For general purpose (self defense, rescue, basic cutting tasks) I'd say the 3V version is the best. The only area where it wouldn't be my top choice is for a hard use survival knife used for batoning.
Finally, a good review on my favorite issued blade ,carried this same one on multiple deployments with the tribe and it's just an all-around piece of kit . Highly recommended
Greetings from Nova Scotia, Canada & i seen a HUGE amounts of reviews on the S.R.K & i have YET........ To hear anything Negative about it. Awesome knife for sure. 💯👌👍💪
Thanks my friend! It is such a good knife for its price. Wouldn’t recommend anyone throw it because that will knock the handle loose. However it’s great for everything handheld.
I have been meaning to get one of these. After seeing your review of this knife I will get one very soon. I saw your video on the Smith and Wesson 24/7 Tanto Knife. I was impressed with the knife after seeing your review. So I bought two of them. They were on sale during the Black Friday/Cyber Monday Event. Here in Canada they are normally about $70. but I got them for $40. each. That's really a steal. The next day they went back up to $65. at one site and $59. at another. Once I got these S+W knives in my hand, I couldn't believe how really nice they were. A really great buy. I tried the pocket clip for holding the knife. But the sheath as nice as it is, comes with the knife when you draw it. I will figure out a resolution to that problem so I can carry the knife. Thanks for introducing me to that Tanto knife.
Finally a knife review that showed us literally exactly what we need to know about a product instead of just Rambling about opinion. I’m sick of all the “I think it’s really sharp and I think itl cut when I need it to”.
Haha! Most definitely. This is a great knife. I would advise against throwing it. I did a video complaining about the handle but that’s only because I’m a knife thrower lol.
I am very much sold on purchasing this blade especially after you're demonstration. As a fellow knife thrower this blade looks like it would make a potential good thrower if the situation ever called for it...
Your review convinced me to buy it. A lot of bush crafting reviews but no one really torture testing for more combat situations, which is why im looking into this knife. So thank you for the great review! Subbed :)
These are an insane value and I find myself reaching for it often. Something about the design and usability of it is just right. Big enough, but not bulky.
Also a really really great thing for the price. You can carry it left handed. A lot of knives in this price range and higher are only right handed carry.
Good stuff brother! I have all 3 versions of the SRK. Love the simple no nonsense design at a great price in all 3 iterations. I have other premium semi custom knives but my Coldsteels is what I grab when I head outside!
@@411Outdoors I actually have an axe and string saw being shipped with it. No need to use a knife to chop or cut trees with. Want it more as a back up for defense or small tasks while camping…. Currently creating an ultimate BOB for when TSHTF! 😂
Thanks bro! The ironic thing is, I had to go back and re-review it because of how easy it gets loosened. It’s a great nice I just don’t recommend throwing it too much.
Hi there! I have a CS Trail Master San Mai III, which is a full convex grind blade, zero edge (ie no secondary bevel). Now, the SRK San Mai (as I understand it) comes with a hollow grind. After years of making hollow grind knives, I've come to realise that it is not the strongest just behind the edge. However, the SRK now comes in CPM 3V in a sabre grind, which is a lot tougher than the hollow grind and the steel is quite acceptable, though not as tough as San Mai. Might be worth a video! Cheers mate!
I believe the 3V is tougher than San Mai VG1 and VG10, if you are referring to edge retention. I have the Trail master in O1 and 3V. I really like the San Mai Trail master for the convex grind, and I wish the 3V came in a convex.
Good stuff man and perhaps you’ll consider instructing us in the finer points of throwing knives. I can’t figure it out for the life of me. I always bury my handle in the target 😐
Thank you! After further review, I have discovered that one should never throw this knife. The handle gets loose. Did a later review. This is definitely a in hand blade and not good for heavy chopping either
Thanks for the warning; I did take heed of that when you mentioned it in this video. No doubt it’s one of the hardest kinds of stress for a knife, but I see you have the skills and I have some dedicated throwers.
I just bought the full sized SRK SK-5 sold & shipped by A m a z o n for 32 bucks with free delivery, they have it marked down on sale today. I'm all about the combat capabilities, not whacking thru firewood. I really like my Gerber Prodigy and I have a Dacor stainless dive knife from the early 70's that I really like as well.
