Cold Steel SRK survival knife review - Master of None?

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[@BlackRifleSurvival]

Nice review and appreciate the fair testing and truth about the comfort and function. Keep it up!

[@charlescollier7217]

"You know what? Just make it pretty much like this knife, and I reckon they'll have a great time." - That was COLD hearted...lol

[@danielgrant9213]

Dude, you clearly had some good points in this video, because Cold Steel seem to have moved the design more towards what you suggested here (they went to a flatter grind and got rid of the huge ricasso) It's still not quite as carefully designed as a Falkniven today (which isn't surprising given the price difference) but still a lot closer to what you described here. Can't think of much fairer points than ones the manufacturer itself also concedes.

[@thejasonbischoff]

I think your suggestion for the tange is spot on.

[@davidblowe9096]

The biggest problem I have with my SRK is I only bought 1 from Cleavers, I have set it up with a ferro rod on the sheath and will probably attach a pouch for a Victorinox. This knife was standard issue to the US Navy SEAL BUDs training so it can't be a bad thing. It chop's good, with practice you can get feather stick's, 90 degree spine through's spark's and scrapes timber, the press stub to hold the handle in the sheath comes undone way to easy and that's the only thing I don't like.

[@jacobyoung4657]

I've got one in carbon v. Reprofiled to 20dps and its freaking awsome.

[@Imightberiding]

I fully agree with your suggestions to make this a better knife. That chunk of unsharpened steel that takes up valuable edge real estate drives me crazy. I almost didn't buy it for that reason alone. An exposed tang at the butt of the handle would be a welcome addition as well. In the end it is still a good value IMO. Knives in Canada may be even more expensive than in Australia. I took it to my diamond stones (careful with the AUS8-A on a diamond stone) & tuned up the edge & it is now a far better cutter/performer with a thinner geometry & still maintains its rugged, tough knife reputation.

[@thejasonbischoff]

I just picked one up in America in Texas in a pawn shop. It’s Carbon V and unused for $49 USD plus tax. The sheath is excellent, but is missing the nylon belt attachment. Very happy with it so far.

[@HVKfps]

That's a steal for the carbon v version, they're hard to find a d when you do they're always hella expensive.

[@finesto3404]

With the new version, they actually fixed the tang issue. Maybe because of your video? Great job with the review!

[@thomaschainey3230]

Great video thanks. Love cold steel have a lot of them but only one of them is fixed. Just ordered the SRK with CPM 3v for $160.00 after tax and free delivery but have to wait on the restocking. Like that it is not coated or have the extra chole thing. I wanted a big survival knife that works like a hatchet but stabs like a knif. Wanted the tough beater knife and have a lot of other knives

[@JamesWeller123]

Any chance of a review for the LionSteel M4 in M390, looks beautiful but does it perform?

[@jfilm7466]

The SRK SK5 now has a full length cutting edge.

[@stephenyoung3838]

Does the a1 fit into the cold steel sheath.... they're pretty similar

[@listenup455]

How would you say it stacks up against the Strongarm?

[@CJ-bb2gs]

5 years later.. The version ive got has a slight hollow grind and the blank spot on the blade is only about 10 mm..

[@thejasonbischoff]

I think this half inch behind the blade is for ferro rods, so you don’t have to change your grip for the backside.

[@Airik1111bibles]

The VG1 was a beast to reprofile BUT this knife is a completely different animal with a higher profile convex. I took that thinness away and I LOVE IT! I was feeling a bit bummed but seriously after the change its amazing. I'm guessing a lot of good reviews are from folks who modified the edge cause out of the box the knife sucks. Its fun changing a blade, its new to me but I've learned how to make them my own, all blade owners should learn how to reprofile their knives, the reward is an awesome feeling.

[@JoannaJedrzejczyksForehead]

The SRK, with its Kraton handle, came before the Fallkniven. In fact, before the family that founded Fallkniven, founded Fallkniven, they were just a Cold Steel dealer. I’m not a fan of Fallkniven’s handles. The exposed tang at the butt, digs into my hand.

[@guncotton1950]

I have the master hunter in AUS8 its one of my favourite knives I EDC it a lot

[@CedricAda]

guncotton 1 yeah thats a great knife. Nice broad, slicey blade

[@jacobyoung4657]

I convexed mine. It's the vg1 san mai.

