Chilly Metal Recon 1 | RECOIL OFFGRID

Chilly Metal was based in 1980 by Lynn Thompson with the objective of making knives that would maintain as much as the pains of exhausting use and tactical purposes. These accustomed to the corporate know that the majority Chilly Metal folding knives characteristic massive and aggressive designs that concentrate on performance over fancy aesthetics. For over 4 many years, Chilly Metal has mixed their aggressive and useful designs with sturdy supplies and dependable locking mechanisms to create a few of the hardest folding knives available on the market. These qualities propelled a lot of Chilly Metal’s designs to grow to be fashionable with army, regulation enforcement, first responders, and tactical knife fans — however one design stands out above the remaining, the Recon 1.

The Recon 1

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The Recon 1 debuted in 2000 as a full-sized folding knife, that includes a thumb disk for deployment, a powerful extremely lock, Zytel handles, and AUS-8 metal. For the knife fans studying this, these supplies might not appear very spectacular, however on the time these supplies have been extensively utilized in tactical and obligation knives throughout the business. Due to the recognition of the Recon, Chilly Metal continued to enhance upon the design, as superior supplies and progressive manufacturing strategies grew to become normal.

In 2008, Chilly Metal launched the Tri-Advert locking mechanism designed in collaboration with famed knife maker Andrew Demko. This new locking mechanism appears just like the traditional again lock discovered on many traditional folding knives however featured superior lockup and security that allowed folding knives to carry out most of the duties as soon as reserved for fastened blades. Ten years later, the Recon 1 was redesigned to include the Tri-Advert lock and thumb stud opening technique.

As we speak, the Recon 1 stays one of the recognizable tactical folding knives available on the market with two main variants. The usual Recon 1 incorporates a 4-inch S35VN tremendous metal blade that’s obtainable in clip level, American tanto, or spear level. The blade of the usual Recon 1 is obtainable in plain edge or half serrated and both a satin or powerful black DLC coating. The blade inventory is 3.5mm, permitting for glorious slicing functionality whereas remaining sturdy.

The brand new Recon M1 options the clip-point blade with a plain edge and both a satin or DLC completed blade — however as an alternative of S35VN metal, it is available in premium MagnaCut metal for elevated edge retention and corrosion resistance.

Each variants are outfitted with textured black G10 handles identified for very good sturdiness, chemical and UV resistance, and optimistic grip when moist. All of the blade form variants are identified for his or her piercing qualities — with the tanto and clip-point ideas having a extra aggressive look, and a barely extra subdued spear level that gives superior tip sturdiness.
Combining the sturdy Tri-Advert lock with high-end supplies and just below 10 inches general size, the Recon 1 is a full-sized workhorse of a knife that is able to tackle any tactical or sensible job you may throw at it.

Recon 1 Spec Sheet

• Make & Mannequin : Chilly Metal Recon 1
• Total Size: 9 3/8 inches
• Blade Size: 4 inches
• Blade Thickness: 3.5mm
• Blade Form: Clip level, tanto, or spear level; half serration obtainable on all variations
• Blade Metal: S35VN tremendous metal
• Deal with Materials: Black G10
• Deal with Size: 5 3/8 inches
• Blade End: Satin or DLC coated
• MSRP :$177
• Weight: 5.2 ounces

Recon M1 Spec Sheet

The Recon 1 XL

For those who love the design of the Recon 1 however are on the lookout for one thing even larger, the Recon 1 XL is what you want. Launched in 2025, the Recon 1 XL has a large 5.25-inch clip-point blade produced from powerful XHP metal. Whereas XHP is probably not thought of as premium as S35VN or MagnuCut, it provides the superior sturdiness of many excessive carbon instrument steels, whereas remaining corrosion resistant. The blade inventory is 3.8 mm thick, barely thicker than the usual Recon 1’s 3.5mm inventory. This provides extra sturdiness in hard-use duties with out sacrificing the superb slicing capabilities the Recon 1 is thought for.

The deal with of the XL is 7 inches lengthy with the identical model G10 scales discovered on the usual Recon 1 mannequin, offering all the sturdiness and grip prowess of the unique. The XL additionally provides a superb pocket clip — although the XL is probably going too massive for many pockets however will be clipped to your belt or MOLLE webbing on a pack, plate service, or chest rig. The sturdy Tri-Advert lock is current and does a superb job holding the large blade in place throughout rigorous use.

