SK5 vs San Mai vs 3v, your favorite CS fixed blade, steel, what you do with it

[bikerector]

There is nothing wrong with the heat treating of Cold Steels 3V; its being done by Peters and they are well known for doing an excellent heat treat job.I have a Trailmaster and recon scout in 3v their grind lines and finish are fine. Ive used the 3v Recon Scout and it performs great. I carved down a couple of 6" diameter pieces of wood to make the end pointy to hammer into the ground for fence posts,it really worked well and the knife was still sharp afterwards.The Carothers are great knives,just about the best out there,but they are hard to come by ; the latest list to get on is long sold out .Theres 1 big chopper/bowie on the exchange if you want to pay over 1000.00 for it.And they are double the price on the popular auction site.

Where did you hear/read about Peter's doing the heat treat? I'm interested in verifying this as it would give me a different opinion of CS's 3V. It just seems strange they would heat treat here when the knices are made in Taiwan currently.

Not saying anything bad about CS's heat treat, or who they buy from, I should say. Peter's just adds another layer of reliability, to me.

 

[jux t]

Where did you hear/read about Peter's doing the heat treat? I'm interested in verifying this as it would give me a different opinion of CS's 3V. It just seems strange they would heat treat here when the knices are made in Taiwan currently.

Not saying anything bad about CS's heat treat, or who they buy from, I should say. Peter's just adds another layer of reliability, to me.

This was an exchange in the Cold Steel forum about CS CPM-3V:

 

[bikerector]

This was an exchange in the Cold Steel forum about CS CPM-3V:
View attachment 2430405View attachment 2430406

That's interesting for sure. So that was while Demko was still associated with Cold Steel? I can't remember exactly when Demko split off after the GSM acquisition. Seems it was around 2020.

Thank you for sharing. That really makes the recent 3V SRK's price more surprising.

 

[jux t]

That's interesting for sure. So that was while Demko was still associated with Cold Steel? I can't remember exactly when Demko split off after the GSM acquisition. Seems it was around 2020.

Thank you for sharing. That really makes the recent 3V SRK's price more surprising.

Yeah Demko was still with CS at that time.

 

[bikerector]

Yeah Demko was still with CS at that time.

Thanks again. I'm surprised, in a good way.

 

[shadmin]

I have a couple Cold Steel fixed blades, Magnum Tanto XL in 3V, Black Bear in San Mai and a Recon Tanto in SK5. The 3V Magnum Tanto was more expensive than the San Mai version. The 3V is pretty tough and holds a good edge for awhile which was what I was hoping for when I got it. I haven't used the Black Bear for any batoning or camp chores because it's more of a fighting knife, double edged. Though I did cut into a tatami mat with it and cut some rope, it's sharp and kept it's edge, no damage. I have used the Recon Tanto for some chopping etc and the SK5 didn't take any damage, but doesn't hold an edge as long as 3V.

 

[jdk1]

My experience with Cold Steel's SK-5 has been very positive. Its the definition of a solid, low cost high carbon steel. Its rough and takes a keen edge. Its easy to maintain. It's only real down is it rusts. it seems like AUS-8a, the way CS did it, was the stainless version. Between those two, CS had budget knives covered! From fighting, to chopping, to pocket slicers, to pocket swords, there was not much left to be desired. I guess AUS10 is holding its own, but I'm not sure its as tough as 8. I haven't pushed my CS 3v yet, but it appears very good. I have it it an SRK and a Recon Scout. I believe that RS in 3v may be the ultimate "survival" knife. I'm glad CS seems to be carrying on the legacy with good, and many great, designs and great budget steels. The premium steels CS has added have been very well done, too.

 

[Buffalohump]

I have four CS fixed blades.... all but one are weapons so I dont use them much. My favourite is a Laredo in Micarta and O-1. It wasn't easy to find so I was very happy to get one.

I wanted the micarta handle but the San Mai was too expensive so I was very stoked to get one in O-1. Its a good quality tool steel and takes a wicked edge. It will also polish up very nicely. I always polish tool steel as much as possible as it helps prevent rust from taking hold.

I then had a sheath made for it by a knifemaker I know. His wife makes his sheaths and does a terrific job of it. Then a friend of mine gifted me a kydex sheath made by Panther Concealment. So now I have two excellent sheaths for it. I can tell you that its essential to get good aftermarket sheaths for these bowies if you plan to carry them.

https://imgur.com/a/FTpzQVP

 

[shadmin]

My experience with Cold Steel's SK-5 has been very positive. Its the definition of a solid, low cost high carbon steel. Its rough and takes a keen edge. Its easy to maintain. It's only real down is it rusts. it seems like AUS-8a, the way CS did it, was the stainless version. Between those two, CS had budget knives covered! From fighting, to chopping, to pocket slicers, to pocket swords, there was not much left to be desired. I guess AUS10 is holding its own, but I'm not sure its as tough as 8. I haven't pushed my CS 3v yet, but it appears very good. I have it it an SRK and a Recon Scout. I believe that RS in 3v may be the ultimate "survival" knife. I'm glad CS seems to be carrying on the legacy with good, and many great, designs and great budget steels. The premium steels CS has added have been very well done, too.

AUS-10 can be tougher depending on the HRC. The harder the HRC, the less tough. It will hold an edge longer with a higher HRC, but be more brittle.

 

[jdk1]

AUS-10 can be tougher depending on the HRC. The harder the HRC, the less tough. It will hold an edge longer with a higher HRC, but be more brittle.

Much appreciated! I wonder to what hardness CS tunes its AUS10? If its similar to 8, then CS should try some fixed blades. The AUS8 SRKs had a good reputation for toughness and being great budget knives.

 

[shadmin]

Much appreciated! I wonder to what hardness CS tunes its AUS10? If its similar to 8, then CS should try some fixed blades. The AUS8 SRKs had a good reputation for toughness and being great budget knives.

I believe at the same HRC that AUS-10 is tougher than VG10, though VG10 is a bit more corrosion resistant than AUS-10. CS in general for knives which could be used for tasks that may be impactful like for camping, bushcraft, tactical etc, seems to opt for a lower HRC which makes the blade tougher, less brittle, resistant to impact. That's why supersteels like 3V are so valued because they are tough enough to withstand impacts, yet hold a fine edge for longer than traditional steels like 1095 etc.