My BIGGEST issue with the Cold Steel SRK & Recon Tanto

This video may not be popular but I have wanted to cover this for awhile. It’s not to slander but rather a plea for possible redesign on these particular fixed blades from Cold Steel. There will be a part two to this video on September 30th. #coldsteel #coldsteelsrk #recontanto
Part two this video
Cold Steel SRK Over Molded Handle Strength Test
• Cold Steel SRK Over Mo...
ALL reviews prior to this video we’re more of a first impressions review. It took a little time for me learn how these handles would perform.
Another video where there were handle issues (and no throwing. Chopping only)
• Cold Steel Srk cpm3v c...

[@gomoistic]

The Srk and recon tanto have been carried by many troops in combat and by law enforcement. I haven’t heard of those knives failing in that ultimate real would environment. When I was in the army we were never trained or encouraged to throw our knives. I’ve never thrown a combat ready knife in the over 40 years I’ve owned them. It seems obvious they would at be at risk of being damaged. I’ve owned a recon tanto for decades and would trust my life with it.

[@411Outdoors]

They seem to be really solid. It just bothers me that they can’t take a little bit of throwing abuse because that’s about all they will take before they get loose. As far as combative, throwing it’s different across the board I know a guy who has worked in anti piracy missions and hammer grip no spin is something they train on a regular. It’s just one of those skills many like to have in their pocket. Think about it, though: these knives couldn’t handle a little bit of throwing. I’ve got so many other full tang blades that are doing fine after years of throwing.

[@gomoistic]

Speaking of throwing brother, I wish I’d been there when you were throwing your srk, recon and kobun in the trash as you said- I’d a had me some more cold steel knives to keep stashed around my place!😊 I always appreciate your great KZbin channel here and you expressing your true views.

[@411Outdoors]

@@gomoistic I appreciate you bro🙂 I really did try to fix the handles, but I wasn’t successful and the tips broke. The SRK actually threw so great! Hated to see it go. I’ve been shopping for something very similar.

[@gomoistic]

I hear you bro- these days I’m only buying blades that have a fully visible full tang and are thick spined- I want something that has no chance of tip breaking when thrust into an order of spare ribs if you get my meaning. 😊 I’ve got this monster tanto from cool hand that I think I saw on your show that’s about a third of an inch thick!😊

[@tikkidaddy]

Yessir, unless you are out of those chunks of lead, brass and copper that you are "throwing" down a barrel at high velocity, that knife may end up being the only weapon you have, or tool for that matter. In combat if you throw and miss...??...or even if you throw and HIT you still have to get another knife. That's why a guy usually found a rifle or pistol that someone dropped and carried on

[@phillipcreel7612]

Not every knife is suitable for throwing. If you throw them, you get what you are asking for.

[@411Outdoors]

That’s why I believe they should be thrown in torture testing. I’ve seen these handles fail under less circumstances

[@JamesJones-yj8ku]

This is the only time I’ve heard someone say something bad about this knife 100’s of reviews.

[@redfaux74]

​@411Outdoors - The key to what you're saying is "torture testing". The fact that a knife can SURVIVE torture is something huge. The fact that a knife can escape destruction, be 90% functional AFTER that kind of test is huge. A torture test is not intended to be status quo ever. It breaks the product and is intended to. You are looking for levels of failure and what does it take to get it to break. 99% of knives should never be thrown except in dire circumstances. When it does.... and you're still alive.... you mount that one. Throwing knives are meant to be thrown. The expectation of it surviving because it is somewhat aerodynamic is ridiculous. Your standard is very high for surviving torture. Torture is beyond heavy use.

[@carloshenriquez4115]

Keep up the good work brother. You always do great and honest reviews and we appreciate you

[@411Outdoors]

Thanks! Will do!🙂👍

[@jeremybernard173]

I appreciate the honesty man. I was literally jus huntin reviews cuz i was lookin to get a recon. A rat tail is NOT full tang as far as im concerned. Thank you sir, keep up the good wrk

[@411Outdoors]

Glad I could help!

[@tyronemorrissey4728]

Daniel thanks for keeping it realistic

[@411Outdoors]

Thanks brother🙂👍

[@cs-vf2de]

Thanks for the honest opinion.

[@vickyzimbalistmorrison9300]

Appreciate your candor.

