---
product_id: 63303989
title: "Recon Tanto 7\" VG-10 San Mai Razor-Sharp Blade 4.75\" Kray-Ex Handle Military Tactical Fixed Blade Knife w/Secure-Ex Sheath"
brand: "cold steel"
price: "€ 207.05"
currency: EUR
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 11
category: "Cold Steel"
url: https://www.desertcart.gr/products/63303989-recon-tanto-7-vg-10-san-mai-razor-sharp-blade
store_origin: GR
region: Greece
---

# Secure-Ex sheath with versatile carry options 7" VG-10 San Mai razor-sharp blade 4.75" Kray-Ex durable, slip-resistant handle Recon Tanto 7" VG-10 San Mai Razor-Sharp Blade 4.75" Kray-Ex Handle Military Tactical Fixed Blade Knife w/Secure-Ex Sheath

**Brand:** cold steel
**Price:** € 207.05
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🗡️ Own the edge that elite operators trust — sharpen your tactical game!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Recon Tanto 7" VG-10 San Mai Razor-Sharp Blade 4.75" Kray-Ex Handle Military Tactical Fixed Blade Knife w/Secure-Ex Sheath by cold steel
- **How much does it cost?** € 207.05 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.gr](https://www.desertcart.gr/products/63303989-recon-tanto-7-vg-10-san-mai-razor-sharp-blade)

## Best For

- cold steel enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted cold steel brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Ready When You Are:** Secure-Ex sheath offers quick access and multiple carry configurations for tactical readiness
- • **Iconic Tanto Design:** 7" blade with classic American Tanto shape balances piercing power and durability
- • **Grip That Won't Quit:** Ergonomic Kray-Ex handle ensures secure control even in wet or extreme conditions
- • **Precision Edge Mastery:** VG-10 San Mai laminated steel delivers unmatched sharpness & edge retention
- • **Battle-Tested Reliability:** Trusted by military & SWAT for 20+ years of combat-proven performance

## Overview

The COLD STEEL Recon Tanto 7" VG-10 San Mai fixed blade knife combines over two decades of military-grade combat heritage with premium Japanese-inspired laminated steel for razor-sharp precision and durability. Featuring a rugged 4.75" Kray-Ex handle for superior grip and a Secure-Ex sheath for versatile, secure carry, this tactical knife is engineered for professionals demanding reliability, control, and quick deployment in high-stakes environments.

## Description

COLD STEEL RECON TANTO VG-10 SAN MAI FIXED BLADE KNIFE: The Cold Steel Recon Tanto continues to redefine the standard for combat knives around the globe. With over two decades of active military service, this blade has seen action in numerous conflicts, earning the trust of special military units and SWAT teams alike. Renowned for its exceptional quality and reliability, the Recon Tanto stands as a testament to Cold Steel's commitment to producing top-tier combat knives. Crafted from VG-10 San Mai steel, the blade of the Recon Tanto boasts superior strength, durability, and edge retention. Its razor-sharp edge ensures precision cutting and piercing capability, making it a formidable tool in any tactical situation. Whether used for utility tasks or combat scenarios, the Recon Tanto delivers consistent performance. The handle is constructed from Kray-Ex - durable and grippy material that provides a secure hold even in adverse conditions. Engineered to resist wear and tear, the ergonomic design ensures comfortable handling during extended use, allowing for precise control and maneuverability. For convenient carry and protection, the Recon Tanto comes equipped with a Secure-Ex sheath. This rugged sheath securely houses the blade, offering peace of mind when transporting or deploying the knife.

