Best Budget Fixed Blade Cold Steel SRK SK5 Full Review and Discussion

[@haveaday1812]

I carried that knife my entire second deployment in Iraq as a ground pounder. It was fantastic.

[@xk1119]

Thank you for your service!!🇺🇸

[@tractorkid223]

Yeah but I'm assuming that was the AUS-8 Japan made. The new ones suck.

[@thornekimroberts8502]

I have put this knife through the paces and I can honestly say it is fantastic.

[@tanthaman]

💯

[@wstewart5532]

I've had my Carbon V model since the early 1990's and it has saved my life numerous times. I've repelled several ninja attacks and just last week hacked my way out of the steel hull of a sinking russian ship. Once I was captured in a cave by a one-eyed global terrorist but he was so amazed when I cut a hanging rope in half that he let me go.

[@Temporalplace]

good that you did not puke, you would make an armageddon

[@brandonsatterstrom7894]

You fucking liar, that was me that did those things...

[@craigcook1571]

Dreaming again are we? Lol

[@slowdancer5563]

That was you? You're that guy?! Holy crap man, In can't believe it!!

[@ralphvaccaro2638]

I remember that

[@jaypowell0185]

I have the older model for about 8 years and absolutely love it

[@Springfield_7.62x63mm]

I got the Recon Tanto in SK5 instead of SRK, in my opinion, both knives are terrific they share almost the same characteristics except for tip design, for me, I want my knives to have a stout tip so that's simply why I chose the Recon Tanto

[@BMfins]

Best knife for the money. Just bought one for a going away present for my friend. On amazon for $35!!

[@TheScytheMoron]

60-80€ over here. Crazy ... ^^

[@theviewer7262]

I use it purely to dispatch...threats. absolute beauty 😍

[@j.p.4541]

I just got the CPM 3V version, can’t wait to test it.

[@Skully317]

Love the style of this knife but not a big hollow grind guy myself, kind'a wish CS had a saber convex option!

[@mikee2482]

I have the same, but would like the 3V version.

[@S4ndman0ne]

Very comprehensive, unbiased and pleasant to look at and listen to review. You have my respect and thx Mr.Cleary.

[@timbrwolf2238]

IMO, Friends don't let friends buy Taylor Brands! (i.e. Schrade)

[@LXT43]

@Fat Buddha What's irritating is that Taylor Brands use Schrade name to fool the buyer. it's not even the orginal Schrade so why use the name when the new Schrade has nothing to do the old company? it's all about profit. There's not an ounce of honor or tradition in the new Schrade.

[@whawedoin1842]

I got one of these to compliment a tomahawk and war hammer. Not really for bushcraft as I have other tools for that.

[@justlooking...2412]

How come?

[@MrCard031584]

You can get the coldsteel SRK in 3v for about $165 and the San Mai for $105. Great value for a 3v knife in my opinion.

[@MichaelRozie]

Lionsteel M5 in 3V is 190,- even nicer knife IMO And a m4 in Magnacut is 200-220 depending on handle material

[@Greenmachine305]

The value this knife represents is off the charts. I can only think of one other knife that beats it: the Ontario SP1 Gen 2. The reason I choose the SP1 over the SRK is better price, steel, length, grip and its made in the USA.

[@KnivesSurvival]

I have 3 of the ontarios SP1-2 AND 6

[@Greenmachine305]

@@squirrelchaser9641 SP6 is a much bigger knife overall. Its in a different class.

[@shane4176]

Great review! Sounds like you are from Wisconsin maybe Minnesota

[@dbullcutter]

Great knife! I have the same in carbon steel.

[@ashleygovender4104]

Thank you for your video.. I have the SRK and the SRK Compact.

[@romul666]

What about breaking tip? Many complaints on that matter. I saw videos where people broke the tip just like that - snap! And it was not abuse, prying or such things.

[@waldgeist9007]

Hollow grind, nuff said. The SRK would be a nice budget option if they stuck to the flat grind.

[@JamesBartholomew1]

Good, well informing review of this fine knife. I just wish you had used some log in the background instead of a huge rock that would kill the blade if your hand slipped.

[@mattdeluna1660]

Can the sheath be take apart??

[@josephk7954]

Does it throw sparks well I wonder?

[@waldgeist9007]

Why put a hollow grind on a "tactical" knife? No matter how shallow it may be, it weakens the blade on a knife that is meant to trust your life on when the shit hits the fan.

[@d3generate804]

@unrepeatable raddish not like a shitty steel like aus8 or 440

[@craigcook1571]

That's it's only draw back to me, hollow grind. I just got one but haven't used it yet, but would rather that it had the original flat grind

[@jimlahey5623]

Man you have 5 mm there...

[@longboardluv2]

why couldn't you cut apples with it?

[@RustyGunn7]

Because the blade goes dull in two slices or less. It chips when you baton yellow apples, so be warned. No apples!

[@lordhuzi3316]

Imagine shinigami ryuk after this

[@jimlahey5623]

Ofcourse you can

[@ironman2326]

Does it have a 90 degree spine?