I also bought two of them one for use and the other for collection the rare thing is one of them came packed like yours and the other came in a box I don't know what happened there but I decided to open the one that came in the plastic packaging the box looks really cool that goes to the collection
@@411Outdoors yes, it was my go to knife for yrs. It actually does really well in the woods. I have 1 with the flat grind and 1 with the hollow grind. To be honest it's a very shallow hollow grind. You can barely tell.
I've always liked this blade. I scored a brand new 1995 satin Buck 650 Nighthawk which I think is in this class. 1/4" 420HC and an excellent blade for wet conditions. I think the Nighthawk was designed for the SEALs but somehow lost the contract at the last minute around 1994?
I have the Srk c piggy backed on my Kershaw camp 10 and is a great combo with a silky gomboy saw all mounted on the kershaw camp 10 sheath in a Baltric carry the can do almost everything set up . Great video I’m thinking about getting the full size now
These are great knives 🙂👍just don’t throw them my friend. I’m a knife thrower so I was a little struck that I was able to make the handle loose so easily but if you’re just cutting things it’s a great blade.
Love this knife, I'm going camping this weekend traveling from Canada to the US. Do you happen to know the rules of bringing a camping knife across the border by car?
Nice review, this knife really seems to be strong and useful. Now I know exactly what I want to buy. Between SK-5 and CPM 3V steels, I aske me what's the strongest...
I just recently discovered your channel could you do or did you do a review on your favorite knife and not a thrower for bushcraft type stuff just curious thanks
I just can't believe it's 65 hrc. Maybe 60, that's a good hardness for this steel. But 65? If it snapped the pieces would come off there at 300 mph and impale anything they hit.
I really don't think BUD'S training to become SEALS uses this SRK of SK5 2day. They used the old SRK AUS-8 SRK knive 20 yrs ago. Why would they use a high carbon steel in marine salt water use?
Fair question 👍. I just think it’s one of many options. It comes down to what you’re able to be effective and responsible with. I’ve seen it neutralize without ever even needling to be used. Men fear the blade.
If you’re being attacked with a blade.. gotta figure that having a better blade and skill than the other guy will work out for you. Just like a gun… you never need one.. until you need one. I personally like knives for the bushcraft/survival purposes. It’s more of a tool for me but it can and Will definitely save your life in a combat situation.
@@411Outdoors Thanks for the response. No matter how many knives I buy, I always end up with a seal pup elite iwb and a mora 2/0 or eldris around my neck.
Yeah, I’ve been through a lot of learning curves with the SRK and it definitely is not built for a lot of stuff. It’s a cool looking knife and comfortable in hand, but has a narrow scope.
It wouldn’t be legal to conceal carry. I would think that it’s legal to own but you may want to check your state. California don’t like long blades. Open carry laws are a little less restricted but I would still check Cali knife laws.
Single most overrated budget "survival" knife in the community. Cold Steel in general has sunken ever since it was sold. You can get a Becker for the price of two of these and it's 5 times the knife.
The SRK is a fantastic knife. Is it the best? No, its not. Will it hold up and do what you need it to do? Yup, it sure will.
For general purpose (self defense, rescue, basic cutting tasks) I'd say the 3V version is the best. The only area where it wouldn't be my top choice is for a hard use survival knife used for batoning.
Finally, a good review on my favorite issued blade ,carried this same one on multiple deployments with the tribe and it's just an all-around piece of kit . Highly recommended
Love this knife 👍 I have learned overtime that their are certain tasks to stay away from such as throwing or chopping haha
I have a Cold Steel SRK, I won it in Scab's veteran's contest! It's an awesome knife!
I really do like it. I wish they would make a full tang version with g10 scales as well
@@411Outdoors That would be awesome bro 👌 👏 😎
Rah!!!
Watching this video again I must say the SRK is my favorite do everything knife. Thank you again.
🙂👊
I'm an older guy, unlike you, strong as you look. Still the SRK is a self defense knife for me if need be. Informative vid.. thank you!
🙂👊 cheers my friend
Greetings from Nova Scotia, Canada & i seen a HUGE amounts of reviews on the S.R.K & i have YET........
To hear anything Negative about it.
Awesome knife for sure.
💯👌👍💪
Thanks my friend! It is such a good knife for its price. Wouldn’t recommend anyone throw it because that will knock the handle loose. However it’s great for everything handheld.
