Cold SteelMini Recon 1 3" AUS10A Razor-Sharp Blade 4" GFN Handle Tactical Folding Knife w/Tri-Ad Lock, Ambidextrous Pocket/Belt Clip

Ever since a pocket knife lock failed (on a different brand) and seriously injured me; I researched to find the best locking system available. The Triad Lock on Cold Steel knives is simply perfection! It is a little hard to compress for some women and children, but for a man who works with knives a lot they are my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE. I have a wide range of edc knives and these value priced blades are exceptional. They are reminiscent of the original lightweight FRN Syderco Delica in size and weight. They are made with AUS 10 which is certainly not super-premium steel, but very serviceable. This is the gift I give men that need a rock solid dependable tool without breaking the bank. Value:Price ratio is out of this world!!!Thank you Andrew Demko and Lynn Thompson!!!

Fantastic little knife

Cuts better than I expected from a short(ish) blade that is a touch on the thick side (blade thickness wise).They got the sharpening angle just right (for how I use a knife) !I don't need to bash the blade through something with a heavy stick.I do very much appreciate a knife that cuts well though rope or firm material and doesn't get wedged part way through. This Recon cuts right through stuff like that with out much force. I was using it side by side with another brand new knife that had a good sharp edge but more obtuse sharpening bevels and it was night and day easier with the Recon.The handle shape is really up my alley : lots of forward area for my thumb, decent texture on the sides for a pinch grip and no hots spots / the pocket clip is NOT in the way.Opens easy with out having to hold my tung just right, like some of my other knives require.Small and out of the way when clipped in my pocket but when I open it and grip it it feels like coming home; my hand just fits it and locks in to go to work. Don't get me wrong it works well with multiple grips.Not too hard to unlock, like some Cold Steel Triads, but it does take strong hands (not a fidget toy).I'm a fan of spear point blades in thin blades but with this Recon I prefer the Clip Point ( I like it quite a lot).The pocket clip is crazy stiff, like most Cold Steel Knives but with lighter weight work pants it is working well without modding it (most CS clips I take off and grind thinner) e.g., the clip on my Cold Steel 3inch Holdout knife was so short and crazy stiff I finally had to put the long clip from a 6inch Holdout on it so it wouldn't take a death grip on my pocket . . . but that's another story.Bottom line : This Recon is a real Winner and I can recommend it without reservation.PS: I'm a long time fan of Cold Steel and have scads of them; some I have bought multiples of the same model and modded them to suit me. I don't see a need to mod a Recon; just take it out of the box and enjoy putting it to work.

There is not much to detail. It is all what you read about it over the Internet and what you see on videos. A truly thought and solid tool.

The media could not be loaded. This is my first coldsteel product and I will say that the build quality is fantasticThe Triad Lock is very strong and almost feels like a fixed blade when pressure is applied to it.The ergonomics of the handle are fantastic and fit well in my larger hands.The AUS-8 steel comes out of the box razor sharp and takes a high quality edge with little effort.Now for what I didn't likeThe thumbstud is a major source of grief for me. For starters despite looking like a screw it is actually 2 metal caps that screw into eachother requiring one side to be held with pliars. Meaning that field adjustments without a pair or pliars or a multi tool are impossible.The thumbstud also sticks out quite a bit from the rather thin handles leading it to get caught on all sorts of things in the pocket. all of these issues led me to just remove it and use my thumb to open the knife as seen in the video.The blade has a weird cutout presumably for the lock that is quite pinchy. Not a big deal all things considered but it really hurts if you aren't expecting it =/.And Lastly, I don't know if my pocket linings are just really thick? but the clip was way too tight for me and I had to bend it out with pliars.All in all the Recon 1 is a very good stout blade at an affordable price. I wouldn't say it's perfect but if your in the market for a simple, reliable, hardworking knife then it may be for you

Perfect everyday knife. Comfortable, great feeling tool.

Whether you opt for the spearpoint version, Tanto point or clip point, I believe you'll love these knives. They are all a great value. The first and most important consideration is the locking mechanism. You do not want a blade to close before you are ready. I have found CS's Tri-Ad Locking system to be completely safe and secure. I have total faith in it. I have yet to see anything stronger. While AUS10A steel is not considered a high-end metal, it is very durable, holds an edge well, and is pretty easy to sharpen. No complaints here. The 3" stonewashed blade has a nice appearance and is long enough to tackle any job that you'd need an EDC knife to perform. The blade is easy to open and locks into place with a loud "click." The textured handle is just enough to allow for a good and solid feel without being abrasive. When closed, the blade centers well in the handle. Closing the blade is a bit stiff, but that's a good thing. The cutting edge is razor sharp, so use caution. The knife is fairly small, trim and light in weight, making it an ideal EDC tool. The pocket clip is equally strong and holds the knife in place well. This is a very comfortable piece to carry. I read one review where the writer said that the knife is bulky. I totally disagree. It's so comfortable to carry that I often forget that it's in my pocket. The $40 price range also helps make this knife a genuine bargain. You really get a lot of quality for your dollar. I love these knives and believe that you will also. Stay safe out there.