Cold Steel Recon 1 Spear Point Review
After carrying and using the Cold Steel Recon 1 Spear Point for the past year, I can confidently say it’s one of the most capable hard-use folders under $100. While its tactical styling might suggest “mall ninja,” the actual performance and reliability make it a serious tool for demanding users.
History
Cold Steel introduced the Recon 1 series in the late 1990s, with the spear point variant offering a more utilitarian blade profile compared to its clip point and tanto siblings. Originally featuring AUS-8A steel, current models use S35VN, representing a significant upgrade in edge retention and overall performance. The design has evolved through several generations, with improvements to the pocket clip, handle texture, and blade coating. Despite these refinements, Cold Steel maintained the core principles of strength and reliability that made the original successful among military and law enforcement users.
Cold Steel Recon 1 Spear Point: Technical Specifications
Blade Length: 4 inches Overall Length: 9.375 inches Closed Length: 5.375 inches Weight: 5.3 ounces Steel: S35VN Handle: G10 Lock: Tri-Ad Lock Made in Taiwan Price Range: $85-110
Real-World Experience
Breaking In The Tri-Ad lock starts notoriously stiff but smooths out after 300-400 openings. The G10 texture initially feels aggressive but reaches a sweet spot after a few weeks of pocket carry. Unlike some competitors, the Recon 1 maintains rock-solid lockup even as it breaks in. Daily Carry Despite its larger size, the Recon 1 carries surprisingly well.
The pocket clip provides secure retention while allowing quick deployment. During extended carry periods, the knife rides comfortably in the pocket without excessive weight shift. The thin profile helps it conceal better than you might expect for a knife this size. Hard Use Testing I’ve subjected this knife to tasks well beyond normal EDC use, including cutting rope, processing heavy cardboard, and even light prying (though not recommended). The spear point geometry and robust construction handle abuse that would damage many competitors in this price range.
Cold Steel Recon 1 Spear Point: Performance Details
Edge Retention The S35VN blade holds an edge impressively well through heavy use. During a month of daily work including cardboard breakdown, rope cutting, and general utility tasks, the edge maintained its sharpness with only occasional stropping. Even when it begins to dull, it tends to lose cutting ability gradually rather than failing catastrophically. The spear point geometry proves particularly versatile. The symmetrical blade profile excels at piercing tasks while providing excellent slicing capability.
After processing hundreds of boxes and numerous plastic straps, the edge showed minimal wear and no chipping. The full flat grind offers exceptional cutting performance while maintaining enough strength for tough tasks. Maintenance Needs The S35VN steel responds well to basic maintenance. A few passes on a ceramic rod quickly restores the working edge, while full sharpening is straightforward with diamond stones. The DLC coating provides good corrosion resistance, though the edge still needs attention in humid environments. Lock Performance The Tri-Ad lock represents the gold standard for folding knife security. After thousands of openings and numerous stress tests, there’s zero blade play in any direction.
Even during spine-whack tests and heavy cutting, the lock never showed signs of failing or wearing. The bank-vault feel inspires confidence during hard use. Handle Comfort The G10 handles provide excellent traction without being overly aggressive after break-in. During extended cutting sessions, including wet conditions, control remained positive without causing hot spots.
The ergonomics work well in both standard and reverse grips, with enough real estate for various grip positions. Pocket Clip The four-position clip allows versatile carry options. Retention is excellent without being too tight – the knife stays secure during active movement but deploys smoothly when needed. After a year of daily carry, the clip shows minimal wear and maintains proper tension.
Cold Steel Recon 1 Spear Point: Long-Term Assessment
After twelve months of regular use, my Recon 1 shows normal wear but remains functionally perfect. The G10 has worn smooth in high-contact areas, improving comfort while maintaining grip. The DLC coating shows some wear at contact points but continues protecting the blade effectively. The pivot remains smooth with no blade play development. The S35VN blade has maintained its geometry through multiple sharpenings, and the Tri-Ad lock remains as solid as day one. Even under hard use, no mechanical issues have developed.
Pros/Cons & Buying Guide
Advantages: Exceptional lock strength Excellent edge retention Versatile blade shape Outstanding durability Good ergonomics Multiple carry options Limitations: Aggressive initial G10 texture Stiff initial lock action Size may be too large for some Weight might be excessive for EDC Learning curve for lock disengagement Best prices typically appear during major holidays. Watch for sales at retailers like BladeHQ and Knife Center, where prices can drop to around $80.
Alternatives
Spyderco Military ($180) Similar size with compression lock and more refined cutting geometry. Better for pure slicing tasks but more expensive. Consider this for a more premium option. Benchmade Griptilian ($115) Lighter weight with excellent AXIS lock and similar blade length. Choose this if weight savings and easier one-handed operation are priorities.
Cold Steel Recon 1 Spear Point: Final Thoughts
The Cold Steel Recon 1 Spear Point is a great hard-use tactical folder that can take some serious abuse and remains practical for everyday tasks. While the tactical styling may not be to everyone’s taste, the performance and reliability make it a great choice for the user who needs a tool they can depend on. Where to buy: Purchase through authorized dealers like BladeHQ, Knife Center, or DLT Trading to ensure authenticity and warranty coverage. Avoid unauthorized sellers due to potential counterfeits.
I recommend the Recon 1 Spear Point for: Law enforcement and military users Those needing a robust duty knife Users prioritizing lock strength Anyone wanting a tough large folder Those who appreciate overbuilt design While it may not appeal to those seeking a gentleman’s folder or ultralight EDC, the Recon 1’s combination of toughness, practical blade shape, and reasonable price make it a compelling choice for users who demand real-world performance and absolute reliability.