I’ve had the AUS8 variant for the Recon 1 for about 4 years. I’ve been the beating the crap at out of it for that duration and it’s never failed. It’s a knife that I would trust with my life. Unfortunately I lost it but then went and bought the XHP and this model is even tougher. At the end of the day the Recon 1 is no frills, all balls to get the job done.
Recon 1 all the way. My Recon 1 has been exposed to saltwater, Sand, Wood chips, Mud and Rain oh and also Accidentally Ran over by a 20,000lb Mini Skid Loader, not 1 Failure including Blade Chipping. Now try exposing the Manix to everything I mentioned see what happens.
Recon 1 all the way for me. I have the American Lawman and the lock is simple, strong and almost indestructible. The Manix is prettier but the complicated lock with delicate internal springs would worry me. We've all seen Andrew Demko's comparison/destruction tests which most folders would never have to face....but still.....
@Andrew do you not realize the lock will eventually give out on any lockback ? I used to carry cold steel for years but went to spyderco and aint looked back. I bought a manix 2 xl and spring is tough. I'm a truck mechanic and use mine for work daily. I'm not worried if SHTF. So I bought another for when I go to town. Don't wanta get grease, oil on my good clothes
I own a Cold Steel Recon 1 in cts-xhp with the spear point. These are listed as a hollow grind on some websites but it is actually a flat grind, as Blade HQ has it listed. I've checked mine myself and it is indeed a flat grind for the spear point version specifically.
I have to go with the slick looking fairly tuff manix2 easy grind to sharpen plenty of options in handle material and steel so u can get what steel and handles u want even though u might have to wait for what your looking for I own the manix2 blacked out and I still love it it comes in 154cm s90v s30v that I’ve seen lately but I’m sure there’s more if you look around plus different g10 scales and even carbon fiber laminate haven’t seen titanium handles but if they haven’t made one in titanium they will.the recon comes with one of the strongest lockup’s around but the manix2 opens and closes much quicker and just funner to fidget with.
Thanks for the video. I have both of these knives and carried them both a lot. The ergonomics on the Manix II is far superior to that of the Recon. I would have more Cold Steel knives, but I hate hollow ground blades and that seems to be what most of them are. I have several knives and the Manix is the one I carry the most.
Which steel would you recommend if I wanna purchase the Recon1 on CTS XHP or S35vn? Which one is better in terms of edge retention and toughness excluding the sharpening part?
There were loads of knives like the Manix, PM 2, Benchmade etc I wanted before I got the Recon1, now there doesn’t seem any point. I may still want them but I don’t need them. The Recon 1 does it all (maybe not as pretty)!
Kevin, not sure how you're measuring the recon 1, but it is EXACTLY four inches on the cutting edge of mine. I have the spear point, but that shouldn't matter.
I know this is an old post but the Recon 1’s cutting edge is 4 inches and 4.1 if the entire blade is measured. I have the Manix 2XL and the Recon 1 clip point and tanto versions.
I have really been thinking on this. I would recommend the spyderco. Reason is after I stopped carrying cold steel and went to spyderco I bought alot of spydercos. Now I'm reselling them making money ! Spyderco does not replace broke blades but replaces knife if anything else is wrong. I have had amazing service with spyderco. I just watched a tour video of spyderco in Golden, Colorado and the quality is amazing !! Even if manix 2XL is $20 more its well worth it. Watch tour videos and see for yourself
Good objective comparison of two winning knives. I find with heavy push cutting a wider handle is more comfortable as well. I personally don't like or see the need for a finger choil. I prefer when the cutting edge goes right to the handle. For fine little tasks I like to pinch the blade, I find it more accurate.
+spy8464BB giving your preference for one or the other based on a difference doesn't mean the rest of the video wasn't objective. And for the record, I prefer any grind over hollow grind.
I like the manix 2 light . Its a good enough knife but it doesn't compete with the recon 1 . Demko broke the manix at 135 lbs . Dont know what the is in metric . 135 lbs is ok . I dont think I would put that much pressure with my hands on a knife very often . Maybe I could .
I have the original Manix XL with the clear ball lock knobs, its a good knife. I think if i could only have one knife ever and my choice was between the two i'd have to pick the Recon 1. Its just the stronger, tougher knife.
Interesting review. One thing, I know that you consider aesthetics unimportant, but I do think aesthetics has practical consideration. Many of us work in environments where people may not be comfortable with a knife. However, this can be mitigated by the aesthetics qualities of a knife. A friendly looking Swiss Army Knife or Spyderco Delica might not spook people at the office like a Cold Steel Recon 1 might. Just saying.
Let me put a lock spring mod on the code 4 you wouldn't believe the difference. The apostle p can do lock spring jobs .he has a vid on the code 4 lock spring job ! I mod all my CS s .also take the second finger groove off the recon 1 s ( no confusion about what groove you finger is in when closing ) mod the pocket clip as well .
