Is the Cold Steel SRK a Bushcraft Knife?
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 28 апр 2023
- Cold Steel SRK (Survival Rescue Knife)
Made in Taiwan
The Cold Steel SRK (Survival Rescue Knife) was designed specifically with this in mind. A popular knife with Military and Tactical Law Enforcement Personnel, the SRK is the standard issue knife of the Navy SEALS for their BUDS - or Basic Underwater Demolition training - the SRK has proved its worth time and time again in the most demanding environments. Whatever the mission, we're confident that the SRK is the knife for you!
SPECIFICATIONS
Overall Length: 10-3/4" /273mm
Blade Thickness: 5mm
Blade Length: 6" / 152.6mm
Handle Length 4-3/4" / 120.6mm
Weight: 8.2oz / 232.5g
Steel: SK-5w/ Black Tuff-Ex™ Finish
Handle Material: Kray-Ex™ (kraton)
Sheath Secure-Ex® (fiberglass), ambidextrous
I carried a Carbon V coated SRK as an infantry sniper throughout the 90s. It still gets used. Would definitely trust my life to it. I have many many Cold Steel knives, swords, tomahawks, spears, throwing knives/stars and many other items. Have been using their stuff since they started.
Than you for your service. Cold steel has always made good products. Users just need to remember what they are designed to do. Thanks for commenting
😂 ok, stolen valour.
@@CadillacDriverproof?
@@stefthorman8548
Hahahahaha.
"Proof?"🤣
Certainly:
Have a close look at the percentage of people who claim to be (or have been) Marines or servicemen, and you'll find it's hugely disproportionate to reality.
Marines and servicemen don't come on to RUclips (🤣🤣) and tell the world what they are. You must be 12.
Never watched Cpl. Shawn Kelly here on YT I see.😂
I have one and I have come to the conclusion that he SRK will do what you ask, it might not do everything you ask with perfection but it will do it good enough.
Yes, that is one way of looking at it. A generalist type of knife. Thanks for commenting
That would explain some things. I bought an SRK when they were first introduced. I gave that knife to my son when he enlisted. I bought myself a new one a year or so later, and my new one has a different feel than I remembered. It's not just because my original SRK came with a nylon sheath.
It's a good best-at-none+jack-of-all blade. It doesn't have good geometry for bushcraft/woodworking tasks. You can make due with it need be and it will work, but not comfortably/easily. It's a decent survival knife, especially the CarbonV, AUS-8, and CPM-3V models, and a better combat tool.
The newest budget SK5 steel version is awful in comparison, the steel is hardened too high rockwell which makes the blade brittle (especially in cold temperatures), and the hollow grind makes the tip much weaker.
~ Ten years ago (2013) I bought Japanese
made SRK AUS 8a (literature said "a" means a special tempering process).
This knife, although not designed as a bush craft knife, has proven itself for all typical backpack camping tasks - battoning - various game food preparation tasks - everything. So I can recommend the flat sabre grind model Jap. SRK as a do all "survival knife".
Maybe there's a retailer out there who still has one in stock.
'Cleaver' at Margate, Queensland
Australia sold many of that model.
Early 2023 two New Zealand guys posted a video on You-Tube showing brutal attempted destruction of the Jap model SRK,
same as mine.
They failed to break the very tough steel.
Good edge holder, easy touch up,
great knife. If you buy one, do what I did, make a leather sheath.
Your "rant" about the use of survival either for a knife or a situation was a breath of fresh air.
Thank you for that.
Most welcome. Thanks for commenting
The SRK does not excell at any one thing but does about anything you need it to well enough. I've had one for about 5 years and it is a good all around performer.
Especially for the price. Thanks for commenting
Yes. The versatility combined with the price has made this a go to knife for my emergency kits and in the vehicle. Affordable enough to spread a few of them around and useful enough to be happy that it’s there.
Cold Steel should produce an SRK with a Scandi Grind for peacetime/bushcraft purposes. Call it the SRK Peacemaker.
That would be an interesting design worth looking at. Thanks for commenting
@@MarkYoungBushcraft How about a flat grind and slightly wider tip in CPM-3V?
Or SBK. Survival & Bushcraft Knife.
I’d be happy if they just brought back the original saber grind.
Thanks Mark for reviewing this ever popular yet somewhat enigmatic blade! Your overall asessment of the SRK is quite accurate, reasonable and fair. With so many iterations and changes made over the past decades since it's inception, it would be difficult for anyone to adequately describe this blade without listing the pros and cons of each type, as they all differ so much from each other. The tips of the early Carbon V models were so much thicker/stouter than those on any of the current models that it would almost seem like a different knife altogether. This, and a number of other significant differences in the subsequent models such as steel types, blade grinds, country of manufacture, handle designs, etc., add to further complicate and hamper any attempt at adequate categorization.
You rightly asserted that Cold Steel does indeed know how to make good knives (and other tools as well), yet the knife community at large seems perpetually reluctant to give them the high praise that they are due - perhap because there may be a bias against knives that aren't custom made ("knife snobbery"?), or perhaps because C.S. makes more than just knives, and some of those items are sourced from around the world in places like Taiwan and Africa? I don't know - I can only speculate. But I do know that I have had, and continue to have great success with many of their products for decades now, and am very pleased with their stuff, having tested them from my garage/backyard, the "back 40" and all the way to far north of 40 - with 0 failure! I have used several iterations of SRK's over the past few decades (grossly abusing at least one version - again with 0 failure) and would gladly carry my laminated stainless VG-1 San Mai 3, gen 1 model to the ends of the earth and back - it's that trustworthy! (that particular model has sadly been discontinued; It's longer ricasso not only makes a great makeshift finger choil for finer wood carving tasks, but the bottom of it can also double as another place to scrape a ferro rod).
