Comparison Console
Cold Steel American Lawman vs Cold Steel Recon 1 Tanto
EDC Knives comparison. Compare price, weight, specifications, materials, and real-world use case.
Command Brief
Recommended read
Cold Steel American Lawman stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 13% gap from the closest alternative. Cold Steel Recon 1 Tanto stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 81% gap from the closest alternative.
Decision Signals
What stands out
Cold Steel Recon 1 Tanto stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 81% gap from the closest alternative.
Cold Steel American Lawman stands out as the most expensive option for retail price, with about a 424% gap from the closest alternative.
Cold Steel American Lawman stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 13% gap from the closest alternative.
Cold Steel Recon 1 Tanto stands out as the heaviest option for weight, with about a 15% gap from the closest alternative.
Cold Steel Recon 1 Tanto stands out as the shortest option for blade length, with about a 43% gap from the closest alternative.
Cold Steel American Lawman stands out as the longest option for blade length, with about a 75% gap from the closest alternative.
Cold Steel Recon 1 Tanto stands out as the shortest option for overall length, with about a 46% gap from the closest alternative.
Cold Steel American Lawman stands out as the longest option for overall length, with about a 85% gap from the closest alternative.
Specification Profile
Relative dimensions at a glance
Each axis is normalized against the largest raw value among the products in this comparison. Farther outward means a larger value, not necessarily a better result. Axes with an unverified value are omitted.
Price & carry
Retail price
US$156.99Most expensive
US$29.95Cheapest
Weight
127.6 g (4.50 oz)Lightest
146.3 g (5.16 oz)Heaviest
Dimensions
Blade length
88.9 mm (3.50 in)Longest
50.8 mm (2.00 in)Shortest
Overall length
206.4 mm (8.13 in)Longest
111.76 mm (4.40 in)Shortest
Closed length
117.5 mm (4.63 in)
Unknown
Blade thickness
3.5 mm (0.14 in)Thickest
2.6 mm (0.10 in)Thinnest
Materials & mechanism
Blade steel
CPM-S35VN stainless steel
AUS-8A (Micro Recon 1), S35VN (Recon 1 Black G-10 Serrated)
Handle material
G-10 Laminate
Faux G-10 (Micro Recon 1), G-10 (Recon 1 Black G-10 Serrated)
Finish
Black DLC coating
Black Tuff-Ex (Micro Recon 1), Black DLC (Recon 1 Black G-10 Serrated)
Lock type
Tri-Ad Lock (lock back)
Tri-Ad lock (Lock Back)
Opening method
Thumb Stud
Thumb Stud
Clip type
Ambidextrous tip-up pocket clip
Tip-Up (ambidextrous clip for Recon 1 Black G-10 Serrated)
Use case profile
Best for
Everyday carry (EDC)Law enforcement useTactical tasksOutdoor tasks
Everyday CarryTactical
Not best for
Unknown
Unknown
Common praise
Smooth action and solid lockupExceptional edge retention and toughnessAmbidextrous design and reliable locking mechanismDurable and lightweight G-10 handleGood value for price
Strong and reliable Tri-Ad lockNon-slip handle gripTactical black blade finish reducing glare and rustVariety of blade steels and finishes available
Common complaints
Lock bar pressure can be stiffNo traditional detent to fully secure closed bladeOdd pocket clip design requiring swapping for left-hand carryMinor fit and finish issues
Weight and size vary by model; some larger Recon 1 models heavierDifferent blade finishes and steels affect price
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