[@martinbeagley4481]

Nice one. Great discussion point and an honest approach to the subject. I got a set of SOG throwers as I wasn’t prepared to beat up any of my budget knives, to be honest the only knives I really abuse are my SOG Terminus and my stainless Mora companion and they hold up well, my Recon 1 has held up too. I just got an SRK last week, I managed to stem my Ka Bar fascination and seems all good but I won’t be beating that, I will look after it. I guess the Navy Seals treat the SRK as a disposable tool that gets replaced regularly?

[@411Outdoors]

I would think so👍👍

[@DvBattlegears]

You absolutely right about testing the knife durability by throwing, coldsteel problem are within the Sk5 steel, their previous aus8 is very good toughness, the cpm v3 are awesome, but stay away from any sk5 steel that really brittle due to them been heat treated for high Rockwell for edge retention.

[@Ryansmith-bu5yh]

All knives can be thrown, but not all knives are throwing knives, the amount of force and shock of a thrown blade can damage the highest quality knife.

[@411Outdoors]

I’ve always believed that knife thrrowing was the biggest torture test, but I do like to see my blades be able to handle a little bit of that

[@redohe9508]

Do you throw pistols at targets?

[@rowanweaver3241]

Glad I found this video I have a recon tanto I never did much with Think I'll strip the handle, get a second rivet, and get a wooden handle made for it The blade is nice and a full tange can be fixed on but it'll take some work

[@ClintHollingsworth]

Good video. My favorite beater blade is the Cold Steel Perfect Balance thrower (the big one) I use it as a survival knife in conjunction with a Mora. (Beater blade, fine blade) (Not meaning to in any way go against your point).

[@BrandonRivera-vq5ff]

Simply put you nailed it

[@RobRob75]

Glad I caught this video I have an srk-c in shopping cart on Amazon. Gonna back up and punt. Thanks!

[@411Outdoors]

I love those knives, but I just know it’s easy to wiggle those handles loose. An extra rivet would probably fix it.

[@frangouchc943]

That's a fine assessment. I loved CS since the 80's. I love the style of their blades , but im not a fan of SK-5 and with Lynn Thompson gone i cant help but think the quality of their product has gone down. I have their early folders. None of the new models. I have 2 Kobuns always a favorite of mine.

[@Fr_dG]

From a budget standpoint, your other videos on blades in the $20-$30, how many have held up with throwing through the test of time? It would be a really cool "budget knife" update video idea? Cause I know that initial throwing it may hold up, but maybe the knife wont hold up over time. Thoughts?

[@411Outdoors]

This is a really great question. The handles have held up fine because I hockey tape them. Overtime it can wear your tip down, but not beyond the point of being able to sharpen again. The hockey tape protects the scales and keeps them secure. I throw my Warivio tracker knives all the time.

[@hervedesormeaux1478]

👍Very interesting video. The problem is not so much a lack of solidity but the presentation of extreme solidity on the part of CS. Recognition of a possible weakness in the event of a throw would remove any ambiguity. But……

[@Ten_Mil_Will]

I really like your channel and appreciate the info on the kraton handles. I have a quick question - You mention the Recon Tanto, the SRK, and the Kobun. All of these have the COMPLETE kraton handles. Have you experienced this same failure with any of the kraton handles that are capped with a pommel? What about any that have both a metal guard and metal pommel? Im wondering if being sandwiched in between the two metal ends provides more adequate support. Thanks.

[@411Outdoors]

I haven’t ever really tested the master Tanto but I fear it would be the same. I definitely recommend staying away from throwing or chopping 🙂👍

[@Ten_Mil_Will]

@@411Outdoors Yea, I had no intention of ever throwing it but had hoped it would be sturdier in case the need for a little chopping presented itself. I appreciate the response! The kraton handle on my Gerber Australian Bowie (old model) got a little wiggly and some of the epoxy actually bled out 😱 I have a Master Tanto coming soon. I guess i will try to take it ez on it 👍

[@411Outdoors]

@@Ten_Mil_Will it’s a vicious combat blade 🙂👍

[@steveurkel1487]

They could be marketed as "light duty" fixed blades. It would be awesome if they did some sprint runs. I always wanted SRK-C full tang maybe rat tail with an exposed pommel.

[@411Outdoors]

Would be awesome. They look so good.

[@bubbaluv500]

Keep on keeping it real bredren 👍🏼

[@411Outdoors]

💯👍

[@2104dogface]

hey brother your just being honest and thats all you can do, i don't throw my Recon but i have all the other CS throwers that i abuse

[@randomstuffman01]

Interesting. My Recon Tanto is from 2005, in Carbon V. I use it hard for hiking and camping. It's held up fine: handle, blade, sheath. But I never throw my knives. Thanks. toronto canada.