BTW, CS's insanely popular Trail Hawk, properly modded, is also a truly practical and quality piece of kit that has a very high cutting performance to weight/space ratio, allowing one to justify carrying it in the backcountry instead of a full size axe in all but the coldest of weather conditions and in milder seasons on extended wilderness trips, weighing in at only around 24 ounces/680 grams, handle included. And if one chooses to leave the handle at home and haft one in the bush instead, as I regularly do for additional weight/space savings, they will only be carrying about a mere 16 oz/453.5 grams, axe mask included! The differential heat treat on the bit and poll also adds to the quality and reliability of this fully viable yet very affordable survival hawk. But I digress.
Yes Mark, you are absolutely correct in acknowledging the fact that the SRK is most certainly NOT a great bushcraft blade. It, of course, was never designed or marketed as one. Mine, with it's hollow/Sabre ground stainless laminated blade, square 90 degree spine, sharp swedge, large ricasso and fine point, does a remarkably good job at many bushcraft tasks, as you've duly mentioned ($170+ USD at the time).There certainly are many other Manufacturers out there that DO make some fine bushcraft blades. I own and enjoy using several inexpensive yet quality Moras, and, like many folks, almost drool over some of those magnificent and remarkably well made/designed bushcraft beauties from Adventure Sworn, L.T. Wright, Casstrom, Bark River, Karesuando, Bradford, TBS and Helle - just to name a few - and hope to someday own one. But as a trustworthy, primary, mid-size (5"-7.5"), all around general purpose multi tasker of high quality that can be properly paired with one of those previously mentioned "companion" bushcraft knives of smaller size, it's tough to beat the venerable SRK. As a side note, Iv'e also noticed that the Baird brothers from the Magnetawan region of Ontario (winners of ALONE season 4) regularly use CS knives and axes on many of their wilderness supertrips.
Thanks again for reviewing the SRK - my all time favorite blade, and my #1 choice if I had to carry only one. Thankfully we don't have to, as the "one tool option" is really just a myth anyway. ATVB 🙂
Thank you for your insightful comments on Col Steel. They have some great knives and axes. One I would like to have is the Master Hunter. Maybe someday
Great post. I'd still have my Trail Master instead of the Trail Hawk, but that's just personal preference.
@@dennisleighton2812 A truly fine knife choice. I too have a Trailmaster (in VG-1 San Mai 3) but sadly have used it very little despite it being touted by CS in one of their "proof" series videos as being "possibly the world's finest wilderness Bowie" (paraphrased).
I've actually been recently considering selling it (Ya, I know, I must be nuts🤦♂) simply because it just doesn't get used often enough to justify keeping it around year after year, merely to look at, admire, and only occasionally take along to the woods. I honestly would rather see someone who really wants it badly end up with it than having it just sitting around, looking pretty, collecting dust and seldom getting used. IMO, all but the rarest of collectors pieces, especially ones of this quality and usefullness should ever be lifelessly stuck behind the glass of some display showcase, never seeing any practical use anywhere. Just my opinion though.
Despite it's somewhat hefty yet reasonable 18 oz. weight, one would actually be saving a noticeable amount of overall pack weight by choosing to take this fine survival blade afield - using it as both their wood processing "chopper" and their primary survival tool, coupled with a lightweight companion blade like, say a Mora, Esee Izula or something similar for more intricate work/smaller camp tasks - rather than choosing, as I have, the overall heavier trio of the mid size SRK (8.2 oz.), Trail Hawk head (1 lb, head only) and the smaller Mora 711 Allround companion blade (4-5 oz.?), thus making the Trailmaster/companion blade duo the overall lighter, preferable "two tool option", from a carry weight perspective.
But If the Trailmaster was chosen, I simply could not justify the added weight of also toting along my beloved, versatile SRK, since I'm stubbornly unwilling to ever leave it at home. Nor am I willing to make the Trailmaster replace the much more compact, slightly lighter and deeper cutting Trail Hawk head (easily rehaftable in the field in about 5 -10 minutes) as my main bladed wood processing/chopping/de-limbing/shelter building tool (actually, my pack saw/s rightfully get the #1 spot as the PRIMARY tool in that category).
And therein lies the sad dilemma, lol. 😢 Choices, choices! Both are great choices, but it ultimately boils down to an individual's particular need for each specific type/location/season of outing and, as you well stated, personal preference.
Thanks Dennis for sharing your opinion on this. I enjoy hearing some of the cool ideas that others have come up with for their own personal gear loadouts and survival kits/systems. ATVB 🐀
@@northwoodsrat6686 🤣😂 Thanks for that! So, I guess we'll just have to agree to differ on that, as is quite all right. We do seem to think very much alike.
Cheers mate!
A fair and thorough review. I've always enjoyed Cold Steel products and probably have a bit of a bias that way myself. I gave one of these to a friend of mine that was going to the jungles of Guatemala as a guide for missionaries and construction charities operating down there. He used it for quite some time said that he found it "big enough to get the job done without being so big as to scare the locals". Apparently that's a problem in that line of work.
Thanks for doing this review for us!
Great story. The CS SRK is still a good knife but maybe not the best for every purpose. Thanks for commenting
I have an older version of this knife... had it for a decade or better.. while it is not my first choice for bushcraft it does make a great winter weather or wet work knife... I also have the sk5 version you were showing and a few years ago when I bought it I paid 38 dollars for it and it was well worth 38 bucks... I also agree with you that whatever knife you have in a survival situation is your survival knife... what matters most is skill.. and luckily enough skill packs very easily.. so get whatever knife you like and get out in the woods and get used to using it... make those fires... carve some spoons... build a few shelters.. and in the end remember that every knife is a trade off in one way or another... so find what works for you...
Well said. Thanks for commenting
Hi Mark,,,,glad you enjoyed using my knife & I fully understand that the use will wear off the blade coating & it not bother me in the least !!
Thanks for your review & your HONEST opinions on it & we shall get chatting again sometime soon.
Take Care Mark.
👋🤝👍
Thanks for commenting Derek
I have one of the original SRK' from back in the 90's. I carried it for several years while in the Army and it was great for that. Since retiring, I only carry it when I'm not sure what I'll be doing, hunting, fishing, bushcraft, or a little of all the above, but I have a Benchmade Nimravus which I much prefer for the unknown trips, but neither will ever replace a bushcraft knife when I know I am going on a bushcraft trip. There is one more thing with the SRK and that is that I never carry it without a smaller backup, usually a 4 inch folder. Great video, verry informative and well though out and laid out.