Review: Totally Awesome!!! Razor sharp and a great deal!! - I love Cold Steel's Recon Tantos. I own three of them. The other 2 are made of SK-5 Steel which is really good, but I have always wanted one that was this higher quality San Mai Steel (Similar to Japanese VG-10 Steel), so I bought this one to improve my collection. This blade is 7 inches long and razor sharp out of the box! The handle has a very nice grip, and it came with a really nice Kydex sheath. The blade Steel is layered with a harder spring steel on the outside for durability and corrosion resistance, and an inner core of a softer steel that is easy to sharpen to razor sharp and it stays sharp. You can see where the thick outer steel meets the special steel core if you look at the blade where the edge is tapering down, there is a barely visible line where the two steels meet. This is the same Steel that Japanese kitchen knives and swords are made from. Cold Steel really knows what they are doing when it comes to making a knife blade, and they heat treat the blades perfectly! This knife is tough as nails and hair splitting sharp, the best of both worlds. I highly recommend this Recon tanto in this San Mai high grade steel! It really will stab through a metal door without hurting the knife; I've tried it! It's my favorite knife to carry in the car for protection! The price they have here on desertcart is the best price available because I've checked all the other sites, and they are charging $20 to $50 more everywhere else. This is a premium knife for a great deal! Next day shipping!
Review: Old Standard -- Brighter Look - Cold Steel’s Recon Tanto has been around since the 1990's, and is arguably one of the best examples of the American Tanto design first introduced by Cold Steel by its founder, Lynn Thompson in the early 1980’s. It foregoes the oval handle and “skull-crusher” pommel in favor of a more conventional squareish handle with no pommel. In hand, it feels more like a “regular” knife. The “Kray-Ex” textured rubber-like handle material is rugged, slip-resistant, and in my over thirty years of experience using it, typically maintains its integrity for decades. This, the San Mai model, differs from the classic ones by being slightly hollow ground, and, of course, being made of laminated steel. The blade is nicely polished, and looks a lot dressier than the typical Recon Tanto with its black coating. Evaluated with regard to its being a tactical knife, there is no great difference between the two. Used tactically, the hollow ground primary bevel is neither advantageous nor disadvantageous under realistic usage scenarios. I don’t consider Recon Tantos to be very well suited for field, bushcraft, hunting, etc. use. Its seven-inch blade makes this a comparatively big knife that might be awkward to EDC, depending on whether it is carried dangling from its nylon sheath loop, or attached higher and secured at one’s waist. The knife is slightly blade-heavy, but feels light and nimble in hand. Its Secure-Ex sheath comes with a nylon belt loop that will fit belts up to almost 3 inches wide. It also has 14 grommet holes and 4 slots, allowing a multitude of attachment and carry options employing zip-ties, paracord, C-clips, etc. The Recon Tanto in San Mai is an aesthetically impressive part of my collection, but it will not replace the “regular” Recon Tanto as my work-horse version. Each is worth its price, but for different (essentially non-functional) reasons.

## Features

- COMBAT DESIGN - The Recon Tanto has been extensively used in various conflicts over the past two decades, earning its reputation as a go-to combat knife for military and SWAT teams worldwide, thanks to its exceptional performance and reliability
- SUPERIOR BLADE QUALITY - Crafted from VG-10 San Mai steel, the Recon Tanto boasts a razor-sharp blade that delivers outstanding cutting power and edge retention, making it ideal for demanding combat situations where precision and durability are paramount
- DURABLE HANDLE - Designed for durability and secure grip, the Recon Tanto features a Kray-Ex handle that ensures optimal control and comfort during use, even in wet or challenging conditions, providing confidence in handling during high-stakes situations
- SECURE CARRY OPTION - Equipped with a Secure-Ex sheath, the Cold Steel Recon Tanto offers a safe and convenient storage solution, allowing for easy and secure carry while ensuring quick access to the knife when needed, making it an indispensable tool
- SPECIFICATIONS - Weight: 8.8 oz (249.5 g); Blade Thickness: 5 mm; Blade Length: 7"; Blade Steel: VG-10 San Mai; Handle Length/Material: 4.75" Kray-Ex; Overall Length: 11.75"; Knife Type: Fixed; Blade Shape: Tanto; Additional Features: Secure-Ex Sheath