[@alaskaraftconnection-alask3397]

Much of your discussion is on point... I feel that the CS SRK represents their version of reliability and dedication to a faithful loyalty even using the different steels on same pattern all these years. Your analysis and explanation with various comparisons is ya might say right on the money. The FK F1 is a far more efficient, accurate, and effective package as well as the s1 and a1 are better real-world performers... whereas the pricing and utility for the SRK is tough to beat for this dependability with overall value.

[@JoannaJedrzejczyksForehead]

Alaska Raft Connection - Alaska-BushRafter the A1 is awful. Uncomfortable in hand. And it chips like no one’s business.

[@John_14v6]

66 bucks, might need to pick myself up one for that price haha. I totally agree with your comments on the SRK, particularly that blank spot on the blade is a turn off. I'll be getting a Fallkniven S1 soon, thanks for your reviews :)

[@ToughJourneyman]

Good honest review.

[@CedricAda]

Tough Journeyman thanks mate!

[@moparhemi1777]

I have seen guys on youtube that just scraped off the teflon coating of their cs folders, so maybe you can try this method to strip the blade.^^

[@roguesheep1747]

The false edge makes doing log harder your baton gets gubbed up, but is awesome for wood shaving ,if I was using to do logs I would place the knife edge not in the center of the log a quarter in works great ...and I glad that they did away with the space between the handle and the start of the knife thank god because that hinders the use . Great wee video by the by 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 🇦🇺

[@AdrianWosniak]

why does it appear to me that „cheaper“ knives are tougher than more expensive ones? TRC Apocalypse VS Fällkniven A1.....can you do that? 😃👍

[@GAR85120514]

Good stuff. Just recently they adjusted some of your concerns but hollow ground it and shit. Not impressed. I'll take the old one

[@dme7689]

Falkniven uses chippy steel and I've seen the S1 tip break off in light use. I'd take the 3v Srk all day long over those overrated knives. Monkey see monkey do.... Your other points are well taken and it seems CS has addressed some of them.

[@Pjotr1982]

This version is in SK-5. Which is in AUS 8?

[@jamesboxold9671]

Nice review, I think they paint them so there's no reflection, seals are issued them correct?

[@DL-ij7tf]

I think that's more or less a myth of Cold Steel's marketing department unfortunately. I actually think this would make a nearly perfect "soldier" knife if you consider its quality, price point, and large production ability (important for military contracts).

[@stevanoutdoor]

I thought SRK does mean Search and Rescue Knife, but it's a good all round survival knife if you want to use that terminology. They don't make the Aus 8 version any more so it seems, or I just can't find it.

[@fp3359]

Euhhh Survival Rescue Knive. In 2018 the SRK is made out of SK-5 steel. Very hard carbon steel. Greetz from a real Dutchy in Holland.

[@bp-hx9ts]

Wish they had the sk5 design in 3v like they had before I am still wondering why they switched besides it being cheaper

[@j.shorter4716]

bp69 the 3v blades should be coming back in a month or two

[@wstewart5532]

Whats the difference between these AUS8 versions and the older one I have that saves 'Carbon V'???

[@CedricAda]

yours is the carbon steel they used to use, a 1085 carbon if i remember correctly. Might hold its edge a little longer. Will rust a little easier tho if uncoated or the coating comes off

[@astrazenica7783]

Don't need a finger choil. I actually prefer when they just have unsharpened part like that

[@frankwoods135]

cold steel master hunter is going to be more good at slicing and regular knife tasks but it's thinner at the tang and tip so wouldn't baton with it or buy an essee 6 that's a great survival knife imo

[@waveman0]

I too bought my SRK at Cleavers for $66 (got a nice OSI for the same price as well) and yes as of 10/02/17 the deal is still running. Basically you are getting these knives for 1/2 price. The Aus-8 SRK is an outstanding knife, and tough as nails. I saw a NZ vid of them trying to kill one, and they failed to do so, by the end of the torture test it was still sharp enough to cut up an orange, and because of that vid I decided I couldn't go past one for 1/2 price. A few points, AFAIK the 1" gap at the choil is for choking up, CS didn't want to weaken the knife by putting an actual finger choil there (I am assuming)and by leaving it unedged it achieves the same thing without compromising the integrity of the knife. The black paint would have been applied to the blade by CS to cut down on glare reflecting off the blade, not for blade protection. CS aims their products at the 'tactical' side of things for the most part, and as this is a do-all that's my thinking on the coating. spine is listed at 3/16"

[@CedricAda]

Orion yeah that Bushbrothers NZ video is crazy. Its ultra durable to be sure, and the best part is you arent afraid to really push it because its low cost

[@waveman0]

I honestly don't know of any other knife with a comparable price point ($66) that is anywhere near as good as the SRK aus-8. For that price you use them like they are disposable. Cleavers has had that special running now for at least 2 months, they must be selling shit loads of them.

