Cold Steel Recon 1 4" Folding Knife, S35VN Blade, G-10 Handle, Tri-Ad Lock

The 4-inch S35VN clip-point blade gives the Cold Steel Recon 1 a practical cutting profile for camping and everyday utility tasks. Its folding design and ambidextrous pocket/belt clip make it convenient to carry. A G-10 handle and Tri-Ad Lock complete a purpose-built setup for controlled, dependable handling.

How to use it

Carry the Recon 1 folded on its ambidextrous clip, then open it when a cutting task calls for a full-size folding knife. The plain-edge clip point suits general utility work around camp, such as preparing materials for routine outdoor tasks. Keep your fingers clear when closing the blade, and use the lock as designed during cutting.

The 4-inch blade pairs with a 5.375-inch handle, providing a substantial grip while retaining a folding format for pocket or belt carry. For care, hand wash the knife and dry it after cleaning. This simple routine helps keep the blade and handle ready for the next outing.

Strengths

The American S35VN blade has a DLC coating, a combination described for this model as offering sharpness, durability, and enhanced corrosion resistance. The coating is a useful detail for a knife that may see outdoor use, while the clip-point shape and plain edge provide a straightforward choice for general-purpose cutting.

The G-10 handle is designed to provide a secure grip, including in cold or wet conditions and when wearing gloves. That grip-focused construction helps support control during hands-on tasks. The Tri-Ad Lock adds a locking mechanism intended to resist shock during use, while the ambidextrous clip gives left- and right-handed users a flexible carry setup.

Buyers often highlight the knife’s sharpness, grip, and overall durability. Feedback on the locking mechanism is mixed: some appreciate its strength, while others find it takes effort to open and close. That makes the Recon 1 a more lock-focused folding knife than a minimalist folder chosen primarily for simple one-handed operation.

What to know

This is a manual folding knife with a clip-point, plain-edge blade. The blade measures 4 inches, the handle 5.375 inches, and the overall length is 9.375 inches. Blade thickness is 3.5 mm. Its black G-10 handle, DLC-coated S35VN blade, and Tri-Ad Lock identify the configuration described here.

For a camping kit, the Recon 1 offers a folding alternative to carrying a fixed-blade knife, with a clip for pocket or belt carry and a locking blade for cutting tasks. Its size and handle give it a more substantial feel than a compact utility folder, while the folding format keeps the blade closed during carry. Choose it for outdoor and general utility use where a clip-point folder with a locking mechanism fits the task.

Final verdict

The Cold Steel Recon 1 brings together an S35VN blade, a grippy G-10 handle, an ambidextrous clip, and the Tri-Ad Lock in a 4-inch folding format. It’s a great fit if you want a substantial clip-point knife for camping and everyday cutting tasks, with convenient pocket or belt carry.