I have been meaning to get one of these. After seeing your review of this knife I will get one very soon. I saw your video on the Smith and Wesson 24/7 Tanto Knife. I was impressed with the knife after seeing your review. So I bought two of them. They were on sale during the Black Friday/Cyber Monday Event. Here in Canada they are normally about $70. but I got them for $40. each. That's really a steal. The next day they went back up to $65. at one site and $59. at another. Once I got these S+W knives in my hand, I couldn't believe how really nice they were. A really great buy. I tried the pocket clip for holding the knife. But the sheath as nice as it is, comes with the knife when you draw it. I will figure out a resolution to that problem so I can carry the knife. Thanks for introducing me to that Tanto knife.
Very welcome! Glad to help 🙂👍
Cool looking combat knife 🔪 love the tactical look. Awesome video brother, liked the John wick reference 👍
Haha! Thanks bro🙂 LOVE those movies
Hahaha tactical look ?
Finally a knife review that showed us literally exactly what we need to know about a product instead of just Rambling about opinion. I’m sick of all the “I think it’s really sharp and I think itl cut when I need it to”.
Haha! Most definitely. This is a great knife. I would advise against throwing it. I did a video complaining about the handle but that’s only because I’m a knife thrower lol.
Yeah, seriously, Great review, I carried this same knife in BUDS it served me very well and have this civi one now party of my edc
I am very much sold on purchasing this blade especially after you're demonstration. As a fellow knife thrower this blade looks like it would make a potential good thrower if the situation ever called for it...
Awesome! It’s a great budget blade with a great rep🙂👍 thanks for watching my friend
Another Cold Steel fixed blade I want to get is the Drop Forged Survivalist.A solid piece of 52100 high carbon steel.
8" blade. Good value for $70.
I have both, the DFS is much better chopper. Just get that one and then a small woodsman/skinning..like a Mora.
Your review convinced me to buy it. A lot of bush crafting reviews but no one really torture testing for more combat situations, which is why im looking into this knife. So thank you for the great review!
Subbed :)
Thank you! Avoid throwing and heavy chopping if you can because the handles not really be able to withstand a lot of it
The 3V version is my EDC fixed blade. Phenomenal blade.
I'm about to get one, so I wanted a good, honest review and you did just that. Thanks for this video.
Anytime! Just avoid throwing and heavy chopping
These are an insane value and I find myself reaching for it often. Something about the design and usability of it is just right. Big enough, but not bulky.
Yeah SRK Cold Steel knife is 1 of my favourite outdoor/survival. Maybe its not the best but it surely a knife that you can depend on..
Also a really really great thing for the price. You can carry it left handed. A lot of knives in this price range and higher are only right handed carry.
I’ve spent many questionable nights outside but I’ve only ever been in a few knife fights.
Glad you came out alive my friend 👍
I have 2 SRK’s both made in the USA carbon V,, just ordered the CPM-3V for $109 on midway USA they have them on sale now, can’t wait 👍
It’s the perfect knife, no extra frilly crap you don’t need. Perfection. 3v version is a grail knife imo.
I agree 100% and I would love the 3v version. I wish to handle never got loose. That’s my only thing
Good stuff brother! I have all 3 versions of the SRK. Love the simple no nonsense design at a great price in all 3 iterations. I have other premium semi custom knives but my Coldsteels is what I grab when I head outside!
Great review! Thanks for putting this up! Mine should be here by the end of the day! Super stoked!
Great knife! Just don’t throw it or chop hard with it
@@411Outdoors I actually have an axe and string saw being shipped with it. No need to use a knife to chop or cut trees with. Want it more as a back up for defense or small tasks while camping…. Currently creating an ultimate BOB for when TSHTF! 😂
Thank you I haven’t seen any videos with anyone throwing the SRK 🎯
Thanks bro! The ironic thing is, I had to go back and re-review it because of how easy it gets loosened. It’s a great nice I just don’t recommend throwing it too much.
Appreciate the tip view after the test. One thing I don't like about the Gi-tanto is that thin tip. I see this is a better option in that regard.
This one definitely has a better tip than the G.I. Tanto 👍
Hi there!
I have a CS Trail Master San Mai III, which is a full convex grind blade, zero edge (ie no secondary bevel).
Now, the SRK San Mai (as I understand it) comes with a hollow grind. After years of making hollow grind knives, I've come to realise that it is not the strongest just behind the edge. However, the SRK now comes in CPM 3V in a sabre grind, which is a lot tougher than the hollow grind and the steel is quite acceptable, though not as tough as San Mai.
Might be worth a video!
Cheers mate!
Great suggestion! Cheers!
