The real story behind the broken Cold Steel Republic. Did I do it an injustice?

I broke two Cold Steel Republics, and here’s the full unabridged story about how it all went down. I also attempt to learn whether or not I can make a superior blade as well. 

[@renatobernal7674]

Great video!!! I really appreciate your integrity, as well as Cold Steel's... In an era of so much fake advertisement, this is a breath of fresh air

[@krazmokramer]

While the impact test probably doesn't reflect real world usage, it is interesting to see which knives can withstand it. I would have liked to see you smack your knife again to either straighten it out or fracture it like with the CS. Thanks for this video!

[@mtnman8783]

Love cold steel as a company. The fact that they didnt give you hush money speak volumes

[@jordanezell5132]

Oh yeah, true. 😊

[@JohnLee-jk5ew]

Thanks Cold Steel, you have another customer. Integrity matters

[@sethm7595]

I don't think this test is unfair. It's an absolute max condition test. Sometimes, you have to pry at something using a knife. Others have done very well at both edge retention and this impact test. Cold steel makes some incredible knives; as do you, take pride in that. Keep it up, but maybe find a way to keep the force more consistent.

[@solideogloria2298]

Prying and hitting the knife in the middle are two different forces... please tell me a realistic situation where your knife will be hit in the middle perfectly like that? Its dumb to think it won't break...

[@jic1]

I would say that the tip retention test is vastly a better reflection of prying forces, and it's actually a pretty harsh test because it's putting all the force on the smallest part of the blade. If you like the side impact test just for the sake of seeing which knives can pass the side impact test that's fair enough, but it absolutely does not reflect real-world use.

[@chrispowell4693]

Your impact resistance tests are exhibiting extreme conditions, BUT you are showing us the viewers that either the knives will hold up under us using them as pry bars and other such situations and I respect that. A tool is ment to be used and I like knowing if I'm going to spend my hard earned money on something that will hold up.

[@21JG777]

Tools are meant to be used for their individual intended use* knives are not prybars.

[@mitchellwhite9728]

This video actually makes me want to buy a Cold Steel knife. That company has integrity. Plus, Im not looking to subject the knife to side impact testing.

[@FlynnMcTaggart]

Every video you put out makes me appreciate my Mora Garberg more and more

[@JipJac]

I appreciate the honesty from you and the integrity from Cold Steel.

[@tombrown4683]

Always given your videos a like cause i liked them. Been subscribed for a while now. Keep whacking those knives - gives us some valuable info. 1/8inch is a slicey but not a tough knife.

[@calculatedsurvival]

Thanks man!!

[@RevDeaconMichael]

I love your videos. I feel your testing is “real world” with a little “added salt”. I bought an Offgrid Knives, Back Country Black Out V2 because of your review. One of the best knives I’ve ever owned. 👍🏼

[@tonysalecki]

White River makes the republic for cold steel. It would be interesting to see how other similar white rivers like the Ursus 45 hold up

[@edanpino-xt1ph]

As Joe X said, the real super steel is AUS-8. That wouldn’t have broken, even if the edge retention is kind of shit. How do you think an old fashioned O-1 blade would have held up?

[@plumbraider2265]

I really don’t mind aus-8! Easy to sharpen, takes a good edge and very tough

[@GunGuy258]

Cold Steel AUS8 is insane!

[@edanpino-xt1ph]

@@GunGuy258 Which is why certain people were really upset when Cold Steel started moving away from it

[@plumbraider2265]

@@GunGuy258it was, the aus 8 on their knives was amazing. The aus-8 version of the ontario rat-1 is also great. Prefer it over the d2 variant

[@GunGuy258]

@edanpino-xt1ph yup, but lots of people want the super steels. Cold Steel AUS 8 on a survival knife is about perfect. I still want this Bushcraft knife though.

