Which Knife Is The Best: 3V Trail Master Or 3V Recon Scout?

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[@LegionTacticoolCutlery]

The Laredo is out now to on Midaway for $399.00 not bad.

[@longbow5423]

I think my Carbon V TM is the best for stump shooting with my longbow and general duties around the camp. I had the 3v recon scout too and sold it a year later. Bigger is better imho. Will check out a 3v TM when prices get more reasonable. stay safe

[@t-rex3813]

I have USA made Carbon V Recon Scout that I got from Cold Steel Special Projects in 1993. I have been a Cold Steel fan ever since

[@LegionTacticoolCutlery]

I love 3v its my favorite and have bashed my LT Wrights in 3V for sure!!!

[@1Rabble-Rouser]

I've been holding off the trigger on the Trail Master 3V until I seen this video. Great review, and thanks for sharing this!

[@diverdave2179]

Thanks for the peek, Jimi! Don't have a knife in 3V yet. Those do look at home in the field.

[@douglasreed9237]

Love the Recon Scout but would like to see a Recon Scout without the top swedge ground at all. They could leave the tip thicker for a tougher more robust blade. If you want the toughest outdoor type blade that's what Cold Steel should offer. It would also be one less step in the build process. ie... Less costly to build. Maybe a nice micarta handle for the all around toughest outdoor knife in it's size and class. Maybe put in a word huh Jim. Thanks for the great review and info. 👍👍

[@SRVandDtrouble]

Tonight it's this morning! Love these knafes dough.

[@thechugdude]

Oh my goodness... They are sooooo nice. I'd like a convex edge on them but heck they're still amazing items.

[@raymondknight5298]

That handle is what they use on their lower priced bowies and knifes, would like to see some g10 or micarta on something with 3v at that pricepoint.

[@ericsierra-franco7802]

The kraton handles are not just used on their lower priced blades. All their San Mai blades used to be more expensive when they were made in Japan (and the San Mai Trail Master is still made in Japan). These are hardly representative of their cheaper blades and they all have kraton handles.

[@Supra_Mare_Cultro_Bloke]

i would rather see karton as a design featuer, for 35 more years.

[@coldsteelcollector808]

Man oh man I love cold steel 3V!!!! Beautiful

[@whammofammo7346]

Umm....Yes and yes. Saddest thing is blowing your budget the day before Cold Steel 3v is on sale. Happens all the time. :)

[@Jimislash]

Yeah, I've done that.

[@Knife_guy]

Would normally go bigger with the Trail Master. However there are some situations where the recon scout would be better with its smaller size. Other than that you can’t go wrong with either.

[@wearandtear6692]

Such a massive spine - both are real tanks!

[@DjrWalsh]

I've beaten up the recon scout and the ak47 field knife enough to know that they will do as advertised..I've yet to beat up my warcraft tanto and srk in 3v but the San mai was Impressive enough for me in regards to the srk..trailmaster is my next 3v buy for sure

[@Mr_Obvious]

I have the 01 Trailmaster. I thought about upgrading it to the 3V one until I realized they put a v ground edge on it instead of a convex edge like the San Mai version. I just can't justify the money to upgrade just for the steel alone. It's not like O1 is crappy steel. I have a lot of knives in O1 and other than the fact they'll stain easily if you don't keep them dry and oiled, I have no complaints. They just take a bit of extra maintenance. That being said, I did buy the 3V Recon Scout as well as the Laredo Bowie in 3V, because I didn't already have the older versions. I absolutely love them! I think I'll grab the Natchez Bowie as well. I pretty much will buy the Bowies just for my Bowie collection, but the Recon Scout is a user for me. That and the TM are true beasts!

[@jeremyspaulding7735]

Both look spectacular! Great video 👍

[@dwayneletterman3987]

Not tried 3v , but the recon just looks perfect !

[@harveybeekerthegreysquirre8262]

Wish i would of Picked up the 3V Tai pan with the Black Blade. Now it's nearly impossible to find one with the Black Blade..

[@PYROBALLISTA]

Got the recon because of this video, it looks more balanced and handy!