I believe the 3V is tougher than San Mai VG1 and VG10, if you are referring to edge retention. I have the Trail master in O1 and 3V. I really like the San Mai Trail master for the convex grind, and I wish the 3V came in a convex.
That's a Good Blade with a Good Rep .
Looks like it Flies Well. In the Immortal words of Danny Trejo...
" Stay Sharp " !
Yes sir!🙂👍
Good stuff man and perhaps you’ll consider instructing us in the finer points of throwing knives. I can’t figure it out for the life of me. I always bury my handle in the target 😐
Thank you! After further review, I have discovered that one should never throw this knife. The handle gets loose. Did a later review. This is definitely a in hand blade and not good for heavy chopping either
Thanks for the warning; I did take heed of that when you mentioned it in this video. No doubt it’s one of the hardest kinds of stress for a knife, but I see you have the skills and I have some dedicated throwers.
I bought cgs tracker you reviewed. Thanks
Thanks for the video and the review!! Te What do you think about the cold steel leatherneck series ??
I love those knives, especially the small one
I just bought the full sized SRK SK-5 sold & shipped by A m a z o n for 32 bucks with free delivery, they have it marked down on sale today. I'm all about the combat capabilities, not whacking thru firewood. I really like my Gerber Prodigy and I have a Dacor stainless dive knife from the early 70's that I really like as well.
I’m with you on that. I’m more focused on the combat ass aspect myself.
I’m with you on that. I’m more focused on the combat ass aspect myself.
Can't beat that my friend
I also bought two of them one for use and the other for collection the rare thing is one of them came packed like yours and the other came in a box I don't know what happened there but I decided to open the one that came in the plastic packaging the box looks really cool that goes to the collection
Nice move 🙂👍
I have always loved my srk. I have the sk5 version and the sami
I gotta get that San Mai. Such a sweet blade. Love these knives!🙂🔪
@@411Outdoors yes, it was my go to knife for yrs. It actually does really well in the woods. I have 1 with the flat grind and 1 with the hollow grind. To be honest it's a very shallow hollow grind. You can barely tell.
Awesome video. Thank you. I have the SRK and the SRK (c). Durban, South Africa
Very cool!🙂👍 thank you my friend
I've always liked this blade. I scored a brand new 1995 satin Buck 650 Nighthawk which I think is in this class. 1/4" 420HC and an excellent blade for wet conditions. I think the Nighthawk was designed for the SEALs but somehow lost the contract at the last minute around 1994?
Great info!👍
The SRK is a wonderful heavy woodsmans blade. Great video my friend!!!
Thanks so much my friend 🙂 glad you enjoyed. Love the SRK so much
Awesome review mate great content on this channel
Thanks my friend🙂
I have the Srk c piggy backed on my Kershaw camp 10 and is a great combo with a silky gomboy saw all mounted on the kershaw camp 10 sheath in a Baltric carry the can do almost everything set up . Great video I’m thinking about getting the full size now
These are great knives 🙂👍just don’t throw them my friend. I’m a knife thrower so I was a little struck that I was able to make the handle loose so easily but if you’re just cutting things it’s a great blade.
Nice video. Awesome knife. I have one in San Mai and another in CPM-3V. I think I might get one in SK5 and put it through it’s paces
The SRK is great!
Love this knife, I'm going camping this weekend traveling from Canada to the US. Do you happen to know the rules of bringing a camping knife across the border by car?
Not right off, but let me check on that👍
@@411Outdoors I had no issues crossing the border with my SRK and mini Milwaukee folding pocket knife.
Good knife for a reverse grip for a companion piece with a tomahawk.
💯👍
Nice review, this knife really seems to be strong and useful.
Now I know exactly what I want to buy.
Between SK-5 and CPM 3V steels, I aske me what's the strongest...
I believe 3V is way up there
Keep em comin great video! Subscribed
Thank you!
Nice vídeo my friend, Great knife. Best Regards from Portugal.
Thanks my friend!
Nice relaxing review to watch thanks!
Glad to be of service!🙂
I just recently discovered your channel could you do or did you do a review on your favorite knife and not a thrower for bushcraft type stuff just curious thanks
Absolutely my friend thank you for the idea!
with the provided sheath can you horizontal carry it? or do you need another sheath to accomplish that? thanks.
I’m thinking that you could take the belt loop off of it and mount a tech lock to it somehow
@@411Outdoors thanks I'll have to look into it
I think the premium model is in 3V steel.
I will have to check that out. Such a great blade!