[@CedricAda]

Orion also just ordered the D2 leatherneck for 66 from cleavers too! Thats an amazing deal and a great (and i feel superior) knife! Check it out!

[@waveman0]

Yeah I saw that, and agree that the Leatherneck in D-2 at $66 is an amazing deal, it's just if another knife turns up at my house at the moment my missus would divorce me...LoL

[@CedricAda]

Orion hahah yeah, mine has her own vices so we have an agreement and some boundaries! But I sell a lot and trade and buy to keenmy collection fresh. Out of 5 reviewed things, I probably keep 1 if it really finds a place and sell the others

[@neroknives1828]

I still think this is one of the best entry level fixed blades. I have the 3v and the budget carbon steel one. I don’t remember what they use.

[@glbwoodsbum2567]

Not just entry level.

[@chandlersours3633]

@@glbwoodsbum2567 i thought the same thing when i read that comment. Entry level? 😂😂😂 Alot of military personnel as well as the navy seals would probly disagree with that statement.

[@gonad84]

I don't really like the term either. About 6 years ago I bought a house and my dad told me it was a nice starter house. Wtf. 2 stories, 3 bedrooms, large yard.

[@neroknives1828]

Good review.... but I definitely think this is more of a fighting knife. And I think it would be unbelievable at that task

[@renniesmith8073]

neroknives Its or at least was last time I heard the knife issued to the Navy Seals so that says something?

[@chandlersours3633]

I agree n ive been sayin the same thing for a long time. I keep seein all these vids of people testing it in a bushcraft type senario. Its a combat knife. In that role its a 5 star knife. Thats why the seals love it so much.

[@davidrutan7736]

Hey Pete just got the new SRK design and it looks like they listened to you!!!!! ricasso gone and it has a hollow grind😏😏😏

[@renniesmith8073]

David Rutan In just ordered one! Be here next week!

[@chewher4171]

Most of these guys beat there's so that we don't have to beat ours. It is a good test of a knife to know its limits.

[@sandfordfields26]

Are the cold steel srks that are made in Taiwan any good?

[@DL-ij7tf]

I have two SK5 steel SRKs that were made in Taiwan and they seem very well made. I got them off Amazon for under $35, an incredible deal.

[@thejasonbischoff]

Perhaps it’s a master jack of all trades.

[@davidtate166]

Its a realdeal knive .take a licking keep a ticking..but i love moras the best.this would go in the bugout bag.

[@gelobox1154]

Hey bud ive seen more falkniven knives fail ,than i have every seen an srk coldsteel to be precise i have never seen one fail so over all id personally take a knife that will never fail me over one that cuts better.

[@CedricAda]

I guess that depends on where you are goin and what you are doing with the knife.

[@thomassmith8314]

Cold Steel SRK Jack of All Trades Master of None... Often Better Than A Master of One!

[@Airik1111bibles]

So if I buy one I will have to reprofile the edge into a convex 20° grind....hummmm I think I will get the BK7😂 How do you rate the Strongarm against the SRK? Here in the U.S the SRK is $75 but the Strongarm is only $50, they are actually a lot alike except for that weird choil thingymajig .Great review brother.

[@CedricAda]

Airik1111 Strongarm is about as tough but a fair bit more compact. Personally I'd stick with the Strongarm between the two.

[@Airik1111bibles]

CedricAda Gear and Outdoors Cool thanks man.