[@northernninety7]

I don't know if I should get the SK5 or the 3V version.

[@MrZachBryant]

3V will be a better steel for sure, but SK5 is good enough for the vast majority of people using it.

[@sandfordfields26]

3v

[@tractorkid223]

How the hell do ya sharpen these SK5 knives? Even my diamond plates wont sharpen this knive.

[@sandfordfields26]

I got one made in Japan VG-1 and I bought another one but it is SK-5 steel made in Taiwan! Is the Taiwan good? I got a smaller one and it is 3V! My question is the Tiawan any good? I know the other 2 are good!

[@tonycanniffe2360]

Yes. CS makes most of their knives in Taiwan. High quality.

[@blackrifle3742]

Apparently Navy Seals train with this very knife while they are in BUDS. Thats what the CS website says anyway.

[@beararms6945]

It's true I used it in bud's

[@texaskidzuk]

U.S. Army Ranger students are issued this knife in Ranger School.

[@jeansandmyshirt]

should i buy this or the sp2 by ontario knife company?

[@KnivesSurvival]

I love my SP2. Will be doing a review soon on it

[@sharpgrail9506]

Great review of a really nice knife 👍

[@shahtub]

Made in China is it?

[@d3generate804]

Only the cheapest crappiest cold steels are made in china

[@TheAustralian1x]

I love my srk sk5 but Be way better as a scandi

[@samgilson7175]

is it full tang

[@RustyGunn7]

Actually, it's a hidden tang, as evidenced by the handle encompassing the entire tang. It is a rather substantial tang though. Full tangs have the entire tang visable, with scales on either side.

[@Eldofarmboy]

The tang goes all the way back to the lanyard hole but is not exposed. The rubber pommel just barely hides it but it is a good strong tang that will not break. I own 3 different versions of the SRK and have beaten the absolute piss out of them and they keep asking for more

[@brendan2359]

I really want to know: is this knife tough or not? I have already ordered it thinking it was an indestructible beast. If it is rc65 is that going to chip/break? Why do you want a blade this stocky that is not tough? Did not realise it was hollow ground either, not a big deal as can be worked with. I need to know if this thing can take the fun abuse I bought it for or I'll have to sell it straight away

[@Eldofarmboy]

I own 3 SRKs and have beaten the absolute hell out of them with no issues. The new hollow ground version is slightly weaker at the tip than the older saber ground SRKs but I have never lost a tip on any of my SRKs no matter the version

[@brendan2359]

@unrepeatable raddish Agreed! I have punished mine for a year now, prob my favourite knife tbh. Thanks for reply!

[@BK33REVIEWS]

I wish I could find the version with the small ricasso

[@Eldofarmboy]

Don't let the stock photos online fool you. All of the newer ones in SK5, VG-10 San Mai, and CPM3V have the small ricasso. I know my VG-10 San Mai and SK5 have it and as I understand it the 3V one has it as well. I love that they brought the edge back to the handle but I wish they had left the saber grind instead of switching to the hollow grind. It's still a tough ass knife but the tip on the hollow ground versions is undoubtedly weaker than the one on the older saber ground SRK but then the saber ground ones have an inch less cutting edge than the newer hollow ground SRK so there is that to consider

[@pittriversavage]

Got mine for $40 Amazon...great knife I'm cutting everything..showed my neighbor and he almost shaved his arm hair and skin.. LMAO

[@fluffyball3347]

@@liltoto371 the sheath comes with it

[@donaldrutter1738]

My first SRK .Love the knife hate the sheath when on belt hard to draw .Bought a new sheath from Ottoza Knives and fits like a glove .Can't beat a good leather sheath .

[@invoker638]

I got this kind of steel, now my car is easier to start during morning.

[@malleusmaleficarum7840]

Months ago, I ended up returning the SRK in sk-5. While comparing it side by side with my other fixed blades, I noticed a "dent" to the right side of the SRK logo on the blade. Upon returning it, the sales person told me all the SRKs have material milled out for better retention in the sheath. I think that it is just plain dumb for Cold Steel to resort to that instead of making a better sheath. With my refund I bought a different knife of similar value instead.

[@malleusmaleficarum7840]

Yak1B That all depends how far the dent "milled material" goes down the spine. It was milled out before injection molding of the handle, so it could be all the way to the end of the tang for cost effectiveness. Knowing many people use it to baton, this may lead to a failure because they created a weak point where it is vital to have the most mass. Besides, it is a noticable eyesore and Cold Steel could have easily just put a "detent" on the inside of the polymer sheath itself. There by not ruining the integrity and aesthetic of the SRK. On top of that, they should mention it. Why haven't they? This will eventually lead to alot of blowback from customers. Name another manufacturer that has resorted to the same method on the customer's dime?

