Cold Steel’s Recon 1 Folder: The Upgrade

Several days ago my Cold Steel Recon 1 folder arrived via UPS. I already have one of the previous versions but this latest version fixes the main problem I had with the older one, that problem being the thickness of the handle. While I could maintain a good grip on the knife, due to my raccoon-sized hands my grip on just didn’t feel comfortable. The handle of the new Recon 1 is contoured so that those with smaller hands can get a good, comfortable grip. That one, seemingly small difference will be the reason I may actually carry the newer model Recon 1, rather than keeping it in my safe as a collector’s item like I usually do with the older version.



I do like the blade shape of the older Recon 1 better. Both have Tanto-style blades but the blade on the older version looks better to me. I’m sure function-wise, there’s no difference. I’m betting if you stab someone in the right leg with the older Recon 1, and then stab them in the left leg with the newer version, they wouldn’t be able to tell which one hurts more and both wounds would probably bleed out the same. Go ahead, try it out on someone.

Another difference between the two Recon 1 versions is their locking mechanism. The older version uses the Axis locking system while the newer version uses a locking system called Tri-Ad. Look up the locking systems if you want more detailed information about them. I personally prefer either the Axis or liner lock. I like a knife I can open AND close with one hand.



Both knives have 4”,AUS-8A steel and have G-10 laminate scale handles. It’s possible that one could coat their hands with Vaseline and still maintain a good grip on these knives. (Not that I would actually try that)

Frankly, I love the new Recon 1. I only wish they made a smaller version so I could carry it along with my full size version like I do with my Spyderco Endura and Delica.

Robot

831-869-9932

Robot@InsideTheCompound.com

An Inexpensive Automatic Knife by Smith and Wesson

Recently I picked up another inexpensive, yet fairly well-made automatic knife. This one is made by Smith and Wesson. The blade, as you can see in the photo is tanto-style and the steel seems to be of an adequate quality. If you plan on only buying one switchblade for your collection, I wouldn’t recommend this one. If had to pick only one switchblade, it would be one of the higher quality autos either made by Smith and Wesson, Benchmades or one of the other companies. This auto cost less that $25 which puts in the range of the Boker auto-knives I wrote about on a previous post.

One of the main problems I have with this knife is its release button. On nearly all of the other higher quality auto-knives, the button is recessed into the handle enough so that you can carry it in your pocket with little risk of it opening unintentionally.

A test I like to do on auto-knives is to lay it button-side down on a flat surface and press down on it. If the blade doesn’t open, I then consider it safe to carry in my pocket. (Not that I would carry one in my pocket of course, carrying switchblades is illegal in the cowardly, Communistic state of California).



This auto, like many others has a safety, which is located on the back of the handle. While I don’t mind safeties on switchblades, I prefer the ones that are safe to carry without one.

Having to take the safety off of a switchblade before opening it makes it slower to open than a knife with a thumb stud or thumbhole, especially slower than those that can be opened with the flick of a wrist.

All in all, it’s a decent enough knife and it’ll do until I get the funds to purchase some of the higher quality autos.


Bryan Grasper
831-869-9932