[@Jimislash]

A bunch of folks prefer the Scout.

[@cheapmovies25]

I just a 8.5 busse hellrazor so I'll grab a tm a2 is good steel as well their other offering

[@BobMarley-dk9hn]

They're both fantastic blades and I'd love to get my hands on the scout. Great review, dude

[@Jimislash]

Thank you!

[@BobMarley-dk9hn]

@@Jimislash you're mad welcome my dude. Much love to ya!

[@papuchu]

I only got budget for one, and i got the trail master carbón V. No regrets 👍

[@Gordon-hx8cp]

To be honest i had my doubts we would see the big 3v knives released. Its been a frustrating wait but worth it and for me bigger is always best 😄

[@Jimislash]

It has been frustrating. But I'm happy now. :)

[@galilfan0198]

Also I've noticed that 3v doesn't really rust as bad as other carbon steels but it kinda burrow corrodes.

[@mikebillman8089]

Carbon V Trailmaster is the one.

[@Jimislash]

That sounds good.

[@mainaman]

I have a Carothers Behemot- 12" blade in 3v. It batons like a champ.

[@Jimislash]

I have one of those. It's insane.

[@PW1687]

Both knives look great

[@larryroberts3598]

I just picked up a 3V Master Hunter. Looking forward to putting it through it's paces

[@Jimislash]

Such a great knife.

[@rnkmode1876]

I'd take both, if i had to choose though, definitely the Trail Master. I wish Cold Steel would release a AUS8A or AUS10A version too. A more budget friendly one.

[@Jimislash]

There are the San Mai versions.

[@johnruff7417]

I vote no on corrosion test, it’s un coated 3V, it will absolutely rust. It’s easy to Duracoat or Cerakote it if you don’t want it to rust. Great looking pair!!!

[@Jimislash]

Oh, that's a great idea.

[@brr8888]

I’m dying to see a review on the Cold Steel Laredo Bowie!

[@markh58]

Awesome indeed. Damn.

[@steellovingyou8673]

Hi Mr Slash. I totally want them both ,,, my wife said I only have Kudu lite money . I don't think you should do a corrosion test but maybe the people that think you should wouldn't mind if we used their vehicles for crash testing??? Well anyway I have to go back in the corner my wife said I only have 5 more minutes in time out. Thanks

[@Jimislash]

Lol! 5 minutes isn't too bad. :)

[@chewher4171]

Hellow everyone, I have a question because I'm unfamiliar with 3V steel. Is it good, is it easy to sharpen?

[@Jimislash]

Awesome steel. Difficult to sharpen, but it'll be a long, long time before you need to. A long time.

[@alexschwan625]

Good Video, just ordered a recon scout

[@Jimislash]

Good choice! :) I love mine.

[@treyh0079]

Love your videos, Does it have a V edge or Convex?

[@Jimislash]

V

[@treyh0079]

@@Jimislash thanks man

[@ElCapAddict]

Can you ask the GSM overlords for a sample of 3v, damaged or scrap, to do the test? That was my suggestion... maybe they’ll show their responsiveness and usefulness to customer input...

[@DjrWalsh]

Hey jimmi slash I'm really thinking about getting a trailmaster 3v for my birthday..already owning a recon scout 3v is there any reason I should or shouldn't get it in ur opinion after more time owning it?

[@Jimislash]

It's a great blade. I can't think of a reason not to get it.

[@DjrWalsh]

@Jimislash alright jimi slash I ordered it for my birthday..I can't wait to get it this week..thanks for ur input

[@galilfan0198]

love that 3v but worried about corrosion

[@hostilemgtow603]

To be honest, I'd really rather have these in AUS8A.

[@cheapmovies25]

I have a o1 Natchez but it's too big and the tang is not made for beating like a tm

[@charlier8233]

It’s funny how the Trail Master ALMOST makes the Recon Scout look small. Both great knives but I think I’d have to go with the Scout, seems more weildy and it’s still massive!