Thank you for sharing your experiences
Someone on RUclips defined a Suvival Knife as "The one that is with you and is to get you to safety/home" A bushcraft or camping knife is one you take with you out for intentional time in the woods. I have also hear that the SRK was designed to be a Pilots knife. That meant one of the design criteria was to be able to puncture the aluminum skin of a downed aircraft to get out hence the reason for the pointy end but it like the strongarm will do bushcrafting but are not going to be as good as a purpose built knife. Just some stuff I learned about these things.
The definition you gave is pretty much what I said as well, just fewer words. Thanks for commenting
I still own the first saber ground Carbon V SRK I bought in 1987. I still use it. They were made for CS by Cammilus knives. It is dark grey old military "Parkerized " phosphate finish. I use EEZOX to prevent and control rust on all steels , especially 1095CV variants. I have hunted, fished, cut (insert here) batoned , don'e bush craft stuff with it. Will run ferros, won't do flint and steel like a Carbon Steel Mora etc. Survival? Sure. I'm not out there to build fences and raise kids, I'm going to use it to "get back home" and that can include many situations. Great review. Bush craft is about the knowledge and experience of the crafter.
I would very much like to have one of the originals. Thanks for commenting
What a interesting lens flare at 1:30! And as always a very in-depth review. I personally like smaller 4-5" blades that are maybe half as thick for bushcraft purposes, and have a smaller hatchet/small axe for any splitting tasks. Have a great weekend Mark!
I also prefer smaller knives for most tasks and much bigger knives or hatchet for splitting. Thanks for commenting
the SRK has a smaller 5 inch version now
in multiple colors as well
Mark, l love a good hatchet for those jobs too!gg
I just ordered one of these yesterday, the Compact version actually. I've been looking at reviews for months for a good knife to take camping that doesn't cost $100. I kept circling back to this one. Can't wait to get it!
I now have the 3V version (loaned to me) to compare with this version and will make a video at some point. Thanks for commenting
Sir,
This is a well thought out review of a knife. You are a thoughtful humble person. Lots of bushcraft people on YT like to “gatekeep”
It’s refreshing to see this. I’m going to sub
Thank you for your kind words for for subscribing
Fair and honest review as always. I value your thoughts and opinions and enjoy your videos. Stay well and be safe from a friend in Wv, USA
Much appreciated. Thanks for commenting
Thank you for the video. I love the idea of chamfering the top of tent stake and the reasoning for it. The idea is brilliant.
Wish I could take credit for it but it is an old woods skill. Thanks for commenting
Great Video Mark, I completely agree with you where it comes to the difference between a survival knife and a bushcraft knife. My everyday/everywhere belt knife is just an old Bear Grylls Gerber folding lock blade. It was a gift so it's very hard to replace and really I have zero complaints about it. The knife has served me very well. However I would like to have a short fixed blade at some point. Thanks for the information on the SRK Mark, it is appreciated!
@@miamivice1149 It is a signature Bear Grylls Gerber. Grey and orange folding lock blade. It was a set that came with a small pocket clip knife and the 4” belt knife. I think it was given to me in 2014 or 2013 and I think Costco was where it was purchased. It appears in some of my videos over on my channel. I lost the pocket knife while hunting in 2016 and have been carrying the belt knife everyday ever since. It doesn’t owe me a thing, has been a good knife for long time.
There a number of high value budget bushcraft knives out there. I have reviewed a few with more to come. Thanks for commenting
I use the SRK quite a lot. It has never failed me. I recently upgraded to the CPM-3V version found the better material makes a big difference especially in edge retention. The Finnish knife you mentioned looks like a winner. Look forward to the review. Oh, you may want to check out Knives of Alaska. I have one of their hunter hatchets. Great piece of kit.
I will be sure to check out Knives of Alaska. Thanks for commenting
I have the SRK CPM -3V all black very excellent knife.
I also have the excellent 3V version, which is a sabre grind.
Great review, I just picked one up in 3V steel, it came extremely sharp and has held up quite well.
I am testing a 3V version now and will be comparing it with the original. Much nicer. Thanks for commenting
I still have the SRK I bought in 2004 at the PX in Camp Victory, Baghdad - like you mentioned, I'm quite sure it was packaged as the "SRK - SEARCH and Rescue Knife", is a Carbon V blackened blade with a saber grind. One of my favorite knives.
I would love to have one of the originals. Thanks for commenting
I bought one at the PX right before heading to Iraq in 2006. Was at victory for a few months doing ECP rotation. Mine says Japan on one side of the blade. It's my motorcycle camping knife now.
Thanks for the video!
What a solid quality review! Aside from the review itself it also contains good advice on bushcraft skills such as making feathersticks. Excellent. I own this knife and agree with everything said here, although I am not as experienced at all in the knife field, especially the very good value-for-money this knife offers.
Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for commenting
Subbed. I have an SRK-C. Got it for my first hunting trip. Great video, and I look forward to watching more of your videos.
I am sure you will like it. Thanks for commenting
Great video, just got this knife because its so good for the money. Subbed and liked!
It is a great value for sure. Thanks for commenting
Very in depth review. Thank you for sharing your experiences. The SK5 is a very strong knife.
Yes, I agree. As long as the tip is not forced to hard. Thanks for commenting
An honest and thoughtful review. I have the compact model, I picked up on sale, but haven't used it extensively enough to draw any conclusions.
The SRK-C looks like a great knife, just a bit smaller overall from the full size. Thanks for commenting
Sabre grind too👍
Great review Mark. I have a few Cold Steel products and they are all good. Probably the Trail Hawk is my favorite tomahawk with a lot of modifications. I prefer ESEE or Tops knives. Thanks for the review.
