Apparently the price as jacked to $69 on amazon since last night. I would wait a few days and check back. Sometimes that happens, Bladehq does having right now for $41.
was going to drive to blade HQ about 90 min drive but they used to be open on Saturday's but their site now says Mon through Friday. I tried to call message said call back on Monday
You could of (and should of) shown the old style SRK knife with the new style side by side for those of us who did not own or used the old style, would made a better presentation for us.
It's still a saber grind. By saber grind they just mean that the Hollow Grind does not terminate at the spine. You can have a saber convex or a saber flat as well.
Myself and many others included have thumped quite hard on the buck 119 knife with no issues. Hollow Grind means easier field maintenance and probably slices quite nicely.
Hello, gideon. My name is Lior and I am from Israel. I love the outdoors, hiking, nature etc. I find your videos very informative, educationale and helpful. Personally, I love "Cold Steel" more than any other company, but, this is just my opinion. Thank you and keep up the great work!
Still relevant after five years, I was about to buy an OKC SP-2 for $35 when I happened across your video . I cancelled the order for the OKC and got this knife you just reviewed and the compact. I saw your review of the compact version and it was enlightening and I will remember where the compacts "differences" are and what to expect. Thanks for the information. I found both knives on sale at Amazon, SRK at 50% off, the SRK compact at 23% off. Really happy with the knives and getting both for under $80 was really great. Thanks for the link.
They're on sale again if you're looking to get a backup! I just got my first compact version. I had no idea I'd like it even more than the standard SRK!
JUST ORDERED 2 OF THESE KNIVES!! COLDSTEEL SRK-5 !!!! SMKW HAS IT FOR $34.00 , OR $36.00 !! JIST SAYING!! THANKS FOR VIDEO & GREAT INFO BROTHERMAN!!!! 11/14/2024
6 years later and you can still find them for $50ish. I just picked up the SRK, SRK-C and I was almost going to pick up the 3V SRK but man... that was $160. The San Mai SRK is $90 but it sounds like the $50 SK-5 SRK is the better buy.
Great video. I always come to this channel when I want a good, no BS review of something I'm interested in. Really one of the best channels of its kind. Ive been loooking into this knife for a while & I finaly just bought one on Amazon after watching this. Thanks for all the great info.
Just ordered mine from Blade HQ! It will be a birthday present from my wife, yes, I told her what I wanted, where to find it, and how much is was, and she said: "You just order it!" That's the way guys get what they want! LOL Thank you so much for doing this video, I never thought I would own an SRK, can't wait! (By the way, they are currently our of stock, [probably because I just bought one,] but they were in stock yesterday, then out of stock last night, and back in stock this morning, and at $41.95 for the SK5 version.)
This knife is often described as a full tang and even Cold Steel claims it as so. However, some sellers say this is only 80% tang. I think what the sellers mean by that is although the tang goes all the way back to the end of the handle, the width is only 80% of the stock material. I think Cold Steel made this on purpose for tactical reasons. When I put the SRK on a flat surface, the tip immediately falls on the surface. That is an indication that the SRK is a good thrower.
I promise you the hollow is not a problem. It's so shallow it may as well still be a saber. I have tip tested and batoned the holy F out of the SK5, VG10 San Mai, and CPM3V versions with the hollow grind. They all took it like champs
Great review! Ive owned several cold steel knives n they've all been very good especially for the money. Just bought the srk sk5 bout a month ago and i absolutely love it. In fact, it cancelled out all the other knives in this genre that i was planning on buying because i know they arent gonna do anything this knife cant do. The only thing i dont like is the nylon belt loop on these sheaths. Ive always hated the way they try to raise up when drawing the knife! So i took it off and put a large tek lok clip on it (did the same to my trailmaster) and its ALOT better.
@Gideonstactical I have 2 questions. How does the SK5 steel compare to the AUS8 version? And I noticed when cold steel switched from the AUS8, they thinned the tip out. How is the tip compared to the AUS8 version?