Coming in at simply over 1-foot lengthy when opened, the Recon 1 XL is probably going too massive for normal EDC, nevertheless it makes a superb hard-use out of doors or area knife. The clip-point blade provides distinctive piercing capabilities mixed with powerful XHP metal, and an excellent slicing skill, making the XL a really perfect alternative for a big searching knife, camp knife, or self-defense instrument.

Recon 1 XL Spec Sheet

• Make & Mannequin: Chilly Metal Recon 1 XL
• Total Size: 12.24 inches
• Blade Size: 5.25 inches
• Blade Thickness: 3.8mm
• Blade Form: Clip level
• Blade Metal: XHP
• Deal with Materials: Black G10
• Deal with Size: 7 inches
• Blade End: Satin or PVD coated
• MSRP: $330
• Weight: 8 ounces

Recon 1 Mini

If you’re on the lookout for a extra EDC-friendly alternative, the Recon 1 Mini is a superb choice. Don’t let the identify idiot you, the Recon 1 Mini falls into the dimensions vary of most EDC knives, packing a 3-inch blade and a snug 4-inch deal with, making it discreet and pocketable for on a regular basis carry.
The Recon 1 Mini is on the market in clip level, tanto, or spear level and options the venerable Tri-Advert lock system. Just like the bigger fashions, the Mini comes outfitted with a extremely useful clip for pocket carry or attachment to gear.

The Mini’s blade is produced from AUS-10A metal, a midrange Japanese metal providing good corrosion resistance, edge retention, and ease of sharpening. In contrast to the big Recon 1 fashions, the Mini is barely obtainable in a satin end.

The deal with of the Recon 1 Mini is produced from a sort of glass fiber-reinforced nylon generally generally known as Grivory or Griv-Ex. GRN is a thermoplastic that gives excessive warmth and affect resistance whereas remaining light-weight and cheap to provide. GRN is extensively thought of a lesser deal with materials in comparison with G10, as it’s much less sturdy and has a bit extra flex — nonetheless, it’s nonetheless very sturdy and extensively utilized in automotive and machine elements as a alternative for metallic.

The Recon 1 Mini lacks a few of the premium choices discovered on the bigger fashions, nevertheless it greater than makes up for it with its EDC-friendly dimension that retains the identical useful design and blade form choices present in the usual mannequin. The Mini weighs 3.5 ounces, making it simple to hold in nearly any kind of pants. Better of all, the Recon Mini received’t break the financial institution with an MSRP of $80.

Recon 1 Mini Spec Sheet

• Make & Mannequin: Chilly Metal Recon 1 Mini
• Total Size: 7 inches
• Blade Size: 3 inches
• Blade Thickness: 3mm
• Blade Form: Clip level, tanto, or spear level
• Blade Metal: AUS-10A
• Deal with Materials: Black GRN
• Deal with Size: 4 inches
• Blade End: Satin
• MSRP: $80
• Weight: 3.5 ounces

Recon 1 Micro

The Micro is the smallest knife within the Recon 1 household, sporting a 2-inch blade and an general size of 4 3/8 inches. In contrast to the opposite variations of the Recon 1, the Micro doesn’t have a pocket clip, as an alternative providing the power so as to add a keyring. The extremely compact Micro weighs in at only one.1 ounces, making it a superb addition to your keys or a fifth-pocket knife in denims.
Regardless of the compact nature of the Recon 1 Micro, it retains the sturdy Tri-Advert lock discovered within the different variations and is obtainable in all three blade shapes present in the usual and mini variants. The blade is produced from 4034 metal, a budget-oriented metal corresponding to 420 stainless-steel. Whereas it is not going to maintain an edge like premium steels, it’ll sharpen up rapidly and supplies affordable toughness and corrosion resistance.

The deal with of the Micro is produced from the identical GRN materials because the Mini, offering sturdiness whereas remaining light-weight. In contrast to the opposite variations, the Recon 1 Micro doesn’t present a full deal with grip, permitting for a snug two-finger grip.

As a result of compact nature of the Micro, it’s best suited as a backup or small utility knife. The Micro does preserve many nice options of the opposite variants, together with versatile blade shapes and powerful lock, making it a superb choice for these residing or working in restrictive jurisdictions.

Recon1 Micro Spec Sheet

• Make & Mannequin :Chilly Metal Recon 1 Mini
• Total Size: 4 3/8 inches
• Blade Size: 2 inches
• Blade Thickness: 2.5mm
• Blade Form: Clip level, tanto, or spear level
• Blade Metal: 4034
• Deal with Materials: Black GRN
• Deal with Size: 2 3/8 inches
• Blade End: Satin
• MSRP: $33
• Weight: 1.1 ounces

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Written by Nicholas Italiano