ESEE and Tops are great but more expensive of course. Thanks for commenting
Well done, I want to go and rough it. You mentioned 'hollow grind'. While preparing to go into the northern wilderness for a three month stay I chose a hollow grind. Most tasks were cutting camp rope and at dinner. Probably the most important use of the bushknife in the Canadian Wilderness is to gut and prepare fish, seemingly ignored in bush craft videos. This is where a slighter shorter knife with a little less depth and a hollow ground for slicing is most serviceable. That said the very thin hollow ground will chip if mistreated and I would not pound on one. In a survival situation the knife would become much to important to abuse. Of course at the back of the mind is the last stand prospect facing one of our more dangerous forest creatures. The choice of knife for such a situation is open to wide and wild conjecture. As far as feathering goes... a smoker carries his own fire. But that's another story. Thanks for the video.
I wanted to like this knife but for me the hollow grind and thin tip were deal breakers. Would not take much to improve it though. Thanks for commenting
A shorter, lighter knife with less depth and hollow grind..... Well that's my favorite, 105 Pathfinder
Great video. Learned a lot.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting
this was a great video. incredibly informative and well worded. Thank you
Most welcome. Thanks for commenting
Sensible talk. Revealing demonstrations. Very useful. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting
I totally agree with you Mark in your analysis.
I purchased two of them at Canadian Tire for $73.00 + tax.
I am ex- Canadian military now entering into the bushcraft world and I have found that this knife the SRK appeals to both sides of my fancy.
I am very rough with my units- throwing it at trees, I've dropped it from heights a couple times in its sheath of course and no damages have occurred.
I guess I like it & treat it rough because I have another one in the box still.
The first one is still going strong for now though.
I feel the sheath may wear out or break first honestly.
My only real concern with the SRK is tip strength. Appears a bit too thin for a combat or survival knife. Thanks for commenting
I'm new to this hobby and greatly appreciated your demos. Wish more reviews did this. Learned lots. Ever consider teaching or ranger work at a campground? Thanks.
Glad you found it helpful. This is a hobby for me but I will teach if asked. Thanks for commenting
I don't think it matters what anyone thinks a knife is or isn't. What matters is what the person who carries it and uses it thinks of it.
Your confidence in your knife is important as you say. Thanks for commenting
I bought a Cold Steele Master Hunter back in the mid 90's. Its my only knife by them but it had been a dependable knife that is easy to sharpen and maintains an edge very well. I have several "better" knives but this old master hunter is the best knife I have ever used. Best being, indestructible, sharp and tough. It is carbon so it needs a bit of care but it has been a dandy. If all of their products are this good, its no wonder the Seals chose one of these.
I really like th CS Master Hunter. Thanks for commenting
Thanks for the videos, the cold steel dropped forged survivalist knife is a full metal handle it has the same material sheath and it locks in perfectly it must be the the rubber as you mentioned, i just bought one of these because i feel the survivalists is abit heavy and big for my purposes so i thought this looked like a great knife for outdoor use.
There is a lot to like about the SRK. Thanks for commenting
I have both the Dropped Forge Survivalist in 52100 and the SRK in SK5. What can I say, I love both. Combine those with a Mora Bushcraft und you have all the correct sizes and cutting/chopping abilities needed. One could argue that the Finnish scandi blade mentioned - the Terävä Jääkäripuukko 140 - could cover most grounds (while the Survivalist is much larger and heftier), it couldn't cover the available redundancy the 3 knives setup delivers. For even harder use I have the Terävä Skrama 240.
It's interesting that you mentioned a bush craft knife being "shorter". I very often associate bush craft work with clubbing / battoning a knife through medium size wood to get smaller diameter cuts for feathering, fires, stakes, etc... and that is extremely difficult with a shorter bladed knife. Great point about the lighter pine or fatwood at the base of banches. The best ones being branches or stumps that the tree has already naturally started to choke off like previously damaged or diseased lower branches or split base multitrunk trees. Good content and i like your approach to teaching and filming! Subscribed.
I believe the definition of what a bushcraft is can vary by how a person uses it. For me, a bushcraft knife is mostly for crafting and carving. I do like using larger knives for splitting wood as an option to a hatchet but I think of them more as survival knives. Thank you for subscribing. I appreciate you kind words of support
Greetings. Great review of the subject., your use of the knife sealed the deal for me and well spoken, I feel like I am back in school.
New subscriber, here.
Thank you for your kind words and subscribing
I picked up an SRK in CPM 3V and it has a flat grind. The swedge is surprisingly sharp! Not enough to cut your skin but sharp none the less. That was a surprise and I'm not sure a benefit unless I have to fight a Squatch! This thing is a beast and it's my all around camp / survival knife. I added a ferro rod and ESEE Pouch to the sheath with a fire kit. Fits just fine. I never have less than three knives with me when I'm out and about, one of those is a dedicated bushcraft knife however, the SRK is what's on my belt now and I rarely ever find a need for the bushcraft knife. The SRK does everything I need excellently. This knife is a keeper! 😉
I have just been loaned a SRK in 3V and will be making a comparison video of the two knives. I like the 3V version a lot more
@@MarkYoungBushcraft - I’ll be very interested in seeing your review! 👍🏼
I ordered mine last night. For 50USD I’m really looking forward to trying it. Great vid!
Good choice! Thanks for commenting
Good and interesting discussion. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for commenting
I got one not long back, I prefer it over the standard version. The black coating water rolls off so I question what it is, but I can't recall the standard version having the same finish.
Thanks for the video, very informative.
*Update edit*
The handle on mine and grind is different than yours, I think mine might be a newer revision.
I understand now there are different grinds based on the steel chosen. Thanks for commenting
Great show and thanks for the info 👍👍👍👏👏👏👏💯💯💯💯👍
Thanks for commenting
Great Demo & Thoughts Shared Here, Many Thanks Mark ! ATB T God Bless
Thanks for commenting Terry
Seems like a good combat knife. But good to know you could do some bush crafting. Loved the review :)
Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for commenting
The SRK CarbonV I have had since 2002 is 1055 carbon steel. I had it through multiple combat deployments. Never came out of the shealth accidentally and kept the edge well. The newer SRKs are 1095 high carbon steel unless othwise specified. (As far as I know.) Thanks for the video.
