Why Buy A ColdSteel Recon 1 Best Hard Use Folder

[@Greg_M308]

If I could have only one folder for the rest of my life, it would be this knife. I have two Recon 1s and nearly all other higher end CS folders, and this is the best overall.

[@josephfarrugia2350]

I plan to buy the Voyager drop point for outdoor/wood tasks; which is why I am attracted to the Recon 1 in tanto shape for every day use. But I can’t decide between Recon 1 Tanto or Recon 1 Spear point for everyday use (there is also a redundancy issue with the Voyager drop point). Any help or input would be appreciated.

[@Greg_M308]

@@josephfarrugia2350 My guidance would be that the spear point is made for standard cutting applications (food, processing an animal). The tanto is better suited to tactical and hard use (prying, cutting carpet) applications. This would drive my decision.

[@Damen0530]

Recon 1 is a solid, solid, solid chose. Hard to beat for the cost....

[@abc456f]

It may not be my favorite knife, but if I only could carry one knife, it would be the recon 1, large, spear point.

[@josephfarrugia2350]

I plan to buy the Voyager drop point for outdoor/wood tasks; which is why I am attracted to the Recon 1 in tanto shape for every day use. But I can’t decide between Recon 1 Tanto or Recon 1 Spear point for everyday use (there is also a redundancy issue with the Voyager drop point). Any help or input would be appreciated.

[@abc456f]

@@josephfarrugia2350 Can't go wrong with either. The tanto might add a little more functionality for scraping tasks.

[@sharpgrail9506]

I agree 100% with your review. I really don’t like coated blades, so when the satin Blades Canada exclusive came out (in S35VN!), I bought it immediately and love it.

[@jlogan2228]

If you want a more affordable kind of test run before getting a recon one I can recommend the Voyager series enough.

[@trageopar]

I have both the Large Voyager and the Recon1. Both are exceptional knives for their price points. Built solid and with quality materials.

[@l75rd83]

The tips always snap off...

[@Pharto_Stinkus]

@@l75rd83 of what? I have owned voyagers and recons for years, in all the various steel iterations, and have NEVER broken a tip, on either model, even in very hard use (worked as an electrician in the ND oilfields for years, and used these knives for everything from food prep, to stripping wire) .

[@repro7780]

My new Voyager large is the sharpest knife out of the box I've ever had. Scary sharp, even. I would assume this one is the same.

[@l75rd83]

@Richard Davis the voyager when people do tests the tip snaps but that can be expected

[@trageopar]

I messaged cold steel directly and asked them if I should get a lawman or a recon1. They told me recon 1 hands down. So glad I got one.

[@tonycanniffe2360]

The quintessential Cold Steel.

[@Cracktower1]

I bought a Code 4 w/S35VN in tanto setup. Not big on back locks at all. This is my only back lock knife I carry this thing more that any other knife. Solid knife

[@MikeUman]

Dude, I have 3 Recon 1's, all 4 inch blades, one XL clip point, and, 2 of the tragically discontinued Talwars, also four inch blades. It becomes increasingly difficult to pry those folders out of my pockets in order to keep my folder EDC rotation running. If I had to choose one folder for the rest of my life, it would come down to the Recon 1 clip point, or, spear point. I would sacrifice folding knives costing much more in order to carry one of those Recon's. Guess I'm a fan boy...:)

[@convex7456]

Mike Uman ya wish they would of kept the talwar

[@EagleJim62]

I'm with ya brother.

[@MrT6250]

Mike Uman I had a mini Recon in xhp I sanded off the DLC coating and Polished it to a mirror finish. But shit went left and I had to sell it 😭 I miss my knife!

[@convex7456]

Kevin Terry man satin recon. Damn.....violin plays.....

[@MrT6250]

convex🎻 😂Getting that DLC coating off was a pain in the ass.