After watching several Channels where several reviewers say that "For under a $100, this is a Great BUDGET knife!", I guess that's the New Normal, huh? So be it. Leaving out what ever the cost is, if I was going back into the Military, a SRK would be going with me. If I was building a BOB/INCH/GHB/JUST IN CASE Kit from Scratch, I'd have an SRK in it. It's just a Damn Good Knife for General Purposes.
Aaron, dont know if you'll see this comment on an old video, but I wanted to share this. I just got a Cold Steel SRK sk5, with the 20 mins I have had it very impressed. I've said it before, but a lot of the knives I have were knives you reviewed and I value the way you review. So, I have have kind of kept Cold Steel off to thr side, not American made, just a preference, and frankly have not been impressed by some of the really really budget stuff I've seen, that being said tried Recon1 folder last year, gave it chance American made steel, a compromise and it's not made in china, might have have watched your video on that one, which led to AD10, and SR1, really like that triad lock, so the point just got SRK, $40, really liking it, very comparable to Tops Mohawk Hunter, one of my favorite go where I go knives. Both have that slender profile, light weight, multi use. SRK is well machined, very even good grinds, fantastic edge out the box, very impressed, I have much more expensive knives that didnt come out of the box as well as this budget friendly one. I might just have to buy another 1, lol. A lot like Gerber strongarm purpose and use, but gives a little more length, maybe less durable, but definitely got a spot for it. At any rate, Cold Steel might have a new user, in good part because of your reviews. You can tell them I said that.
When you draw the knife, like with leather , pull the knife by pulling the spine against the sheath. Oldest trick in the book! Was told this as a young boy. In case you cut through leather sheaths. The securex sheaths will dull it slightly depending how tight the sheath is. If you have a LED lamp it will show minute flat spots. But a working edge does not need to be shaving sharp. I give mine a concave edge and it lasts ages. Get a piece of semi hard foam (kneeling pad) and some wet and dry, and press the edge down on the foam, you will see the shape it gives you. I have had mine a long time, served in navy and army with it. Brilliant knife!
Thanks for the review. I was late to the SRK party, just got mine this year. It's VG1 and has been awesome. I wanted something stainless, a different option for when the BK16 that I love so much would get hammered with rust. This new SK5 version looks fine and you can't beat the price but for me the stainless steel was a big part of the draw.
Aaron thanks for another great review. The Carbon V is just about impossible to obtain & the other materials never really caught my eye especially all that wasted space (ricasso) near the finger guard. Now this new design I will have to pull the trigger on & the new hollow grind I do not mind. Take care & thanks again. - Marco
Hey mate! I’m looking for a fixed blade for general camping. I already use a hatchet so chopping isn’t necessary, but I want something for finer wood processing and general camping/fishing use. I’ve narrowed down to this or the Gerber Strongarm (both the same price here in Australia). Which would you recommend?
Looks like it's no longer available on Amazon. Your link won't lead to any but the higher end steel versions at Amazon, and a search of Amazon for SK-5 version fails to find it.
I got this knife for $38 despite this inflationary environment. I suspect it's the due to the sale to GSM. I decided to return it, because I also bought the Recon Tanto, which seems more useful. If you can't find one for a decent price, I'll sell you my brand new one. If you think I should keep it, despite owning thee Recon Tanto in SK-5, I'd love to hear why.
I have the VG-1 Japan version! It's a tank! The price doubled or trippled on the VG-1! This SK-5 is around $37 to $45 as of 2021! I got the SK-5. It seems very nice!
Before rushing to grab the knife check the following DIFFERENCES: Hollow grind lead to loss of strenth (its a 5mm survival rescue knife? Or a 5mm slicer?? Why 5mm for that?) Knife is lighter than prev releases Reports of tip breaking (not surprising as it is marketed with a video of tip prying) Uneven grinds Hardness is rc65? Sheath seriously dulls the edge, no real work around that. Indent in the blade stock at the handle as a DESIGN FEATURE for blade retention into the sheath causing a weak point. I got excited when seeing this vid as I had wanted one of these indestructable SRK's but since then research revealed extra info to consider. I hope this thing is tough primarily as thats what I wanted it for but I'll prob ditch it asap. Any thoughts welcome from someone who has extreme tested this thing
I've used mine to stab a huge oak log and tried to chop a bit of that to see how the edge stands. Actually I didn't even needed to resharp it after that, also the tip had no issue at all. Gonna try to push it more and see how well it stands the test of time.