Always wondered what the Carbon V actually was. Thanks for commenting
You're mistaken. The original CarbonV is 1095CV steel, it was created/patented by Sharon Steel, and when Sharon went under Cold Steel bought the last remaining ingots they produced and dubbed it CarbonV. This steel was expertly heat treated and hardened to a slightly lower Rockwell than 1095cv is normally giving the blades more toughness. In fact the very first run of SRK's were made with an even older slightly different Sharon Steel batch of 1095CVN(with a little nickel added.. to add edge retention and wear resistance).
The newest hollow grind model uses SK5 steel, and is far inferior.
@@Butch_Deezlsteak No idea why Sharon S went under. I've got an original SRK carbonV and it's extremely tough. The steel takes longer to sharpen than my other 1095CV I've used, and holds a better edge too. Put it through hell over a few decades and it's still combat worthy.
That is the best detailed review I saw for the knife, could you please do similar for RAT3/RAT5 knives?
I would love to if I can justify the purchase. Thanks for commenting
Thank you for your opinion. You asked for thoughts.
1. the skill is in the person, not the tool.
2. the application(s) are an important consideration.
Your evaluation is spot on.
I was a knife dealer, have purchased used knives and modified the knives and sheaths. Trained in folder, fixed blade, kukuri knife fighting, sword fighting and been to many places in the world.
Most people have no idea of how to maintain a knife or have any skills bushcrafting with a knife or fighting. When you take a farm boy in Scandanavia with a $15 Mora knife and he can survive outdoors, that is what is critical. The steel, grind, handles are meaningless.
If you want a cross-over between combat and a bushcraft knife, I will give you one: The Peltonen which is a pukko knife on steroids that has been adopted by the militaries of Finland and Estonia. One is sitting is a simple leather sheath next to the computer. I dug up the sheath from a pile of spare sheaths because it had better retention. It is a last ditch knife in the home office.
Many years ago, Falkniven made the SRK for Cold Steel. Cold steel has no factory. Its business location was about 5 miles from my dad's house in CA. The owner simply had other companies make knives to his specifications. Eventually, the two companies went their own ways. If you want the Cold Steel SRK upgraded to be a cross over combat knife, you buy the Falkniven A1 knife. I have two units. I simply received below dealer price on them, so why not buy them.
If a person asks me what's a good knife, I ask the following questions which are not normally asked in the sporting goods store or on youtube:
1. the real user;
2. the primary and secondary applications;
3. with reference to the real or primary user:
age
medical disabilities
right or left handed
preference for location on body if it is be in a sheath
A mentor was a paratrooper. He wanted a combat knife to carry on his pack. His girlfriend is/was physically out of shape, probably never camped in her life. He had a combat pack for her and wanted the same set up. My recommendation of a Ontario Old Hickory butcher knife in a $12 Ka-bar sheath was rejected. He wanted a different grind on a Glock field/combat knife and I recommended a Spec Ops sheath that he could modify so that the Glock knife would not rattle and could be hung upside down.
Lots of good information. Thanks for sharing
Thanks for the tip about Fällkniven.
Survival knife - one of the best descriptions I've yet come across! One does not PLAN to get into a situation where you only have one knife available at any time! One finds oneself there when the PLAN goes belly up for some inexplicable reason. The better one prepares (ref Lord Baden Powell of Boy Scouts fame), the less likely one is to find oneself there! So, plan better and you won't be so deep in the smelly stuff when it hits the fan!
Having said that how would I prepare for the outdoors?
I notice you talk about having an axe and a saw, plus a knife. That's quite a bit of weight, and I would immediately dump the axe, as I believe that with a saw (Silky Gomboy or Bigboy depending), an axe is superfluous.
This frees up weight that I'd invest in my knife choices.
Firstly, I agree with you about a large knife - here I have a Cold Steel Trail Master San Mai III, which will do the heavy duty camp chores and wood processing, together with the saw. This I would possibly carry in my pack, or attached to it. Sometimes on my belt. Circumstances would dictate.
Note: instead of an axe I would use wooden wedges for splitting bigger rounds down.
Then the CS SRK would be my choice of belt knife. This video explains why very well.
Also, I would always carry a multitool. This would depend largely if I anticipate the need for a pliers. If so, I'd choose a Leatherman. If not, I'd choose a Victorinox (probably a Ranger Grip 79).
If I was intending to do some woodcrafting practice or feathersticking I'd definitely take a Scandigrind knife (like a Mora Bushcraft Black or similar). If I were not going to do that I'd have a smaller utility knife (like an ESEE Izula 2), possibly as a neck knife.
I'd enjoy hearing your comment.
Great choices in cutting tools. For me, if I was looking to minimize the number of tools (and weight) I would go with a large knife like the Trail Master along with a knife smaller than the SRK. Maybe the Bushcraft Black. Plus a saw. The Victorinox or Leatherman are great addition giving you tools the others do not. I have a video coming about my top three Mora knives for bushcraft. Thanks for commenting
@@MarkYoungBushcraft Ah, but therein lies the flaw in your thinking. Why reduce the number of knives you have, just for the sake of having fewer? Eventually you'll go down the rabbit hole of "one knife option", and in that lies madness, because there is NO such thing! Thanks for replying.
Cheers mate!
Buena revisión. Muy buen cuchillo. Tiene un nuevo suscriptor. Saludos desde Uruguay
Glad you liked the video. Thank you for subscribing
Mine cost $38 in the U.S. Free shipping. Excellent video. Yes the tip is too narrow.
My knife snaps into the case VERY firmly. I would prefer it to be about 5 inches. But great knife! Love the handle material.
The price is right on these knives. I would consider the SRK-C except it is reported to have a smaller overall handle and I have XL hands. Thanks for commenting
Very good video. Love from India.
Thanks for commenting
Ordered one based on this review and some of the comments. Hope it's as good as they say (at least for light outdoors / camping, etc.).
