- Joined
- Dec 17, 2025
- Messages
- 10
I got a Cold Steel SRK in CPM-3V on a Black Friday sale, so I might as well inflict my unsolicited opinions on you all. For background, I don't own any large chopper knives. I believe in using the right tool for the job, like an axe for chopping trees. My EDC pocketknives are all Spyderco and I don't care for sharpened prybars.
For that reason, I initially considered returning the damn thing. It's not sleek or slicy like any other knife I own, but I decided to be satisfied with what I've got and cut some vegetation.
No surprise, the 3V SRK factory edge went through inch-thick saplings with low-effort snap cuts. If I didn't do my part with good edge alignment, however, one of two things tended to happen: either the springy branch bent out of the way half-cut, or the blade's forward momentum split the branch down the middle like a wedge. It would undoubtedly be good for batoning, but fortunately I own a hatchet for splitting wood like a normal person.
Swinging it felt like a light hammer. The 3V SRK weighs over 8oz, which is more than double the weight of a Spyderco PM2. Twigs and dead vines often shattered on impact. The knife seems best suited to smacking limbs off saplings, carving big notches, or sharpening stakes and wedges. The spine is a crisp square 90° and has no trouble scraping or peeling bark. In my eyes, it seems reminiscent of a Scandinavian leuku.
Even after clearing a respectable pile of brushwood, the edge still shaved hair. I later measured it to be about ~25° per side, and I think everyone can agree that's a nice stable angle for a blade intended to hit things.
Bizarrely, the swedge of the clip point was also sharp enough to cut branches. Thumb-lever carving with the tip is clearly not feasible. Maybe the sharp swedge would be good for stabbing enemy soldiers, but I couldn't find any in my back yard to test it.
As I continued playing with this knife, I had to keep adjusting my grip because it relies entirely on the texture instead of any ergonomic shaping. I wear medium gloves and the handle length fit me in a handshake grip, but somehow the boxy profile still didn't fill my hand. If you think the SRK handle is comfortable, then I hope doctors will invent a new surgery to fix those bear paw hands you must have.
I never liked "tip tests" of stabbing a tree stump and twisting because I can't think of any good reason to pull on a knife like that. However, it occurred to me that stabbing a fallen tree might give you a handhold to help steady yourself while climbing across. Only after attempting this did I realize that straddling a log with a razor sharp 6-inch blade between your legs does not actually make you any safer. Do not attempt.
Besides the swedge, my only complaint about the blade is the tip. I love a good needle-point on a folder, but I would argue the 3V SRK tip is too acute for rough outdoor chores. Regardless, I attempted the social media stab-and-twist. Sure enough, the apex of the tip bent. Since I was already asking for trouble, I tried bending it back straight again. You'll never guess what happened next: it snapped clean off. This just goes to show that even tough 3V can still break if you're foolish enough.
I'm not sad to demonstrate that prying with a knife is a dumb idea, because I wanted to reshape the tip anyway. A coarse diamond plate and some patience gave me a stronger, less aggressive tip. I advise any SRK owners to do the same, and dull the swedge too.
Pro:
- it didn't cost too much on sale, so you won't cry if you damage it on day 1 to see what happens
- CPM-3V steel seems very good
- the handle material is very grippy
- the sheath is very secure and has a velcro flap to put it on without removing your belt
- the tip is very good at stabbing
Con:
- the tip might be little too good at stabbing if you're stupid
- I have no way to test it, but many sources claim the sheath material will dull the edge
- the handle material is an effective reminder to wear gloves
- the swedge wants to bite you
Overall, I think it's pretty good but not great, a jack of all trades but a master of none. If I wasn't sure what I'd need a knife for, but I was certain I'd need a knife, the 3V SRK would likely be sufficient. It's a bit outdated, but probably the best dollar value for 3V of this size.
I'm going to ask around for someone willing to modify mine. I think it would feel much more comfortable and look rather handsome with a stacked leather handle, such as this neat little example:
For that reason, I initially considered returning the damn thing. It's not sleek or slicy like any other knife I own, but I decided to be satisfied with what I've got and cut some vegetation.
No surprise, the 3V SRK factory edge went through inch-thick saplings with low-effort snap cuts. If I didn't do my part with good edge alignment, however, one of two things tended to happen: either the springy branch bent out of the way half-cut, or the blade's forward momentum split the branch down the middle like a wedge. It would undoubtedly be good for batoning, but fortunately I own a hatchet for splitting wood like a normal person.
Swinging it felt like a light hammer. The 3V SRK weighs over 8oz, which is more than double the weight of a Spyderco PM2. Twigs and dead vines often shattered on impact. The knife seems best suited to smacking limbs off saplings, carving big notches, or sharpening stakes and wedges. The spine is a crisp square 90° and has no trouble scraping or peeling bark. In my eyes, it seems reminiscent of a Scandinavian leuku.
Even after clearing a respectable pile of brushwood, the edge still shaved hair. I later measured it to be about ~25° per side, and I think everyone can agree that's a nice stable angle for a blade intended to hit things.
Bizarrely, the swedge of the clip point was also sharp enough to cut branches. Thumb-lever carving with the tip is clearly not feasible. Maybe the sharp swedge would be good for stabbing enemy soldiers, but I couldn't find any in my back yard to test it.
As I continued playing with this knife, I had to keep adjusting my grip because it relies entirely on the texture instead of any ergonomic shaping. I wear medium gloves and the handle length fit me in a handshake grip, but somehow the boxy profile still didn't fill my hand. If you think the SRK handle is comfortable, then I hope doctors will invent a new surgery to fix those bear paw hands you must have.
I never liked "tip tests" of stabbing a tree stump and twisting because I can't think of any good reason to pull on a knife like that. However, it occurred to me that stabbing a fallen tree might give you a handhold to help steady yourself while climbing across. Only after attempting this did I realize that straddling a log with a razor sharp 6-inch blade between your legs does not actually make you any safer. Do not attempt.
Besides the swedge, my only complaint about the blade is the tip. I love a good needle-point on a folder, but I would argue the 3V SRK tip is too acute for rough outdoor chores. Regardless, I attempted the social media stab-and-twist. Sure enough, the apex of the tip bent. Since I was already asking for trouble, I tried bending it back straight again. You'll never guess what happened next: it snapped clean off. This just goes to show that even tough 3V can still break if you're foolish enough.
I'm not sad to demonstrate that prying with a knife is a dumb idea, because I wanted to reshape the tip anyway. A coarse diamond plate and some patience gave me a stronger, less aggressive tip. I advise any SRK owners to do the same, and dull the swedge too.
Pro:
- it didn't cost too much on sale, so you won't cry if you damage it on day 1 to see what happens
- CPM-3V steel seems very good
- the handle material is very grippy
- the sheath is very secure and has a velcro flap to put it on without removing your belt
- the tip is very good at stabbing
Con:
- the tip might be little too good at stabbing if you're stupid
- I have no way to test it, but many sources claim the sheath material will dull the edge
- the handle material is an effective reminder to wear gloves
- the swedge wants to bite you
Overall, I think it's pretty good but not great, a jack of all trades but a master of none. If I wasn't sure what I'd need a knife for, but I was certain I'd need a knife, the 3V SRK would likely be sufficient. It's a bit outdated, but probably the best dollar value for 3V of this size.
I'm going to ask around for someone willing to modify mine. I think it would feel much more comfortable and look rather handsome with a stacked leather handle, such as this neat little example:
