2015 srk

K

KenHash

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Sep 11, 2014
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No one seems to be very excited about it, but I personally find the new SRK in solid VG1 fascinating. VG1 and VG10,
both Takefu steels are fairly similar. Yet various makers, I believe, have refrained from using these hard steels in solid form on blades exceeding 5 inches, and resorted to lamination for larger blades. One maker has stated that the lamination process increased strength by 20%. And now CS introduces a 6 inch solid VG1 blade. I hope we see reviews as I don't think I will buy a third SRK just to test it.
 
VG1 seems like a strange choice for the SRK IMHO. I have a few blades in VG1 and while it does take a wicked edge that lasts a long time it can be difficult to resharpen and it has a tendency to chip due to grain structure, especially when run at high RC. Also, I find VG1 to have rather poor stain resistance. I can cut fruit all day with my VG10 blades without any staining, however, if I cut an orange with a VG1 blade like my Master Hunter it will develop a definite stain within minutes if not washed off right away.

For a survival knife, I would think that ease of sharpening, toughness, and stain resistance would be key choice in choosing a steel. The SRK is a "survival rescue knife"; I probably would have gone with a different steel choice. I have an open mind though and am excited to see a test of this knife in VG-1. If they have brought down the hardness over how they have been running it, especially in the Master Hunter, it might give some nice results.
 
retzius said:
VG1 seems like a strange choice for the SRK IMHO. I have a few blades in VG1 and while it does take a wicked edge that lasts a long time it can be difficult to resharpen and it has a tendency to chip due to grain structure, especially when run at high RC. Also, I find VG1 to have rather poor stain resistance. I can cut fruit all day with my VG10 blades without any staining, however, if I cut an orange with a VG1 blade like my Master Hunter it will develop a definite stain within minutes if not washed off right away.

For a survival knife, I would think that ease of sharpening, toughness, and stain resistance would be key choice in choosing a steel. The SRK is a "survival rescue knife"; I probably would have gone with a different steel choice. I have an open mind though and am excited to see a test of this knife in VG-1. If they have brought down the hardness over how they have been running it, especially in the Master Hunter, it might give some nice results.
Click to expand...

They still run them in laminated VG1 (albeit a hollow grind) as well as AUS8A.

I'm with you though-the SRK is to be a jack of all trades-demolition type knife. At least to me. Sharpened pry-bar type of thing. That is why, for that knife, I prefer the AUS8A version-being that AUS8A is for all intents and purposes, 1075 w/ a bit of Chromium (considerably less than the majority of stainless steels out there), Moly, Vanadium, Nickel, and Silicon added. Really tuff stuff, and holds an edge about the same at similar RC-takes a finer edge than 1075 though.
 
CS statement that the SRK is issued to Navy SEALs might warrant the VG-1 choice because of the higher rust-resistance than the AUS-8A. Although personally I would think DLC-coated CPM-3V would be a more logical and better choice for normal people. Making an already tough knife even tougher...
 
Does CS actually make tha statement? As far as I am aware the SRK along with other knives were/are issued
to SEALS in BUDS training. It's a known fact that the SRK has been popular among servicemen because they are
relatively inexpensive, amazingly solid for the price and available at the px.
 
The newest SRK would of been a great candidate for CPM3V . Doesn't seem like a major improvement especially since the VG-1 sanmai version was there anyhow. I would of went for one in 3V , even though my Aus8 version is still working well.
 
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