[@tikkidaddy]

Dude, IF the heat treat and temper is right on those (just sayin, it can and does happen with any knife) the RS will be even harder to break because its shorter, and God I can't imagine what it would take, cause you ain't doing that by hand, prying open some stump for fatwood or peeling birch bark, batoning and chopping😂😂Its CPM3V. GET YOU SOME EEZOX bro. There is no way I would let them just rust away . I've used EEZOX since 1987...yes, Carbon V days

[@weirdmusicmixmaster]

that recon scout is one of my grail knives but its kinda far off. if you happen to see it drop to 189 again though please send up the beacon of gondor

[@donmigueldolanza]

Look! It's the Beacon of Gondor! Recon Scout in 3v is $199 on Midway USA right now ... get clickin'!

[@unknown-ql1fk]

Recon scout is to thick to be useful. Its like a pound heavier than needed and thit drives up the costs like 100$. Save the $ on the scout and get the 3v srk for the better form factor

[@alwayson999]

This is the first and only 3V trailmaster I have seen which is not severely overground from the factory, mine definitely is. Is yours not overground? Perhaps you received a ringer because of your relationship with gsm. Can't wait for the Chopper!

[@Jimislash]

No, they don't send me ringers. I order most of my stuff just like the rest of you all. I'll look and see about the overgrind.

[@alwayson999]

@@Jimislash awesome, thanks for the reply. Yes will you please let me know. I'm trying to decide if I need to return, warranty, or just live with it. Thanks so much. I've seen a number of 3v trailmasters with lots of steel missing from the spine.

[@mainaman]

By the way Busse just relrased a 15" blade in 3v. That is their first ever and it looks awesome in my opinion

[@adods9824]

15" is NUTS! I thought their forsaken Mistress was ludicrous at 12"!.

[@49giants3]

2 beautiful pokie sticks!!

[@jcb6713]

tough stuff 😎

[@Slay_No_More]

Just grabbed the 3V. Im worried about GSM, i seen lots of over-grinding issues on new ones..

[@Jimislash]

I will mention it to them. I haven't seen it on mine, but I'll say something.

[@Slay_No_More]

I'm excited for it, I look forward to that corrosion test you briefly kicked around in your video lol.

[@Ky2-420]

@@Slay_No_Morehow was it?

[@Slay_No_More]

​@Ky2-420 it was terrible, I returned it the next day. No edge was the same, it's like no attempt to make the grinds equal was made either.

[@Ky2-420]

@@Slay_No_More was da blade weak or you think it will still go thru sumthing?

[@CoordinatedCarry]

Would you do a 3V vs San Mai III?

[@Jimislash]

I don't have the San Mai versions of these knives.

[@PerceptionVsReality333]

IMO they're both amazing knives but I think the Recon Scout is more versatile.

[@tikkidaddy]

My go to is the CS Ghurkha, or TM, RS, or SRK. I carry a big Voyager Vaquero for slicey dicey. I have enjoyed their other stuff but THIS is where my heart is. I would love a 3V CSTM with an encapsulated black or moss green micarta handle. I mean you could beat the ugly off a boar hog with that thing, process him and smoke him too😂😂

[@wellingtonblackwell3118]

Just as a reminder, MidwayUSA has certain Cold Steel Warcraft Tanto knives at 44-48% off! You may want to check it out! But those are some nice Cold Steel blades!

[@Jimislash]

I did. I am having my kids' braces removed so I can pay for my knives.

[@wellingtonblackwell3118]

@@Jimislash Lol! Oh snap! Sounds like you won't be winning the "Father of the Year" award!!

[@Jimislash]

@@wellingtonblackwell3118 🤣

[@harveybeekerthegreysquirre8262]

Sweet

[@toddcarr.]

