Cold Steel CS49LRT Recon 7" Fixed Tanto Plain Black Tuff-Ex Finish SK-5 Knife

The Cold Steel Recon Tanto: Redefining Tactical Excellence for Elite Professionals

For those who demand unwavering reliability, unparalleled performance, and a blade that has proven its mettle in the crucible of real-world combat scenarios, the Cold Steel Recon Tanto stands as a definitive benchmark. This isn't just a knife; it's a meticulously engineered instrument designed for the most demanding applications, trusted by military units, law enforcement agencies, and discerning individuals worldwide. If you're searching for the ultimate fixed-blade knife for tactical operations, survival preparedness, or personal defense, understanding the capabilities of the Recon Tanto is essential.

What makes the Cold Steel Recon Tanto the preferred choice for those who put their lives on the line? Its enduring legacy stems from a combination of cutting-edge materials, purposeful design, and rigorous field-testing. This knife has actively participated in numerous conflicts over the past two decades, consistently demonstrating its effectiveness and durability in extreme conditions. It has earned its reputation not through marketing hype, but through relentless, real-world performance. Whether you're a military professional, a law enforcement officer, a serious survivalist, or simply someone who values robust and dependable gear, the Recon Tanto offers a level of confidence few other blades can match.

Engineered for Performance: Core Features of the Recon Tanto

The design philosophy behind the Recon Tanto centers on maximum effectiveness and survivability in high-stress situations. Every element, from the choice of steel to the ergonomic handle, contributes to its status as a top-tier tactical fixed blade.

• SK-5 Steel Blade with Tuff-Ex™ Finish: At the heart of the Recon Tanto's formidable performance is its 7-inch SK-5 steel blade. SK-5 is a high-carbon tool steel renowned for its exceptional toughness, excellent edge retention, and relative ease of sharpening in the field – critical attributes for a combat or survival knife. The blade is meticulously heat-treated to achieve an optimal balance of hardness and flexibility, resisting chipping and breaking even under extreme lateral stress. Complementing the steel is Cold Steel's proprietary Black Tuff-Ex™ Finish. This advanced coating serves multiple functions: it significantly reduces glare for covert operations, enhances corrosion resistance in harsh environments, and lowers friction during cutting, allowing the blade to glide through materials more smoothly. This combination ensures the blade remains sharp, protected, and effective when it matters most.
• Distinctive Tanto Blade Profile: The Recon Tanto features the iconic American Tanto blade shape, a design popularized by Cold Steel itself. Unlike traditional knife points, the Tanto profile presents a robust, reinforced tip, making it exceptionally strong for piercing tough materials like body armor, thick webbing, or sheet metal. This chisel-like point minimizes the risk of breakage during aggressive thrusts, a vital feature in combat or survival scenarios where tip integrity is paramount. Its straight plain edge also offers superior slicing capabilities, making it versatile for various cutting tasks, from utility work to fine detail operations.
• Ergonomic Kray-Ex™ Handle: A secure and comfortable grip is non-negotiable for a high-performance fixed blade. The Recon Tanto's 4.75-inch handle is crafted from Kray-Ex™, a high-performance thermoplastic elastomer that offers superior grip even when wet, cold, or gloved. Its textured surface and ergonomic contouring ensure positive retention, reducing fatigue during prolonged use and preventing the hand from slipping onto the blade during forceful application. The black finish of the Kray-Ex™ handle integrates seamlessly with the overall tactical aesthetic, contributing to the knife's low-profile presence.
• Full Tang Construction: For maximum strength and durability, the Recon Tanto boasts a full tang construction. This means the blade steel extends the entire length of the handle, providing a single, continuous piece of steel from tip to pommel. This design eliminates weak points, ensuring the knife can withstand extreme impact, prying, and torsional forces without failing. It’s a testament to its combat-ready engineering.
• Included Sheath for Secure Carry: The Recon Tanto comes with a robust and versatile Secure-Ex® sheath. Designed for reliable retention and quick deployment, this sheath holds the knife securely while allowing for various carry options, from belt carry to MOLLE attachment. Its durable construction protects the blade and ensures the knife is always accessible when needed, making it an integral part of its tactical readiness.

Who Trusts the Recon Tanto and Why? Real-World Applications

The Cold Steel Recon Tanto is not a showpiece; it's a workhorse built for serious professionals. Its reputation is built on its performance in diverse, high-stakes environments.

• Military and Special Operations Units: Often questioned, "What fixed blade do military operators carry?", the Recon Tanto frequently appears on the list. Its robust construction, piercing power, and reliable edge retention make it ideal for fieldcraft, emergency tool use, and close-quarters situations. Its ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions, from desert heat to arctic cold, ensures it performs reliably where other knives might falter.
• Law Enforcement and SWAT Teams: For specialized law enforcement units, a dependable fixed blade is a crucial part of their kit. The Recon Tanto's strength for breaching, its utility in extrication scenarios, and its formidable presence for defense make it a favored tool. Questions like "What knife do SWAT teams use?" often lead to discussions about the Recon Tanto's proven track record in demanding police operations.
• Survivalists and Outdoor Enthusiasts: When venturing into the wilderness, survival depends on reliable gear. The Recon Tanto serves as an excellent survival knife due to its ability to handle tough tasks: batoning wood, preparing shelter materials, game processing, and general utility work. Its full tang ensures it won't fail when you're miles from civilization, making it a critical component of any comprehensive survival kit.
• Personal and Home Defense: For those seeking a formidable self-defense tool, the Recon Tanto offers peace of mind. Its substantial size, ergonomic grip, and piercing capabilities make it an effective deterrent and last-resort option. It addresses concerns such as "What is the best fixed blade for self-defense?" by offering a combination of reach, power, and psychological impact.
• Collectors and Martial Artists: Beyond its practical applications, the Recon Tanto is highly sought after by knife collectors who appreciate its iconic design and historical significance in the tactical knife world. Martial artists also value its balance and feel, using it in training to understand fixed-blade dynamics.

