Cold steel SRK?

3

3wolves

Joined
Dec 28, 2007
Messages
1,061
Yes a cold steel knife caught my eye in warriors and wonders yesterday. I know alot of people dont like cold steel but this knife felt pretty solid. Does anyone have a SRK? How does it compare to the gerber LMF? The snob in me doesnt like the Japan tang stamp but Im willing to give it a shot.
thanks.
 
I like the CarbonV version a lot. I prefer the Fallkniven's and Rangers and Scrapyards better but if you find a CarbonV version that is actually a pretty good knife.
 
The carbon V US made ones were good knives, but a little thick at the edge. Can't comment on the current production models
 
I have not bought a Cold Steel fixed blade knife for a couple of years now, so all of mine (all 12?) are made of their older Carbon V steel, except for my Bushman knives. I like them all just fine, too, no matter what someone else who may be offended by Cold Steel's owner or their advertising says. I don't know where the current generation of Bushman is made (China?), but mine (3) are very good knives for a small amount of money. The SRK is a great all around knife in its size range. I have an older 4 inch Voyager (a folder) with a plain edge that I like, too.
 
I read somewhere that the SRK are issued to US underwater demolition teams. I didn't make a lot of sense to me since it is made of carbon steel. A little bit later CS changed to steel to Japanese made AUS8 stainless steel. Makes a lot of sense to me. Perhaps AUS6 would have been even better. I think that steel is used for the SOG2000.

Anyway perhaps the choice of the US military is the reason for the change to AUS8.
 
The reason is that their US manufacturer (Camillus) is no long in buisness, they had to move production elsewhere and selected a japanese factory.
 
It's what that particular factory works with. Performance was likely a secondary concern to an affordable production line. Japanese factories seem like they're set up primarily for air hardening stainless steels, Camillus used hot baths (I think lead for some reason, isn't that illegal?) and oil quenched, totally different setup and not economical to just refit a whole factory for a few contracted out knives.
 
I don't think you will be disappointed w/ the SRK, I have a couple of CS knives & Really like them. These knives perform really well. You'll get your $ worth;) Give them a try:thumbup:
 
The original 'made in the USA' early SRK knives were a decent price for the money. Finding one of the older ones is a problem theses days. As a tip look for one with the pictured cheap leather sheath. By the time they changed to the better plastic sheaths Camillus had also changed their temper to better suit volume production and some of them are brittle. Obviously mine which has done batoning and prying without a problem was made properly. I can't speak at all for the modern ones not made in the USA.

IMGP0035.jpg


PS the disappearance of the blade bevel below is a camera illusion. This is the same knife as the one above.

IMGP0036.jpg


IMGP0037.jpg
 
I have an old one...like 1994 old and it put up with a lot of abuse.

The only thing wrong with it is a chip out of the edge that happened when I was using it as a thrower and it went edge to spine with another knife.

One of these days I may reshape the edge and put it back in service.
 
The U.S. made Carbon V SRK was one of the first fixed blades I had ever owned. I literally put that thing through hell and it never disappointed me. I sold it and then missed it so much I bought a replacement. These babies are still out there in the $75 to $100 price range and I think there are currently two up for auction at the place that shall not be named. ;)
 
I own the Usa Carbon V SRK and it is a good camp knife,Actually it is my 3 one,I have owned,I trade it ,miss it ,trade for another one and traded it and now the 3rd time is a charm,I am keeping it...this time...for now ...LOL ! but if you find the carbon v version pick it up , you will not be disappointed.
 
Blade21 said:
I read somewhere that the SRK are issued to US underwater demolition teams. I didn't make a lot of sense to me since it is made of carbon steel. A little bit later CS changed to steel to Japanese made AUS8 stainless steel. Makes a lot of sense to me. Perhaps AUS6 would have been even better. I think that steel is used for the SOG2000.

Anyway perhaps the choice of the US military is the reason for the change to AUS8.
Click to expand...

UDT's were all converted into SEAL teams or SDV teams before CS was even around. But it is true that the SRK was/is handed out to BUD/S students. Of course it isn't THE issue blade as one doesn't exist, you'll see 3 different blades in the same boat crew. Cheap, reasonably sharp, tough to break, and the coating kept most rust at bay so it was a logical choice.
 
they were givin to the teams because they rust easily in that enviroment. the tad poles are responsible for their equiptment, and that includes maintance, cleanin g, keeping rust free, etc; its more of a teaching tool then anything, plus it adds the much required pressure for buds. DO NOT GET CAUGHT WITH A RUSTY KNIFE, unless of course you enjoy doing push ups until your arms fall off.
 
Wow, thats pretty cool- the picture above does indeed give the illusion of an SRK with a full flat ground blade. Have had one of these for a while (Carbon V), took some time to thin the edge a bit- probably in the 25 degree range now. Very sharp, pretty good all round knife, especially considering the price.
 
I have an older one in Carbon V that I convexed, and polished all that black krap off of the blade. It's one terrific knife. If I can find another one at a good price, I'll buy it for a Xmas gift for my nephew. :)
 
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