[@j.p.4541]

Thank you for keeping it real,. Closed mouths don’t get fed, if we don’t speak up the companies won’t change.

[@411Outdoors]

Thanks my friend!

[@Life-ob3cn]

what id like to see is the gi tanto more advertised and maybe an srk style gi-tanto all full tang

[@411Outdoors]

Spot on👍👍

[@dylanvisitacion8618]

Keep it real, Brother 👍

[@bobafettuccine3541]

Everyone has thier own expectations of what a knife should be able to take. But I would challenge you not throw out something because it didn't meet the standards you assigned to it. I've got old blades that were discarded and broken, but they still provide a service while telling a story of thier past. Every knife has a place. Peace Broski. Keep on walkin the earth and doing what you're doing 😊

[@411Outdoors]

Thanks brother 💯

[@NorthmanGear]

Lol whenever I’m looking at a knife to buy, my thought is always “how does it compare with the strongarm”. Maybe I’m biased because that has been my edc for 10+ years. But I think the strongarm is a good benchmark (despite some of the hate it gets) because it’s solid, durable, and it has a phenomenal sheath setup. I carried a strongarm every day when I was working construction and it put up with so much abuse.

[@troyewing3188]

We need people like you to show us the truth

[@411Outdoors]

Thanks my friend. A lot of opposition in the comments. Lead to me doing a part two to this video. I like the SRK but it definitely has its limits.

[@longrider42]

First off they are all full tang. I have tested them with a Rare Earth Magnet. If you do not believe me. Try it yourself. Second, why not strip the handle off and make your own. I don't think it would be that hard. I have the Kobun, and the SRK. I have a Recon Tanto, but its one I bought back in the 80's, with a blade of Carbon V steel. Not sure its it's "V" for 5 or "V" as in Velvet. If some one can answer that, thank you. As for throwing. The only knives I used to throw, where knives meant to be thrown. But with my poor vision. I do not throw knives. When it comes to a knife doing "Knife" jobs. All three are great knives. In fact I am looking at my Kobun, SRK and Recon Tanto, right now. If you want a knife to throw. Cold Steel makes some good ones. But each to their own. Stay Sharp.

[@411Outdoors]

I personally wouldn’t consider those full-tang because of how thin the steel is in the handle. The steel might continue but it’s very narrow. I don’t think a knife is sturdy if you can’t throw it at least a little bit. You can’t even beat these knives up much

[@capthappy345]

U r correct! It's marketed 2b rugid but it's not

[@411Outdoors]

That I have learned overtime, my friend👍

[@adammcguinness9950]

I’ve heard the same thing about the rubber handles. My SRK & Recon tanto are still new. I’m a bit worried to use them.

[@411Outdoors]

I’ve got a full on test coming out in the next couple of days🙂👍. Do keep it light duty. Blade on soft stuff is fine. Heavy stuff will loosen it

[@adammcguinness9950]

@@411Outdoors, that’s a bit of a bummer. I beat the snot out of my Mora Companion and have no troubles. I think my SRK & Recon tanto will be kept put away. I’d dead set spew if I bought a San-Mai version and the handle crapped out. I wonder how a new handle would go? Like timber or paracord.

[@411Outdoors]

@@adammcguinness9950 I considered trying to get a handle made for mine, but the tang was pretty minuscule. Oh yeah, those Mora cards companions are in there right 👍👍

[@LieZano]

I recently got the SRK in SK-5 steel and it feels like a solid knife. However, I noticed the part of the handle that sits in the sheath is already rubbing off. At first I thought maybe the kydex sheath was too tight, so I ended up exchanging for another knife. Its been less than 2 weeks and the same part of the handle is already wearing off. I was wondering if anyone else had this happening to theirs? Also, the grind towards the tip of the blade is not symmetrical, one side has a higher grind than the other; not a big deal, just thought I'd mention it and see if its standard or something to do with quality control.

[@411Outdoors]

I’m not sure about this issue, my friend but I’m sorry to hear. A lot of people got mad at me for making this review but I only did so because I wanted to love this knife and I wanted to buy the San Mai version. I just don’t trust the integrity of the handle. I don’t like that it can loosen so much overtime. Everything you said makes sense though.

[@MNWoodland]

This is one of the issues I have with my recon tanto. Haven’t used it too much, but taking it in and out of the sheath, it starts wearing down the handle. I know exactly what you mean.

