How can I tell these 2 issues of Japanese SRKs apart?
2007 - 2010.....#38CK.......AUS 8A..................Teflon............Secure-Ex
2014...............#38CK........AUS 8A.................Tuff-Ex..........Secure-Ex
Does the "Teflon" finish look or have different texture than the later "Tuff-Ex" finish?
As model numbers are the same, it would be the only(?) way to date the knife. Even if you had the box ...
Since it looks like the subsequent Tuff-Ex superceded the Teflon, what's the difference? Or was this just a marketing ploy?
View attachment 1233630 View attachment 1233631 View attachment 1233632 Tons of superb research and info here. I could use some help on mine, if someone wants to jump in. I got it about 4 years ago, used. Can somone share some insight as to its mfg date and if its a common SRK? thanks!
According to the history here I would say this:
1995 - 1997.....#38C.........Carbon V................Epoxy............Cordura/nylon with 2 straps
Of course you look too and verify it.
I've pulled this post from another thread in order to add to the SRK history. Please be aware that it contains four photographs of known COUNTERFEIT SRKs in order to illustrate my point about proper markings on one style of sheath.
After some recent research on the SRK, I have a few questions/observations.
1. In the Rare Gems thread, jlauffer introduced me to the SRX model, the uncoated Carbon V version of the SRK. So if that model was labeled the SRX, what is this? [Photos borrowed from Arizona Custom Knives.]
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This isn't a Carbon V with the coating removed. I've seen other photos of this same model and the knives look exactly like this one. Anyone remember Cold Steel offering the SRK in uncoated Carbon V?
2. As I learned more about the SRK, I was struck by how many varieties of sheath have been offered with the knife over the years. By my count, there are at least six:
The earliest Cordura with single retaining strap.
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One leather.
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A second version of Cordura with a second retaining strap.
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One Concealex.
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Two Secure-Ex.
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Anybody know of others?
By the way, initially I thought that there was an unmarked version of the second Secure-Ex sheath. But in every single photo that I've found of one it was with a counterfeit knife. Several examples (from among far too many out there):
COUNTERFEIT
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COUNTERFEIT
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COUNTERFEIT
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COUNTERFEIT
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So beware. Any SRK you find with that style sheath that doesn't possess the Cold Steel/Secure-Ex logo is fake.
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3. An off-shoot of my sheath search yielded at least six versions of Carbon V SRKs.
This tang stamp, Parkerized.
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Same stamp but with black epoxy powder-coated blade.
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Same stamp but uncoated.
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Same stamp but SRX marking.
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This tang stamp (more clearly defined in the second photo with the blade coating removed).
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This tang stamp, which I believe was the last.
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Any I'm missing?
-Steve
Andy, if you manage to find your SRK, please include a photo here. I didn't know that it was ever possible to request SRKs without sheaths. Since the dealer ordered in bulk and made a special run with the Eagle sheaths, I think we certainly can call that a limited-edition offering worthy of including in this thread.Now I am going to have to dig out my SRK. I ordered it in new (three of them actually, for myself and friends) from the Australian Cold Steel agent (Granite Arms), no later than Oct 1990 as that is when I left the business I was managing at the time (outdoors/gun shop). The CS agent was also the Eagle Industries agent here and I understand that he ordered in a batch SRKs without sheaths and then supplied them as a special with Eagle Ind sheaths. It's stored but I am 99% sure it is a painted (epoxy ?) finish. Quite sure it is not simply parked.
I have one like that. My late grandfather bought it in 1991 or early 92View attachment 1233630 View attachment 1233631 View attachment 1233632 Tons of superb research and info here. I could use some help on mine, if someone wants to jump in. I got it about 4 years ago, used. Can somone share some insight as to its mfg date and if its a common SRK? thanks!
Andy, if you manage to find your SRK, please include a photo here. I didn't know that it was ever possible to request SRKs without sheaths. Since the dealer ordered in bulk and made a special run with the Eagle sheaths, I think we certainly can call that a limited-edition offering worthy of including in this thread.
-Steve
Me too.I am pretty certain that I purchased a SRK in 1989 with the epoxy finish and the cordura sheath.