I know it's pretty expensive, but if you're looking for a 4 inch blade, check out the WE 607. S35VN and Carbon Fiber. Comes in at under 4 oz. too! ($178.50 on BHQ)
I have an SRK in Carbon V that I never used and just set aside in the box years ago. Is this new one better? Should I add the SK-5 as a regular use knife? My regular camp knife is a SurviveKnives 5.1 but I love the look of these.
AsH Watchoutforthattree I have two carbon V SRKs. One is a cold steel factory 2nd I bought for $40- $50 years ago. The other has been used maybe one time but I don't have the boxes.
i would get the srk in cmp3v. extremly good steel (its a powder steel) plus the old geometrie. i really dont like a hollowgrind ( has to do with the shapes and retention of the carbides in the steel and the grind itself has only contra points and no pro points in terms of a outdoor knife) i would always go for a convex grind but if the steel is tough you also can go vor a flatgrind and convex the micro bevel.
I NEED to know... gerber strongarm or CS SRK. who wins? I'm trying to gauge pros and cons to figure out which to buy. I had my heart set on the strongarm but now I'm second-guessing...
You keep doing such great and honest reviews. Thanks again for all that you do and replying to my comments. Your reviews end up costing me more money. Lol
I really like mine as well. Over a year later and still under $45 shipped. Not a great chopper to say the least. But that's as much a function of its length and weight as anything. I have bigger and better choppers. I have better hunting knives. But this SRK is pretty hard to beat as a camp knife or just a belt knife for the desert. The size for me is about perfect. And after stropping a bit, wow is it sharp
I have the Recon Tanto. It was my second fixed blade knife, and the first higher priced, good quality knife to date even tho' mine was actually a factory second. And I assure you, the flaw is imperceptible and it came hair shaving sharp. I was ecstatic. I just took the knife out (Checking my gear) 2 nights ago and the handle felt great, like I had never owned/held one before, which is prompting me to buy another. Except I am leaning towards the SRK because as the name implies the Recon Tanto feels more like a tactical or defensive knife, so I always grab other blades for mundane tasks. Since my it was a gift from my mother who passed away, I sort of just like having it as a keepsake, but it's a shame not to use such a cool knife. Let me suggest Smoky Mountain Knife Works as another source.
I remember having the first edition in Carbon V and that had just a bit of a belly to the edge. I think this shallow hollow grind will actually make it perform beter. To bad they are more expensive here due to taxes but might get me one next time I visit the USA.
I want a good fixed blade knife. Should I spend the extra money and get something like an Esee or juat go for the SRK? Is spending the extra money worth it?
Ooh, man, if only this video was up last week. I've been trying to decide which SRK model I wanted to get. I saw this SK-5 on Amazon for the $40 you mentioned, but didn't see any reviews on it or anything. So I waited a few days and now it's just about the same price as the VG-1 version.
Checked all the old models on your channel, and they are all the same. Going back to SK5, VG1, AUS8 BACK TO SK5. Only one that is different is the new 3V version which is the only flat ground blade. All hane a sabre grind. Which means, the blade stock stays flat untill the first grind. It can have a high sabre grind or a lower sabre grind.
I have the old style SRK inn Carbon V; probably had it over 20 years now. Great knife. I'm trying very, very hard to NOT break down and buy the San Mai version. Very Hard!
If you want a good deep hollow grind, buy the San Mai lll SRK, it may be discontinued, but you can still get them on the secondary market. I bought mine a while back and absolutely love it. Personally , I'm hoping they make a new 3V model with a super deep hollow grind because that steel can definitely take it , just look at the 3V Master Hunter , it is really thin behind the edge , like a pocket knife, and everyone loves that knife. I also have that in 3V and San Mai
*gidonstactical* » If you had your choice between the SK5 knife and the Carbon V knife, which would you take in their original configurations? Also, how do you like the Recon Tanto? It was an arduous decision on my part, but I chose the Recon Tanto. If I'd known about the hollow grind, I would have gone with the Tanto immediately without a second thought. The VG1 tanto may have started out with a sharper blade, but it's not as tough as the SK1. I believe the VG1 model had the saber grind, which may have added strength, but it wasn't as strong in freezing temperatures. You would have needed the San Mai 420 panels, but San Mai was expensive. The AUS8A was practical, and a bargain, but edge retention wasn't near SK5 carbon.