[@maxfaubus3116]

411 outdoors, What is your favorite knife?

[@411Outdoors]

It’s a toss up between a few as would be hard to pick one. I’m this vein of knives I would say the Gerber Strongarm (it’s pretty much indestructible) or something like a Buck 124. As far as tactical fixed blades I love the Clinchpick from Shivworks and tops Cali Cobra

[@maxfaubus3116]

@@411Outdoors thank you. I’ve been checking out the bucks and strong arm I will have a look at the others. Take care.

[@redfaux74]

Budget knives are never meant to last forever under extreme testing. The fact that they can last under the extreme testing they endure says a lot. Throwing a knife HARD is next level testing after extreme. Just because they are somewhat aerodynamic does not make them throwing knives. It's just a bonus. There are many heavy scissors that are very aerodynamic but that's just a bonus in SHTF. I respect all my knives as I know you do. But I have 2 of them. One I carry EDC and one is my toy. One I never used for anything. It is sanctified for only one thing. I hope it never had to be used that way. But it's there and ready. Cold Steel specifically makes throwing knives that are one piece solid construction and cheap. Those are INTENDED for throwing. Nothing endures heavy use for long without repairs being needed. Surviving an extreme test and being intended for long lasting extreme testing are 2 major different categories. Having ANY budget knife survive a series of extreme tests is a crazy good knife and it's maker is a crazy good company. But you are still correct in 33% of your assessments. Your expectations are 66% off however.

[@411Outdoors]

The SRK is great knife. I just had to go through this process to abandon the high expectations

[@redfaux74]

@411Outdoors - I have about 150 Cold Steel products. About 70 of them are stars or throwing knives. Those I throw. But even my shovel or axes.... I feel like I'm potentially saying goodbye every time I throw one. It's just a reality. And my folders? Never. Even tho I know they could survive.... never. $150 to potentially kill that lock? Nope. Not unless I'm potentially being killed and I feel like I have to.

[@jonathandiamond6801]

10 years ago I ruined the handle on a Japanese made recon tanto. I sent it back to cold steel after 2 years they sent me another one.

[@411Outdoors]

That’s great! Got a test coming out tomorrow on the SRK handle as a part 2 to this one

[@yunwiyawaya8593]

THEE BEST KNIFE I EVER HAD was a SOG Seal team survival the 7" blade. Beat the living hell out of it and never broke and that's including digging with it and yes throwing. Loved it so much I got the pup. I gave the big one to my son I feel better with him having that knife out in the wilderness. Sorry I forgot to add....the ground I was digging quite a few times was Alabama dirt that I call concrete dirt lmao.

[@youdontseeanoldmanhavinatw4904]

It's on sale for 36 bucks. Worth it?

[@411Outdoors]

Yes indeed. Just stay away from throwing and heavy chopping. Slicing and piercing is 💯

[@youdontseeanoldmanhavinatw4904]

@@411Outdoors good to know, thanks brother

[@SliceyMcChop]

Wondering which adhesives you’ve used and attempted to fix your handles with? One of my srk’s handles just starting to wiggle slightly , id rather not go with an adhesive thats already been time tested and fail, was thinking about giving shoe goo a go, well see

[@411Outdoors]

Lemme know bro 👍

[@SliceyMcChop]

@@411Outdoors will do, what kind of glue did you try?

[@411Outdoors]

@@SliceyMcChop i used some Apoxsee, and squirted it down in the handle as much as I could. I ordered another SRK and I’m going to do an in person test for everybody and I may even try some new handle restoration in the video.

[@SliceyMcChop]

@@411Outdoors thanks for response and info , i think thats a great idea for a video , should prove popular as there are plenty SRK fans im sure who have or will at some point experience this issue , and i cant find one damn video covering solutions. I’ll let ya know what i come up with an how it goes when i get around to it cheers

[@turtlewolfpack6061]

I have not and will not EVER throw most of my knives but every single fixed blade knife I carry can take more abuse than I will ever deal out. I haven't ever had any issues with my Recon Tantos, even battoning. It would have been interesting to have actually seen the tang.

[@411Outdoors]

I was shocked at how small it was

[@turtlewolfpack6061]

@@411Outdoors with such a potentially contentious video as this (not to me really as I know these blades will stand the rest of time for me) it may have actually been a good idea to show the evidence. I have thought sometimes of removing one of the handles and having it replaced with something like micarta or g10.