Chris craig I haven't encountered any rust issues. I work outside rain or shine every day and both the XHP and BD1 have held up great. I dont even worry about it. The AUS8A with bead blast finish is a different story. YMMV.
l Got both also. Got the ManixXL when it was cheaper (yippee). But my Recon is not the higher end steel. That doesn't matter for the feel/use in hand. The Spyderco beats it hands down. Much more enjoyable to the touch, the look, balance, fit-finish, etc.. I like Cold Steel, but that Manix is a fantastic knife. Highly recommend it. The Recon doesn't stand out in any way. To me, it's just a "good" knife.
If you want an inferior locking mechanism and a blade that snaps off...pick Spyderco. If you want the opposite at a lower price point the choice is Recon 1. It's like comparing a tank to a go-cart...
I’ve had the AUS8 variant for the Recon 1 for about 4 years. I’ve been the beating the crap at out of it for that duration and it’s never failed. It’s a knife that I would trust with my life. Unfortunately I lost it but then went and bought the XHP and this model is even tougher. At the end of the day the Recon 1 is no frills, all balls to get the job done.
it is a great knife for sure tough and ready for anything glad you like the books thanks for watching
Recon 1 all the way. My Recon 1 has been exposed to saltwater, Sand, Wood chips, Mud and Rain oh and also Accidentally Ran over by a 20,000lb Mini Skid Loader, not 1 Failure including Blade Chipping. Now try exposing the Manix to everything I mentioned see what happens.
Y-E-A-H B-U-D-D-Y‼
I just ordered a Manix 2 XL. I will run mine through all that plus grease, diesel, oil daily. Let's see what happens.
Mark Armstrong What happened?
@@DivByZer0 so far its great !!! I love it enough i bought another last night LOL
I have both of these knives and I love them especially the manix, great video!
Recon1 always. I never leave the house without one, sometimes two. It's the best for the money. Tested and proven. Best regards from France.
Recon 1 all the way for me. I have the American Lawman and the lock is simple, strong and almost indestructible. The Manix is prettier but the complicated lock with delicate internal springs would worry me. We've all seen Andrew Demko's comparison/destruction tests which most folders would never have to face....but still.....
paul greenwood the lock on the manix is in no way weak, nor are the springs weak
cameron williams its in no way a triad lock either.
@Andrew do you not realize the lock will eventually give out on any lockback ?
I used to carry cold steel for years but went to spyderco and aint looked back.
I bought a manix 2 xl and spring is tough. I'm a truck mechanic and use mine for work daily. I'm not worried if SHTF. So I bought another for when I go to town. Don't wanta get grease, oil on my good clothes
Thanks for the video! Good comparison. You highlighted some of the key differences and features of each. Great job on the video!
I own a Cold Steel Recon 1 in cts-xhp with the spear point. These are listed as a hollow grind on some websites but it is actually a flat grind, as Blade HQ has it listed. I've checked mine myself and it is indeed a flat grind for the spear point version specifically.
WOW! after 15 minutes you made up my mind:) lol now ill have to buy BOTH:) love my normal manix 2 tho
Love your book collection!
InChrist87 👍
BladeHQ has a Manix 2 XL in CPM M4 coming out. I own and love the Recon 1, but want to give the Manix 2 XL a go. Thanks for the comparison.
The manix2 comes in different weights also depending on size or weather they put steel liners in or not or if they use g10 or FRN handles.
I have to go with the slick looking fairly tuff manix2 easy grind to sharpen plenty of options in handle material and steel so u can get what steel and handles u want even though u might have to wait for what your looking for I own the manix2 blacked out and I still love it it comes in 154cm s90v s30v that I’ve seen lately but I’m sure there’s more if you look around plus different g10 scales and even carbon fiber laminate haven’t seen titanium handles but if they haven’t made one in titanium they will.the recon comes with one of the strongest lockup’s around but the manix2 opens and closes much quicker and just funner to fidget with.
Thanks for the video. I have both of these knives and carried them both a lot. The ergonomics on the Manix II is far superior to that of the Recon. I would have more Cold Steel knives, but I hate hollow ground blades and that seems to be what most of them are. I have several knives and the Manix is the one I carry the most.
Good comparison, we have yet to see a Manix 2 XL up close.
Which steel would you recommend if I wanna purchase the Recon1 on CTS XHP or S35vn? Which one is better in terms of edge retention and toughness excluding the sharpening part?
Great comparison video.
There were loads of knives like the Manix, PM 2, Benchmade etc I wanted before I got the Recon1, now there doesn’t seem any point. I may still want them but I don’t need them. The Recon 1 does it all (maybe not as pretty)!
good comparison kevin
Kevin, not sure how you're measuring the recon 1, but it is EXACTLY four inches on the cutting edge of mine. I have the spear point, but that shouldn't matter.
I know this is an old post but the Recon 1’s cutting edge is 4 inches and 4.1 if the entire blade is measured. I have the Manix 2XL and the Recon 1 clip point and tanto versions.