I am sure you will enjoy it. Thanks for commenting
Does it rat tail like the kbar? Is it full tang(that is up to the lanyard hole)? Thanks for pointing out the sharpness of the top of the knife, that was also a point I was looking for
The CS SRK does not have a full tang; however it is very close to the end and does include the lanyard hole. Thanks for commenting
I've got a couple SRKs as well as a few of the compact version. Not really meant for bushcraft but they do decent enough.
The normal size i dont mind beating on due to its thickness and my experience with Cold Steel knives and the heat treatment they get. I wouldn't use it to pry with unless it really was survival knowing that I might break the tip.
The compact version is shorter, a fair bit thinner and way better for slicing so its found a home on chest rigs I use for hiking and fishing, nicer length for woodwork around the campfire too but I dont push it hard or abuse it because of its thinner blade.
In the States I've found both for $35-40 on a regular enough basis, probably why I'm less hesitant to work them harder than more expensive blades.
Good information. I don't have the compact but I have been loaned the full size in 3V steel. It is a much better knife overall. Much more expensive as well. I plan to do a comparison at some point. Thanks for commenting
i would like to see a video on your thoughts on the cold steel drop forged survivalist
If I can justify the cost I would love to. Thanks for commenting
Hi, Mark.
SRK is a good knife. Or should I say a good enough of a knife to be thrown in most situations and pull through with good results. When I first bought it I had same initial concerns not unlike your own. That hollow grind was on top of them. Overtime the knife held up, of course I did not push it through some silly tasks nor abused it. I like it so much I bought one for my son. He did abused it a little more than I did which is a typicak case. It survived my son's use as well. Little better than good enough I'd say. Coldsteel makes other versions of SRK that comes with true savor grind but it is in a different price bracket and kinds hard to come by. Wouldn't mine getting my hands on it thought. Thanks for the good honest review as always, Mark.
I am okay with the hollow grind. It is tip strength that is my true concern. Thanks for commenting
People get too hung up in terminoligy. Whatever knife you have on your hip or in your pocket is your survival/bushcraft/fighting/ whatever you want too call it knife. Buy whatever you like and learn how to use it. Great review.
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for commenting
In case anyone else is considering buying one of these I must share my experience. I purchased the San Mai version of the SRK about six months ago. I love the knife, especially the blade. But the sheath left me wondering why they even bothered making and including it. I understand this knife is intended to be used and therefor, as shown in the video, it will become scuffed with use. But I didn't expect the sheath to create scuffs on the blade by sheathing and drawing. After about two weeks of drawing and resheathing the knife--kind of a fidget habit--I noticed scuffs about an inch from the tip of the blade. Also, the plastic sheath pinches on the rubberized handle to create the retention. This wears the knife's handle severely.
All in all, if you are buying the SRK as a beautiful addition to your knife collection, make sure you chuck the sheath into a cardboard box in your closet and forget it eternally. It will damage the knife. If you have no problem with these scuffs on your blade or scraping and wearing of the handle, maybe intending on putting this knife through paces and uses, then by all means use the sheath. It is functional. Since I hoped to add this knife as a collection piece, I immediately stopped using their sheath and purchased a simple leather sheath which is worked perfectly ever since.
Yes, one of the ways CS keeps the price down is to use less expensive sheaths. The fiberglass reinforced nylon can not only scratch blades but dull the edge as well. Thanks for commenting
Bought one in 2008 took it to Iraq and used it for about 6 weeks and broke the tip off cutting a plastic flex cuff. very sharp and held its edge but the tip is very brittle.
Thanks you for your service. The fragile tip is my only real complaint with this knife. Thanks for commenting
how is the brittleness of cold steel compared to something like d2 which gets less fatigue and chips?
I do not have the SRK in D2 but my experience with other knives in D2 is that it depends on the quality, design and especially the heat treatment. The SRK in SK5 (SK85) will take more hard use than a knife made with D2 that is poorly heat treated. Thanks for commenting
I've paired mine with a Garberg stainless, and thrown them both in the glove box.
Neither of them are my go to knives but its good to know they're there.
Tough, do all knives. Thanks for commenting
Good review Mark , thanks for sharing , God bless !
Thanks. You Too
I bought one just like the one you are reviewing a year or so ago but never really warmed up to it. It's just "okay" in my book.
Great review, btw.
I agree. I ended up buying this one from the owner but it sits on a shelf. I just reviewed the Demko Freereign and love it a whole lot more. Thanks for commenting
👏👏👏👏👏Best regards from Portugal 🇵🇹💪
Hello and Thanks for commenting
The new CPM3v srk-c would likely fit the description of your preferences.
Just finished testing the full size SRK in 3V. Review coming soon. I am considering the SRK-C. Thanks for commenting
The smaller version of this knife, the SRK-C, actually has a saber grind. No concavity to the bevels at all. And that's the grind I absolutely prefer. The Compact is also super handy, quite lightweight, and MidwayUSA has the orange handle variants on sale for $24 right now, which is a phenomenal deal. I ordered one last night and even with the domestic shipping and Uncle Sam's extortion it was barely thirty bucks.
They really should return to the original branding with these; make the S in SRK stand for Search instead of Survival.
I am testing the 3V version of the full size knife loaned to me by a friend. It has the sabre grind as well. So much better a knife. Thanks for commenting
Great knife.
Thanks for commenting
I believe you're wrong about the SRK originally having an uncoated blade. In the early 90s, a friend of mine showed me his all-black SRK, in Carbon V. I remember it clearly, as it was the knife that turned me into a knife addict. 😅 I bought my own SRK a few years later, and still have it under the seat of my truck. It's black-coated Carbon V. You may have seen an early San Mai version of the knife, with an uncoated blade.
Yes, I may be wrong. Thanks for commenting
I also see hunting and meat processing capabilities and even in the winter vehicle survival kit. It tasks well.
Yes, I can see that. Thanks for commenting
Great video!
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for commenting
I have the SRK-C It is my EDC belt knife, left/weak hand, butt forward scout carry. It doubles as my camp knife,it is lighter/weaker than the full sizebut it works for everything I use it for.
I also EDC a 3.5 in. dbl. bladed trapper AND an old Wenger Commander, for heavy wood chopping such I have an 18" bolo machete that I try not to carry... its in my Subie..