[@Airik1111bibles]

KillerDeegan I got both, the Gerber Strongarm came with a messed up Grind that I tried to fix, they said they would replace it which I'm gonna do cause the knife is still lopsided. The SRK in vg1 is one tough steel.....actually a freaking pain in the butt to sharpen and convex, the grind is way to thick just like Cedric said, but once its fixed its a great knife. I love Gerber matter of fact my favorite knife is my Prodigy, the Strongarm is an excellent knife but for me I think I'm gonna get their Tanto Prodigy instead now that I have the SRK its kinda to much of the same thing need to change it up a bit LOL. Gerbers 420hc so far in my experience its awesome, easy to sharpen holds a decent edge and doesn't rust ....I love it.

[@Airik1111bibles]

KillerDeegan You're fricken weird man ..to each his own bye bye.

[@jdguzman881]

watch survival lily video regarding fallkniven

[@Joranba]

I can see a little bit of lack skills doing the job. But maybe I am wrong. SRK is being testing for years with good results. My srk is looking like new after years, and serving me well. I saw the new one srk sk5 and is not my cup of tee!. Short, carpenter steel and I really hate hollow g in a survival knife, is not a kitchen knife. iMO

[@renniesmith8073]

Joranba Its a shallow hollow grind so I don't think it will be to bad? It may improve its cutting ability some? I do like that they extended the cutting edge almost all the way to the guard now and from what I hear sk5 is very close to 1095 all for $40! I just ordered one. I have an older SRK in carbon V that has held up very well. I look forward to comparing it to the new one?

[@zenyatta3947]

Rennie Smith Sk5 is more like 1080

[@glbwoodsbum2567]

@@zenyatta3947 The heat treat is more important than the steel. Also, nothing wrong with 1080 either.

[@truth959]

That looks like an uncomfortable handle and also they start the sharp bevel too far out.

[@stalememe6407]

just saying the srk in the sk5 version will be 45 dollars with better steel, you should have waited

[@CedricAda]

jordan nazif ah in australia to pay $66 for any good, big knife by cold steel is a pretty hard thing to turn down. Havent seen how much the SK5 version is gonna go for but its a great idea from then to diversify the steel in this flagship knife downward as well as upward!

[@stalememe6407]

just ship the knife then from another country, and if you want a good big knife under 66$ these are some options www.thekhukurihouse.com/catalog/product.php?id=313030fc2012 www.knifecenter.com/item/CS80PSSKXL/cold-steel-80psskxl-shanghai-warrior-dagger-fixed-sk-5-blade-polypropylene-handles-secure-ex-sheath www.knifecenter.com/item/CN2589HC/condor-tool-knife-ctk258-9hc-moonstalker-knife-carbon-steel-blade-micarta-handles-nylon-sheath

[@Joranba]

Sk5 better steel?. Mmmmmmm I dont know!. Not for me.

[@renniesmith8073]

Joranba It is disposed supposed to be very close to 1095 so it will rust on you if you dont take care of it other than that it should be a good steel easy to sharpen in the field. But better that Aus 8? Maybe?

[@edwardbtown2766]

Kraton handle

[@howardvarley8795]

If you want a knife like the Falkniven just buy a Falkniven at 5 times the price.

[@uptheau2875]

They seem pretty cool, but id take my 3v srk over an a1 or a2 even. At a fraction of the cost.

[@Eldofarmboy]

Love the video. New sub

[@CedricAda]

welcome!

[@jackhook4192]

The tips of these knives break off to easy for me.my mora black and Gerber strongarm out performed the cold steel by far.

[@moparchallenger749]

Did he just say Ugly knife?

[@ernsthelder7928]

Das S steht für Search ! Nicht für Survival !

[@rogeriosartori555]

Aus8 steel is pretty much alike 440 steel that pretty much sucks!

[@djmay5588]

Its more 420hc

[@jdguzman881]

srk the best

[@RaubElch]

This one was my primary survival knife for a couple of years. Until it began moving in the handle. If the tang would stick out on the end like with the fällkniven it would be great, but as it is I was really disappointed. It is, as you said, very average in most respects. Fällkniven all the way!

[@yolmak1793]

90% of all American made knives are too thick to be used as a KNIFE. They are wedges with a handle. It's like a big heavy muscle car that is only good for a drag race but poor at handling a curvy road. "Bigger is better". It's an American obsession ;) I would buy an SRK with a 3.5 - 4 mm CTS® XHP blade right now if it was available. In pretty much any stainless steel really, as long as it is thin enough to CUT well.

[@djmay5588]

Mora bushcraft black?

[@jfilm7466]

I love this knife, but a good old Mora will do you right.