Cold Steel Recon 1

Cold Steel was founded in 1980 by Lynn Thompson with the goal of creating knives that could hold up to the rigors of hard use and tactical applications. Those familiar with the company know that most Cold Steel folding knives feature large and aggressive designs that focus on functionality over fancy aesthetics. For over four decades, Cold Steel has combined their aggressive and functional designs with durable materials and reliable locking mechanisms to create some of the toughest folding knives on the market. These qualities propelled many of Cold Steel’s designs to become popular with military, law enforcement, first responders, and tactical knife enthusiasts — but one design stands out above the rest, the Recon 1.

The Recon 1

The Recon 1 debuted in 2000 as a full-sized folding knife, featuring a thumb disk for deployment, a strong ultra lock, Zytel handles, and AUS-8 steel. For the knife enthusiasts reading this, those materials may not seem very impressive, but at the time these materials were widely used in tactical and duty knives across the industry. Thanks to the popularity of the Recon, Cold Steel continued to improve upon the design, as superior materials and innovative production techniques became standard.

In 2008, Cold Steel introduced the Tri-Ad locking mechanism designed in collaboration with famed knife maker Andrew Demko. This new locking mechanism looks similar to the classic back lock found on many classic folding knives but featured superior lockup and safety that allowed folding knives to perform many of the tasks once reserved for fixed blades. Ten years later, the Recon 1 was redesigned to incorporate the Tri-Ad lock and thumb stud opening method.

Today, the Recon 1 remains one of the most recognizable tactical folding knives on the market with two major variants. The standard Recon 1 features a 4-inch S35VN super steel blade that is available in clip point, American tanto, or spear point. The blade of the standard Recon 1 is offered in plain edge or half serrated and either a satin or tough black DLC coating. The blade stock is 3.5mm, allowing for excellent slicing capability while remaining durable.

The new Recon M1 features the clip-point blade with a plain edge and either a satin or DLC finished blade — but instead of S35VN steel, it comes in premium MagnaCut steel for increased edge retention and corrosion resistance.

Both variants are equipped with textured black G10 handles known for superb durability, chemical and UV resistance, and positive grip when wet. All the blade shape variants are known for their piercing qualities — with the tanto and clip-point tips having a more aggressive appearance, and a slightly more subdued spear point that provides superior tip durability.
Combining the strong Tri-Ad lock with high-end materials and just under 10 inches overall length, the Recon 1 is a full-sized workhorse of a knife that is ready to take on any tactical or practical task you can throw at it.

Recon 1 Spec Sheet

• Make & Model : Cold Steel Recon 1
• Overall Length: 9 3/8 inches
• Blade Length: 4 inches
• Blade Thickness: 3.5mm
• Blade Shape: Clip point, tanto, or spear point; half serration available on all versions
• Blade Steel: S35VN super steel
• Handle Material: Black G10
• Handle Length: 5 3/8 inches
• Blade Finish: Satin or DLC coated
• MSRP :$177
• Weight: 5.2 ounces

Recon M1 Spec Sheet

The Recon 1 XL

If you love the design of the Recon 1 but are looking for something even bigger, the Recon 1 XL is what you need. Released in 2025, the Recon 1 XL has a massive 5.25-inch clip-point blade made from tough XHP steel. While XHP may not be considered as premium as S35VN or MagnuCut, it offers the superior durability of many high carbon tool steels, while remaining corrosion resistant. The blade stock is 3.8 mm thick, slightly thicker than the standard Recon 1’s 3.5mm stock. This adds more durability in hard-use tasks without sacrificing the excellent slicing capabilities the Recon 1 is known for.

The handle of the XL is 7 inches long with the same style G10 scales found on the standard Recon 1 model, providing all the durability and grip prowess of the original. The XL also offers an excellent pocket clip — though the XL is likely too large for most pockets but can be clipped to your belt or MOLLE webbing on a pack, plate carrier, or chest rig. The strong Tri-Ad lock is present and does an excellent job holding the massive blade in place during rigorous use.

Coming in at just over 1-foot long when opened, the Recon 1 XL is likely too large for standard EDC, but it makes an excellent hard-use outdoor or field knife. The clip-point blade offers exceptional piercing capabilities combined with tough XHP steel, and a good slicing ability, making the XL an ideal choice for a large hunting knife, camp knife, or self-defense tool.