[@malleusmaleficarum7840]

Yak1B I have several of the various SOG SEAL knives and several Ka-Bar fighting knives including the USMC. None of them have that issue. The fact that someone blames it on the stamping process is misleading and false. Especially, since the manager (gun shop owner) spoke to a Cold Steel rep himself that gave him the answer that it's for "sheath retention". The owner called them when he opened all his boxes and noticed all of them had dents. The answer definitely bothered him too. He thought they sent him factory seconds and never reordered after that. Called them scumbags and I think so too. I got knives from overseas as well and none have that problem either. I got the Gerber Prodigy GI Tanto with the money from the SRK and that knife does not have that problem. In fact the sheaths from Gerber's Prodigy and Strongarm USA made knives put COLD STEEL to shame for resorting to such a cheap and sneaky measure on their part. I also have the CS Leatherneck and Master Hunter and they don't have that issue as well.

[@malleusmaleficarum7840]

Yak1B Online, a person's word is all we got. I wouldn't buy anything new with a dent on it no matter how justified. Even if it didn't affect it's safety, that's just me. Personally, I try to experience all the knives I like. If your looking for an excellent heavy duty folding knife, I do recommend the Cold Steel Recon 1 and American Lawman knives. They still are the best price to performance folding knives. The Lawman is smaller and better for people with medium or small hands and anybody who wants to edc carry, where legal (know your laws). I don't know if you got Esee knives but I recommend the Esee 4 and 6 if your interested in a truly durable combat knife. They got unlimited lifetime warranty which is reassuring. I love the Esee 4 in 440c, great edge retention and skinner. While the Esee 6 is the perfect size for most tasks including combat.

[@nitrorc4life1]

It's fine and will not harm a thing, but if you have doubt then returning it IS right for you, as faith in your equipment is paramount. But I will say never had an issue with mine and will be picking up another as it is a good I don't care if it gets messed up property knife for me.

[@Springfield_7.62x63mm]

Malleus Maleficarum, I got a minor dent on the left side of my Recon Tanto label as well, I was shocked to see it when the first time I got it, although it wasn't a big deal to me but that small deformation remained as a concern about long-term durability, I would like to see how mine play out

[@jimlahey5623]

Now it is about 55 dollars

[@iamrobert100]

Sent mine back the next day! This is more a fighting knife. Tip is too pointy and the grind is wrong for camp use. Survival? Concrete jungle maybe, but there are much better knives out there for the same money.

[@LXT43]

It's a clip point so what else did you expect? It will do just fine at camp chores. Out of curiosity, what are the better knives for the money?

[@MrFreeGman]

@@LXT43 Something like a mora bushcraft or kansbol would be better for camping/bushcrafting related tasks for about the same price.

[@brendan2359]

Kansbol tip is under 1mm half an inch from the tip. Don't know how much abuse that could take

[@Dan-sq5cv]

If your talking about a hollow grind being wrong, this knifes grind is a very shallow holow grid, It's interesting how things change, back in the 50;s and 60"s Buck, Ka=Bar, Queen, Cattergerus, all had hollow grinds, we were almost helpless for all those years, and we ran the country out of steel replacing al those broken one"s we handed down to our kids. HaHa it;s amazing what hype people will buy, the fact is some are a little better grind for specific purposes but all will cut very similarly. It is more about quality and good heat treat.

[@howardvarley8795]

@@MrFreeGman Broken 3 Moras now - wouldnt touch with a bargepole.

[@bp-hx9ts]

I wish they went back to the 3v steel with this design I always hated the huge ricaso

[@claymcculloch2729]

bp69 I think they have. 😉

[@simpleemodern]

the 3v metal is more soft, didnt last as long and needed a sharpening much much more frequently, although some prefer that!

[@bp-hx9ts]

Kosh Marasco oh really maybe you got a dud from factory my 3v on the master hunter isn’t soft

[@bp-hx9ts]

Clay McCulloch really where do they sell it

[@crufflerrick]

What till you have the edge roll on you from simply hacking a small tree limb a bout 2 inches out of the way! Oh and the Sheath snaps in half right of off your belt when you draw the knife,(sheath still attached to blade,,,buddies rolling in the dirt laughing all around the camp fire).Got rid of it for $20...Meanwhile my trusty old Bucks, 110 and 119 Still going strong!!

[@dwaynemeroin3101]

Think I'll stick with my Mora and fire logs 😁

[@justpettet3506]

hollow grind:( just the fucking worst thing on earth

[@freddybrown123]

The Schrade is horrible stay away from it. I bought me and my father both one for christmas last year and both broke just above the handle. Complete junk. Loved the knife at first, but after seeing how fragile they are I will never buy another Schrade knife.

[@MrZachBryant]

I agree. With knives like the SRK at the same price, the Schrade is best avoided. Light batoning and chopping broke mine. Maybe it's a QC issue, because PM101 loves his, but I hated it

[@peterlustig7064]

Thanks, I was just about to buy one. I'll pass now 😁👍

[@Identity242]

You’ve got a counterfeit there I think.

[@northernninety7]

Why is that? They make a cheap version.