[@Knife-Hoarder]

Was going to order this but went with an Esse 6. 1095 for the win

[@BenCase88]

I think Coldsteel should have expected the blade snapping in that knid of test. S35VN is made mostly for higher edge retention and high corrosion resistance. It isn't supposed to be tough enough for larger fixed blades. 1095 is perfect for those type and if you want a large survival/camp knife that is a Super steel and has super toughness go with 3v. Even MagnaCut would have preformed much better in this test compared to S35VN

[@floki8382]

Even so, this is Cold Steel we're talking about here. They pride themselves on durability of their product and despite it being S35VN, they probably have beyond reasonable expectations for their products because of the standards they hold themselves to. I remember years ago ordering their magazine and watching through all the tests they did with their blades. Those poor cars...

[@BenCase88]

@floki8382 I love Coldsteel and own alot of their knives. It's just S35VN is made for folding knives that you are going to be using to cut with. If they had made the knife out of 1095 or 3v it would have had a chance at this test. I don't really see much use in this test personally though because I would never hit any knife sideways like that. I don't even baton unless it's very small kindling and even then I'm going to use a ax or hatchet.

[@felipemontero1087]

Thanks for your honesty! And if you want to try it, I recommend a fixed blade with 5160 steel. You won’t be dissatisfied

[@ulary]

5160 best blade in the world for survival.That blade has longevity

[@airiksknifereviews9548]

Ontario used to use 5160 on their sp blades, it was wicked tough steel. I miss those days and the knives ...should have kept a couple.

[@PerceptionVsReality333]

​@@ulary I have the OKC RD6 & RD9 with 5160 spring steel & man are those knives rock solid. I even hit the RD6 3 times with a Glock19 without breaking or bending only a few scratches.

[@ulary]

​@@PerceptionVsReality333Love to hear these stories.👍

[@andrewblakesley4202]

Great job. The bend not break point is spot on.

[@jerrychesley4395]

I really enjoy your videos, even the one about the Republic. Every knife has its limitations, especially the first ones that were made of stone. Thanks to your video, I was so impressed with the Republic, I did some research on it and then bought one. From reading and watching the videos, I could see that it was a fine looking knife, but when it arrived I saw that it was a thing of beauty and precision. It is now one of the gleaming members of my collection. Although I expect that it would hold up well for anything I would do with it, I'll probably never use it, and I'll definitely never smack it sideways with a baton. Thanks again for your informative videos.

[@RevinSOR13]

Your videos are always fascinating and honestly educational. It's really helped me know what knives can survive what and what are good solid ones to look at.

[@illsuspect]

Great vid! I like the tests and the honesty.

[@johnc7431]

I have honestly been around knives all my life. I think you beat the crap out of every night that comes through your channel. I was very impressed with your knife. Keep the videos, coming

[@Jstck1]

I remember the old days of coldsteel on KZbin. They still have high standards to live up to

[@life_Of_None]

What if for impact resistance you did the same thing but instead through battoning wood. It seems like it would be a more realistic test since people dont really purposefully hit the flat of the knife. Just my 2 cents.

[@mcsquirgle]

While I appreciate calculated survivals impact test, I don't think it would keep me from buying a Cold Steel Republic. There is a use case scenario where a thinner camp knife is useful, and I don't think that because it broke in these impact tests that makes it a bad knife. It's just got a different use case. Namely it's a knife meant to do knife things, not prybar things or stuff one should be using other tools for to begin with

[@bigjsknives]

Great honest testing!! I was highly surprised they sent a 2nd and didn't ever mention not to post the video!! Thanks for sharing this!!

[@good767]

I've watched a few of your shorts yesterday and after watching this one... I subscribed!

[@johnnyrebel5458]

I had made and sold a blade to someone I work with. He asked if I had tested the “strength” of it. I told him no but we can do it now. Your vids came to mind,we grabbed a log and started beating the hell out of it. Long story short he wants 2 more made. Great vids brother!!!!!!!

