An ugly knife, which makes it beautiful and unique; very nice steel, very good ergonomics, a black heavy folder that works like a real workhorse, cuts well, sharp from new. The only downside is the clip, but that is standard in this model. A very good folder for duty and everyday carry.
Cold Steel Recon 1 Spear Point S35VN Folding Knife - Black
Designed for both everyday carry (EDC) and tactical use, this folding knife features a spear-point blade crafted from S35VN powder steel, ensuring aggressive cutting performance. Enhanced with a black DLC coating, the blade offers superior durability. The handle, made from G10 laminate in black, provides a secure grip with its non-slip texture. Deployment is smooth thanks to a dual-sided thumb stud, while the Tri-Ad Lock ensures secure and reliable operation.
CPM S35VN Powder Steel
Crafted from CPM S35VN powder steel, the blade boasts exceptional corrosion resistance and impressive edge retention. Thanks to a precise heat treatment process, the blade reaches a hardness of 58-61 HRC, ensuring sustained sharpness and dependable performance during everyday tasks.
Spear-Point Blade, Diamond Like Carbon Coating
The Spear-Point blade measures 101 mm in length and has a thickness of 3.5 mm. Crafted with a high flat grind, the blade offers a smooth cutting edge. A black DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) coating provides robust protection against scratches, improves resistance to corrosion, and minimizes glare. Distinguished by its symmetrical profile and slender, sharp tip, the Spear-Point delivers precise cuts along with excellent penetration capabilities.
Contoured Grip Made from G10 Laminate
The handle utilizes G10 laminate, crafted from multiple layers of fiberglass reinforced with epoxy resin. Offering outstanding strength, resistance to moisture, and a lightweight profile, the handle ensures reliable performance in demanding environments. Its ergonomic design is complemented by a non-slip surface for a secure grip. A steel tip-up clip is included, which can be mounted on either side of the handle, making it ideal for both right- and left-handed operation.
Tri-Ad Lock, dual thumb studs
Equipped with a Tri-Ad Lock system, the knife boasts one of the most robust locking mechanisms found in folding knives. Utilizing a stop pin, the lock disperses the force from the blade into the handle, significantly reducing wear. The mechanism automatically compensates for wear over time, ensuring consistent and dependable lock performance.
Featuring a double-sided stud for ambidextrous use, the knife enables effortless opening for both right- and left-handed users.
Main Features
- Featuring a spear-point blade profile
- Constructed from S35VN powdered steel
- Enhanced with a black DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) finish
- Equipped with a high flat grind
- Outfitted with an ergonomic G10 laminate handle
- Secured by a Tri-Ad Lock mechanism
- Deployment via ambidextrous thumb stud
- Fitted with a reversible pocket clip in a tip-up configuration
Militaria.pl is the official distributor of Cold Steel.
Cold Steel is a respected American brand of knives, machetes, and tactical tools, founded in 1980 in Irving, California. The company gained popularity thanks to innovative solutions such as Kraton® handles and American Tanto blades, appreciated by uniformed services and military enthusiasts. It also introduced its own steel alloys, such as San Mai III®, which provides high durability and wear resistance. Cold Steel patented the Tri-Ad™ Lock blade locking mechanism, which guarantees safe use. The brand works with respected knifemakers, including the company's founder Lynn C. Thompson and Andrew Demko, whose passion and experience contribute to the high quality of the products.
| Type | Folder |
|---|---|
| Style | Military-tactical |
| Blade length | 101 mm |
| Blade thickness | 3.5 mm |
| Blade profile | Spear-point |
| Blade edge | Plain |
| Blunt resistance | Good |
| Corrosion resistance | Very good |
| Lock type | Tri-Ad Lock |
| Overall length | 235 mm |
| Main color | Black |
| Glass breaker | No |
| Lanyard/cord attachment | None |
| Blade material | S35VN |
| Opening method | Thumb stud |
| Handle | G10 laminate |
| Clip for carrying | Yes |
| Holster included | No |
| Weight | 150 g |
| EAN | 705442017653 |
| Manufacturer code | CS-27BS |
| Brand | Cold Steel |
| EAN |
Reviews with photos
Review summary
Cold Steel Recon 1 receives excellent feedback as an exceptionally tough folding knife for heavy-duty use and everyday carry. Reviewers consistently praise its very strong Tri-Ad/Demko lock, excellent ergonomics, secure G10 grip, razor-sharp factory edge, and long edge retention. Many users say it performs close to a fixed blade while still feeling relatively light and comfortable in the pocket. They also value the build quality, solid blade steel, and durable coating. The main drawbacks mentioned are a very stiff pocket clip, a handle texture that can make pocket carry less smooth, and a premium price, although most buyers consider the cost justified by the quality. A few reviews also note occasional uneven factory sharpening.
