Cold Steel Recon Tanto — 7" Fixed Blade, Plain Edge, VG-10 San Mai®, Black Textured Kray-Ex™ Handle
Model: CS-35AM / CS35AM • UPC: 705442018087 • Blade Length: 7.0" • Steel: VG-10 San Mai® (laminated) • Edge: Plain • Handle: Black Textured Kray-Ex™ • Sheath: Secure-Ex® (included)
The legend returns in premium steel. The Cold Steel Recon Tanto (CS35AM) takes the proven, mission-ready tanto profile and upgrades it with VG-10 San Mai®, a laminated construction that sandwiches a VG-10 high-carbon stainless core between tough outer layers for an exceptional combination of edge retention, strength, and corrosion resistance. Paired with a grippy Kray-Ex™ handle and a rugged Secure-Ex® sheath, this 7-inch fixed blade is ready for harsh field use, training days, and hard-use utility where failure isn’t an option.
Why the Recon Tanto (VG-10 San Mai®) Stands Out
San Mai® Lamination: A razor-holding VG-10 core provides outstanding sharpness and wear resistance, while the outer cladding adds toughness and lateral strength to resist chipping under real work.
Tanto Geometry, Reinforced Tip: Strong, acute point for confident puncture starts and controlled detail work; long flat grind for powerful draw cuts and easy maintenance.
All-Weather Kray-Ex™ Grip: Textured, slightly tacky handle locks into the hand—secure when wet, cold, or gloved—and mitigates fatigue over long sessions.
Carry-Ready Sheath: Secure-Ex® sheath offers reliable retention, drainage, and multiple attachment options for belt or kit.
Field-Serviceable Edge: Thin behind the edge for slicing efficiency yet stout enough to support light batoning and camp processing (use proper technique).
Key Features & Specs
Blade Length: 7.0 inches (plain edge, tanto profile)
Blade Steel: VG-10 San Mai® laminated stainless (VG-10 core, stainless cladding)
Finish: Polished/satin-style San Mai® presentation (varies by run)
Handle: Black Kray-Ex™, textured, full hand-filling design
Overall Type: Full-size fixed blade
Sheath: Secure-Ex® molded sheath included
Model: CS-35AM / CS35AM
UPC: 705442018087
Colorway: Silver San Mai® blade / black handle, low-glare hardware
Real-World Performance
From camp and overland chores to range, shop, and field tasks, the Recon Tanto’s long, straight cutting edge excels at strap, webbing, rope, rubber hose, heavy cardboard, and vegetation. The reinforced tanto tip inspires confidence for controlled puncture cuts and precise scraping, while the San Mai® build keeps the edge keen through extended use and resists corrosion in sweat, rain, and humid environments.
Ideal Use Cases
Duty & Training: Durable steel system and secure grip for hard, repetitive tasks.
Preparedness/Truck Kit: Reliable fixed blade that rides safely and draws cleanly from the Secure-Ex® sheath.
Outdoor & Utility: Kindling prep, shelter material trimming, packaging breakdown, and cordage management.
Collection & Upgrade: Iconic Cold Steel silhouette rendered in premium VG-10 San Mai® steel.
Ergonomics & Handling
Confident Control: Subtle guard and palm-swell keep your hand behind the edge during hard pushes.
Balanced for Work: Enough blade length for leverage and reach without feeling nose-heavy.
Glove-Friendly: Kray-Ex™ texture and geometry remain secure with thin or insulated gloves.
Care & Maintenance
Clean & Dry: Wipe after use; San Mai® resists rust, but best practice is to dry thoroughly—especially along the edge.
Edge Upkeep: Touch up with ceramic or fine diamond hones; strop to polish the VG-10 core for push-cut sharpness.
Protective Film: A light oil on the exposed edge before storage adds insurance in salty or humid climates.
Sheath Hygiene: Rinse grit from the Secure-Ex® sheath; debris can scratch steel and impede smooth draws.
Safety & Responsible Use
Cut on stable surfaces and keep the support hand behind the edge.
Wear eye protection for vigorous cutting or when processing fibrous materials.
Store sheathed and out of reach of children; follow local laws on transport and carry of large fixed blades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is San Mai® and why does it matter?
A: San Mai® is a laminated blade construction: a hard, high-performing VG-10 core for the cutting edge flanked by tough stainless cladding. You get excellent sharpness and corrosion resistance with added durability versus a monosteel blade of similar hardness.
Q: Is the Recon Tanto good for batoning?
A: Light to moderate batoning is feasible with good technique. Avoid striking the spine against rocks or twisting the blade in knots.
Q: Does it include a sheath?
A: Yes. The Secure-Ex® sheath is included for retention, drainage, and versatile mounting.
Q: Serrations or plain edge?
A: This model is the plain-edge Recon Tanto for clean slices and easy field sharpening.
Q: How does VG-10 hold an edge?
A: VG-10 is known for excellent edge retention and fine sharpening response, making it a favorite for high-performance knives used in tough, real-world conditions.
SEO Highlights (Quick Scan)
Cold Steel Recon Tanto CS-35AM / CS35AM — 7" fixed tanto, VG-10 San Mai® laminated steel, plain edge
Black Kray-Ex™ handle with Secure-Ex® sheath; reinforced tip, work-ready geometry
Premium corrosion resistance and long-lasting sharpness for duty, outdoor, and utility roles
UPC 705442018087 — iconic Cold Steel design upgraded with San Mai® performance
Own the iconic Recon Tanto in VG-10 San Mai® and get the balanced cutting performance, tip strength, and premium steel edge life that serious users demand—Cold Steel CS-35AM is built to work when it counts.
"The End"