Great combination. Thanks for commenting
I had the opportunity to get an SRK in AUS-8 back in 2012 but got the CS leatherneck instead as it was basically a more beefy version of the Ka-bar. The leatherneck has served me well, but in hindsight, the SRK may have been a better option.
AUS-8 is a great steel for this type of knife. Thanks for commenting
"Using a baton to beaver chew"
For over a decade I have been convinced that I was the only person in the world who understood this technique.
So much more efficient. Thanks for commenting
Ha same for me.
Done right with a stout blade you can do a tree nearly twice as thick as the blade is long without much difficulty (just a lot of time)
Got a lot of "oohhhs and ahhhs" when we didn't have the saw with us
I have CPM-3V version it’s awesome. The 3V version is Sabre grind.
Good to know. Thanks for commenting
can you do the recon tanto too? in the same wonderful review style
You may want to watch my review of the Demko Freereign. Thanks for commenting
I put a convex edge on mine and it made a world of difference.
I have done that with other knives and it really improves performance and edge durability. Thanks for commenting
I have the SRK Compact
Shorter and thinner with a sabre grind
A very nimble knife
Light enough to do fine work like feather sticks
Heavy enough to process wood and baton
Spent plenty of time reprofiling in to a convex edge
I really like this as a lighter weight field knife that will do everything I need
ie this is yes a bushcraft knife
And at $35 the price is criminally insane
It shames so many knives
I considered buying the SRK-C. I watched a few reviews and it is described as having a smaller overall handle. I have XL hands so decided against it. Thanks for commenting
@@MarkYoungBushcraft
I wear large gloves
and the handle is just right and comfortable
First, nice review.
Second, I don't own an SRK.
Third, I don't practice "bushcraft" as such.
It's my impression that the SRK is designed as a general purpose utility knife, regardless of the name. As such, it seems well designed. I've read at least one hunter's comments that it works well for dressing elk and deer. You demonstrated that it can work for processing wood, etc... I've no doubts that it would open packaging & cans and cut rope, etc.
It seems to me to be quite a reasonable "survival knife": the sort of knife one packs or carries "just in case". It's down side there is its weight. While a day hiker, camper, backcountry skier may not want to pack an axe or large knife, the SRK may fit into a light pack fairly well.
I typically carry a smaller knife, and have started to think that the 5-7" knife is neither small enough for convenience nor large enough for heavy work. Nevertheless, woodsmen have been using re-purposed military knives like the SRK for decades. I knew a WW2 vet who used his old service knife every year in deer camp for everything from slicing spuds to dressing his deer.
Lastly....I find Scandi grind knives a pain to sharpen, especially if I get a chip in the edge. A hollow-grind knife is the easiest type to sharpen, especially in the field. So, while not not favorite grind, it does make a good bit of sense for use in the backwoods.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. My favourite overall knife grind is a sabre. Still slices well, still easy to sharpen. Still plenty strong for all outdoor tasks.
A question could be, do you want a knife that can perform combat duties and also pass as a Bushcraft knife. Or a Bushcraft knife that can't pass as a combat knife.
I have this knife and it fits my hands well. Thanks for the review.
That is a good way of looking at it. Thanks for commenting
Which knife for bushcraft/survival?
SRK, SR1 lite or Joker Lynx?
Thanks for commenting
It might not be a survival knife, it might not be a bushcraft knife, but I still carry it on me everywhere. I was looking for a knife that I would like to have with me when fighting off animals up to 100kg and SRK is my first choice. Doesn't look too intimidating, but the 15cm can do its job.
Thanks for commenting
The version in 3V is the one to get for best outdoor/bushcraft performance, because it still has a saber grind and is made of one of the best steels money can buy. Genuinely a whole new knife compared to this one in SK5.
I have just been loaned a 3V version and will be doing a comparison video. Thanks for commenting
Unplanned camping situation. I like that. It makes sense. Knife is then "get home knife"
And ,you can baton with this. Look for limbs on the ground though.
Like ya said, not a saw, or an axe. But you would have a fire if you find branches on ground.
I agree. Thanks for commenting
They can absolutely make a knife! For a true Bushcraft knife try the Cold Steel Republic as far as stabbing this SRK into wood there are plenty of videos of people doing just that stabbing trees etc and that tip held up no problem. I've seen them even stab and pry. Its a great knife and an even greater price and value. That knife is 69.99 on Cold steels site
Thanks for commenting
My favorite
Good knife for sure. Thanks for commenting
Is a good knife, but 2449 from Bahco costs less, is made in SK-5 steel in Taiwán, Like the SRK.
Thanks for commenting
I've come to see a bushcraft knife as one for survival in a wooded environment, and a survival knife is one intended for survival in any (as many) potential environment(s). The only other factor is typically, a survival knife is one you were forced to use, while a bushcraft knife you generally use voluntarily.
Good points. Thanks for commenting
To my mind that knife is a bit of a generalist knife, ok for a fighting knife, ok for survival purposes, but not as as good as a dedicated design for combat, survival/bushcraft. I personally prefer a combat knife to have a pommel, mostly to keep your hand from slipping on the blade (but the cold steel knife handles are pretty grippy), and a double sided leaf or spear blade. Unfortunately Cold steel really does not make what I would consider an affordable dedicated bushcraft knife. Their knives always have a combat bend to them.
As for the survival knife being the one you have on you at the time, I always keep the idea of being prepared in mind, and don't set out without either a knife/saw combo in my vehicle or on my person, or a knife/saw/axe combo. I tend to prefer a bigger 5-6" knife when carrying only a saw, but will drop down to a 3-4" knife if I have an axe and saw. Neck knives as a backup are also pretty good (and they are good carving knives), as is a medium-large SAK.
Well thought out. There are a few CS knives that are meant for hunting that may work for bushcraft and the CS Finn Hawk and Finn Bear would be good. Thanks for commenting
I live off grid. This is a great knife. I use a shorter heaver blade as my edc though. But this blade is never far away or its on my pack.