[@tamatoa8261]

The best video on the internet on the Recon 1. Anybody looking to buy one needs to watch this video then watch the other videos on the it's hard use. They'll be sold. I have 3 or 4 Recon 1's and they are by far my favorite folders. I never leave the house without one. I read on another video someone saying only mall ninjas carry the Recon 1. He obviously just uses his knives as letter openers. Talking about who needs a knife that can withstand 300 lbs of pressure. Well I for one don't carry my knives to open letters. And I cherish my fingers. The Recon 1 is the only folder I would put to hard use and not worry about it breaking. And for whatever reason if it did break, I can buy another one without breaking the bank. FYI if anybody knows where I can buy the XHP version please let me know. 🤙🏾

[@mikelikesknives428]

I think I need one of these. I have an American Lawman that I carry often. The Recon 1 is a nice looking knife. Yes I need one. You talked me into it!👍

[@timbrwolf2238]

I have (3) Recon 1's myself. Some with pocket wave mods, in AUS8 and XHP steels...I have Talwars and AK-47's and it's just an amazing knife. Given I have to mod EVERY one I guy to take down the sand paper scales and adjust clip retention...I'm OK with that for what I'm getting. I train in Kali and I am making myself a fixed blade trainer based on the Recon design...so YEAH, IT'S GOOD!

[@trageopar]

ANY Cold steel folder is the best hard use folder.

[@HoosierRooster]

There is no other knife under $100 that can match the recon-1

[@ronfry5851]

I absolutely agree that cold steel is awesome I own the Recon 1 and it's been wonderful

[@wrjames38]

Pretty much agree with all your points in this video. I've collected most of the cold steel line in XHP recently (nothing wrong with S35VN ) and even though you need to "tweak" most to get them in and out of your pocket easily. ..their strength , ergos, and function are top notch. I bought a few high end ZT "hard use" folders upon getting into collecting last year...nice knives...but nowhere near hard use (have you seen the recent video of 7 of 8 ZT locks failing with light spine taps?). Spyderco has the best ergonomics, steel choices , and overall blade shape /grind for everyday use IMHO. ..but ColdSteel definitely takes the overall if you factor in the "one folder " scenario! ! Thanks for video

[@DavidV4444]

I agree as well, it’s an awesome knife and your reviews are fantastic!

[@Outpost_76]

The value for what you get is hard to beat. Love my Lawman, Recon 1 , Ultimate Hunter and even the Prolite.

[@Lokahi-fo-life]

I don’t own a recon 1, however I do own a code 4 and I like it. However, I live in the city and my paramilitary 2 is best suited for my edc. I can definitely see carrying the code 4 or recon 1 when I go out to the mountains or anywhere outdoors. I’m going to vacation in the mountains later this year and I’m taking my CRKT homefront, because of the field strip capability. I really haven’t decided which other knives I will take with me. Cold Steel knives are basic hard working knives, nothing fancy just get the job done knives 👍.

[@dalecarpenter8828]

I lighten the lock spring ( make sure to leave enough for blade retention ) makes them run very smooth and easy ! and the pocket clip . And customize the handle shape ( take off the second finger groove ) .

[@kennethroberts1085]

I’ve just recently joined the cold steel fan boy team lol. Code 4 is my fav. Luv my tough lite as well. And my lawman. Heck I even wear a spike now.

[@SliceyDicey]

I just made a similar comment in LTK's video about the Recon 1... I only have one true tactical folder. It's a Recon 1 in XHP and brown handles. Don't feel the need for another one. It's that good. I love it. Slightly disappointed about XHP going away, but the new steel wouldn't stop me from getting another if something happened to mine.

[@davidmathews2124]

I’m thinking the Cold Steel Spartan in the new AUS 10A...same Triad lockup...is a contender. As low as $60 USD the cost / benefit ratio is very very strong.

[@PowerMadHeadBanger]

The Recon 1 its my all time favorite. When you don't know the task ahead, the Recon 1 is your best bet.