Hi Aaron, I was wondering if you could review the Tops Smoke Jumper. I know it's been out for a while, but the very few reviews are lagging and I'd like your opinion. Thanks! Btw another great video.
Apparently the price as jacked to $69 on amazon since last night. I would wait a few days and check back. Sometimes that happens, Bladehq does having right now for $41.
that doesn't surprise me.
Brendan Kelley im sure you can. I sharpen all my knifes on it.
might have to ask the wife if we can drive to BladeHQ :)
was going to drive to blade HQ about 90 min drive but they used to be open on Saturday's but their site now says Mon through Friday. I tried to call message said call back on Monday
Yeah thats no problem at all. I've used the Worksharp on a number of knives with no issues.
Of all your videos, what separates you from all the other channels is your knife reviews. Always informative, detailed, and a joy to watch.
Austyn Wright thanks my friend
Austyn Wright - Totally agree. These are easy to watch. No drama, just good demos, good facts and a reasonable and honest opinion.
You could of (and should of) shown the old style SRK knife with the new style side by side for those of us who did not own or used the old style, would made a better presentation for us.
Maybe he doesn't have one?
That SK-5 steel from Cold Steel seems like a decent steel, and for $40, it sounds like a steal!
A cold steal! 😬
ON SMKW , ITS GOING FOR $34.00!!
I've had my SRK for about 7 yrs. it's my all time favorite knife. I call Her Ravens Claw🔪 lol
It's still a saber grind. By saber grind they just mean that the Hollow Grind does not terminate at the spine. You can have a saber convex or a saber flat as well.
Myself and many others included have thumped quite hard on the buck 119 knife with no issues. Hollow Grind means easier field maintenance and probably slices quite nicely.
Hello, gideon.
My name is Lior and I am from Israel. I love the outdoors, hiking, nature etc. I find your videos very informative, educationale and helpful. Personally, I love "Cold Steel" more than any other company, but, this is just my opinion.
Thank you and keep up the great work!
Still relevant after five years, I was about to buy an OKC SP-2 for $35 when I happened across your video . I cancelled the order for the OKC and got this knife you just reviewed and the compact. I saw your review of the compact version and it was enlightening and I will remember where the compacts "differences" are and what to expect. Thanks for the information. I found both knives on sale at Amazon, SRK at 50% off, the SRK compact at 23% off. Really happy with the knives and getting both for under $80 was really great. Thanks for the link.
They're on sale again if you're looking to get a backup! I just got my first compact version. I had no idea I'd like it even more than the standard SRK!
JUST ORDERED 2 OF THESE KNIVES!! COLDSTEEL SRK-5 !!!! SMKW HAS IT FOR $34.00 , OR $36.00 !! JIST SAYING!! THANKS FOR VIDEO & GREAT INFO BROTHERMAN!!!! 11/14/2024
I have the VG-1 SRK and I love it. The $45 SK-5 version makes it a great gift item.
the CS SRK has been around for over 30 years. since I had one while serving in the USN. Nice review. thanks.
6 years later and you can still find them for $50ish. I just picked up the SRK, SRK-C and I was almost going to pick up the 3V SRK but man... that was $160. The San Mai SRK is $90 but it sounds like the $50 SK-5 SRK is the better buy.
Great video. I always come to this channel when I want a good, no BS review of something I'm interested in. Really one of the best channels of its kind. Ive been loooking into this knife for a while & I finaly just bought one on Amazon after watching this. Thanks for all the great info.
Just ordered mine from Blade HQ! It will be a birthday present from my wife, yes, I told her what I wanted, where to find it, and how much is was, and she said: "You just order it!" That's the way guys get what they want! LOL Thank you so much for doing this video, I never thought I would own an SRK, can't wait! (By the way, they are currently our of stock, [probably because I just bought one,] but they were in stock yesterday, then out of stock last night, and back in stock this morning, and at $41.95 for the SK5 version.)
