COLD STEEL Recon Tanto 7" VG-10 San Mai Razor-Sharp Blade 4.75" Kray-Ex Handle Military Tactical Fixed Blade Knife w/Secure-Ex Sheath

Cold Steel’s Recon Tanto has been around since the 1990's, and is arguably one of the best examples of the American Tanto design first introduced by Cold Steel by its founder, Lynn Thompson in the early 1980’s. It foregoes the oval handle and “skull-crusher” pommel in favor of a more conventional squareish handle with no pommel. In hand, it feels more like a “regular” knife. The “Kray-Ex” textured rubber-like handle material is rugged, slip-resistant, and in my over thirty years of experience using it, typically maintains its integrity for decades.This, the San Mai model, differs from the classic ones by being slightly hollow ground, and, of course, being made of laminated steel. The blade is nicely polished, and looks a lot dressier than the typical Recon Tanto with its black coating. Evaluated with regard to its being a tactical knife, there is no great difference between the two. Used tactically, the hollow ground primary bevel is neither advantageous nor disadvantageous under realistic usage scenarios. I don’t consider Recon Tantos to be very well suited for field, bushcraft, hunting, etc. use.Its seven-inch blade makes this a comparatively big knife that might be awkward to EDC, depending on whether it is carried dangling from its nylon sheath loop, or attached higher and secured at one’s waist. The knife is slightly blade-heavy, but feels light and nimble in hand.Its Secure-Ex sheath comes with a nylon belt loop that will fit belts up to almost 3 inches wide. It also has 14 grommet holes and 4 slots, allowing a multitude of attachment and carry options employing zip-ties, paracord, C-clips, etc.The Recon Tanto in San Mai is an aesthetically impressive part of my collection, but it will not replace the “regular” Recon Tanto as my work-horse version. Each is worth its price, but for different (essentially non-functional) reasons.

Very sharp, great blade with an excellent weight to help with wood chipping/forming in a survival situation. Sheath could be improved. Handle is absolutely great, not over kill and just has the right shape and material for a practical use. Can even use it for home projects if need be. Steel craftsmanship is excellent, you can see the three layers of alloy and it is just esthetically pleasing to look at. Also package was brand new and not opened before me, something I am very particular with product category as this. Good job amazon.

Addendum on 4-23-2024: i have used the blade to stab into copper tubing to scuttle some defunct air conditioning units, and the blade edge on tip is holding. i used a mallet to drive it in to make a large hole, so i can say with confidence the steel is good. there was a pointier but smaller knife i was also using as well, and the tip on the other blade is flat out gone. the Recon survived. end addendumOut of the box, the thing is hair-shaving level. Short blade and grip allows for good movement and control.Sheath holds securely, takes considerable force to take out, and the edge is known to be a tougher steel.I am fond of the tanto tips, so this checks several boxes in my opinion.if you catch the light just right on the spine, you can actually see how thick the VG-10 steel layer actually is (comprises nearly 1/3 of the thickness itself). past experience with Cold Steel VG-10 shows that the edge itself is going to take a long time under normal use to harm or break, but if you're doing bushcraft or throwing the knife, expect it to not endure so such a level. it'll hold out, no doubt, but do not expect mythical metal for this knife. the knife will try anyways because that is the way of Cold Steel4-25-2024: it withstood some tests relating to bushcraft with making wood shaving for firestarting. Tip is still sharp enough that i bumped it while cleaning off the dirt and it drew blood with minimal effort. This was after i scuttled a dozen units with it by driving the tip through copper tubing using additional force.July 4th, 2024: the blade still endures some abuse, although there was some loss in edge on the tanto tip to the straight run of the main blade. it fell into concrete and chipped the floor. nothing a sharpening stone can't undo.

This review is for the San Mai version. Overall, a very nice knife. Solid, well-made, and the lines and angles are very good. It's razor sharp, and the tip is robust, very pointed and strong. The handle is just the right size: not too big, not too small, and the material provides a very secure grip. The knife is quite versatile, being right at home at the campsite, in the field, or on your military web gear. The sheath consists of two parts: the sheath itself and the nylon device that is attached to the sheath with two screws, with the other end being made for a belt. If you are going to strap the sheath to a backpack or ruck, then the sheath should serve you well. If, however, you intend to wear the knife on a belt, then I would detach the nylon belt portion from the sheath and throw it away, it's pretty crappy. You will need a better sheath for belt use. For the money the Recon Tanto is quite a bargain. It's every bit as nice as one costing hundreds more.

There are thousands of reviews on the web for this knife. It’s a very popular knife and a great tool for certain applications. The handle is comfortable and the blade length, grind and geometry all work well together. People with XL hands may find the handle too small. Sheath is okay. Not Kydex, but not nylon or polyester either. Prices vary widely so it’s a good deal at about $100 or less, but if paying more, you might consider some other options. If you’re looking for a cheaper option get the SK5 version, or for a better option get the 3V version.