Cold Steel Gives Its Most Iconic Tactical Folding Knife a Colossal Upgrade

After listening to customer feedback, the brand reissued the most formidable version of its Recon 1 tactical cutting tool.

By Sean Tirman

Published May 20, 2025

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Cold Steel’s Recon 1 has been a staple of the everyday carry knife and tactical industries for decades, literally. Over its lifespan, it has seen numerous iterations — varying in materials, blade shapes and more.

The beefiest version of this knife is the Cold Steel Recon 1 XL, initially released in 2018. Although it was short-lived, fans have been requesting a reissue for years. Now, those wishes have finally been granted spectacularly.

Cold Steel Recon 1 XL on tactical bag — It might not look it here, but the Recon 1 XL’s blade is a whopping 5.25 inches long (yes, really).

A triumphant return

In many ways, the 2025 reissue of the Cold Steel Recon 1 XL is a return to form — a boon for fans. But it also has some character all its own, which is arguably even better.

For instance, the knife retains its size and silhouette. The reissue is 12.25 inches long, with a 5.25-inch clip-point blade and 7.0-inch handle. Like its predecessor, it’s probably not something you’d call a “pocket” knife, even if it is a folder.

Like its predecessor, it’s probably not something you’d call a “pocket” knife, even if it is a folder.

Furthermore, like most other Recon 1s, the handle boasts G10 scales, a reversible pocket clip and the iconic, robust Tri-Ad lock — all signatures of the series.

However, while the blade still looks the same, it is crafted from a different material this time around. But that’s a good thing.

Cold Steel Recon 1 XL closed on tactical bag — To help you understand just how massive this 7.0-inch G10 handle is, there’s a full-sized pocket clip attached to it.

More to love

The original Recon 1 XL was equipped with an AUS8 steel blade. This one sees that swapped for PVC-coated XHP steel.

For those unfamiliar, XHP is a powder metallurgy, air-hardened alloy that could be compared to D2, albeit with some notably higher-performing properties.

It’s an extremely hard-working, high-carbon, high-chromium, corrosion-resistant material that frankly blows AUS8 out of the water. Furthermore, its corrosion resistance and durability are furthered by its PVC coating.

The Cold Steel Recon 1 XL is not a folder for the faint of heart. It’s too big, too intimidating, too tough. If you’re one to shy away from a challenge, this probably isn’t the knife for you.

Cold Steel Recon 1 XL in hand — As you can see, calling this a pocket knife is probably an overreach (unless you wear JNCO jeans, that is).

Pricing and availability

The Cold Steel Recon 1 XL folding knife is available on the brand’s site for $280 (down from $330). It’s also available at Blade HQ for the same price (although the base price is lower, at $300).