Thank you for the review! Is the rubber guard strong enough and won't it collapse with time?
Gideon, when I saw you cutting those "A" shaped stacks of cardboard, I felt MY knives getting dull!
I’ve had an SRK-C, got my fullsized SRK ordered to come before christmas! Great review
That’s awesome! Hope you enjoy it!
This knife is often described as a full tang and even Cold Steel claims it as so. However, some sellers say this is only 80% tang. I think what the sellers mean by that is although the tang goes all the way back to the end of the handle, the width is only 80% of the stock material. I think Cold Steel made this on purpose for tactical reasons. When I put the SRK on a flat surface, the tip immediately falls on the surface. That is an indication that the SRK is a good thrower.
Shorter ricasso = upgrade.
Sabre to Hollow = ....wtffffff!!!! :/
Fábio it's such a shallow hollow it's almost not a hollow, unlike sog or buck or gerber who use wicked deep hollow grinds
It's still a saber grind. Saber grind just means that the Hollow Grind doesn't terminate at the spine.
Fabio: I agree
@@manuellucero8414 it's still a saber grind.
I promise you the hollow is not a problem. It's so shallow it may as well still be a saber. I have tip tested and batoned the holy F out of the SK5, VG10 San Mai, and CPM3V versions with the hollow grind. They all took it like champs
I've always thought of buying this. Survival Lilly has certainly beat the crud out of hers. If the price comes back down I'll grab one
Would you splurge for the CPM3V version or stay with the SK5?
Great review! Ive owned several cold steel knives n they've all been very good especially for the money. Just bought the srk sk5 bout a month ago and i absolutely love it. In fact, it cancelled out all the other knives in this genre that i was planning on buying because i know they arent gonna do anything this knife cant do. The only thing i dont like is the nylon belt loop on these sheaths. Ive always hated the way they try to raise up when drawing the knife! So i took it off and put a large tek lok clip on it (did the same to my trailmaster) and its ALOT better.
@Gideonstactical I have 2 questions. How does the SK5 steel compare to the AUS8 version? And I noticed when cold steel switched from the AUS8, they thinned the tip out. How is the tip compared to the AUS8 version?
Sk5 will not be as rust resistant. But in my opinion sk5 is more suitable for the Outdoorsman.
@@LXT43
It makes complete sense. It's just an opinion, and it happens to be shared by many Outdoorsman.
In my opinion the srk is unbeatable. have owned several the first one was my father's which he bought in the early nineties!
thanks to you i got me one and love it lol !! i own quite a few blades but never one this good at 37 bucks on amazon wow finally got a srk
Awesome. I just picked up the sk-5 recon tanto on amazon.
Purchased and recieved from today from BladeHQ. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction, Aaron!
After watching several Channels where several reviewers say that "For under a $100, this is a Great BUDGET knife!", I guess that's the New Normal, huh? So be it. Leaving out what ever the cost is, if I was going back into the Military, a SRK would be going with me. If I was building a BOB/INCH/GHB/JUST IN CASE Kit from Scratch, I'd have an SRK in it. It's just a Damn Good Knife for General Purposes.
Bought it as knifecenter pre-order. For $40 something. I agree that is a good value for a decently tough carbon steel that is easy to sharpen.
Aaron, dont know if you'll see this comment on an old video, but I wanted to share this. I just got a Cold Steel SRK sk5, with the 20 mins I have had it very impressed. I've said it before, but a lot of the knives I have were knives you reviewed and I value the way you review. So, I have have kind of kept Cold Steel off to thr side, not American made, just a preference, and frankly have not been impressed by some of the really really budget stuff I've seen, that being said tried Recon1 folder last year, gave it chance American made steel, a compromise and it's not made in china, might have have watched your video on that one, which led to AD10, and SR1, really like that triad lock, so the point just got SRK, $40, really liking it, very comparable to Tops Mohawk Hunter, one of my favorite go where I go knives. Both have that slender profile, light weight, multi use. SRK is well machined, very even good grinds, fantastic edge out the box, very impressed, I have much more expensive knives that didnt come out of the box as well as this budget friendly one. I might just have to buy another 1, lol. A lot like Gerber strongarm purpose and use, but gives a little more length, maybe less durable, but definitely got a spot for it. At any rate, Cold Steel might have a new user, in good part because of your reviews. You can tell them I said that.