[@411Outdoors]

@@turtlewolfpack6061 i tried but the tang was too minuscule. I wish I wouldn’t of thrown the blades away but you can actually Google what the inside of the tang looks like on these knives. Legion Tacticool Cutlery made a good point in that these only have one rivet. They really are cool knives but just wished the handles could take more. I hockey tape up of my full tang knives with handles (whether combat or bushcraft) and I don’t have any problems. There’s just something about throwing a knife that’s not a throwing knife especially something like these. I’m probably going to order another SRK and do a pretty hard-core torture test on it as a continuation of this video.

[@tamatoa8261]

You opened up the hornets nests didn't you? LOL I'm a Cold Steel guy so I have a lot of them, including the Srk and Recon Tanto. And normally I take offense to people talking shit about Cold Steel but in this case you make a valid point. I don't beat my knives like you do, but I have to agree with you. People tend to focus so much on the blade because that's what knives do, cut. But in my opinion not enough thought is given to the handle. There should be 2 versions of these knives. A budget version and an upgraded version. I think people would pay for it. I know I would.

[@411Outdoors]

I love the SRK and I now understand its limits. I would pay for more expensive version.

[@tikkidaddy]

I get your point. I really do. But CS makes THROWING knives. They are heat treated and tempered entirely different than an SRK or Recon Tanto. I still own and use every single SRK that has ever found its way to me. Now mind you mine are from early 90s up until the company was sold. I have split hardwood rounds of appropriate size, kindling, built fires, skinned turtle and cut them out of the shell for soup. CS is not the company they were in the 80s thru 2000s, just like SOG. Those days are gone and the company in TX that owns them now is resting on laurels.

[@411Outdoors]

I went through a learning curve with the series and I’ve come to realize that it’s OK for a knife to not be able to do certain things and I just have to accept it haha! SRK really is an awesome knife. As long is it is used for the right task 🙂👍

[@tikkidaddy]

I feel like an absolute idiot not knowing the guys name but he's a multi time world champion knife throwing expert from Russia. His first name is Adam. He makes his own line of knives, or has them made. They're called Stingers and they are not cheap. But I'd bet my money they are 5160 steel. That guy is a knife throwing machine. If I was going to make throwing knives that would last into the literal 1000s of throws , that's what I would use.

[@tikkidaddy]

The only KRAYTON handle that CS ever had to replace for me was on a late 80s Trailmaster. I literally WORE it smooth chopping and working with it. It was a much harder rubber compound back then, like a damn truck tire, took 30 years😂

[@decal1751]

Any cold steel knife made in China is crap! And even the one's made in Taiwan and America after Lynn Thompson sold the company are not as good as they used to be. I mostly have cold steel folders, and small fixed blades and ive never thrown them but they serve my purpose and usage of them but mine was before the company was sold. I have an older kukri machete that is a beast for cutting limbs and stuff but the handle is way too small so i had to wrap it so it wouldn't tear my hands up but ive beaten the shit out it and its still good. 😊🤷🏻‍♂️⚔🗡⚔

[@user-tp9gy8kt2q]

You claim to like "tracker" knives, try out Cold Steel's Lafontaine thrower. It looks like a Bowie and a Kukri had an unwanted, illegitimate child.. Careful throwing it because some owners claim there's boomerang (bounce) effect and show pictures of their scars to prove it.. Maybe try out all the throwing knives that have actual edges - True Flight, Jack, and Perfect. You might find a knife design that you like, AND it can be thrown too. I don't throw knives that aren't designed to be thrown, due to several disappointing results as a teenager, though I might have continued trying if I had any success at all. I also wrap my (throwing knife) handles with paracord, but I put a tight layer of hockey tape on first, and I wrap another tight layer of hockey tape on top of that paracord. This keeps it solid longer, and adds a tiny bit of thickness that seems to help quite a bit. I bought a Lafontaine thrower because I thought it looked hideous and deserved to be thrown. But after a few months of using it, the unsightly shape kind of grew on me, and now it has become one of my all-time favorite knives.. I would be very interested in your opinions of it, because I really didn't like it at first..

