Cold Steel Mini Recon 1 Lockback Knife Review
- Last updated: 13/08/2025
The first thing that you’ll notice about this knife is that it is very strong, well put together, and made from durable materials. It feels heavier than it looks, and this is always a good sign when it comes to any tool.
The clip-point, high hollow-ground blade is made from AUS10A stainless steel, a hard, good-quality material that holds an edge well and is easy to sharpen. Measuring 3” in length and notably deep up to the clip-point section, the blade is extremely rigid and does not flex in use. This allows you to apply a lot of pressure without any bending. A good-sized thumb stud is positioned on the back of the blade, enabling easy one-handed opening.
The fibre-glass reinforced nylon handle is nicely shaped and has two finger indents on the underside, plus very effective texturing on the scales, which combine to give plenty of grip. This lightweight material is very strong and can withstand fairly heavy knocks without sustaining any damage.
The knife features Cold Steel’s Tri-Ad lock system, which holds the blade firmly in the open position with no play or movement, ensuring it cannot unlock until the generously sized release on the back of the handle is pressed.
Overall, this is a well-made knife at an affordable price, offering a strong, effective, and no-nonsense option for general-purpose use.