Cold Steel Master Hunter San Mai iii Japan vs CPM3V Taiwan

[@Man_Cave]

What's happening is exactly what all of us were afraid of. GSM is letting quality slip and trying to live off the Cold Steel name and reputation.

[@richardhenry1969]

Personally I really like the Taiwan 3v. Everyone was complaining the Italian 3v was to thin at the tip. So I guess coldsteel made the knife more capable. Imagine trying to please everyone, I really wonder how Lynn did it so long. I believe the master hunter is about as close to my perfect knife as you can get. That’s the Taiwan 3v version.

[@peterbiltknifeguy]

I like the 3v one too. But the qc is off

[@nick_t7467]

It was my guess that the Japanese produced models would be a safer bet, because those manufacturing relationships were established during the Lynn Thompson days. I still want an srk, but now I'd trust the San mai version most out of the current lineup. I don't have the same faith in gsm, where Lynn's passion was obvious

[@eddycamp2492]

Hello....I 'have the Master sans mai III since 8years ans It's my favorite with my Tops brother fieldcraft in 1095......during this years I made buschcraft with woods very hard in France on all seasons......and Never the coldsteel was Bad....Always cuting , a Real pleasure....I don't regreat my choice.....very good knife.......sorry for my english......ciao...of France.

[@peterbiltknifeguy]

Very cool!

[@桜遊Ouyu]

Thank you for your detailed explanation of the differences between the tow KNIVES✨‼️

[@peterbiltknifeguy]

My pleasure!

[@jupiterjunk]

Having had CS knives since the 80's, I can say the "Made in Japan" bladed are far superior. The QC and finish are immaculate. That "newer" one from Italy would've been a Factory Second back in the day.

[@petrbenes127]

Nevím,mám Goldsteel tanto Japonské výroby a v detailu je nepřesný!Je to kus od kusu!

[@DavidNefelimSlayer]

Knives from Maniago as I recall were Carbon V or that could be a senior moment. Those Italian made knives are a fine value, (I’ve seen complaints about 60Rc on LionSteel M390, there’s a hardness joke I’ll skip) I think it is pretty reasonably priced. I just picked up Fox Russ Kommer Alaska 4.5 for 75 bucks, I had to look up Becut Steel…I’m sure it’ll be fine. If the San Mai is still available from Seki I should get one before GSM does what corporations do. The CS MH looks a bit thick to be a great cape knife, but it looks like a formidable camp knife. Good evaluation, thanks. Look forward to the edge show down.

[@peterbiltknifeguy]

I’m looking forward to the edge retention test too. Thanks for watching

[@John5.56]

I’d say the mini is a better suited caping knife from the CS lineup. Not my first choice but definitely not terrible.

[@John5.56]

I’d say the mini is a better suited caping knife from the CS lineup. Not my first choice but definitely not terrible.

[@dionpage7948]

I had the same problem with the edge&tip on my SRK3V. I sent it back twice&decided to just reprofile it after it came back the 3rd time.

[@Supra_Mare_Cultro_Bloke]

same Recon Scout and TM in 3V.

[@codyp1056]

That's really strange. I just got a recon scout in 3v about 4 days ago before a camping trip. The grind lines are nicely squared up, the tip is completely fine, the edge is as good as factory edges get in my experience and it fits perfectly into it's sheath. As far as i can tell, the fit and finish is pretty excellent, a few sharp edges on the guard, but nothing rattles, there are no gaps in the fit up... i guess this one had to be made on a monday.

[@peterbiltknifeguy]

Right. Or a Friday lol

[@carlbunner5515]

The italian master hunter in 3v much better than the asain version.

[@jamespisano1164]

Dude. That's amazing. Makes me think of so many manufacturing questions about process and quality and tolerances, but this ultimately comes down to culture; Japanese culture is what is behind the quality of their version. I bought a Miki camp knife from Miki, Japan on Amazon for $25 and it was a deal due to being discontinued and is only made of 440C but you can tell it was made with pride. The build quality is great. It even has a ball bearing pivot. Very cleverly designed handle, g10 scales, etc. The Al Mar SERE was also made in Japan and was really amazing.

