CRKT Hissatsu v. Cold Steel Recon 1 Tanto

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Kutz

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Jun 5, 2010
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What knife would you prefer as a back up to a ccw? Seems like the assisted Hissatsu would open faster but the Cold Steel would have the stronger lock and a better handle. Fire away....
 
I've never used or owned either of these, so take this for what it's worth. I would choose the Recon 1 because it is undoubtedly stronger, has more reach and less weight, and the handle and blade shapes seem more useful in a defensive role. Depending on where you go, the Recon 1 will probably be a tiny bit cheaper, too.

My only experience with either of these is handling a Recon 1 at my local surplus store. The handle is very well suited for keeping your hand in place, and the blade comes out pretty easily. I'm sure it's not as fast as an automatic opener or assisted opener, but (for me, at least) the Recon 1's positives outweigh the negatives.
 
Kutz said:
What knife would you prefer as a back up to a ccw? Seems like the assisted Hissatsu would open faster but the Cold Steel would have the stronger lock and a better handle. Fire away....
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I don't know, I can open my Recon 1 pretty damn fast. Fast enough. I would go with the Recon. I don't like liner locks anymore from what I've learned through my experiences. I do own two CS knives with the Triad lock and it's now my favorite lock system. :thumbup:
 
I own both and my vote is definitely for the Recon 1. Recon beats Hissatsu in lockup, feel, grip and opening. I do prefer the more Japanese style tanto blade on the Hissatsu tho. I bought it mostly for the cool factor and looks. Apparently with the Hissatsu, you're supposed to know the right way to use and hold the knife so that your hand doesn't slip onto the blade but I'd just rather have the dummy work done for me in a high stress situation, haha.

Also the CRKT's assisted opening was uncomfortable for me so I removed it altogether but still initially is a rough start to opening. The CS knife is smooth all the way.
 
I agree with BuiXer, the assisted opening mechanism of the CRKT Hissatsu is not that great. Uncomfortable to use for me.

I'd rather have it without the AO. Other than that I really like the blade profile and the neutral handle shape. Works great for EDC.

Kutz, check out Emerson knives, they have a subforum here too. great ergos and opening mechanism, in my opinion one of the best folding knives for self defense.
 
I don't agree with those that say the Recon 1 is stronger than the Hissatsu - I have both and IMO the Hissatsu is the stronger. I have also read of several cases of the Recon 1 breaking/failing - none for the Hissatsu. The linerlock on the Hissatsu as well as the knife overall is very solid and of the 2 is better shaped for stabbing. I also find the handle more comfortable and secure that the Recon 1. However, the Hissatsu was designed to be used in a specific fighting style and its thick blade and shape is less functional when it comes to utility tasks.

I know that Emerson has a strong following in LE but I dislike chisel grinds on a folding/utility knife. My own non-auto/non-assist folder of choice for CCW backup would be the Al Mar SERE 2000. If you don't like linerlocks then you should consider the AxisLock as on the now classic Benchmade 710 - the recurve on this makes it better for cutting thru rope and seatbelts, which is a more likely task a LE knife will be put to than SD
 
antonio_luiz said:
I don't agree with those that say the Recon 1 is stronger than the Hissatsu - I have both and IMO the Hissatsu is the stronger. I have also read of several cases of the Recon 1 breaking/failing - none for the Hissatsu.
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I would bet this is the older model Recon-1. If you're citing the newer Recons with the Triad lock I'd like to see specific references of lock failures.
 
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