[@FrankLewis040]

Thanks for the videos, man. I've always been a Cold Steel fan. I've bought two knives off your videos. Well technically 5. 3 Gerber Strong arms and Cold Steel SRK-5. I know the SRK-5 broke the tip, but with my discount I got it for $32. Keep it up, I'm always looking for more blades. I'd like you to test the Cold Steel Trench Hawk hatchet. Mine came RAZOR sharp. It did take a little while to get used to a long handle with a short cutting surface, but we got there in the end. It's my "Tacticool" addition to my bugout kit.

[@adods9824]

Me too!

[@Damen178]

I recently got a Cold Steel SRK-C for daily carry. Didn't go into it blind; I know about the issues with the breaking tips, I saw what kind of tang it has, and I saw the video where you snapped the SRK. Them saying to go ahead and post the video despite the failed tests and they're gonna look into the issue makes me feel good about them as a company.

[@AdamCeladin]

Brother you have my deep respect for these tests specially that you told them the true....i had similar experience when i wanted Pro model from Boker but after a year i rather made it myself :D :D I hope CS will switch the steel for this one.

[@calculatedsurvival]

Thanks man! Yeah, sometimes it’s more fun to make the knives yourself. I suggested if they want a stainless blade, AEB-L would be a great option. Let’s see if they agree.

[@AdamCeladin]

@@calculatedsurvival looking forward for updates

[@andrewrichards2462]

The fact that it held a razor edge while also bending without breaking means that you tempered it perfectly

[@thefishinglor6931]

if the republic isnt coated I wouldve bought one already, the design really speaks to me but I already have my perfect belt knife and i really dont like coatings so its on the list for random future experiments

[@jamessantimarino2402]

I am of the opinion that honesty is the best policy. Especially when it comes to a tool that cost as much as many of these blades do.

[@Jake.44Mag]

I think a test designed to break every knife is better, because then you can see at what point does each one break, not just of it passes some generic easy to pass test. Forces them to build better and better, not just good enough.

[@HalfInsaneOutdoorGuy]

Short story, yes. Long story, yes.

[@sweetbaby_0608]

This is something that Esee did in one of their videos when they released an Esee 3 in S35vn. They showed that they broke one of the s3vn Esee 3s by trying to baton through some mahogany. And that kind Of honesty is why I support them completely. I feel the same about cold steel!!

[@ra8640]

I respect the testing that you do on these knives although some may say they're unrealistic. I trust your videos and comments. I think that any knife that you spend your hard earned money on should be tough enough for you to depend on if you had to. I have a Cold Steel Tanto from the mid 1980s. I have trusted it as my bedside knife since then. They make decent products most of the time. I think ESEE knives are tougher for outdoor scenarios. I'd like You to test an ESSE 5 or 6. Keep up your videos, they are honest and fair. It's what we need nowadays. Thanks!

[@rnkmode1876]

Hm, i wonder if the same thing would happen to the Sog Pillar?. It has S35VN steel.

[@HalfInsaneOutdoorGuy]

Before social media, "influencers" if you abused a knife like this and it broke like they will, you'd have rightfully been told to fuck off.

[@cecilm3720]

You could use the broken off blades for mock batoning tests. See if they’re as brittle with impacts on the spine as they were with impacts on the blade.

[@Shatteredlightunderfadingstars]

Honestly, I think it's a thickness problem. That's REALLY thin for what's supposed to be a bushcraft/survival knife.

[@49giants3]

Hey my friend, it would have been nice to see you try to unbend the 1095 like you did with the S35vn one.

[@1718bb]

Everything is a tradeoff. If you want edge retention and stainless, you sacrifice toughness. 99.99% of the users of this knife won't have this problem. If you plan to use your knife as a pry bar, or plan to abuse it the way you do, you should buy a softer steel. Get something in AUS10 or 1095 and get it a quarter inch thick for that matter. I'm curious, since you say you do this to all your knives (I have never seen one of your videos until now) have you done this to a TOPS BoB or a Cold Steel SRK?