[@edwardkane1978]

I agree with everything you say. Recently I've been catching up on some of the last Cold Steel XHP models. I got a Code 4, American Lawman, 4" Recon 1, and a 4" Talwar. The shocking thing is how much I like the Recon 1. All of these knives are great, but the Recon 1 is a classic soldier's folder in my opinion.

[@geoffwatson8007]

Love it! Best folding knife ever! I’ve got 4 variations. I’ll buy more too!

[@justinpatrickhoffman]

Love the CS Recon 1. For its intended use, it is near perfect.

[@theblishknovk]

Great review! I used to carry a 4 inch Byrd Cara Cara 2 as a Truck driver in Portland delivering produce and got a few comments. It is actually amusing to me that people get offended by knife size and i just simply do not care, 100% their problem.

[@shubbagin49]

I stripped the crappy coating off my old Recon 1 years ago, I would recommend it to anybody with an older model. For a knife that size I personally prefer using a fixed blade, living in the UK means its a no, no, carrying it legally on the street anyway. On saying that, if I had to choose a folder for any kind of field work, my Recon 1 would be the first choice, great knife, a classic, plus the satin finish once the black crap is removed on the old Aus 8 models is stunning.

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

I stripped my old one as well and it worked well

[@a.d.c7941]

@@Kevinclearysharpstuff I just ordered one but its the coated as it is all I could find. How do I strip the coating???

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

@@a.d.c7941 It's a DLC coating so just google how to remove DLC be warned it's not easy

[@dalecarpenter8359]

I put a lock spring mod on recon 1 s makes them night and day to the out of box . I also mod the pocket clip and the handle ( I take out the second finger choil and follow the curve of the back) makes them work smooth and look better !!! You can't beat the recon 1 !!! That's why most reviewers stay away from them because they ( if they are honest ) have to say the knife they are reviewing isn't as strong or as good a value as the recon 1

[@BigChiefWiggles]

Whats the lock spring mod if you dont mind me asking?

[@auroradanes1557]

I totally agree. Easily my favorite knife on the market

[@doctoruttley]

I agree Kev, price per performance makes this knife a top choice. My “one knife to rule them all” (folder) is the Cold Steel 4 Max Elite (S35VN). Expensive and silly big, but with my large mitts it is my favorite large folder. Otherwise, I am still a Spyderco fanboy. 🤘🏻😎🤘🏻🇨🇦

[@faceinthecrowd5810]

Got mine end of 2020, g10 is less textured, spear point nice. Such a great alternative to a fixed blade for heavy use, I bought one of my sons the same knife. For the price it’s unbeatable!!

[@miked6367]

Pound for pound best knife out there.

[@James-ke5sx]

I bought all 3 Recon 1's Canadian limited editions. Stiff clip, rough scales are perfect for keeping my knife in my pocket when walking through heavy brush

[@DefMunkyYT]

They should really just make the satin Code 4 type blade and hardware a standard option for all of their coated knives. The DLC is miles above what they used to coat the blades with, but I personally prefer the silver blade and hardware. Also, on the coated knives, they need to DLC coat the clips and lock bar because the paint just doesn't cut it, especially for the price. The paint on my Recon 1's lockbar is coming off while the DLC on the blade where the lockbar constantly contacts looks perfectly fine. Not to mention the clip that looks like I attacked it with a wire brush.

[@Macgyver46]

I edc the recon 1 in cts-xhp every day. Great folder.

[@fritzd2116]

Purchased my first CS Folder, a Recon 1 with a DLC coated Tanto point blade in S35VN recently. I like it. Extremely sharp edge, also. Subscribed to your channel.

[@BazonBlades]

Kevin, I think most of the honest reviewers will agree with you 100%. Myself included. The Recon 1 performs so far above it's price point that it's nearly impossible to think of a true competitor. Good video brother.

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

Thanks man thanks for the comment

[@blueeyeswhitedragon9839]

Baz on Blades, COLD STEEL RULES, MAN!

