Reviews and Ratings for Cold Steel 27BAT Mini Recon 1 Tanto Folding Knife 3" Japanese AUS-10A Stonewashed Plain Blade, GRN Handles

Name: Cold Steel 27BAT Mini Recon 1 Tanto Folding Knife 3" Japanese AUS-10A Stonewashed Plain Blade, GRN Handles
Brand: Cold Steel Knives
SKU: CS27BAT
Price: 47.95 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.286 (7 reviews)

(7 reviews)

4.3 out of 5 stars

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Cold Steel 27BAT Mini Recon 1 Tanto Folding Knife 3 inch Japanese AUS-10A Stonewashed Plain Blade, GRN Handles

Price: $47.95

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Djoser
Oakland, Ca

Jul 14, 2022

Pros: Blade Material

Cons: None

"Tactical" description atually means extra touch utility knife

There is some oddity in pricing right now - Mini Recon Tantos (the current stonewashed AUS 10 generation) are just $45, while the clip and drop point Mini Recon versions are $67. Either price is great for the proven toughness and quality of Cold Steel knives, though of course if you prefer (or can accept) the somewhat exotic (Japanese) tanto blade shape, it's currently the screaming bargain in the trio. Think about it - the just released Verdict, also 3" class, is $52 at roll out, despite a lesser steel and less robust build. (The Verdict is more stain resistant and rust proof - its 4116 steel has kitchen cutlery roots - and an ounce lighter, though.) I actually recommend both the current Mini Recon AND the Verdict right now, the Tanto Mini Recon for its current value and because it fills in the 3" "tactical" slot in my collection, and the Verdict Clip Point because it is a well thought out 3" utility or traveler's knife, thanks to its lighter weight and more utilitarian appearance. If truth be told, though, the Mini Recon is a lot better utility knife - the handle has steel liners, and the steel will hold its edge an estimated 20% longer, which can add up in a work-year. Riding in a traveler's pocket, almost never used, is easier on the lighweight Verdict, you almost want a "tactical" Mini Recon for a warehouse with a lot of tape, cardboard, and pallet strapping to cut everyday. PS - "Tactical" really means that even though it's a folder, it's not going to fail at the handle or lock and fold the blade back on your fingers. It's why I almost never but anything but Axis and Axis style locks, button locks, and Tri-Ad.

Dino
Philadelphia

Feb 23, 2023

Pros: None

Cons: None

Best Tactical EDC Folder I've Owned

Newly relaunched Mini Recon 1's from Cold Steel now have AUS10 Steel and no black coating which I like better Aus10 is a much better steel overall imo and is great for hard use and edge retention The stonewash finish means you can actually use the knife hard without fear of seeing scratches like on mirror polished blades Overall excellent and sturdy tactical folding knife

Don
Rhode Island

Jul 09, 2023

Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Pocket Clip, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

Cold Steel Recon 1 Tanto

I like every characteristic of the Recon 1. The three inch blade falls in line with our carry laws. However, I don't plan on carrying it. I basically just wanted a tanto blade to add for my collection. I have found Cold Steel to be one of my favorite brands!

Dino
Philadelphia

Mar 07, 2023

Pros: None

Cons: None

Had To Buy A Second One

One of the cleanest and most reliable tactical edc folders i've owned yet Tanto blade and slim handle profile are beautiful and effective Triad lock is unrivaled in reliability under hard use

Ramus
Illinois

Nov 24, 2021

Pros: Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Pocket Clip, Blade Sharpness

Cons: Weight

Good

Good knife, but s little bit small for tanto.

Ms
MI

Feb 19, 2022

Pros: Blade Material, Overall Quality

Cons: None

Incredible buy for mainly utility task use

This could be a one-star or five-star knife depending on your needs. I only knocked it down because it cant cover all my EDC needs. Have carried it most days the last six months as a utility EDC and it's about the best I've had for that role. Slim in the pocket, comfortable in the hand, steel keeps a good edge for the price and I can resharpen quickly with only mediocre skill level on a cheap stone. For me best aspect is the compound tanto grind that's perfect for chisel-type cuts and trimming of wood and plastic parts. I've re-fit several door hinge pockets when didn't have access to a real chisel and was perfectly easy. Amazing buy for the $40 I paid. HOWEVER it's really bad at some things: main edge has a pretty low hollow grind so deep cuts on anything can be a slog especially for things that can't flex around the blade. Summer sausage is ok, but apple just splits into rough pieces instead of slicing. The knife is great where it's great, bad where it's bad, and will either suit you or it won't. I also have the spear point which is quite a different story and I reviewed that separately.

Happykt
Austin, Tx

Oct 28, 2021

Pros: Weight

Cons: Lock Ease of Use

took me several minutes to close the knife

I wanted a small tanto knife that was small and had a great lock and bought this Cold Steel mini Recon 1 knife. I own several other Cold Steel knifes (AD-10, AD-15, a full sized spear point Recon 1, and SR1 lite, and two push knives) and had great difficulty getting the Triad lock to work to on this knife. After several minutes, it finally released the blade, it grudgingly released the blade and I ended up returning it after trying to break in the knife and being unsuccessful. I do not recommend this knife.

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