Kobun is a much better value due to the AUS8 as opposed to SK-5 steel
It holds up better under pressure too
@@411Outdoors Love the Kobun. I know you do too!
Excellent knife.
Awesome blade the srk c is also a great knife
I really like that as well 👍👍 May even pick one up soon
Excellent review ❗ thanks 🏆 lot of blade for the buck 💯
I appreciate it! Glad you enjoyed 👍🙂
Does it have a 90 degree spine?
It does very sharp
I thought of that same scene before you mentioned it lol
I just can't believe it's 65 hrc. Maybe 60, that's a good hardness for this steel. But 65? If it snapped the pieces would come off there at 300 mph and impale anything they hit.
These are great knives, but they have a terrible weakness when it comes to chopping. I saw a test with one where the handle loosened on the chop
I’m waiting to get the CPM-3V version.
I’m definitely wanting to check out the higher end versions of this for sure
Can you recommend a pocket or belt clip?
Absolutely 👍check out discreetcarryconcepts.com
I really don't think BUD'S training to become SEALS uses this SRK of SK5 2day. They used the old SRK AUS-8 SRK knive 20 yrs ago. Why would they use a high carbon steel in marine salt water use?
Good point 👍👍
Yep! Mine's coming.
Enjoy!
awesome video!
Thanks bro! 🙂👊
Cool videos… but do you really need knife for self defence???
Fair question 👍. I just think it’s one of many options. It comes down to what you’re able to be effective and responsible with. I’ve seen it neutralize without ever even needling to be used. Men fear the blade.
If you’re being attacked with a blade.. gotta figure that having a better blade and skill than the other guy will work out for you. Just like a gun… you never need one.. until you need one. I personally like knives for the bushcraft/survival purposes. It’s more of a tool for me but it can and Will definitely save your life in a combat situation.
Good review and good video.
I appreciate it! Glad you enjoyed 🙂👍
I just ordered my 1st SRK. I’m excited 😂
Very cool! Try to stay away from chopping and throwing
@@411Outdoors Good advice.. what do you recommend for chopping? I was thinking one of the ESEE’s but curious what you would recommend
Threw mine a few times, I did notice the handle getting loose.. any way to fix that?
I’m actually going to be doing a video on this pretty soon stay tuned🙂👍
@@411Outdoors perfect! I'll keep an eye out 😀
I returned my 3v SRK, the rubber handle was loose and gapped where the blade met the handle. That was unacceptable to me.
I don’t blame you. I recently did a follow up video on this talking about the handles.
@@411Outdoors Thanks for the response. No matter how many knives I buy, I always end up with a seal pup elite iwb and a mora 2/0 or eldris around my neck.
Midway USA has San mai SRK for $80 with free shipping
That is a great tip!
@@411Outdoors you said you wanted one in the video last year so I thought I’d send you a note
get the 3v version. It's 100$ less than other 3v knives!
That’s awesome. Thanks for the info
Can it handle batoning?
Yes but I would avoid heavy chopping
Srk is not made for Batononing. The most break doing that.
Yeah, I’ve been through a lot of learning curves with the SRK and it definitely is not built for a lot of stuff. It’s a cool looking knife and comfortable in hand, but has a narrow scope.
is this legal in california
It wouldn’t be legal to conceal carry. I would think that it’s legal to own but you may want to check your state. California don’t like long blades. Open carry laws are a little less restricted but I would still check Cali knife laws.
Good review. As far as bushcraft is concerned I personally prefer 4 inches without a finger guard. I’m sure it’s a great combat knife!
Right on bro 👍👍 this seems to be a good alternative to the strong arm. I want to get me another Gerber strong arm but the price just keep skyrocketing
Oh, don’t I know it. Looking at a White River but can’t bring myself to pull the trigger. Yet. Lol
I got the 3V version!!!
Sweet! That thing is awesome
To anyone thinking about a survival knife……cold steel is your best option!
They are def my fav!
I got mine in 3V
Sweet!
@@411Outdoors it so freakin is bro.
I got cut by the plastic not the knife. 🤣
Haha! It’s so hard to open! I was like 🤪
Single most overrated budget "survival" knife in the community. Cold Steel in general has sunken ever since it was sold. You can get a Becker for the price of two of these and it's 5 times the knife.
I have to say I agree. I did a follow up review on this knife and discovered the true volatility of its handle as well as other things.
@@411Outdoors I actually saw it and was amazed someone else had more or less the same opinion. I dig your channel man.