Technical Deep Dive: The Science Behind the Performance

Understanding the specific materials and design choices illuminates why the Cold Steel Recon Tanto delivers such exceptional performance.

• SK-5 High Carbon Steel: This Japanese tool steel is a popular choice for knives requiring both toughness and good edge retention. With a carbon content typically around 0.80-0.90%, SK-5 offers excellent wear resistance without being overly brittle. Its fine grain structure allows for a very keen edge, and it's relatively easy to resharpen in the field with basic tools, a critical advantage when away from a sophisticated sharpening system. While not stainless, the Tuff-Ex™ coating mitigates corrosion concerns significantly.
• Tanto Blade Geometry: The American Tanto is characterized by its linear grind lines and a secondary tip grind that creates an extremely robust, chisel-like point. This geometry maximizes tip strength, making it ideal for piercing applications where traditional knife points might break or bend. This design makes the Recon Tanto particularly effective for tasks requiring a strong, durable tip, such as prying, puncturing, or breaching.
• Tuff-Ex™ Finish Advantages: This black proprietary coating is more than just aesthetic. It chemically bonds to the steel, forming a durable, non-reflective layer that actively resists rust and corrosion. Furthermore, its slick surface reduces drag during cutting, translating to less effort for the user and cleaner cuts. The non-reflective property is crucial for tactical operators who need to maintain a low visual signature.
• Kray-Ex™ Material Benefits: Kray-Ex™ is a proprietary blend of Kraton, a synthetic rubber, and other polymers. It’s known for its outstanding grip in wet or oily conditions, its resistance to chemicals, and its ability to absorb shock and vibration. These properties make it an ideal handle material for tools used in harsh environments, ensuring comfort and control even during aggressive use or in extreme temperatures.

Addressing Common Inquiries about the Recon Tanto

Users often have specific questions when considering a high-performance fixed blade. Here are some common ones the Recon Tanto effectively answers:

• "Is the Recon Tanto suitable for everyday carry (EDC)?"
  While some might find its 7-inch blade length and overall size substantial for discreet EDC, for professionals or those in specific roles, it absolutely is. Its robust sheath system allows for secure and accessible carry, making it a viable EDC option for those who prioritize a full-sized, uncompromising tool.
• "How do I maintain the SK-5 steel blade?"
  Despite the Tuff-Ex™ coating, it's advisable to wipe the blade clean after each use, especially after exposure to moisture or corrosive materials. Occasional light oiling of the exposed edge can further prevent rust. The coating itself is very durable and requires minimal maintenance beyond cleaning.
• "What makes the Recon Tanto different from other tactical knives?"
  Its distinction lies in its proven combat history, the deliberate combination of SK-5 steel with the Tanto point for maximum piercing strength, and Cold Steel's reputation for overbuilding their knives for extreme durability. It's not just "tactical" in name; it's proven in the field.
• "Can this knife be used for chopping or prying?"
  Yes, within reasonable limits. Its 5mm (approximately 0.20 inches) blade thickness and full tang construction lend it significant strength for light chopping tasks, such as clearing brush or preparing firewood via batoning. The reinforced Tanto tip is excellent for prying tasks where a weaker tip might break, but users should always exercise caution to prevent damage to the edge or the tip.
• "What's the best way to sharpen a Tanto blade?"
  Sharpening a Tanto requires a slightly different approach due to its two distinct straight edges. Sharpen each edge independently, focusing on maintaining the factory angle. A flat sharpening stone or a guided sharpening system is ideal for achieving a consistent, razor-sharp edge.

Investing in Unwavering Reliability and Performance

Choosing the Cold Steel Recon Tanto is an investment in a tool that has earned its stripes in the most demanding environments. It’s a testament to Cold Steel's commitment to creating knives that don't just meet expectations but consistently exceed them. Its historical significance, combined with its contemporary relevance to military, law enforcement, and survival applications, solidifies its position as a truly iconic fixed blade.

Whether you are a professional requiring a dependable tool for critical operations, an outdoor enthusiast seeking ultimate reliability in the wilderness, or someone preparing for unforeseen emergencies, the Recon Tanto delivers. Its construction offers superior durability and edge retention, its design ensures maximum efficacy, and its legacy speaks volumes about its trustworthiness. This knife isn't just about cutting; it's about providing the confidence and capability you need when performance is non-negotiable.

The Cold Steel Recon Tanto with UPC 705442017394 is a formidable asset for any serious gear enthusiast or professional.

Cold Steel Recon Tanto CS49LRT Specifications

The Cold Steel Recon Tanto is available at DEGuns.