Number of reviews: 93
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There are no weak points here. A solid piece of knife. Strong blade, solid lock, and high-level ergonomics. This is a knife for heavy-duty tasks. The black color adds character. G10 combined with a rather thick handle provides a very secure grip.
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This is probably the strongest folding knife I've ever dealt with. The lock is indestructible, very durable construction, easy to use. I highly recommend it.
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I hesitated for a long time before getting this knife. I still remember when it cost around 500 PLN. I mainly use fixed blade knives and multitools, but I must admit that the Recon 1 is almost like a fixed blade knife. Really solid. Good steel. Comfortable handle. Ideal ergonomics. I recommend it.
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A must-have if you like large ColdSteel folders. Even if you're not a collector, you'll appreciate this piece of excellent cutting XHP steel in a lightweight package. Plus, it has a beautiful classic design without any gimmicks. Comparing the latest 2025 version to the one available 10 years ago, the main difference is the less rough pattern on the G10 scales (photo), which in the old version were pocket killers. Additionally, the coating on the blade is now matte, while before it was like a black mirror. I recommend it!
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Great equipment, the coating holds up its shape well. Tool for heavy work, not a clicking toy, but if you want, you can click it. The blade has a proper shape, durable lock, made of good steel, and excellent handle control. The handle texture makes it harder to rapidly put the knife in or take it out of your pocket. The stiff clip doesn’t help either. However, it fits in the pocket, the coating hardly reflects light, a truly lasting blade. I recommend it to others too.
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Cold Steel Recon 1—one of the flagship folders from Cold Steel. Over the years, it's had a few types of steel and locks. Constantly improved. Currently, it's in S35VN steel (with DLC), Demko lock, and two solid G10 plates. Black, large, and very, very mean. But... the handle is wonderfully comfortable, the steel is great and the lock? Well, it's a Demko lock—a genius in the knife world. Simplicity, strength, and reliability—that's Recon 1. If there's a folder that can replace a fixed blade (of similar size, of course), this is it. There are situations where a fixed blade is either inconvenient or unwelcome, right? Then the Recon 1 in your pocket can be a remedy. Great, well-executed design. The downside: the clip could use some improvement. That's it for flaws. Some pieces may have asymmetrical grinds, but that's reportedly rare. Taiwanese-made—the workmanship is generally of very high quality. A knife for soldiers, firefighters, hunters, hikers. In short: a good knife for a man's hand. In my opinion. I boldly recommend it to myself.
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Excellent knife, the price is high, but you pay for the quality. The lock is reliable, the handle practically sticks to your hand, it's really easy to enjoy using it and it holds its sharpness perfectly. Contrary to what I thought when looking at photos, the knife is light and very comfortable. If you're considering buying a reliable knife, it's better to save up for this model than to get something cheaper. I recommend it to everyone!
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Armored lock and great steel. A utility knife that isn't afraid of tough tasks, it can successfully replace a fixed blade knife. It stays sharp for a very long time. I recommend it.
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It took me a long time to buy. But finally, it's here :) At a great price BW. This is my 3rd Cold Steel, previous ones were AD10 and AD15. Large, solid, and lightweight for its size. Perfect for EDC and for the forest, I think it won’t leave my pocket for a long time. Comes very sharp. Worth its price. A knife for years. Highly recommend.
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Wonderful knife, solid folder for heavy work. Comes razor sharp, tri-ad lock is reliable. I like the combination of the hollow grind on the main cutting edge and the flat grind at the tip, which increases the cutting capabilities while maintaining exceptional durability. The handle shape doesn't allow for much flexibility, but for me, it fits as if it was molded for my hand, and I am able to grip closer to the blade. I’m deducting one star for the price. Note that the knife arrived open, but with no signs of use at all—plus for return verification.
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Great craftsmanship! Top quality. Arrives well sharpened. I don’t think you can find anything better for this price. I highly recommend it because it’s worth it.
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Very good knife for a reasonable price. I recommend it to everyone. Fits perfectly in the hand, easy to use, fits well in the pockets on backpacks, pouches, etc.
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According to public opinion, this is the most durable folding knife, and I definitely agree. Now, in a new color version as well. I recommend it to everyone, the perfect knife.
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Solid, sharp, and beautiful knife, the recipient is very satisfied. Has only been used for a week but is strong and I think it will last a very long time. The option to engrave is a great bonus.
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