[@Apocalyptic-yr6uv]

I just got a PM2 for $165 CAD and honestly I was super disappointed in the blade for the price. Good knife not even close to $165 worthy. This is just a much better knife for the price I would have to agree. Good review.

[@IrishDevil78]

It’s really hard to beat Cold Steel when it comes to hard use folders. I hate that they’re moving from XHP to S35VN. Recon 1, Code 4, and the Ultimate Hunter are my go to models. The Ultimate Hunter with mods is probably my all around favorite hard use folder.

[@timbo4374]

about 1 1/2 yrs ago, I gave my Recon 1 to my brother..it was getting banged up, so Ifigured I would just grab a new one..I kept putting it off, until now it is VERY hard to find one of the old CTS-XHP blades..so I just grabbed one..had to go to Amazon in order to find one..the one I had in my cart at knifeworks sold out on me. I had to wait till payday to purchase. There are, as of this posting 13 left of the brown handled one, and only 2 of the green on Amazon. I wanted green, but they are selling for 131.00 us dolars, so I settled on the brown scales, for 106 us dollars. There are no black in XHP left. Should have pulled the trigger sooner, knifeworks were still at 99 bucks..but you snooze you loose, and can't blame anyone but myself. Great knife..and if I had to, I would of bou8ght one in the S35..still a good steel, just not AS good, at least in my humble opinion. Great work horse knife, that won't let you down. Another great review..thanks Kevin.

[@EagleJim62]

I've got the clip point Blades Canada model, American lawman, ultimate hunter and code 4 tanto. You can't beat cold steel, bang per buck. Aside from the cheesy names, sometime over the top designs, cold steel is tough to beat if you're not a knife snob. Great video, by the way, Kevin.

[@InChristJesus87]

I beat the living piss out of my aus8 variant for 4 years until I lost it. I bought the XHP version now and it’s even tougher. I wanted a no frills bad ass tough knife and no doubt for the price nothing tougher then the Recon 1.

[@SteveJohnsonPHANTOM1984]

I have 2 Recon 1's. Both tanto tips and In my opinion the best knife on the market.

[@williamcurcio7367]

I've never owned a knife, especially a folder, that felt like it was made perfectly for my hand until I bought one of these. It's my EDC workhorse and I love it more every day

[@robinvandenbergh7076]

Waa the first serious folder i bought. Seen some use. Ended up removing the coating because it got scratched up. But its still as good...maybe even better as it was one day one

[@Outcaste153]

Great video; that was crazy how when you had the Recon 1 and the Crooked River next to each other and mover your hands away it looked like it was in black and white.

[@josepmariaaguascaribot9239]

I think that the RECON 1 is the PRO LITE's big brother and both are perfect EDC folders.

[@dalecarpenter8828]

I customize them ! can't leave home without a custom ( by me ) recon 1 ! I have given a bunch of them to my kids ( I have 12 kids a bunch of grand kids and I have a few great grand kids ) ! the clip point is the most useful shape of blade ! some say that it doesn't matter how strong the lock is ! I say I'm very attached to my fingers and I don't take any more risk than I have to ! the recon 1 is like worry free ! I carry a crooked river mini most of the time with the recon 1 ! and another very tiny knife sanrenmu 6029LUC-GI ! I use the smallest one when I'm in sheepleville ! you can lighten the lock spring by pushing the lock button down just a hair below the edge of the handle ! if you go to far you can take it apart and bend it back just a little ( it won't break but only bend it a little bit ) ! if you don't have enough blade retention you went to far ! I reshape the handle. take off the second finger point and a bunch up by the blade ( the big lug like hilt ) ! I accidently made a bottle opener ( with a little careful grinding ,do not grind into the stop bar cut out where it makes contact ) ! I don't hardly like any of the hype about blade steel and many other things these so called American knife co. do ( like medford crying about clones of his $800.00 clown cartoon knife )

[@convex7456]

Cold steel make this in satin permanently. With more grind lines if you want to sell even more.

