Original Cold Steel Recon Tanto

[doubletap]

Today I'm reviewing an original Cold Steel Recon Tanto. I got this knife in the early 90's from Cutlery Shoppe. It was made before the Recon Tantos we are all familiar with. It has a 6" blade with a 5 1/4" handle. The handle is made from Kraton with a brass guard and butt cap. It has a rough bead blasted finish. The blade looks to be about 3/16" thick and maintains this thickness almost all the way to the tip. It is marked "COLD STEEL" "VENTURA,CA" on one side of the blade and "RECON TANTO" "MADE IN USA" on the other. I read somewhere that it is possible that Buck made these for Cold Steel but I personally kind of doubt it. I have no idea what kind of steel it is made from.

The sheath is made from a good grade of leather and has a velcroed keeper strap. This design allows you to draw the knife without having to release the keeper strap. It was called a "KI" quick draw sheath. Here are a few pictures of it.


http://i37.tinypic.com/kbpy85.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/dot354.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/2j2sy13.jpg


http://i38.tinypic.com/t7g8cy.jpg

Overall it seems to be a very nicely made package but like so many of my knives that I buy with the intent to use it never sees much use. I also made a YouTube video of it that you can see here. Thanks for watching.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wr8EG6BGG3Y

[kiah]

Interesting. I didn't realize there was a RT prior to the current design. As for who made it, I believe Cold Steel actually did grind their own blades back then.

[kurodrago]

Interesting review Thank :)

[shmoopiebear]

I am curious. To the best of my memory I do not remember or recall any Recon Tanto made back then with a brass guard. How much did you pay for it?

[doubletap]

If I remember correctly it was between $50 and $75. I don't think they were made for very long.

[zenlifter]

Thanks for the review. They make great Tantos. :thumb: