

@@gillianriveralim In my opinion also but only because of the stainless. I do see AUS8 and SK5 as pretty similar tough steels but one carbon and one stainless. When it comes to the SRK they changed the saber grind of the AUS8 version to a slight hollow grind for the SK5 version for reasons unknown to me. This makes for a weaker tip. The tip is always strong on the Recon Tanto of course. For where I take my knives I prefer stainless. It's usually wet climates.

[@robbiewilliamson357]

*master of piercing 2 legged predators

[@jamesdewer]

My favorite Trail Knife. Part Scalpel, part machete. Say machete, machete like a mexican assasin.MACHETE heavy accent.

[@jonathandiamond6801]

Dude its a fighting knife. That's what it was designed for.

[@jdssurf]

it's made for fighting, but we can pretend it's a camping knife lol

[@joenisnapje712]

Funny thing is that nobody takes issue with the hard plastic sheath making so much noise. Apparently “Recon” also means you can whistle when looking to spy on enemies 😂👍🏻 Anyways nice video and good explanation and demonstration about how much abuse the knife can handle 👍🏻 I checked out your FB page as I was wondering about your accent 😉 You make beautiful photos and I love the dark flowers and taxidermy. You should combine. 👍🏻 Very promising work. Admire your self made bo shuriken 🥷 Mine were similar but I sharpened both sides 😉 never miss 😁

[@samthai818]

Rather than state that the Recon is a master of none, which i think is completely asinine, I would say that it is an extremely versatile knife! It is a great batoning knife, a great chopper, a great defensive/offensive knife, a great fire starter with scraping fatwood to its sharp square spine for ferrocerium rods. I have used it to field dress over 20 deer and it keeps it's edge throughout each butchering job. It's versatility allows to take one knife into the field and do everything from fire starting chopping poles for shelter, to processing game.

[@gillianriveralim]

Completely agree! It's very versatile. I called it Master of none because its a term we use given to things that are good at everything but isn't a master at everything, like yes this is a good chopper, but there are other knives this size that are better and would be considered a master in that aspect. It's also a great defensive and offensive knife too, but again there are better knives which master that aswell such as the tai pan etc. But looking at it, I should have called it a super versatile master of none" thankyou for your feedback! And enjoy the outdoors

[@osbaldohernandez9174]

The srk is very very good for a budget but good to use for everyday use

[@legionnaires]

this is AUS-8 version VG-1 is version newer Tanto whis has engraved VG-1 letters. maybe the best one was Carbon V

[@dannyn6558]

A tanto is more of a self-defense knife the point is for stabbing through tough objects like leather or rubber. If you want a good chopper use a Bowie knife or the cold Steel Khukri. They're about the same length between 12 inch to 14 inches long.

[@longrider42]

If you need to chop wood, get a good hatchet or tomahawk. Right tool for the job.

[@longrider42]

Actually that is some what of a misnomer. The Tonto, came in many lengths. the short ones where most often used in the home in the kitchen.

[@John..18]

@@longrider42 Tonto was the sidekick of the Lone Ranger, 😂🤣😂🗡️

[@REAPERMILITIAOUTDOORS]

Good review brother. 👊💀🍻

[@d0minar]

next get Cold Steel Master Tanto!

[@EXORCISTIESOUSCHRISTOSNIKA]

“WHY DO THEY MAKE THEM IN CHEAP TAIWAN AND NOT JAPAN ANYMORE, I WANT THE ONE MADE IN JAPAN” !

[@bawidamann939]

After 2 years of use how is the retention on the sheath?

