Cold Steel Mini Recon-1 handle scales
Cold Steel Mini Recon-1 handle scales
In 2012, Cold Steel expanded the legendary Recon 1 series—debuted in 2000 with Ultra Lock and redesigned in 2010 with Andrew Demko's unbreakable Tri-Ad Lock—by introducing the Mini Recon 1 (models like 27BAS, 27BAT) as a compact, EDC-optimized variant. Announced in the 2012 catalog and hitting shelves that year, it addressed demand for a smaller, more pocketable tactical folder while retaining the series' rugged reputation
The Cold Steel Mini Recon 1 features a 3-inch blade (clip point, tanto, or spear point) in durable AUS-8A (later upgraded to AUS-10A or CTS-XHP in reissues) stainless steel for sharpness, toughness, and corrosion resistance. Weighing ~3.5–3.6 oz, it includes G-10 handles (early models), ambidextrous thumb-stud deployment, reversible pocket clip, and the rock-solid Tri-Ad Lock—ideal for tactical EDC, self-defense, and everyday carry (EDC knives)
Debuting alongside the Micro Recon 1, it earned praise for bridging full-size Recon strength with discreet portability. Discontinued for a period, it was reissued around 2021 with Grivory handles and AUS-10A steel for affordability (~$80 MSRP), spawning spear/tanto variants and cementing its status as a benchmark in tactical folding knives and Tri-Ad Lock reliability