Cold Steel SRK

Big Chris

Big Chris

SAHD/Knifemaker
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Apr 1, 2010
Messages
3,273
Jst fondling some blades this afternoon and wondered why I havn't seen any SRK in this section. I know that it is alittle longer than the average field blade at six inches, but alot of you carry a RC 6. The blade is 3/16 thick which is on par with what I read as adequate. Mine is about fifteen years old and made of Carbon V steel. I have had great sucess batoning and carving very simple tools. I have also used to open those gallon cans of vegetables (when no canopener available) with no damage to the edge or tip. Just prying to get some other fellas thoughts on this knife.

I also know that some guys hate CS, thats fine start another thread, please dont clog this with negativity. Any comparisons to other brands is great. Lets have fun.
 
I've always admired the SRK but never pulled the trigger on getting one. I like the Outdoorsman as well, but would like to see a more utilitarian version of it at a lower price point.
 
SRK seems like a fine knife. The spine is a bit thick for my tastes. I carried one in a bug-out-bag for a while. RC-6 feels a bit better in my hand. Try an RC-6 and see which you prefer. :thumbup:
 
I wanted an RC6 but a SRKW RatManDu caught my wallet first. The RC6 will be in my collection in a few weeks. A friend at work just got one and I really liked the feel and look of it.
 
I have a Carbon V SRK also. I like it. Great batoning knife and general use. I do wish it was either a little thinner stock or had a little wider blade. As it is it's pretty worthless as a carving knife. But it's definitely a solid knife for the money and carry weight and feels good in the hand. I actually don't think you can beat it for cheap, light, capable do it all fixed blade, key word being cheap - better, similar knives are definitely out there once you get up around $100.
 
most if not all of the carbon V knives from cold steel are great knives, I have heard bad things about the new aus-8 versions though...........
 
my nephew has had a srk for yrs. his is carbon 5 & he loves it. he has many busses & 3 ferhmans in addition, so he knows a quality knife./
 
I've 'almost' picked up an SRK several times, I like the design ok. I just can't dig on the rubber handles, that annoys me.
 
For years I used an SRK in Carbon vas my primary fixed blade outdoor knife, coupled with a folder. I never had any issues with it and still have it attached to one of my BOBs. It was only a vague worry that it might fail in some dire situation that led me to Busse, Bark River, and Rat Cutlery, which solved my worries about failure (and seriously emptied my wallet in the process:) ). Still I think the SRK is a fine knife in the relatively less expensive price range.
 
remmmm said:
I have a Carbon V SRK also. I like it. Great batoning knife and general use. I do wish it was either a little thinner stock or had a little wider blade. As it is it's pretty worthless as a carving knife. But it's definitely a solid knife for the money and carry weight and feels good in the hand. I actually don't think you can beat it for cheap, light, capable do it all fixed blade, key word being cheap - better, similar knives are definitely out there once you get up around $100.
Click to expand...

:thumbup::):thumbup:

I like mine...but I don't use it much anymore. My ESEE-6 is just better for me in almost every way. Pretty bomb-proof though.
 
Great all-round knife. It's not great at any particular cutting chore, but good at most. I thinned the edge back on mine and convexed it. Worked great skinning out a moose one time.
 
remmmm said:
I do wish it was either a little thinner stock or had a little wider blade.

I do agree. I have my secondary bevel laid down for a keener edge and the bevel is almost a 1/4 inch long. The grind is a little steep which makes for a strong blade for batoning and splitting, but as you stated makes carving difficult. This is the reason I find the RC6 a little more attractive these days.
Click to expand...
 
The SRK seems like a decent knife for the $, but once you've tried a ESEE (Rat Cutlery) or Bark River knife, it just doesn't compare. I really don't like the rubber handles of the SRK. Like others have mentioned, I also feel it's too thick.

If you don't have the dollars for a ESEE or Barkie, it's OK.

If you have the money, or can save, I'd definately go for an ESSE or Barkie over the SRK.
 
I'm assuming Cold Steel's new "SK5" is another name for (hopefully) a decent carbon steel. I've had my Carbon 5 SRK for over 15 years and my Blade-Tech sheath has held up well (I used it on a few jump operations, so it was abused like most Soldiers are so well trained to do:D).

The edge profile does suck, but I've had mine thinned out and it's a razors edge. Never had an issue with rolling or chipping.

It's on the "edge" of being a belt knife, but it's actually a very good blade. Cold Steel bashing usually involves copying other designs or their advertising methods, but they do have some good "original" designs. I won't bash the Cold Steel SRK...it's been a solid and dependable blade for several years and used hard during the first few years I when I was on Jump status.

ROCK6
 
I have two SRK's, one carbon5, one aus8a. I use the stainless when boating. The carbon holds a better edge than the stainless, but the Aus8 isn't too bad either, and easy to sharpen as well.
I'll take my ESEE 6 over it though, in the end. The grind is thick on them , so I shallowed the bevel somewhat. I think they are good general purpose bush knives for what they are. I have actually seen more examples of failures with the carbon 5 unit ( factory seconds?), than the aus8a one. Some people stated " why blacken a stainless blade?" Reflection is my guess. I kind of like how the black gets worn off and scratched. I'd say a pretty good value for a bush knife, but needs some edge work.
 
I got three SRK CarbonV. I'd pick the Master Hunter over the SRK but the SRK is an excellent replacement for the KaBar which is over rated and not designed as well as the SRK.
 
I've had mine over 17 years, and it's proven to be an exemplary knife. Like others, I thinned out the edge, but the Carbon V takes and holds a great edge. It is very comfortable in a variety of holds, and I love the Kraton handle. It's always been my go-to knife and probably will always be in my top 3.
 
In 2003 right out of High School I joined the Army and my Dad gave me a SRK Carbon V and I used it extensively and it served me well. I used it for wood processing to simple cutting tasks its a great affordable all around blade IMO.
 
The SRK was one of my first REAL knives...that a Javenpaa Scout and a couple of Bucks sheath knives, I cant remember their model numbers.
The SRK was and still is a great knife IMO, I prefer the Master Hunter as an overall utility blade.
I sent a SRK to BarkRiver last year, and man, what a do over. They profiled the blades, and added a micarta handle...pretty awesome knife. I sold it not to long after, but I really thought it was a cool knife. Its a great knife right from the factory...the earlier models had a thick grind, the second gens, have a better grind.
 
After reading through this, I dont remember if this is a ESEE thread or a , What was the other one, Oh yeah the SRK.:rolleyes: I have had mine for longer than I can recall, Love the darn thing.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top