[@yodude6591]

Bad assessment. CS DOES sell throwing knives for your enjoyment. I Don’t get mad at my lawnmower manufacturer because it doesn’t go 70 miles an hour

[@411Outdoors]

I truly do understand that sentiment. Its the simple fact that it can’t take thrrowing without getting a loose handle. It couldn’t even take a little bit of throwing without getting loose. Isn’t this thing supposed to be a super tough tactical knife? I know it’s not a throwing knife but a tactical survival knife should be pretty tough my other argument is is all these torture test will never be as good as throwing. If somebody really wants to torture one, most definitely throw it. My Gerber strong arm for example, can be thrown all you want. This was another example of handle issues kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqicc5Scnpapr8ksi=lLek_ThgIPkBNwRE

[@jatt4784]

SK5 is like 62-63 rockwell vs 56-58 for the KAbar's 1095. Of course it chips/breaks LOL

[@411Outdoors]

Yeah that is true haha

[@BrandonRivera-vq5ff]

Simply put.you nailed it. I bought one srk after another and Both are in the trash. Why won't cold steel do an exposed tang with handle scales I would probably buy a bunch.but please.... get it together Cold Steel.

[@411Outdoors]

Thank you so much for this comment!

[@iruwild]

Probably cost. Putting handles scales cost money for scales and fit and finish. Rubber injection is very cheap.

[@411Outdoors]

Here will be my response to all objections: I realize these knives are not primarily made for throwing (even though Coldsteel includes throwing in their advertisement). However, I have plenty of other combat or bushcraft knives that were not made for throwing but they can take the abuse unlike these. Why? Because they are truly full tang. Do we really want to call these sturdy knives if they can’t take a little bit of throwing? It’s not hard to knock these handles loose with a little bit of torture (stuff other than throwing).

[@bobafettuccine3541]

You're good bro

[@Omnonymous]

Throwing is a game, doesn't have a place in combat (hatchets, sure.) and I can't help but evaluate my weapons on how well they perform tasks one actually employs a knife for, whilst in combat.

[@411Outdoors]

I talk to a few guys around the world who are in deeper waters than any of us as far as combat is concerned and hammer grip no spin knife throwing is something they practice on regular. The idea is that people are throwing their only knife away and that’s not always true. It’s a great skill. Nonetheless when the SRK is held in the hand and used for slicing or maybe some prying, it’s great. What approved in the follow up video to this is that it’s just not hard to Lucian handle even with chopping. I dropped a link in that video as well where a guy loosened a handle just chopping

[@Omnonymous]

@411Outdoors I'd have to see the loosened ones. Lots of counterfeit cold steel out there. I know the GSM knives are a bit different. I'm kind of tempted to put a leather washer, or maybe a half leather half rubber washer handle, on an SRK. Knife throwing was explicitly discouraged during my Marine Corps time. Theres always that one E5 who would let us get away with it after training was over for the day. Nevertheless, there's a reason the US military has never produced a manual, or any other training materials on the subject of knife throwing. (I'm nothing but complaints today, I know. God bless you, regardless of how I feel about your opinion!)

[@preparedsurvivalist2245]

ColdSteel makes a throwing knife for $10. Its heavy and perfectly balanced. I am a bad thrower and miss more than I hit. That thing holds up just fine. I'm sure its soft steel, but it has cheap looking grivory scales. Everything held up fine. The SRK and Tanto are NOT throwers.

[@411Outdoors]

💯 i wanted them to be just because they throw so great but you are correct

[@Kyle-bb9zp]

Any fix blade knife should with out a dought be able to with stand a couple of throws come on people. I think GSN needs to be looking at there quality control. When Lynn was still own the company i never heard of failures about the SRK or Any cold steel knife.

[@Dan.50]

As a youngster I ruined many great knives by throwing them at trees and such. I've chipped and broken blades and loosened handles. None of that was the fault of the knives. I finally bought some throwing knives and have thrown them all over the place for years and guess what? They still work great as designed and intended. But lets go a step further here and point out that there has never been ONE documented case of a thrown knife being used by a soldier, cop, or citizen in self defense. It's like saying a bulldozer isn't any good because you can't chop onions with it.

[@411Outdoors]

I’ll have to disagree with you on that one because I have heard of at least one. I like this knife and it cuts and slices well, but that handle is week when pushed. I have seen it also buckle under chopping as well as I attached in the description section no matter what, though being able to throw a knife the way I do is a bad assery skill. All of my full tang knives can hold up to it but I tell anybody get the SRK. It feels good in the hand and it slices well, but it’s not the strongest thing out there. It’s more limited the mini other fixed blades and slightly overrated. That being said, it’s just my opinion.

[@411Outdoors]

Here is the video I was referring to where there were handle issues even with no throwing kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqicc5Scnpapr8ksi=lLek_ThgIPkBNwRE

[@terrybest8973]

Next time your handle breaks or comes apart send it to me I'll put a custom handles on it I been building custom knives over 30 years bud

[@davidlagno7717]

Cold Steel started going to HELL 4 or 5yrs ago i.m.o MY 8yr old Recon Tanto is completely better quality then the more recent stuff I've gotten. It's really sad after all these yrs.