[@RIVERAEDGE]

Definitely not as tight as it was anymore since the rubber has worn away. But it still clicks into place and won't fall out. Just rattles a bit and can fall out by intense shaking

[@bawidamann939]

@@RIVERAEDGE thanks for the reply, very cool knife will get one. Stay safe there. 👍

[@lesgrossman4636]

Good one

[@jojojeep1]

Mines brand new but I don’t like the black finish because I know what it’s gonna look like how did you get it off

[@RIVERAEDGE]

Black finish feels cheap aye

[@brianhanson8034]

Scotchbrite will do it 👍

[@lanaholmes7098]

Paint striper

[@dodkatt591]

It really gets out so Easy, I just cutted a can, and then there was some scratches on it

[@davidthomson2794]

Paint stripper may leave residue for food prep etc... Easiest and "cleanest" way to remove paint or similar from steel is to place in boiling water with a bit of bicarb of Soda or vinegar for 15-20 minutes. The coating will then come off with a scraper.

[@brandonpausta2206]

I was sold the day I watch them shove it through a car hood then use 2 as monkey bars yep the price is sweet and they make a vg steel one as well

[@thedon7528]

I’d say most of the way your reviewed the knife does not apply to the intended purpose of the knife. It’s not utility knife, it’s more of a fighting knife if anything

[@RIVERAEDGE]

I don't think he had much spare humans or body meat to test it on, if it can do these tests then for sure it's more than capable of fighting

[@thedon7528]

RIVERAEDGE chop some raw steak and chicken bones

[@Wildwestwrangler]

The srk will do bushcraft stuff better, although I have both in San mai.

[@songokuo5131]

It is San Mai

[@petrkunz5330]

CS Recon super knife,👍 super test, 👍ale sekat bez duvodu do ziveho stromu? 👎

[@SirPraiseSun]

kydex or rubber plastic or hard leather are great sheaths pass on fiberglass indeed

[@graves4471]

This is fulltang or not?

[@erebys21]

I think it is

[@dodkatt591]

It is

[@longrider42]

Yes, what is called a full over molded tang, that goes all the way back to the lanyard hold.

[@sojourn1544]

Who cares about rattle....lol.. I just dont understand about chopping with a knife.. I have never ever chopped with a knife....I have a hatchet and ax for stuff like that.....

[@hernandogomez6053]

Good point!!

[@dodkatt591]

I have the same idea, but for batoning, i mean, that's the axe job

[@escapetherace1943]

@@dodkatt591 it's a really stupid internet fad. I'd laugh at anyone I saw doing this IRL.... way more work than a proper axe, hatchet, or pocket saw, and damages knives

[@chriss.9398]

I mean, I guess it's nice to know if it can do it if you are stuck in a situation with just the knife. But it begs the question, if you are out in the woods or camping, why would you not also bring a hatchet at the very least?

[@longrider42]

Not only are you wasting energy and calories when using a knife to chop and baton wood, but you are also risking breaking the knife. Which is why I always carry a small folding saw and a tomahawk. Right tool for the job.

[@Veldtian1]

I guess you have the SK5 version..

[@RIVERAEDGE]

That's the Japanese AUS8 Version, the SK5s have a much shorter ricasso

[@dodkatt591]

I have the sk5 version, and its just Amazing.

[@gillianriveralim]

@@RIVERAEDGE Thankyou, superior self

[@songokuo5131]

I have San Mai VG 10 it's simply great and amazing too

[@Crazy_Joe_Davola]

"I have stabbed this into concrete"

[@patrikbjorling4391]

Made in Japan?? I thought all were made in Taiwan these days.

[@tawaitai]

Earlier models.

[@DanielA-nl9nv]

I would not be beating on Japanese cold steel like that. I would oil it and put it away and sell it on eBay for like $500 one day. Beat on the new one.

[@gillianriveralim]

Don't worry, I have a spare which is in mint condition. Sheath isn't even opened

[@edusardosanchez9401]

the handle doesnt look that bad

[@powerplay4real174]

Aus8a is the better I think but the SK5 is good also , especially if your one who take care of your gear ⚙️🥳🎉🎉🥳🎺🎺🔫

[@kevinschmith9379]

I got mine for 35 at Walmart

[@robmurphy623]

Its a saber grind......60 seconds later.....its a hollow grind.

[@user-ib2ps2zo4k]

Такой же покупаю