Cold Steel Recon 1 Tanto S35VN Folding Knife

P... Review confirmed by purchase

100%

24.01.2026

Review for model:

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.

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.

Ł... Review confirmed by purchase

100%

30.12.2025

Review for model:

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

R... Review confirmed by purchase

100%

19.11.2024

Review for model:

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.

J... Review confirmed by purchase

80%

29.04.2024

Review for model:

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.

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.

W... Review confirmed by purchase

100%

09.04.2024

Review for model:

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.

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.

M... Review confirmed by purchase

100%

14.02.2024

Review for model:

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.

M... Review confirmed by purchase

100%

17.11.2023

Review for model:

Very comfortable both in the hand and in the pocket. G10 is optimally rough, has a comfortable texture. A small manufacturing flaw I've also noticed on the American Lawman, Talwar 4", and Rajah3 knives—and which is also mentioned in more recent YT reviews about other knives from this company: from the factory, the blade is sharp but asymmetrical. In the light, you can see that both sides were sharpened at two different angles (25 and 17 degrees?). For those who don't scrutinize their knives, it won't make a difference, and the rest know how to fix it while sharpening. Overall, a knife worth recommending.