[@peterbiltknifeguy]

Japanese do excellent work

[@t0nyxgq]

Thanks for the comparison. My Taiwanese version came in today with similar issues though the tip is good. I’m just a bit weary of the heat treat. But for $14 shipped, yes that’s right, from Aliexpress, I’m a happy camper to have this as a beater.

[@ATOMSKI_MRAV]

Lol. $14 aliexpress Master hunter with unknown steel. Good deal BRO! 😂

[@llamawizard]

My 2 cents… 3V is an amazing steel. Most blades don’t need that level of toughness. Especially smaller blades.

[@peterbiltknifeguy]

Nobody needs a 4x4 vehicle until they get stuck. I prefer having that toughness even if it’s not needed. But that’s just me

[@adammcguinness9950]

Cool review. I don’t have either of those steels but I have an SRK. The brass pin looks cheap to me. I’d be bummed if I spent the money on the new 3V version. The Japanese version is much better.

[@samthai818]

Got both Master hunter and also noticed those differences in quality workmanship. Most annoying is the uneven high angle grind. The VG1 looks to be around 20°, while the 3V is over 25°. Mine does have a very sharp point especially after I reprofiled the grind. But there was a tip originally that was fairly sharp. One design that is on the VG1 from factory was the beautifully sharp spine that can scrape fatwood effortlessly. I had to take a file to the spine of the 3V and now it has an awesome spine, almost as good as that of my O1 Trail Master. Except, now the spine of my 3V looks like schit. But I could care less, all of my knives are tools that I modified (if needed) to be exactly as I need it. Now I like the 3V MH just as much as the VG1, if not more, because who wouldn't like a knife that has 65% greater edge retention in a perfectly designed knife!

[@thechugdude]

So which would you recommend? I love 3V but I don't own anything in San Mai 😅

[@peterbiltknifeguy]

3v of you can

[@bl4596]

I'm looking at a Cold Steel warcraft tanto 3V from before GSM - this one is the old lettering '1990s "Cold Steel" and made in Taiwan - no issues with grind, tip, and excellent fit n finish. Also a San Mai made in Taiwan recon tanto pre-GSM is nearly perfect. Too bad about the more recent GSM knife having obvious QC deficiencies - hopefully, not common... aren't they made in the same taiwan cold steel shop?

[@MrEMann]

Nice review. Thank you

[@singingtoad]

If you hadn't of mentioned that you got this new 3V Master Hunter from a repeatable dealer, I'd would've assumed you got it from AliExpress...lol 🤣Once you do your testing, you'll know for sure whether or not its a fake; you already know how cpm 3v should perform, so if it does poorly that'll be a dead give-away along with all the other clues you showed here in this video. 🤔Hopefully that's not the case and it's just a simple matter of poor quality control, rather than it being a counterfeit knife. Thanks for sharing and I look forward to seeing your testing video for the verdict. 👍Take care and Cheers!

[@peterbiltknifeguy]

Yeah. Hopefully after I re profile the blade it’ll be awesome. And hopefully not a fake lol

[@michaelwaldeck7081]

Interestingly I bought a HuangFu cpm3v from Temu for $30au which is exactly the same as the Coldsteel 3v and I didn’t even know it. It’s either a good replica, even though it is not badged coldsteel or it is a Cold Steel rebadged. The Cold steel in Australia is $279.

[@justinw1765]

Hopefully it really is 3v. That is mighty inexpensive for that steel. The thing about steels is that even with the super steels, the heat treatments can make or break them. And good heat treatments are hard to do on the super steels generally.

[@adisabtu2110]

So,which one you prefered?