[@halo21a1]

Good video but for your impact test you may want to build a rig or find some way to make sure the impact is consistent across the board.

[@Mikey-ii8ef]

I'd have liked to see the 1095 hit a second time like you did with the s35vn after it bent.

[@stephangrobler5524]

Great fair review. Im a big CS fan but I was very doubtful of the s35vn

[@JS-ym8qi]

U doing excellent job!!!

[@ninemimesleft]

They should make a cheaper, tougher version in 80crv2. Alternately, I wonder if aeb-l or 14c28n would be a good middle ground. I will likely never get a fixed blade (except maybe a little edc one) in a high wear resistant or high hardness steel because i hate sharpening out chips and dont want ro be constantly worrying.

[@Nick-lm5lz]

This isn't the only CS product with issues. Other YT channels have been pointing that out for a while now.

[@skinner18375]

Love your guys videos. Thanks ❤

[@vorpfriendly7574]

I was already subbed but damn I need to hit that damn bell, I love your channel man.

[@calculatedsurvival]

Thanks brother!

[@powersww1reset]

S35VN, was a poor choice for that knife. That’s all there is to it.

[@richroc7]

I love the video, I thoroughly enjoyed watching a cold steel knife fail not once but twice 😂. Wasn’t the first time and it definitely won’t be the last.

[@yankee23a]

Nah i reckon your tests are just fine, especially as you are using the same method for all knives so pretty fair. You do a great knofe there yourself and it survived so give yourself a pat. Big ups to putting your own stuff out there and presenting both in a fair manner

[@Ceriva09]

well even though the impact test might not be representing the reality it still shows reliability in situations where you dont go by the books and have to use the knife in unintended ways... using the knife as a makeshift crowbar over long times might end in the same result. your way is just a quicker way to expose those weakspots

[@Transamchamp]

One of my favorite tough carbon steels that is not too expensive is 5160 I'd try making a knife out of that because that is my absolute favorite tough old fashioned carbon steel

[@Rena152]

The smack test might be strange (unless the situation you're somehow using it to parry some club-wielding attacker); But the bend test makes sense after all

[@percisionshot4331]

Keep the videos coming. If the blade can’t hack it, it is what it is.

[@yankee23a]

Nah i reckon your tests are just fine, especially as you are using the same method for all knives so pretty fair. You do a great knofe there yourself and it survived so give yourself a pat. Big ups to putting yoir own stuff out there and presenting both in a fair manner

[@Tygor3533]

Nah you are legit sir! I like how you test these knives so if I fork out the cash for one I know what abuse it can take…

[@Devin-O]

The blade may of failed but they owned up to it which I can respect.

[@1776me]

Should have hit it on the other side like you did the cold steel one. Curious if it would also break.

[@viscousmartincarey7031]

I mean if you drop your knife on a rock.. it could shatter or break so it’s pretty realistic to me. I feel like white rivers s35vn is tougher though.. maybe test the ursus 45?

[@blacklisted4885]

At least the impact test is more realistic than shooting it with an air rifle like DBK do. Even to a Rockstead!

[@PerceptionVsReality333]

Try 5160 spring steel if you can find some it's actually tougher than 1095 & malleable.

[@random_eskimo_in_the_rockies]

Your knife wasn't a fail, your steel choice was. 1095 to replace S35VN? No, you need a stainless. The first one that comes to mind is AEB-L, which has roughly the same level of toughness as CPM-3V according to Larrin Thomas. A 2nd and 3rd choice would be 14C28N and Nitro-V which have slightly less toughness but more edge holding. I have a Jessmuk-C made by LT Wright in AEB-L, and while it doesn't hold the edge my 3V Demko AD 20.5 does, it's tough like a pissed off Denzel Washington taking on Sicilians. I have some AEB-L from Aldo Bruno I'm going to try (and some 8670 from Alpha for a Smachet-style chopper.)