Been wanting one of these for like 10 years, now it's a no brainer!
I'm almost sold on this, my only concern is the sheath. I've heard it dulls the knife, is that true?
When you draw the knife, like with leather , pull the knife by pulling the spine against the sheath. Oldest trick in the book! Was told this as a young boy. In case you cut through leather sheaths. The securex sheaths will dull it slightly depending how tight the sheath is. If you have a LED lamp it will show minute flat spots. But a working edge does not need to be shaving sharp. I give mine a concave edge and it lasts ages. Get a piece of semi hard foam (kneeling pad) and some wet and dry, and press the edge down on the foam, you will see the shape it gives you. I have had mine a long time, served in navy and army with it. Brilliant knife!
Resharpen it...
So do you recomended that knife (for bushcraft) more than Schrade SCHF42 (with or without recurve?), at this price size?
Just Grabbed one off of blade HQ, didn't want to take a chance for it to go up in price. Thanks for the review and heads up on blade HQ pricing!
Thanks for the review. I was late to the SRK party, just got mine this year. It's VG1 and has been awesome. I wanted something stainless, a different option for when the BK16 that I love so much would get hammered with rust. This new SK5 version looks fine and you can't beat the price but for me the stainless steel was a big part of the draw.
Will Allan totally understand
Aaron thanks for another great review. The Carbon V is just about impossible to obtain & the other materials never really caught my eye especially all that wasted space (ricasso) near the finger guard. Now this new design I will have to pull the trigger on & the new hollow grind I do not mind. Take care & thanks again. - Marco
Hey mate! I’m looking for a fixed blade for general camping. I already use a hatchet so chopping isn’t necessary, but I want something for finer wood processing and general camping/fishing use. I’ve narrowed down to this or the Gerber Strongarm (both the same price here in Australia). Which would you recommend?
$35 consistently on amazon as of late!
Thanks for the review Aaron. Been after an SRK for ages but didn't want the VG-1. This one looks perfect for me. Keep 'em coming.
5 Angels glad to help
Did you get it? If not you should, I love this knife!!!
Any issues batoning with it as hollow grinds have a habit of catching
grilin18 no problem as you saw in the video. It is a mild grind so it works well
I'm definitely buying one..Great Video.
Looks like it's no longer available on Amazon. Your link won't lead to any but the higher end steel versions at Amazon, and a search of Amazon for SK-5 version fails to find it.
I got this knife for $38 despite this inflationary environment. I suspect it's the due to the sale to GSM. I decided to return it, because I also bought the Recon Tanto, which seems more useful. If you can't find one for a decent price, I'll sell you my brand new one. If you think I should keep it, despite owning thee Recon Tanto in SK-5, I'd love to hear why.
I see a lot of negative comments about gerber strongarm but, I love mine. It really is bullet proof.
I have the VG-1 Japan version! It's a tank! The price doubled or trippled on the VG-1! This SK-5 is around $37 to $45 as of 2021! I got the SK-5. It seems very nice!
SK-5 is basically a Japanese version of 1080 high carbon steel. It's very delicate to heat temper, even the littlest of mistake will ruin it.
Felix Zaragoza well in that case cold steel freakin nailed it!!!
Comprei hoje de manhã uma faca Cold Steel SRK, no Brasil. Paguei R$477,00. Pretendo usa-la em acampamentos e na caça de javalis...
My favorite versionof this knife. I have the V1, CPM3V, AND SK5
SK5 Hands down
Curious to try San Mai
Does it throw sparks well with a firesteel?
i own the srk in cpm3v great blade great vid!
thanks for the review. question, so within almost 2 weeks of this video the price went up to $70?? :(
Just got one using your link. Keep the good vids coming. I was debating on the grind and steel choice. Nice comprehensive information. Thanks.