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B07BDY2C39 |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Best Sellers Rank | #83,694 in Sports & Outdoors ( See Top 100 in Sports & Outdoors ) #204 in Fixed Blade Hunting Knives |
| Blade Edge | Chisel |
| Blade Length | 7 Inches |
| Blade Material | Alloy Steel |
| Blade Shape | Tanto Point |
| Blade Type | Tanto |
| Brand | Cold Steel |
| Brand Name | Cold Steel |
| Color | San Mai Steel |
| Customer Package Type | [UNOBSERVED] |
| Customer Reviews | 4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars (261) |
| Date First Available | February 23, 2018 |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00705442018087 |
| Hand Orientation | Ambidextrous |
| Handle Material | Alloy Steel |
| Included Components | Sheath |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 13 x 4 x 2 inches |
| Item Length | 13 Inches |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 13.07 x 3.7 x 2.13 inches |
| Item Weight | 0.44 Kilograms |
| Manufacturer | Cold Steel |
| Material | Other |
| Model Name | Recon Tanto 7" VG-10 San Mai Razor-Sharp Blade 4.75" Kray-Ex Handle Military Tactical Fixed Blade Knife |
| Model Year | 2018 |
| Number of Items | 2 |
| Package Weight | 0.45 Kilograms |
| Part Number | 35AM |
| Power Source | hand_powered |
| Product Care Instructions | Hand Wash Only |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Military |
| Reusability | Disposable |
| Shape | Rectangular |
| Size | 7.0" |
| Special Feature | Manual |
| Style | Modern |
| Suggested Users | unisex-adult |
| Theme | Sport |
| UPC | 705442018087 |
| Warranty Description | Knives & Blades: We stand behind our products 100%. We subject them to the highest standards in the industry and strive to make each as perfect as possible. We warrant that this product is free of defects in workmanship and materials. This warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, resharpening, damage caused by misuse, lack of normal maintenance, or disassembly. Remember, anything can break or… |

## Product Details

- **Age Range (Description):** Adult
- **Blade Material:** Alloy Steel
- **Brand:** Cold Steel
- **Color:** San Mai Steel
- **Handle Material:** Alloy Steel
- **Included Components:** Sheath
- **Recommended Uses For Product:** Military
- **Special Feature:** Manual
- **Style:** Modern

## Images

![Recon Tanto 7" VG-10 San Mai Razor-Sharp Blade 4.75" Kray-Ex Handle Military Tactical Fixed Blade Knife w/Secure-Ex Sheath - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71ML8Cg4kZL.jpg)

## Questions & Answers

**Q: massive question why do the knives look different from the  video?**
A: This knife is available in 3 different types of steel.  The black blade is the least expensive version of steel, which is SK-5 steel (roughly equivalent to 420 - 440 steel) .  The blade in the video is San Mai steel, which is much more expensive (roughly equivalent to Japanese VG-10 steel).  These is a third type of steel you can sometimes find this knife in called CPM-3V Steel, which is ridiculously expensive American Super steel.  I have both the San Mai steel blade and the black SK-5 blade, and trust me, the less expensive black blade is totally awesome.  I have chopped up everything with the black blade (sk-5 steel) and it holds an edge extremely well.  I have the San Mai steel blade more as a collector's item.  The San Mai steel costs a little more than twice as much as the SK-5 steel, and it might be overkill for this knife, but real the Japanese sword steel (San Mai) sure does look great, and it does have a higher performance rating.  Both blades hold an edge and are razor sharp.  Sorry for such a long explanation...The knife in the video is the more expensive steel.

**Q: Submit the correct photos. you are selling sk5, and the pictures of another knife. is this a mistake for you?**
A: There are 2 knives available, the SK5 with a black blade (lower price) and the San Mai Steel silver blade (more expensive). I bought the SK5, a very good blade in my opinion.

**Q: Is the handle kray ex or polymer**
A: Kray ex is a type of polymer. So both

**Q: Confused...coldsteel is selling this sanmai blade here for $100 but selling the same blade on their site for $190. is there a difference?**
A: The manufacturer websites for most companies in  the industry use MSRP, but retailers will typically drop the price.