[@calculatedsurvival]

I actually suggested AEB-L to Cold Steel this morning. But I don’t have any lying around so…

[@jgaetzcustoms]

​@calculatedsurvival AEB-L is seriously under-rated. I know 1095 has a big instantly recognizable name, but I would love to see that in 52100. Similar edge retention but leaps and bounds tougher than 1095. Would love to see your version of that knife in 52100 with a Larrin Thomas HT regimen!

[@random_eskimo_in_the_rockies]

@@jgaetzcustoms 52100 is a great steel, but if we're going for a simple carbon I'd choose 80CrV2 or 5160 first. Still, nothing wrong with 52100.

[@calculatedsurvival]

@@jgaetzcustoms Can I make a better blade than Cold Steel does? kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3qtkJRmjK9lma8 - I made this video a while ago with 52100 and Larrin Thomas’ heat treatment regiment… love that stuff. I only have it in 3/16” thick kicking around and I just thought it would be unfair to make something thicker to test against their knife. That’s why I chose 1095 in this case.

[@graydonwilkinson1458]

Great video thks dude 👍

[@Off-target-xy6bx]

Good stuff

[@travisberg9031]

Cold Steel has the Best return policy in the world. I have never had a single issue with them. The City Stick cane I have, I purchased over 20 years ago, it had an issue down the road, they replaced it, then just this year, the head looked like shit from 15 years of abuse, they replaced it no problem. Just got it back 2 weeks ago...

[@6foot8jesuspilledpureblood82]

You cant really have toughness and edge retention i feel. Those harder steels and higher heat treats gotta be babied

[@natebingham3930]

Next knife you should do is the Civi Maxwell fixed blade.

[@stevelewis7263]

Who whacks a knife blade with a small tree, the test is so realistic.

[@FlynnMcTaggart]

I'd be very curious and interested to see how a little Esee Izula 2 fairs in this test.

[@adods9824]

Fares

[@FlynnMcTaggart]

​@@adods9824fare deez nuts

[@a.w.fincannon6434]

They emphasize strength and durability and I can vouch for it I love the brand. But I don't see why they didn't make that knife in CPM 3v I don't think cold steel quite has the heat treat to put s35vn on a fixed blade On their folders it's great

[@vikingskuld]

Hey thank you for the testing videos. I really appreciate it. Did you do a differetual heat treating by chance? I am guessing you didn't. Anyway just curious to know and thanks again

[@Molonlabe07]

Cold steel made a mistake on this knife. Remove the jimping, make the blade slightly thicker and switch to 3v and they would be in business.

[@50calBeowulf]

So CS quenched to hot? or maybe there's an issue with the annealing process?

[@williamwright9344]

How many broken blades are out there in those leaves.

[@airiksknifereviews9548]

Tried and true 1095hc, there is a reason survivalist like carbon steels. I really like 80CRV2 also, it has good edge retention and toughness , and is really forgiving for newbies learning to sharpen. I think the impact testing proves the term thats been used in the knife world well...."toughness" . Theres some new super steel opinions flying around that I totally disagree with...But im old and stuck in my ways so 🤷‍♂️ what do I know.

[@justgregm7843]

I don't think the test that broke the knives is realistic. I can't think of a situation where the knife is supported at two points and has an impact applied to the blade. This is a destructive test. But, it does give information on the steel quality and heat treatment. Ideally the knife should be unchanged by the impact. However if the knife bends then this should be okay and you don't hit it again to remove the bend. If the knife breaks then it is a test failure. To pass the impact test, the blade needs to be made the way Japanese make their blades. They use a hard core steel with a softer steel on both sides. I do find your videos interesting and thank you for providing them.

[@RonaldColeman-ef2rc]

Awesome

[@richardhenry1969]

I personally don’t believe stainless is a good choice for a survival hard use knife. I prefer toughness over edge retention. Stainless is for collections and for use around water if you don’t wanna maintain your knife. Carbon will stain but it will only rust if you don’t use it. Used tools don’t rust. Personally most of the new coldsteel stuff I’ll never buy anyway. I don’t believe any knife is worth more the $150. I can make my own for much less. That way better steel and the best heat treatment. I believe my next knife will be 8760 that stuff is next level even at 60 Rockwell.