[@donaldwortham1661]

convex I thought it was a temporary Canadian dealer. I got myself one before they went out of stock

[@heavyhanded1782]

Donald Wortham it is an exclusive he’s just saying it should be made into a production model

[@jonathanchamblee7863]

It is my shtf folder, I have brown spear point with xhp steel.

[@skillmaster2255]

I love the Cold Steel Recon 1, but I gotta go with my AD10 when push comes to shove.

[@deeboy5588]

Absolutely!!!

[@johnwodnicki5001]

I've had a Cop stop me with this knife in Chicago, and he gave it back. I thought for sure he would take it lol

[@heavyhanded1782]

John Wodnicki are you white? Lmao the cop was probably worried for you... I never even knew the knife laws were so strict in certain states when I went to Chicago... I carried my mini onslaught everywhere lmao thankfully no cops searched me. Had an issue with that same knife on the boarder and was so sure I had lost it when the guys with guns took it... lmao thankfully they gave it back when they were finished even after seeing that butterfly and knowing they could just take it.

[@dalecarpenter8359]

I cant hardly leave home without a recon 1 . No matter what knife I'm trying i take a recon 1 !

[@murph9464]

As a knife connoisseur as well. I have many reasons to carry a knife. From pocket bing to protection. As far a value, protection, utilitarian, work and cool factor a Cold Steel Recon1 is hard to beat. As sleek, high speed fidget knife it’s my Manix2 is it. That’s why a carry both.

[@gregorygolden1296]

My other knife is the STEEL WILL Apostate. Another tough knife. Both in S35VN powder steel.

[@mklein5179]

Hey kev! I just got my recon from blades Canada. It’s amazing!! My fave cold steel yet. Thanks for video and the recommend !!

[@hyojoonus]

I agree. Cold Steel knives are functional first and foremost but tends to be a bit dramatic in their presentation. They have great blade geometries that sharp and slices through well while providing a reassuringly secure lockup. I like their ergos and I don't mind the looks but I just wish they'd have more non-black blades.

[@brianfollett687]

YES , I Totally Agree . I love my Recon 1 and when Canadian Blades came out with the satin exclusives , it was like a dream come true, I bought the clip point and the spear to add to my already huge Cold Steel Collection . The Recon 1 is my favorite hard use , self defense, and YES , even an E.D.C. knife . The next best tactical knife in my opinion , is the CS Voyager , alot of people forget about the Voyager , but its an excellent knife also , especially for the price , about $55.00 , and the cts-bd1 or now the aus10 are good budget steels or for $10.00 more , you can buy a Broken Skull with cts-xhp for $65.00 on Amazon, now thats a deal . If any other knife company was selling XHP for $65.00 people would go nuts , o well , more for me , l love CS and if you haven't tried one yet , your missing out ..

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

Hey some good examples there I'm gonna go add them to my amazon store for sure

[@tsundy94]

I've got a plain dark earth clip point recon 1(XHP) and a regular tanto recon 1(S35VN) and both of them I consider my children lol I love this knife design!

[@lockoutking9233]

I have many cold steel knives since they came out bushman mini bushman and the folding one is a great blade too

[@orendz7740]

Love mine and most of cold steel’s stuff.

[@albertgonzalez8780]

You stated what I always believed. My edc is a 4” recon 1 clip point. I love the knife so much I bought a backup along with the spear point and tanto. I own more expensive knives (Benchmade, Hogue, Microtech, Zt...) but always take the Recon 1 when leaving the house and return it to the nightstand when I get home. All the others see more time in the safe than in my pocket. Going to have to add this polished version to the collection. Great video!

[@cornfedwyteboy2]

I’ve been looking at the recon 1 and it’s the best bang for buck and that triad lock unbeatable

[@digio1482]

I couldn’t agree with you more Kevin. One comparison I believe would be very interesting would be a comparison between the Recon1 and a Voyager with similar blade profiles. Please, disregard this suggestion in case you have already done it.