Thanks for commenting
The SRK Compact would be a better bushcraft knife. It is in a high saber/flat grind rather than the saber/hollow of the larger brother.
I could modify the grind to have a short convex in the last quarter inch on the compact and make it pretty good at wood processing.
Hollow grinds are just a pain on wood. They tend to slip or bite when I really want to shave.
Yes, it is very much on the low end of chopping. A longer and beefier knife like the Recon Scout would be in the sweet spot.
To me, a survival knife should not be terrible at bushcraft, because it might be used mostly for shelter building. The assumption being that you won't have a hatchet. If you have a full bushcraft kit, you don't need a survival knife.
It should be able baton well and chop some and do other tasks like skinning and self defense. A "one knife" solution.
So that ends up somewhere in the vicinity of a 7-9 inch knife of medium weight/thickness and a good neutral handle. Maybe with a pointier tip than most bushcraft knives. Sort of like a beefier, longer version of the Ontario Blackbird with a slightly longer tip. I would go scandi or high saber/flat grind. Long convex in place of the flat grind if possible. Sort of like the Recon Scout at the large end or the Drop Forged Survivalist on the light end.
But not hollow ground, which compromises edge strength for questionable gains. I would prefer a broad blade with a high saber/flat grind to get good spine strength but still have a shallow blade angle. Narrow blades tend to have harsh angles and don't slice well.
Oddly enough the Terava Skrama in the short 200mm (8 inch) build works well. Only 4.2mm thick, but a very broad blade for good weight and strength. So sizing down a heavy machete/seax works quite well rather than sizing up a bushcraft knife.
I do have a Jaakaripuukko 140. It is a good 5.5" heavy-ish bushcraft knife, being 4.2mm thick. Not thin 2-3mm bushcraft or survival 5mm, but right in between. To me it is a survival-ish bushcraft knife. The concept was to be a scandinavian soldier's general purpose field knife. Not a bad stabber, but the guard is marginal. The Skrama 200 would be a survival knife/chopper with some bushcraft capabilities.
The scandi on the 140 is a little fragile for survival. at around 13 degrees per side, it is more designed for softwood forests and could be a pain in a hardwood forest. That's probably why they put a microbevel on it to toughen it up, which would suit the typical soldier well. I would rather face facts and scandi-vex it to 15 or 17 degrees for hardwoods or survival.
I'm in the Arizona desert, so a lot of the twigs are desert ironwood. Nasty edge rolls on 11-13 degree scandi edges. The nearby mountains aren't as bad. So I've ground off the microbevel for a straight 13 degree scandi. I should scandi-vex one of my Moras for the desert.
The Skrama comes with a low saber and differential edge angles to allow durable chopping near the tip and fine carving near the handle, which is a good solution.
As you go farther north, you'll want to chop more on bigger stuff, so the Skrama 240 is a better choice. You kind of have to pick your latitude with survival.
Lots of good information. Thanks for commenting
Thank you! I believe the best knife is the one you're carrying when it is needed. Being an American, I like big knives, but why not carry several knives of different sizes?
I agree. Thanks for commenting
Explaining the tip and its origins - SRK - Survive, Rescue, Kill.
Thanks for commenting
BucknBear model 16651 mamaba hunter is a amazingly good blade. My edc.
I will look it up. Thanks for commenting
I have one I like it. But I also carry multiple knives when I go into the bush.
Right on. I usually have at least two cutting tools as well. Thanks for commenting
A "survival" knife is the knife you have, in a tough situation! Long as it's functional, it's good!
Thanks for commenting
I've got both and I like the smaller version better. The SRK-C. I think it would make a better bushcrafter.
Yes, the smaller version would be great. Thanks for commenting
Your arguments are strong (if not unassailable) if your limited definitions are accepted. To me, however, "survival" must include consideration of situations where one's knife must function as a weapon. The SRK is more easily deployable as such than your preferred knives. I am within my seventh decade, and have never done "bush" without consideration of "tactical."
Actually, I agree. I feel it would make a better tactical knife than a general survival knife. Thanks for commenting
G'day Mark, where to start, ..... as you rightly said, a lotta iterations over the years and the acronym/terminology doesn't truly represent its specialisations or limitations IMO.
In any event, I've nearly pulled the trigger a couple of times; two key reasons I didn't;
1. steel; I was after a VG-10 version, (back then with a sabre grind), and all of a sudden, (it seemed), either a VERY expensive 3V job or SK-5 became the only choices.
2. The handle material; fair to say many man made materials are excellent, but I reckon this Krayton stuff is overly rubbery/spongy, either to cope with more than a few misguided baton swings on the spine area, or as a HD guard material.
FYI; I ended up with a Steel Will Dark Angel 900 in N690Co instead, as my 6 in. high speed low drag tactical crossover job, because;
It's quite a sleek high sabre blade, therefore a bit more nimble for food prep and carving, and does very well in the absence of an awl for hole making and indeed for bow drill divots too, + a very sharp spine, throws sparks and scrapes as well as the best of them ...... and all whilst still excelling at it's primary tactical design, (certainly, if one has the need and the skills, it's probably the best I have for a reverse grip fighting knife).
It does have a glass breaker pommel as well; on glass, or on an assailants head, will do the business, but cracking walnuts and the like is my go, ...... far more enjoyable, lol.
Handle material, can't remember what they call it, ....... but it's fantastic stuff !!!!!
Sheath; excellent retention with a shipload of carry options.
Well priced, at the time anyway, for the capability offered.
Having said all that, I reckon if you need a one and done 6 incher, at a very fair price, yep spot on Mark, the SRK is definitely a high value option, amongst Buck 119s and a bit shorter Strongarms for example.
Cheers Duke.
I looked for the Steel Will but apparently, it is out of production. I have a couple of knives coming that i think you may like. Thanks for commenting
@@MarkYoungBushcraft Wow, looks like the company has gone belly up, didnt see that coming, nor mentioned anywhere, apologies for the recommendation.
i love my srk knives. But also my canadian made triple x knives
I love my Triple X knives as well. Unfortunate the company folded. Thanks for commenting