--- product_id: 63303989 title: "Cold Steel Recon Tanto VG 10 San Mai 7\"" brand: "cold steel" price: "VT50023" currency: VUV in_stock: true reviews_count: 13 category: "Cold Steel" url: https://www.desertcart.vu/products/63303989-cold-steel-recon-tanto-vg-10-san-mai-7 store_origin: VU region: Vanuatu --- # 5mm thick tanto blade for precision & strength 7" VG-10 San Mai razor-sharp blade 4.75" Kray-Ex durable, grippy handle Cold Steel Recon Tanto VG 10 San Mai 7" **Brand:** cold steel **Price:** VT50023 **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Summary > 🗡️ Own the edge that elite operators trust — don’t get caught unarmed! ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Cold Steel Recon Tanto VG 10 San Mai 7" by cold steel - **How much does it cost?** VT50023 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.vu](https://www.desertcart.vu/products/63303989-cold-steel-recon-tanto-vg-10-san-mai-7) ## 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 - • **Ergonomic Kray-Ex Handle:** Secure grip in all conditions—wet, dry, or high-stress scenarios - • **Battle-Tested Combat Edge:** Trusted by military & SWAT for 20+ years of frontline reliability - • **Secure-Ex Sheath Included:** Safe, quick-access carry that keeps you mission-ready at all times - • **Tactical Tanto Blade Geometry:** Optimized for piercing and slicing with surgical precision - • **Razor-Sharp VG-10 San Mai Steel:** Japanese-inspired layered steel for unmatched sharpness & edge retention ## Overview The Cold Steel Recon Tanto 7" features a razor-sharp VG-10 San Mai steel blade renowned for exceptional durability and edge retention. Its 4.75" Kray-Ex handle ensures a secure, ergonomic grip even in extreme conditions. Designed with a 5mm thick tanto blade, this fixed blade knife is a combat-proven tool favored by military and SWAT teams worldwide. Complete with a Secure-Ex sheath for safe, rapid deployment, it’s the ultimate tactical knife for professionals and enthusiasts seeking unmatched performance and reliability. ## 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: AWESOME COMBAT BLADE, GREAT PRICE - Well made combat knife. This isn't an EDC knife, it's slightly to large for that, but it is built robust enough to be used for everyday cutting tasks. The tanto grind is all about combat and self defense. The American tanto was invented by the great one, Lynn Thompson, way back in 1980. Think of it as if an ice pick and a razor blade got drunk and banged on a pool table. The American tanto is their bastard child. If you know a soldier, this would make a great gift. My only negative criticism is that the the rubber they use for the handle is a bit soft which could over time of using it hard could deform and result in the handle becoming loose on the tang. ## 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 | | Age Range Description | Adult | | Best Sellers Rank | #386,489 in Sports & Outdoors ( See Top 100 in Sports & Outdoors ) #1,414 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 out of 5 stars 270 Reviews | | Global Trade Identification Number | 00705442018087 | | Hand Orientation | Ambidextrous | | Handle Material | Alloy Steel | | Included Components | Sheath | | Item Length | 13 Inches | | Item Shape | Rectangular | | Item Type Name | FIXED KNIFE | | Item Weight | 0.44 Kilograms | | Manufacturer | Cold Steel | | Model Name | Recon Tanto 7" VG-10 San Mai Razor-Sharp Blade 4.75" Kray-Ex Handle Military Tactical Fixed Blade Knife Model Name Recon Tanto 7" VG-10 San Mai Razor-Sharp Blade 4.75" Kray-Ex Handle Military Tactical Fixed Blade Knife See more | | Model Number | 35AM | | Part Number | 35AM | | Power Source | hand_powered | | Product Care Instructions | Hand Wash Only | | Recommended Uses For Product | Military | | Reusability | Disposable | | Size | 7.0" | | Special Feature | Manual | | Special Features | Manual | | Style | Modern | | Theme | Sport | | UPC | 705442018087 | | Unit Count | 1.0 Count | | 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 ![Cold Steel Recon Tanto VG 10 San Mai 7" - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71ML8Cg4kZL.jpg) ![Cold Steel Recon Tanto VG 10 San Mai 7" - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/516nj1977cL.jpg) ![Cold Steel Recon Tanto VG 10 San Mai 7" - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51qk24FuL+L.jpg) ![Cold Steel Recon Tanto VG 10 San Mai 7" - Image 4](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61pHJkW2RqL.jpg) ![Cold Steel Recon Tanto VG 10 San Mai 7" - Image 5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/617DffNnMhL.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! ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ AWESOME COMBAT BLADE, GREAT PRICE *by J***N on January 8, 2026* Well made combat knife. This isn't an EDC knife, it's slightly to large for that, but it is built robust enough to be used for everyday cutting tasks. The tanto grind is all about combat and self defense. The American tanto was invented by the great one, Lynn Thompson, way back in 1980. Think of it as if an ice pick and a razor blade got drunk and banged on a pool table. The American tanto is their bastard child. If you know a soldier, this would make a great gift. My only negative criticism is that the the rubber they use for the handle is a bit soft which could over time of using it hard could deform and result in the handle becoming loose on the tang. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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. ## 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 --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.vu/products/63303989-cold-steel-recon-tanto-vg-10-san-mai-7](https://www.desertcart.vu/products/63303989-cold-steel-recon-tanto-vg-10-san-mai-7) --- *Product available on Desertcart Vanuatu* *Store origin: VU* *Last updated: 2026-05-11*