[@dalecarpenter8828]

I just can't leave the house without a recon 1 (going to get the new one) Whatever else I take . Been trying to make myself take just the crooked river ! But its hard ! I carry the crooked river around the house . But when I go to leave I catch myself grabbing the recon 1 when I leave the house . Recon 1 is the state of the art ! I love the crooked river almost as much ! Going to get the jade scales and back spacer to show off the cut out frame .

[@ernstpeterlegrand]

Actually, I am about to order one. And order a ZT 0350 (I used to have one and I liked it so much that when I lost it a while back I still want to have another one). Maybe there are better knives but 0350 is just nice to me. I think both of them are hard use. Just a difference in size.

[@daleclark3138]

Ordered the latest S35VN DLC drop point Recon 1 for $83. Much better bang for the buck. Also ordered an SR1 Lite.

[@American-dy5jk]

Love the plunge grind and sharpening choil. I wish Cold Steal would either bring back CTS-XHP or up the HRC on their S35VN.

[@The4cp]

The decision to switch from CTS-XHP to S35VN wasn't made by Cold Steel in a way. The company that made the XHP stopped sending it to knife companies.

[@The4cp]

My honest opinion is it's one of the best if not the best knife out there. Stronger than the PM2 (which I love) Better than the over priced over rated Benchmade 940. The Recon one is the real icon of folding knives.

[@navPrism]

Spot on the value of cold steel recon 1. I started with the first gen recon 1 with ultra lock to benchmade to spyderco to zt to strider and back to recon 1(s35vn).

[@donkeyblue3094]

I have a lot of high end folders, but if I had to pick one FOLDER to save my life, it would be my Recon 1 Tanto. It’s built like a tank. Nothing comes very close. I have some ZTs that are really strong, but that triad lock, S35VN steel, and Tanto blade make the Recon 1 the toughest folder at any price point. The only negative, besides the tight clip, is that it is made in Taiwan and not in the US.

[@knifeguy1387]

I agree best hard use knife at a reasonable price

[@Apex_grind562]

I love the recon 1. Very underestimated .

[@Dirtyknives007]

I totally agree Kevin, great video. Can you do a comparison video of the recon 1, ultimate hunter, and bush ranger? And maybe a comparison of the bush ranger and the clip point sr-1?

[@Ryndel]

Awesome points. Huge value for the money.

[@racerx1508]

Cold Steel make some of the best knives that can be bought in the world hands down for the price you cannot beat them.

[@pigpaul]

Still relevant in2023?? Is there a superior also?? Love the channel. I have a SOG trident Coming. I got a SOG flash& it needs G10 I loved everything except it was terrible grip.🙏

[@cameronutt6383]

A good knife, but i dont like how grippy the G10 is combined with the terrible clip, it just shreds your pockets like crazy. I have a Code 4 though, and after getting a better clip for it and applying a gun tape grip modification I gotta admit I like it better. Id rather have a recon 1 over any Hinderer (i like his designs though, especially his ZT collabs) or Emerson in a self defense situation... but id rather have a gun or a pipe/bat or some other good bludgeoning weapon over any knife in that situation and only if i couldnt get away. Good overview overall though.

[@MrBlessed70]

100% agree."Baz on Blades" has a KZbin channel where he shows you how to loosen the clip for easier deployment.I have an XL Recon Tanto in XHP steel and I know what you mean!!

[@cameronutt6383]

Barry Hemmy I bought a custom deep carry clip for my code 4 which im pretty sure has the same clip (i think i bought it on amazon). Took a LONG time to get here, but it was a HUGE improvement. Ive also heard you can sand down the g10 a bit so it not so "cheese grater like". Like i said i prefer my modified code 4 over the recon 1, but its a very good knife.