Before rushing to grab the knife check the following DIFFERENCES:
Hollow grind lead to loss of strenth (its a 5mm survival rescue knife? Or a 5mm slicer?? Why 5mm for that?)
Knife is lighter than prev releases
Reports of tip breaking (not surprising as it is marketed with a video of tip prying)
Uneven grinds
Hardness is rc65?
Sheath seriously dulls the edge, no real work around that.
Indent in the blade stock at the handle as a DESIGN FEATURE for blade retention into the sheath causing a weak point.
I got excited when seeing this vid as I had wanted one of these indestructable SRK's but since then research revealed extra info to consider. I hope this thing is tough primarily as thats what I wanted it for but I'll prob ditch it asap. Any thoughts welcome from someone who has extreme tested this thing
any edge issues at all? I normally hate hollow grinds.
Update!!! Should have done it sooner owned it for abit now so... No issues whatsoever!!!
Just ordered this for $35 on amazon. Really enjoy your channel.
So, saw your video TWICE! Had to get the SRK AND the Recon Tanto... Excellent knives at "any" price! Great video too btw...
Appreciate the thorough review. I was hoping someone would field test this bad boy soon.
The description at bladehq says it is flat ground. Which is it?
I've used mine to stab a huge oak log and tried to chop a bit of that to see how the edge stands. Actually I didn't even needed to resharp it after that, also the tip had no issue at all. Gonna try to push it more and see how well it stands the test of time.
Thanks for doing these very detailed and informative videos. Your reviews do help me in the right choices of knives. Thanks.
Could be my eye, but has this new version come up shorter in blade length with the reduction of the choil/ricasso?
Grats on 100k+ subs brother! Rock on!
Is the gerber sttongarm good? Seems hard to find the black one
Just ordered one and that makes knife # 100 for my collection. Not a bad choice.
I know it's pretty expensive, but if you're looking for a 4 inch blade, check out the WE 607. S35VN and Carbon Fiber. Comes in at under 4 oz. too! ($178.50 on BHQ)
any issues with the edge while chopping?
How does the CS master hunter measure up with 3V vs the SRK with standard steel?
Did you experienced the handle coming loose after some use?
What is better in your opinion, between coldsteel Sk5 or ka-bar bk9? Thank you!
I have an SRK in Carbon V that I never used and just set aside in the box years ago. Is this new one better? Should I add the SK-5 as a regular use knife? My regular camp knife is a SurviveKnives 5.1 but I love the look of these.
CJ Myra sure, will the carbon v is a better steel quality
CJ Myra - You just say the word when you feel like letting that Carbon V thing-that-you-never-use go up for sale. I'll take good care of it for you.
AsH Watchoutforthattree I have two carbon V SRKs. One is a cold steel factory 2nd I bought for $40- $50 years ago. The other has been used maybe one time but I don't have the boxes.
DamionJR4923 mine is a 2nd also. One little mark and I get it cheap!
i would get the srk in cmp3v. extremly good steel (its a powder steel) plus the old geometrie. i really dont like a hollowgrind ( has to do with the shapes and retention of the carbides in the steel and the grind itself has only contra points and no pro points in terms of a outdoor knife) i would always go for a convex grind but if the steel is tough you also can go vor a flatgrind and convex the micro bevel.
Why don't they do up a 1095 version?
I NEED to know... gerber strongarm or CS SRK. who wins? I'm trying to gauge pros and cons to figure out which to buy. I had my heart set on the strongarm but now I'm second-guessing...
Did some research on sk5 and everything i read said its a very hard steel prone to chipping and hard to sharpen in the field
You keep doing such great and honest reviews. Thanks again for all that you do and replying to my comments. Your reviews end up costing me more money. Lol
Jericho Fawkes haha glad to help
Is there any way to take the black coating off?
I really like mine as well. Over a year later and still under $45 shipped. Not a great chopper to say the least. But that's as much a function of its length and weight as anything. I have bigger and better choppers. I have better hunting knives. But this SRK is pretty hard to beat as a camp knife or just a belt knife for the desert. The size for me is about perfect. And after stropping a bit, wow is it sharp
How does it compare to the bk10
Great video! Thank you for your time and effort.