[@IkarusTheFallen]

Is a Gerber principle a shitty knife? Just bought it cause it seemed like my best option in store but I’ve heard bad things about 420hc and now I’m having buyers remorse. Not a big knife guy just have a couple edc Benchmades and I thought this knife would be good for camping and field dressing

[@beardedwonder73]

Hopefully their 3rd time is a charm if they both had defects.

[@brr8888]

They should’ve used 3V, AUS10 or 1095

[@keillorchristoph]

Have you ever tested a cold steel Trail master?

[@palerider7171]

It too bad the Republic didn’t pan out but those are the breaks. Seriously if you building an knife marketed for outdoors use , proper steel selection and heat treatment are key especially for longer blades rather than what’s the popular steel. Esee has ventured in S35VN but with shorter blades and with warnings to use them in the proper context. As for your knife it faired as well as another well know 1095 knife I took a lot of gulf about saying the same thing you just stated about bending instead of breaking. Maybe CS will see this an bring this out the Republic in 52100, 3V or if you got to go stainless MagnaCut.

[@jgaetzcustoms]

Idk man I love magnacut but I think AEB-L would be a better choice for a beating knife.

[@DarrellHaigwood-cc7ep]

Dude! I want your knife!

[@mo.j7849]

I like your videos bro

[@neraklrllessur8844]

Yes, but are you really supposed to treat it like that? Impact, but not from that side. Idk..

[@adods9824]

Does the ESEE 6 pass the blade side on whacking snapping test? I sure hope so, just bought one ...

[@PerceptionVsReality333]

It should though I don't recommend doing that.

[@kevincage1641]

Hell No you didn't do anything wrong.! You did good.

[@ankh2684]

Can you test a Buck 124?

[@ChrisvilleUSA]

I don't feel like it should have broke but yeah, you whacked the F out of it

[@solideogloria2298]

Bro really just said, i started hitting the knives for views. He has the goofiest mindset. "I cant stop doing it now..." broooo lmao

[@calculatedsurvival]

I didn’t do it for views. I did it because a lot of people said that I should check the tang on the Kabar. I came up with the baton smack randomly, and the first knife I did with it broke. Then it would be unfair if I didn’t do it from then on.

[@solideogloria2298]

It just doesnt make sense to me. I get that you were testing the tang but when is a knife gonna get hit in the middle like that? Tests should reflect real world situations. I mean i guess if you use it as a step when climbing a tree or something? But even then you wouldn't smack it with a baton like that, just add weight to it (like a few hundred lbs) and see if it breaks. I just don't see any knife passing that ridiculous test. But yeah that's just my 2 cents

[@calculatedsurvival]

@@solideogloria2298 A bunch of knives have passed my impact resistance test. It definetly tells you a lot about the knife. I’ve had quite a few knives snap on me when I was out for a while. If it survives a strike to the side, it’ll survive quite a whole bunch more to the spine or edge. That’s just my philosophy.

[@epleyscott86]

So what’s the deal , what did cold steel decide to do

[@LegionTacticoolCutlery]

What if you just did spine battoning.

[@martindunwell6099]

1095 it is then

[@psycomutt]

Bro, vertical is unacceptable on a longer form video.

[@KoyotBravo]

Your impact test is legit. Imagine a situation: You just finished with your ferrorod, threw your knife on the firewood and started to add kindling. Then your buddy comes by and drops a 50lbs log on firewood stack. Boom, knife in half.

[@jic1]

That's like saying that every test of a side-by-side should end with 12 gauge 00 buckshot being fired at the engine compartment, because it's far from inconceivable that your buddy might have a negligent discharge into it. Just because you can think of a not completely implausible reason something might happen in real life, it doesn't make it a fair test.