[@peterbiltknifeguy]

The 3v

[@HvtWildlife]

Hello. I just watched your video and I came here to subscribe to your channel, wishing you good health and peace❤

[@peterbiltknifeguy]

Thank you

[@Mark.sSenger]

My 3v laredo is the same way, the grinds uneven and it was $500 bucks. I thought for $500.00 it'd be perfect.

[@kanukkarhu]

Disappointing discovery for us Cold Steel fans... 😞 (I noticed the sheath issue with a new SRK I bought to replace one I gave to a buddy. Unsatisfactory 'soft' retention.)

[@douglasreed9237]

It looks like your striking out with the new Cold Steel fixed blades. Between the Trailmaster and the hunter you got it's not looking good for CS fixed blades. Thanks 🔪👍🗡️

[@SuperSnakePlissken]

I've owned a Recon Scout and Trailmaster both in San Mai III for over a decade. Are they Benchmade quality....hell no, but for what they are they are great knives.

[@Saberlus]

I wonder if you got a chinese clone man, where did you buy it from?

[@peterbiltknifeguy]

Amazon

[@Saberlus]

@@peterbiltknifeguy have you contacted cold steel about it?

[@peterbiltknifeguy]

No. I reprofiled it and it’s excellent now

[@Saberlus]

@@peterbiltknifeguy what do you think of that knife as a pseudo bush craft knife, I do backpack hunting, and I've been itching for something new.

[@peterbiltknifeguy]

@@Saberlus unless your willing to put in a whole bunch of work. You won’t be happy

[@InGratitudeIam]

Toughness/durability, edge retention, ease of sharpening, rust resistance?

[@peterbiltknifeguy]

???

[@dlrmon1]

The tip is way thicker on the new 3v vs the old Italian version.

[@peterbiltknifeguy]

Very much so. Almost too thick.

[@gospelninja2.016]

I think they did it so that it pleased the bushcrafter. They have been putting this knife though torcher test.

[@Kwr34538]

Japan are the masters of the very best blades on the planet ! Even a new knife maker in Nihon will be naturally better than most other countries

[@kurts4867]

maybe u got a "lemon" ie a one off defective 3v?? Most reviews like the thicker , stouter tip on the 3 v... But u can always count on Japanese quality ....

[@Man_Cave]

I disagree. It's not minor when you're paying a premium for CP3V.

[@andrewfournier8817]

They should use a better stainless on the stainless versions- A powdered steel would be a big improvement.

[@justinw1765]

While 3v isn't fully stainless, it's stainless enough for me and I'd guess most folks that don't work on an ocean boat/ship or the like.

[@andrewfournier8817]

@@justinw1765 Sure. I do spend time on the ocean, hence my affection for magnacut and 14c28n. That said, I never see reviews on filet knives or rigging knives

[@justinw1765]

@@andrewfournier8817 Understandable. Speaking of 14c28n, do you know of any good quality knives made of that, that are around 6", have good geometry for batoning, and which are affordable? I bought CS SRK Cpm-3V for myself, but I'm looking to get my spouse a similar functioning knife, but at hopefully less cost (and something more stainless as she is hard on equipment). Cheers P.S. for reference, I paid 94 base price for the CS knife, so looking for something in the 30 to 60 dollar range in the 14c28n.

[@rnkmode1876]

Reach out to them and tell em what's up. See if they respond. Because if their sales keep declining they'll go out of business. Just a question of time.

[@scottf.3808]

Nice pairing as that are individuals and should not be the same so stop judging so hard....LOL...The etching on the 3V seems faded indeed....Grind lines again as seems to be a common quality control concern....I know you after you fix the problems you will fall in love like a 16 year old boy on his date with the love of his life....LOL....I do look forward to the comparison vid with cutting and such....Good stuff...