Very nice” almost bought one a few years back, now I’m going to get one..
I have the Recon Tanto. It was my second fixed blade knife, and the first higher priced, good quality knife to date even tho' mine was actually a factory second. And I assure you, the flaw is imperceptible and it came hair shaving sharp. I was ecstatic.
I just took the knife out (Checking my gear) 2 nights ago and the handle felt great, like I had never owned/held one before, which is prompting me to buy another. Except I am leaning towards the SRK because as the name implies the Recon Tanto feels more like a tactical or defensive knife, so I always grab other blades for mundane tasks.
Since my it was a gift from my mother who passed away, I sort of just like having it as a keepsake, but it's a shame not to use such a cool knife.
Let me suggest Smoky Mountain Knife Works as another source.
It's also issued to U.S. Army Ranger school students.
would you say this is better than carbon V versions?
Gibbs91_30 no carbon v steel is of a higher quality
gideonstactical Thanks!
Just got one - absolutely sensational knife for the price!!!!!
I'm tempted - how does it do with striking a ferro rod?
I remember having the first edition in Carbon V and that had just a bit of a belly to the edge. I think this shallow hollow grind will actually make it perform beter. To bad they are more expensive here due to taxes but might get me one next time I visit the USA.
I want a good fixed blade knife. Should I spend the extra money and get something like an Esee or juat go for the SRK? Is spending the extra money worth it?
Ooh, man, if only this video was up last week. I've been trying to decide which SRK model I wanted to get. I saw this SK-5 on Amazon for the $40 you mentioned, but didn't see any reviews on it or anything. So I waited a few days and now it's just about the same price as the VG-1 version.
Checked all the old models on your channel, and they are all the same. Going back to SK5, VG1, AUS8 BACK TO SK5. Only one that is different is the new 3V version which is the only flat ground blade. All hane a sabre grind. Which means, the blade stock stays flat untill the first grind. It can have a high sabre grind or a lower sabre grind.
If you could only get one, an SRK (in SK5) or Gerber Strongarm, which one would you pick?
The design and the price point are very similar...
I have the old style SRK inn Carbon V; probably had it over 20 years now. Great knife. I'm trying very, very hard to NOT break down and buy the San Mai version. Very Hard!
I have the recon tanto in San mai and it is awesome!!
Thanks,it just became available at a local store. Now I know it's a goodun. 😀
did you say it has a hollow grind?
Jim Zee yes
The hollow is so shallow that it won't bother you
If you want a good deep hollow grind, buy the San Mai lll SRK, it may be discontinued, but you can still get them on the secondary market. I bought mine a while back and absolutely love it. Personally , I'm hoping they make a new 3V model with a super deep hollow grind because that steel can definitely take it , just look at the 3V Master Hunter , it is really thin behind the edge , like a pocket knife, and everyone loves that knife. I also have that in 3V and San Mai
i might have missed it but
doesthe SRK in 3V have the new ricasso ??? i sure hope so!
Great video. I learn a lot about the shape of the blade for its strength. Best wishes.
Are the cold steel srks made in Taiwan any good?
*gidonstactical* » If you had your choice between the SK5 knife and the Carbon V knife, which would you take in their original configurations? Also, how do you like the Recon Tanto? It was an arduous decision on my part, but I chose the Recon Tanto. If I'd known about the hollow grind, I would have gone with the Tanto immediately without a second thought. The VG1 tanto may have started out with a sharper blade, but it's not as tough as the SK1. I believe the VG1 model had the saber grind, which may have added strength, but it wasn't as strong in freezing temperatures. You would have needed the San Mai 420 panels, but San Mai was expensive. The AUS8A was practical, and a bargain, but edge retention wasn't near SK5 carbon.
Hi Aaron, I was wondering if you could review the Tops Smoke Jumper. I know it's been out for a while, but the very few reviews are lagging and I'd like your opinion. Thanks! Btw another great video.
Nice I like it when you compare other knifes and knife steels 😎
I just bought one from Optics Planet for 42.89. Thanks for the review.