Recon 1 XL Spec Sheet

• Make & Model: Cold Steel Recon 1 XL
• Overall Length: 12.24 inches
• Blade Length: 5.25 inches
• Blade Thickness: 3.8mm
• Blade Shape: Clip point
• Blade Steel: XHP
• Handle Material: Black G10
• Handle Length: 7 inches
• Blade Finish: Satin or PVD coated
• MSRP: $330
• Weight: 8 ounces

Recon 1 Mini

If you are looking for a more EDC-friendly choice, the Recon 1 Mini is an excellent option. Don’t let the name fool you, the Recon 1 Mini falls into the size range of most EDC knives, packing a 3-inch blade and a comfortable 4-inch handle, making it discreet and pocketable for everyday carry.
The Recon 1 Mini is available in clip point, tanto, or spear point and features the venerable Tri-Ad lock system. Like the larger models, the Mini comes equipped with a highly functional clip for pocket carry or attachment to gear.

The Mini’s blade is made from AUS-10A steel, a midrange Japanese steel offering good corrosion resistance, edge retention, and ease of sharpening. Unlike the large Recon 1 models, the Mini is only available in a satin finish.

The handle of the Recon 1 Mini is made from a type of glass fiber-reinforced nylon commonly known as Grivory or Griv-Ex. GRN is a thermoplastic that offers high heat and impact resistance while remaining lightweight and inexpensive to produce. GRN is widely considered a lesser handle material compared to G10, as it is less durable and has a bit more flex — however, it is still very durable and widely used in automotive and machine parts as a replacement for metal.

The Recon 1 Mini lacks some of the premium options found on the larger models, but it more than makes up for it with its EDC-friendly size that retains the same functional design and blade shape options found in the standard model. The Mini weighs 3.5 ounces, making it easy to carry in just about any type of pants. Best of all, the Recon Mini won’t break the bank with an MSRP of $80.

Recon 1 Mini Spec Sheet

• Make & Model: Cold Steel Recon 1 Mini
• Overall Length: 7 inches
• Blade Length: 3 inches
• Blade Thickness: 3mm
• Blade Shape: Clip point, tanto, or spear point
• Blade Steel: AUS-10A
• Handle Material: Black GRN
• Handle Length: 4 inches
• Blade Finish: Satin
• MSRP: $80
• Weight: 3.5 ounces

Recon 1 Micro

The Micro is the smallest knife in the Recon 1 family, sporting a 2-inch blade and an overall length of 4 3/8 inches. Unlike the other versions of the Recon 1, the Micro does not have a pocket clip, instead offering the ability to add a keyring. The ultra compact Micro weighs in at only 1.1 ounces, making it an excellent addition to your keys or a fifth-pocket knife in jeans.
Despite the compact nature of the Recon 1 Micro, it retains the strong Tri-Ad lock found in the other versions and is offered in all three blade shapes found in the standard and mini variants. The blade is made from 4034 steel, a budget-oriented steel comparable to 420 stainless steel. While it will not hold an edge like premium steels, it will sharpen up quickly and provides reasonable toughness and corrosion resistance.

The handle of the Micro is made from the same GRN material as the Mini, providing durability while remaining lightweight. Unlike the other versions, the Recon 1 Micro does not provide a full handle grip, allowing for a comfortable two-finger grip.

Due to the compact nature of the Micro, it is best suited as a backup or small utility knife. The Micro does keep many great features of the other variants, including versatile blade shapes and strong lock, making it an excellent option for those living or working in restrictive jurisdictions.

Recon1 Micro Spec Sheet

• Make & Model :Cold Steel Recon 1 Mini
• Overall Length: 4 3/8 inches
• Blade Length: 2 inches
• Blade Thickness: 2.5mm
• Blade Shape: Clip point, tanto, or spear point
• Blade Steel: 4034
• Handle Material: Black GRN
• Handle Length: 2 3/8 inches
• Blade Finish: Satin
• MSRP: $33
• Weight: 1.1 ounces

Read More From Issue 72

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• Issue 72
• From Tactical to Practical
• Conquering the Cold with the Vanquest IBEX 26

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Editor’s Note: This article has been modified from its original version for the web.