[@MrT6250]

I'm still waiting for Cold Steel to stop being so goddamn inflexible and do some Sprint runs with the mini Recon Series in different colors ( not just OD green or desert tan multiple different colors). #DarkBlueG10 #SatinOrStoneWashedFinish #MiniRecon1 #MakeItHappenColdSteel

[@BrentonCarr]

Just bought one based on this review. I hope I like it or it's all your fault Kevin! 😅🤣😂🤣

[@ajbriles3647]

Do you like it?

[@ArcticHawk2003]

My one & only Cold Steel knife!

[@Genethagenius]

I just one for my birthday!

[@javiergonzales8487]

I would like to see the Reckon I with steel liners in addition to the plastic/G10 etc Handle, eventhough it will increase its weight.

[@codydavis9467]

Great design, materials, and price point. I've only heard horror stories of their CS never responding or being helpful.

[@Apex_grind562]

Its is my number 1 folder. Clip is a bit off. My umnum looks better and more premium materials. But in a shtf scenario I'm going with my recon 1. It's a win. Looking forward to more clip mods. I have to thank you for your coupon codes Kevin!

[@sputumtube]

I'd suggest that if 'hard use' is a priority, a similarly sized fixed blade would be a better option. Also, regarding the 'grippy-ness' of the G10, my American lawman with the same G10 smoothed out quite quickly with use.

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

paul greenwood true but not gonna carry as well

[@davidsalvador6031]

Politics apart Spyderco and Cold Steel are my two favorite brands if judging by the products themselves

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

I like both companies as well

[@hiramysumundowalky-talkytv7719]

COOL.. I WANT THE BLACK COATED""""

[@AshtonUppaluri]

for me the Code 4 in s35vn is the best folder they make.. ive owned about a dozen coldsteels and several other folders of different makers, but the code 4 in tanto is the one i carry every damn day.

[@James-ke5sx]

I ordered the Recon 1satin finish and the Ka-Bar 7505 Jarosz a few days ago. Only 5 Recons left at Blades Canada as I write so if anyone was thinking of buying one snooze and you lose cuz when they're gone they're gone forever. Here in Canada folding knives are going to be collectors items because our laws don't even allow a peashooter without a license

[@VincenzoNero94]

I just got a Emerson cqc8. They are basically the same Handel, and same blade length.

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

Yep very similar for sure,

[@ARXDMOS]

1: cold steel recon 1 2: cold steel recon 1 3: gerber 06 auto

[@zero2three1]

It's situational. Short of a heavy duty fixed blade, I'd go for a Recon 1. Cool knives but I don't feel the need to get one (yet). I probably will get a variation of it eventually.

[@truthseeker1581]

Picked one up second hand bnib for $60.00 ... guy even threw in a leatherman wave for $20.00 I buy almost every tool used... but u will be surprised the crazy deals u can catch if your patient... I'm a spyderco nut but this feels like a bet your life on knife

[@danmichell7516]

g10 seems to be a common complaint 2000 grit sand paper lightly sand takes the edges off and you cant even seen that it has been sanded as the grit is fine

[@blueeyeswhitedragon9839]

Kevin, the Blades Canada price is as of today, $160.00 plus shipping. This works out to about a bit over $200.00 shipped with taxes. Not a bargain for a plastic handled knife. I personally swear by Cold Steel, have several but $200.00 ??? The Broken skull is an alternative maybe? Edit:- Hero Canada has the same special blade as Warriors for about the same price (1- 400 "special order") just in case Blades Canada runs out of the limited orders.

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

That's crazy they were 140 for ages (although I do think it said special) I would wait and watch for the price to come down if I really wanted one

[@zacharyruben1852]

My favorite hard use ZT is the ZT 0909 its pretty solid

[@Baruch-Hashem]

Slice paper - Recon 1, Batton - SR1 Both have different strengths. Nice this is they are priced low for what you are getting. I never apologize for Cold Steel, business is war.