Cold Steel Recon 1 XL Review
Executive Summary
After carrying the Recon 1 XL for three months, I’ve found it to be a surprisingly practical large folder despite its intimidating size. At around $90, it delivers remarkable performance and durability that rivals knives costing twice as much. This isn’t just a big knife for the sake of being big – it’s a genuinely capable tool that happens to be large.
Cold Steel Recon 1 XL Review: A Brief History
The Recon 1 series has been Cold Steel’s flagship tactical folder line for over two decades. The XL variant emerged from military and law enforcement feedback requesting a larger version for more demanding tasks. While the standard Recon 1 was already considered large by many, the XL pushed the boundaries of what could reasonably be carried as a folding knife. Recent updates have brought S35VN steel and improved handle ergonomics while maintaining the core design philosophy.
Technical Specifications
Core Specs: Overall Length: 11″ Blade Length: 5.5″ Blade Steel: S35VN Handle Material: G10 Weight: 8.1 oz Lock Type: Tri-Ad Lock Made in: Taiwan Price: Usually $85-100 [Check Current Price]
Cold Steel Recon 1 XL Review: Real-World Experience
First Impressions
Opening the box, you can’t help but grin – the Recon 1 XL is comically large by normal folding knife standards. However, that initial amusement quickly turns to respect when you start handling it. The action is glass smooth despite the blade’s mass, and the Tri-Ad lock engages with bank-vault authority. This knife means business.
Carry Experience
I won’t sugarcoat it – carrying the Recon 1 XL requires commitment. The first week, I constantly noticed its presence in my pocket. However, the excellent clip design and surprisingly thin profile help mitigate the size. After a month, I found myself appreciating the knife’s length when retrieving it from pocket carry – the extra handle length actually makes it easier to deploy smoothly. During a particularly demanding field exercise, I appreciated how the large handle provided multiple grip options. Even wearing tactical gloves, control remained positive and precise. The G10 texture strikes an excellent balance – aggressive enough for security without being a pocket shredder.
Performance
The S35VN blade is a standout performer. During a weekend of clearing brush, the long blade made quick work of thick vegetation that would have required multiple cuts with a smaller knife. The clip point geometry provides both slicing ability and piercing capability, while the flat grind helps the blade move through material efficiently despite its thickness. What really impressed me was the lock strength. The Tri-Ad lock is arguably the strongest folding knife lock ever designed, and the XL version feels absolutely bombproof. During lateral stress testing, there wasn’t even a hint of play or weakness. The blade simply refuses to budge when locked open. One memorable test came during a camping trip. I found myself using the Recon 1 XL for tasks I’d normally reserve for a fixed blade. The long handle provides leverage that smaller folders can’t match, while the robust construction inspires confidence in heavy cutting tasks. It’s one of the few folders I’d trust for light chopping in a pinch.
Durability and Maintenance
After three months of hard use, the Recon 1 XL shows remarkably little wear. The DLC coating has held up exceptionally well, with only minor scratches at high-contact points. The S35VN edge has maintained its bite despite numerous encounters with wood, cardboard, and rope. When it did need touching up, the steel responded well to a ceramic rod without requiring a full resharpening. What’s particularly impressive is how the action has actually improved with use. The blade deployment, already smooth from the factory, has become almost hydraulic in feel. The lock faces show minimal wear, and lockup remains as solid as day one. Even the pocket clip, often a weak point on large folders, has maintained perfect tension.
Cold Steel Recon 1 XL Review: What’s Good and What’s Not
The Good Stuff
Exceptional lock strength Impressive blade length to weight ratio Outstanding edge retention Surprisingly good ergonomics Virtually indestructible build Excellent price for materials Versatile blade geometry
The Not-So-Good Stuff
Size limits carry options Not office-friendly Significant weight May be illegal in some areas Intimidating appearance Two-handed closing recommended Takes up substantial pocket space
Cold Steel Recon 1 XL Review: the Verdict
The Recon 1 XL isn’t just a bigger version of the standard Recon 1 – it’s a different tool altogether. It bridges the gap between folding knives and fixed blades in a way few other folders manage to achieve.
Who It’s For
During my testing period, I came to understand the Recon 1 XL’s true purpose. This isn’t a knife for everyone, but for its intended users, it’s nearly perfect. Military personnel, outdoor professionals, and those needing serious cutting power in a folding package will find it invaluable. The knife excels for: Users who need fixed-blade capability in a folder Those who prioritize strength over compact size People working in demanding environments Users wearing gloves regularly Those who appreciate overbuilt design
Long-Term Outlook
After three months of heavy use, I’m convinced the Recon 1 XL will outlast most users’ needs. The combination of premium materials, overbuilt construction, and the legendary Tri-Ad lock creates a folder that’s essentially lifetime-purchase quality. The reasonable price point makes this durability even more impressive.
Value Proposition
At around $90, the Recon 1 XL offers exceptional value. The materials and construction quality rival knives costing significantly more. While it’s not cheap, you’re getting premium steel, world-class lock strength, and bombproof construction for less than many “premium” folders. Note: This review is based on three months of intensive use including outdoor work, tactical training, and everyday cutting tasks. The knife was purchased at retail price.
Cold Steel Recon 1 XL Review: Final Thoughts
The Cold Steel Recon 1 XL succeeds by knowing exactly what it is – an unapologetically large, incredibly strong folding knife that prioritizes capability over convenience. While its size makes it impractical for many users, those who need its capabilities will find it to be one of the most reliable large folders available. The key to appreciating the Recon 1 XL is understanding its purpose. This isn’t meant to be a discrete EDC blade or a gentleman’s folder. It’s a working tool designed for users who need serious cutting power in a folding package. If that describes your needs, few knives can match its combination of strength, reliability, and value. Remember: A knife this size requires both commitment to carry and awareness of local laws. But for those who can legally carry it and need its capabilities, the Recon 1 XL delivers performance that justifies its dimensions.