I have really been thinking on this. I would recommend the spyderco. Reason is after I stopped carrying cold steel and went to spyderco I bought alot of spydercos. Now I'm reselling them making money ! Spyderco does not replace broke blades but replaces knife if anything else is wrong. I have had amazing service with spyderco.
I just watched a tour video of spyderco in Golden, Colorado and the quality is amazing !! Even if manix 2XL is $20 more its well worth it. Watch tour videos and see for yourself
I love the both but I'd probly have to choose manix had them both
Good objective comparison of two winning knives. I find with heavy push cutting a wider handle is more comfortable as well. I personally don't like or see the need for a finger choil. I prefer when the cutting edge goes right to the handle. For fine little tasks I like to pinch the blade, I find it more accurate.
objective ? he gives it to the hollow grind because that's his favorite? objective? really.
+spy8464BB giving your preference for one or the other based on a difference doesn't mean the rest of the video wasn't objective. And for the record, I prefer any grind over hollow grind.
Hands Down Recon 1 FTW
great vid... my hand is 4inchs wide will it fit ok in the manix handle? thanks
I think you would be fine with the manix it allows for a fairly large hand
I like the manix 2 light . Its a good enough knife but it doesn't compete with the recon 1 .
Demko broke the manix at 135 lbs . Dont know what the is in metric . 135 lbs is ok . I dont think I would put that much pressure with my hands on a knife very often . Maybe I could .
I have the original Manix XL with the clear ball lock knobs, its a good knife. I think if i could only have one knife ever and my choice was between the two i'd have to pick the Recon 1. Its just the stronger, tougher knife.
Skinny Moose
The original Manix had a lockback. Discontinued around 2006 or 2007.
Just got the recon1 xhp dlc next gen $82.00 free ship.
Interesting review. One thing, I know that you consider aesthetics unimportant, but I do think aesthetics has practical consideration. Many of us work in environments where people may not be comfortable with a knife. However, this can be mitigated by the aesthetics qualities of a knife. A friendly looking Swiss Army Knife or Spyderco Delica might not spook people at the office like a Cold Steel Recon 1 might. Just saying.
Let me put a lock spring mod on the code 4 you wouldn't believe the difference.
The apostle p can do lock spring jobs .he has a vid on the code 4 lock spring job !
I mod all my CS s .also take the second finger groove off the recon 1 s ( no confusion about what groove you finger is in when closing ) mod the pocket clip as well .
the recon come also in green and brown
Yep, for now anyway not sure how long those limited runs will be available but they are very cool
I have 550 cord thru my recon 1
Where did you get a Recon 1 at $100? :O
Amazon, Blade HQ, other places.
Can you still get that manix clip? I just got a manix 2 xl and need one BAD HAHAHA
Big_Roach011 My manix 2 xl is coming today along with a black titanium deep pocket clip from mxg gear, $28.
I paid $35 for my recon on ebay so with that alone amongst other reasons recon 1 for the win
Manix 2 XL wins ( in my opinnion )
but that damn hole though...
I only buy USA made so Manix 2 XL wins. Great comparison🐱
Spyderco has the #2 or#3( lock it isnt as strong as the g lock) . .i will go with recon1 .it has everything the spyderco has and more .
G lock? You didn't just... you're not talking about... Ganzo...are you?
It doesn't have anything the Manix 2 XL has. It's not even in the same league as the Manix 2 XL.
Now the DLC coated Manix 2 XL is $169 on BHQ 🥺
i know😤😡😠
$204 on Amazon as of today (Feb 18th, 2022).
@kevincleary Are you clergy? Theologian?
CTS XHP will rust way easier then s30V I am rather disappointed in CTS XHP on my code 4 and recon 1.
Chris craig I haven't encountered any rust issues. I work outside rain or shine every day and both the XHP and BD1 have held up great. I dont even worry about it. The AUS8A with bead blast finish is a different story. YMMV.
Manix 2 XL anyday over Cold Steel!
The Recon 1 isn't in the same league as a Manix 2 XL or the Manix 2. No comparison to a Spyderco.
whats to compare?One is "chinko" the other one is either from Colorado or Japan a place known for their awesome steel and knife making....
Manix, MADE IN THE USA ! Enough said, both are super but if it's a tie then I will always go with the USA.
Very blinkered view (imo)
The Recon 1 IS the better knife. If Americans get off their ass and produce a better knife I'd buy it.
@@richarddefreytas5268
No it's not!
l Got both also. Got the ManixXL when it was cheaper (yippee). But my Recon is not the higher end steel. That doesn't matter for the feel/use in hand. The Spyderco beats it hands down. Much more enjoyable to the touch, the look, balance, fit-finish, etc.. I like Cold Steel, but that Manix is a fantastic knife. Highly recommend it. The Recon doesn't stand out in any way. To me, it's just a "good" knife.
If you want an inferior locking mechanism and a blade that snaps off...pick Spyderco. If you want the opposite at a lower price point the choice is Recon 1. It's like comparing a tank to a go-cart...
Coldsteel Recon 100% better
😂😂😂😂