[@411Outdoors]

You’ve got a great point there. I’ll bet you the past recons are a lot more solid

[@paulwoodruff9982]

Only throw your weapon if you have a backup...

[@henrycruz45cal]

If they did what ypu ask, they wont be budget knive anymore. I didnt buy them to throw so im fine

[@pdubowner]

Lets see the broken knives...

[@411Outdoors]

I did a follow up video to this it’s out there. What it all comes down to is this. These are great knives. They’re just not for throwing or is all.

[@jeff6989]

If you abuse any tool it will break sooner or later. I am 53 and have been caring knives all my life . I have pocket knives sense I was ten that get used as knives and I still have them. Man can break almost anything if they try hard enough .

[@411Outdoors]

Very true. With this knife, I just cut with it. I really like the Srk. Chopping throwing are things the handle can’t take and that’s fine. I just had let go of it being a super blade haha

[@liquiddw2]

I have knives specifically for throwing. If you aren't throwing them i think you're fine.

[@411Outdoors]

I have so many full tang blades that aren’t throwing knives that I’m able to throw and not destroy. They throw these knives in their commercials and promo videos. Throwing is not the only thing that will loosen these handles as well. I just don’t think they should be marketed as being very sturdy if they can’t take a few throws.

[@liquiddw2]

@@411Outdoors everyone is entitled to their own opinion and usage

[@LegionTacticoolCutlery]

Handles need a better attachment system. One rivet sucks! They need two pins/screws minimum. I don't even want to use ANY knife with one rivet. I don't want to test my cold steels. I already loosened two/three models with one flimsy rivet. Because of that i have no trust of knives with one lousy rivet.

[@411Outdoors]

💯💯!

[@terrybest8973]

Chinese heat treat and tempering is a hit and miss that's how it is with cold steel now that they use Chinese workers from China at cold steel no quality control is the problem

[@vensheaalara]

Lol. I was wondering how the hell you did that to a recon tanto, knowing that I have beat mine enough to ding up the spine. I DO NOT throw my knives. I would buy an actual throwing knife for that. Cold Steel does sell those. Not hating on ya, but I guess if ya gotta throw one, throw a budget.

[@411Outdoors]

No worries friend. I like throwing combat style blades more than your typical throwing knife but I thought the handles could handle it haha

[@vensheaalara]

@@411Outdoors i guess it would be nice to know it could take it, but if I was in a situation to throw it, I probably ought to keep it. I couldn't hit anything anyway

[@brr8888]

I think that’s why throwing knives don’t have handles or scales.

[@411Outdoors]

Some have scales, but they’re totally full tang👍. I have accepted these types of just not made for that kind of torture. The SRK is a great knife

[@SpitSharp]

This could be one in a million shot that a butter knife is better dulled up😂Honesty is what I like it keeps us sharp ❤

[@longrider42]

Dude, they are Over Molded Full Tang. Take a magnet and check. Like I did.

[@411Outdoors]

It’s a very thin rat tail tang. I took one apart. I really hope these would be able to take more abuse. It’s not just throwing that breaks them down.

[@longrider42]

I don't suppose you have a picture of said rat tailed tang, and on what knife?@@411Outdoors

[@gunner3548]

That's the result when greedy knife manufacturers are spitting some rubber on a mutilated tang and then call it a "robust full tang knife", knowing well that the herd mentality of many of their customers will prevent them to use their critical thinking and call them out.

[@Kyle-bb9zp]

100 percent agree with what you said. I have been thinking about buy the srk and the recon tanto but your one video that you did showing the srk of the handle failure of the handle of just 3 throws i was thinking this should not be happening. Just my opinion. I had the same thing happened to my tanto leather neck the butt came of after 3 hots with a ball pean hammer. I couldn't believe it. I fix it this flrd glue it worked but the next day the gaurd broke when I put it into the wood to far that broke. So aftet that i just broke it with a ball pean hammer. I was disappointed out 68.00 on knife center

[@trokt2]

I suspected it and I'm glad I ran into this video.

[@411Outdoors]

It’s a great knife as long as you don’t need to do anything heavy like shopping. But if you’re looking for a knife you can do everything with, I don’t think this is the one

[@trokt2]

@@411Outdoors Thanks. Would you recommend a tanto for up to 200 usd? I just love the shape and I'm looking for a fixed blade for edc even if it's a little on the bigger side.