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Totally Awesome!!! Razor sharp and a great deal!!
*by J***S on August 27, 2025*

I love Cold Steel's Recon Tantos. I own three of them. The other 2 are made of SK-5 Steel which is really good, but I have always wanted one that was this higher quality San Mai Steel (Similar to Japanese VG-10 Steel), so I bought this one to improve my collection. This blade is 7 inches long and razor sharp out of the box! The handle has a very nice grip, and it came with a really nice Kydex sheath. The blade Steel is layered with a harder spring steel on the outside for durability and corrosion resistance, and an inner core of a softer steel that is easy to sharpen to razor sharp and it stays sharp. You can see where the thick outer steel meets the special steel core if you look at the blade where the edge is tapering down, there is a barely visible line where the two steels meet. This is the same Steel that Japanese kitchen knives and swords are made from. Cold Steel really knows what they are doing when it comes to making a knife blade, and they heat treat the blades perfectly! This knife is tough as nails and hair splitting sharp, the best of both worlds. I highly recommend this Recon tanto in this San Mai high grade steel! It really will stab through a metal door without hurting the knife; I've tried it! It's my favorite knife to carry in the car for protection! The price they have here on Amazon is the best price available because I've checked all the other sites, and they are charging $20 to $50 more everywhere else. This is a premium knife for a great deal! Next day shipping!

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Old Standard -- Brighter Look
*by M***O on January 29, 2021*

Cold Steel’s Recon Tanto has been around since the 1990's, and is arguably one of the best examples of the American Tanto design first introduced by Cold Steel by its founder, Lynn Thompson in the early 1980’s. It foregoes the oval handle and “skull-crusher” pommel in favor of a more conventional squareish handle with no pommel. In hand, it feels more like a “regular” knife. The “Kray-Ex” textured rubber-like handle material is rugged, slip-resistant, and in my over thirty years of experience using it, typically maintains its integrity for decades. This, the San Mai model, differs from the classic ones by being slightly hollow ground, and, of course, being made of laminated steel. The blade is nicely polished, and looks a lot dressier than the typical Recon Tanto with its black coating. Evaluated with regard to its being a tactical knife, there is no great difference between the two. Used tactically, the hollow ground primary bevel is neither advantageous nor disadvantageous under realistic usage scenarios. I don’t consider Recon Tantos to be very well suited for field, bushcraft, hunting, etc. use. Its seven-inch blade makes this a comparatively big knife that might be awkward to EDC, depending on whether it is carried dangling from its nylon sheath loop, or attached higher and secured at one’s waist. The knife is slightly blade-heavy, but feels light and nimble in hand. Its Secure-Ex sheath comes with a nylon belt loop that will fit belts up to almost 3 inches wide. It also has 14 grommet holes and 4 slots, allowing a multitude of attachment and carry options employing zip-ties, paracord, C-clips, etc. The Recon Tanto in San Mai is an aesthetically impressive part of my collection, but it will not replace the “regular” Recon Tanto as my work-horse version. Each is worth its price, but for different (essentially non-functional) reasons.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ PRETTY AMAZING FOR THE MONEY. WELL DONE!
*by C***K on May 12, 2023*

This review is for the San Mai version. Overall, a very nice knife. Solid, well-made, and the lines and angles are very good. It's razor sharp, and the tip is robust, very pointed and strong. The handle is just the right size: not too big, not too small, and the material provides a very secure grip. The knife is quite versatile, being right at home at the campsite, in the field, or on your military web gear. The sheath consists of two parts: the sheath itself and the nylon device that is attached to the sheath with two screws, with the other end being made for a belt. If you are going to strap the sheath to a backpack or ruck, then the sheath should serve you well. If, however, you intend to wear the knife on a belt, then I would detach the nylon belt portion from the sheath and throw it away, it's pretty crappy. You will need a better sheath for belt use. For the money the Recon Tanto is quite a bargain. It's every bit as nice as one costing hundreds more.

## Frequently Bought Together

- COLD STEEL Recon Tanto 7" VG-10 San Mai Razor-Sharp Blade 4.75" Kray-Ex Handle Military Tactical Fixed Blade Knife w/Secure-Ex Sheath
- COLD STEEL Recon Tanto 7" SK-5 Razor-Sharp Blade 4.75" Kray-Ex Handle Military Tactical Fixed Blade Knife w/Secure-Ex Sheath
- Cold Steel Kobun Plain Edge 5.5" Japanese AUS8A Stainless Steel American Tanto Shape Fixed Blade Tactical Hunting Knife, Ergonomic Kray-Ex Handle, Secure-Ex Sheath

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*Product available on Desertcart Greece*
*Store origin: GR*
*Last updated: 2026-01-28*