Comparison Console
Cold Steel Engage 3.5 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 Recon 1 Tanto stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 22% gap from the closest alternative. Cold Steel Recon 1 Tanto stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 83% 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 83% gap from the closest alternative.
Cold Steel Engage 3.5 stands out as the most expensive option for retail price, with about a 484% gap from the closest alternative.
Cold Steel Recon 1 Tanto stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 22% gap from the closest alternative.
Cold Steel Engage 3.5 stands out as the heaviest option for weight, with about a 28% 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 Engage 3.5 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 39% gap from the closest alternative.
Cold Steel Engage 3.5 stands out as the longest option for overall length, with about a 65% 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$174.99Most expensive
US$29.95Cheapest
Weight
187.93 g (6.63 oz)Heaviest
146.3 g (5.16 oz)Lightest
Dimensions
Blade length
89 mm (3.50 in)Longest
50.8 mm (2.00 in)Shortest
Overall length
184 mm (7.24 in)Longest
111.76 mm (4.40 in)Shortest
Closed length
108 mm (4.25 in)
Unknown
Blade thickness
3.8 mm (0.15 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
Satin
Black Tuff-Ex (Micro Recon 1), Black DLC (Recon 1 Black G-10 Serrated)
Lock type
Atlas Lock
Tri-Ad lock (Lock Back)
Opening method
Thumb Stud
Thumb Stud
Clip type
Ambidextrous stainless steel pocket clip
Tip-Up (ambidextrous clip for Recon 1 Black G-10 Serrated)
Use case profile
Best for
Everyday carryEDC workhorseTactical applicationsDetailed and precise cutting
Everyday CarryTactical
Not best for
Unknown
Unknown
Common praise
Exceptional edge retention of S35VN steelReliable and strong Atlas LockErgonomic G10 handle provides secure gripAmbidextrous operation and clipGood blade length for precise cutting
Strong and reliable Tri-Ad lockNon-slip handle gripTactical black blade finish reducing glare and rustVariety of blade steels and finishes available
Common complaints
Unknown
Weight and size vary by model; some larger Recon 1 models heavierDifferent blade finishes and steels affect price
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