[@jeffhanson2621]

These are not throwing knives. I guess I don't understand your review. If you want a throwing knife, then purchase a throwing knife. Don't give a bad review of a knife that ISN'T a throwing knife, just because it breaks when you throw it. Not rocket surgery, dude.😂

[@411Outdoors]

It’s really not about not being able to throw it. I’m just saying if the the handle can take a few throws, is it really that tough?

[@jeffhanson2621]

@@411Outdoors that's like taking the wrong caliber rifle bear hunting, and then complaining that it didn't perform to your expectations. These knives were not made to be thrown against a hard surface. A more accurate review would be to use them for their intended purposes and see how well they do. Or review an actual throwing knife. Just my two cents.

[@411Outdoors]

@@jeffhanson2621 these are marketed as tough combat knives and even thrown on cold steel commercials. I also put a link in the description where a guy loosened this handle with chopping.

[@jeffhanson2621]

@@411Outdoors ok. Fair enough. Thank you for the info

[@donne9768]

"rocket surgery"?

[@vinniepeters1936]

I consider Cold Steel good cheap entry level knives. I EDC the Kobun and I carry the Bowie Spike when my girl and I walk the local Jr. high track. The two knives I keep in my SHTF bag are the Esee 6 and the (plain edge) SOG Seal Pup Elite. I’m debating on replacing the SOG for the Tops Apache Falcon. But I love the SOG despite being a cheap knife also. The SOG can take a beating unlike Cold Steel.

[@nicholausellis9167]

If it's in any way a tactical knife it should be throwable, just my opinion

[@411Outdoors]

One of the best comments on this thread👍💯

[@nicholausellis9167]

@@411Outdoors thank you friend

[@pavlepetrovic6846]

Please stop this research...

[@411Outdoors]

Hahaha I love the Srk but they definitely have their limits and I have accepted that is ok

[@Mills141]

Cold steel is not the same company 😢

[@wethepeople6642]

Cold steel are just show pieces to me. I wouldn't take any cold steel into the woods unless you want to die a very slow painful death!

[@Microbc]

I purchased the Recon Tanto based on your original review/thoughts on this knife. in your video "Throwing the Recon Tanto from Cold Steel" you loved the knife and said that there were no worries about the knife even after you threw it. You should FULLY test knives before publicly releasing a review if you want viewers to respect your opinion.

[@411Outdoors]

I’ve had the least trouble with the Kobun. Every review is going to be limited to time.. Time changes a lot of things. My knife throwing video for the Covid was just to see how well it threw and my initial impression

[@Microbc]

@@411Outdoors You should re-watch your video "Throwing the Recon Tanto from Cold Steel" to hear what you actually said about the Recon Tanto SK-5. Why no pictures of the damaged knives? I wonder if thee are additional reasons for you new perception of these knives.

[@411Outdoors]

@@Microbc time just revealed the truth I was not yet aware of and I’m coming back here to tell the story. I learned a big lesson with these knives. I would still recommend the Kobun because it’s really the strongest of them all as far as it’s construction. Most just use that as an edc for defense. I still think they all are decent. Do I believe they are sturdy enough for extreme task or longevity? Not anymore

[@Microbc]

@@411Outdoors l get what you are trying to say. I just find it strange that after you threw it a bunch in the video without issues and liked it that once it broke you didn’t share the evidence before throwing them away. Seems like someone at your level in reporting on knives would have given proof to back up the slightly out of left field claims. I know it is your experience but it is vastly different than most reviewers position on these knives.

[@411Outdoors]

@@Microbc a lot of people don’t throw these blades but I don’t like a lot traditional throwing knives for throwing as much as I like to throw knives with handles, Combat knives especially. It wouldn’t cost much to do this experiment all over again, and show the tang and everything. I hesitated making these videos because I know these knives have so many fans. It’s not wrong to think something is good but learn overtime that it’s not what you thought it was. I have no regrets. I only learned that I will be more strenuous in future reviews with knives that have over molded handles. I still have my Kobun. When it got a little loose, I just taped it with hockey tape and tightened up. The others got broken tips and crazy loose handles. I will admit to be in a huge fan boy of these knives for awhile. I just wish they would be designed with full tang and scales esp the SRK and Recon Here’s a picture of the tang on a SRK images.app.goo.gl/JxXimTLnoR7f1FrZ9