[@peterbiltknifeguy]

😂🤣 I’ll definitely take it on a date after the tummy tucks and boob job

[@scottf.3808]

@@peterbiltknifeguy 👍👍🤣🤣

[@insertnamehere4341]

What a damn shame idk what it is with gsm and and fucking up plunge/grind lines and not the knife not having a proper tip is just not right im assuming the italian versions of the 3v are of higher quality though they do have a much thinner tip. The sheath is some bs too even though that wouldnt be an issue for me because I can kydex it but still. Damn I miss the old cold steel logo :/ Ps pbkg whats your thoughts on Fällkniven A2? It looks like smth youd be into

[@peterbiltknifeguy]

I have been interested in a fallkniven for years. But never pulled the trigger on it.

[@insertnamehere4341]

@@peterbiltknifeguy you should check out the A2 its like the A1 but it has an 8 inch blade instead of the 6.3, it has 6mm thick stock of laminated vg10 (bit under a ¼ inch), and a leather sheath. only issue is the price in my eyes

[@Wolf-viking]

Had to stop the vid man… i own both and the 3v destroy the Old san Mai in all therms. I dunno why yours was so bad quality but I assure you that mine is in perfect shape and it’s fantastic for outdoor, fishing and hunting. Mine has the finest tip I could have asked for. Gl with the knives

[@peterbiltknifeguy]

I believe I have the second generation of the 3v. After the company take over

[@Wolf-viking]

I would send it in. When you get it back make sure you put a convex egde on it. Its a Wild machine. I testet the thin tip on bone and poppin joint. It hasnt chipped at all. All the best man

[@theotherguy3083]

Japanese are detailed oriented and efficient

[@legionnaires]

that knife should be made.of CPM-S35VN

[@legionnaires]

CPM-3V steel quality is just a myth

[@Crazy_Zoologist_Web]

What is this second knife? A fake? The original Cold Steel Master Hunter has VG-1 San Mai III steel.

[@peterbiltknifeguy]

Not a fake.

[@Crazy_Zoologist_Web]

@@peterbiltknifeguy But why is this knife so similar to the Master Hunter from Cold Steel?

[@peterbiltknifeguy]

@@Crazy_Zoologist_Web what do you mean? They are both master hunters from cold steel. Just like many of the others. You can get them in different steel

[@Crazy_Zoologist_Web]

@@peterbiltknifeguy I know only one knife of this shape. The company is Cold Steel, the name of the knife is "master hunter" and the steel is the one I indicated. And the second one is also from Cold Steel?

[@peterbiltknifeguy]

@@Crazy_Zoologist_Web yes

[@60AcresandaDream]

not gonna be made in taiwan for long once china shows up

[@peterbiltknifeguy]

Chinese take over everything

[@DavidNefelimSlayer]

I’m gonna bet on seeing some tech we haven’t seen yet from Japan and Formosa should the commies go military on Taiwan. Of course counting on the US to do anything but piss down their pants leg is current status. The commies can’t make baby food without western governance, they can with Western model and Deming QA make some decent stuff but that is rare as the commies just can’t keep their noses out of anything. CCP are just a labor source for the multinationals and central banks and I find it difficult to even call it China with commies running the show and the central banks running the commies.☮

[@markhenderson2896]

Mine states made in USA

[@mattandlanacarter4137]

Any chance you got a knock off? Oh wait you said no... G0t to that part.… shrinkflation… I would imagine the Cold Steel brand is made by multiple contractors since they sell millions and not just one guy makes them. Even in select countries I wonder if they have variations in quality contractor to contractor who are making them

[@peterbiltknifeguy]

They definitely do have different manufacturers

[@fgm1197]

The CPM3V version costs twice as much(where i live)...

[@DaryooshF.Sh.P-vq6mu]

Mora is always safe.

[@peterbiltknifeguy]

Safe for what? Cheapness

[@DaryooshF.Sh.P-vq6mu]

@@peterbiltknifeguy and cold steel is your luxury?

[@peterbiltknifeguy]

@@DaryooshF.Sh.P-vq6mu I’m still confused on the safeness of a mora?