Great looking knives, I didn't realize they both came with a sharpened swedge on them, for that reason alone I'll have to steer clear of these as they are illegal in my neck of the woods, but mostly due to the fact that I occasionally use my bigger blades as a draw knife, one wrong move and ouch along with some other colorful words would be heard on that day. But definatly a well made blade with lots of reach. Thanks for the great vid and keep making sharp things fun and enjoyable

[@CthonicSoulChicken]

Its not really "sharpened per say. The clip is just ground and polished--like a scandi-grind knife with really shallow bevels. They won't take hair off your arm or anything like that. In fact, if you run your thumb along the edge of the spine, it'll catch a little from how its ground and polished--even at a full, 90 degree angle. I've used them before as a draw knife and as long as you aren't trying to hurt yourself, that clip won't hurt you.

[@n6663]

Easy enough to run some sand paper, diamond stone, or slack belt over the false edge and round it off?

[@RobBernhard]

If you leave one of these outside for a corrosion test I might have to unsubscribe, Jimi. It would break my heart. 💔 3V is an amazing steel and perfect for fixed blades of any size. To have both knives would be awesome 🤯

[@Jimislash]

I'm glad you said something. :) I am leaning no.

[@MTMILITIAMAN7.62]

I would lean towards the Trailmaster. If you don't have Trailmaster money, the Drop Forged Survivalist gives you the basic size and profile of the Recon Scout for under a Benjamin. If you're dropping $300+ for CPM-3V, you are probably better off saving for the Trailmaster. The Trailmaster in 3V is one of my grail knives. I've wanted one for years and it has gotten to the point where I am considering selling a kidney.

[@Jimislash]

I love the Drop Forge Survivalist. You have two...kidneys that is. :)

[@tomweingart2337]

I somehow doubt that hobos are tasty barbequed or fried 🤣

[@trentcostello4358]

Omg SAUSAGE FINGERS LMAO 😅😊

[@Jimislash]

✌

[@brianf9619]

I own Both Knives in O1 Steel and I've had them for Years and I'd take the Recon Scout over the TrailMaster all day .....

[@Jimislash]

Cool! Why?

[@brianf9619]

@@Jimislash It's smaller and easier to carry when your going out in the woods , But I does everything just as good , including Chopping and Batoning...... 👍🖖

[@oldmanarmwrestling]

@@brianf9619 That makes sense. It's awesome.

[@Jimislash]

@@brianf9619 :) That makes sense.

[@adods9824]

​@@brianf9619you're

[@mohammedcohen]

...the Mutt & Jeff of Cold Steel knives...

[@Jimislash]

Old school reference. :)

[@mohammedcohen]

@@Jimislash ...yeah...REALLY OLD school - used'ta read these guys in the 'funnies' in the 50s & 60s - I'm 73 (almost)

[@drygulch1000]

I'm all for a corrosion test on 3v, but it feels weird to ask you to leave one of your knives outside... a bit like suggesting you make your son sleep on the porch. 😉

[@Jimislash]

I'd be more willing to do that. :)

[@drygulch1000]

@@Jimislash lol

[@joelybob2]

Ohhh if they only made it in 8cr14mov for a cheapskate like me!!!

[@franciscoarana6626]

$120...look again bro. I just looked and was ~$40 difference.

[@Jimislash]

Really? On the 3V versions? That's awesome!

[@LivingTheKnifeLife]

Don't do the corrosion test it's not worth it lol

[@trentcostello4358]

Rusts faster than 1095 sooo nope

[@Jimislash]

I use 3V all the time. Never had that problem.

[@samthai818]

Good god Jimmy your big hands made those knives look like folders! I have an O1 Trail Master but I want a 3V version! I got so many Coldsteel 3Vs in the SRK, Master Hunter, Master Tanto, and a Magnum Tanto. A Trail Master 3V would roound out my collection nicely. But I am a little leery with CS issues recently with quality control. I have been hearing a lot of over ground issues at the spine by the gaurds.

[@Jimislash]

I have three of the 3V Trail Masters. None of them have issues. I'll look again. But negativity sells. A video titled "I Hate Cold Steel" will get about ten times the view as a "I Love Cold Steel" video. And a lot of channels lean into negativity under the guise of "fair and honest" reviews. I am not going to do that. I don't want folks spending their money on knives or gear that isn't worth it. That's what I will keep telling folks. Every Trail Master I have is well worth what I paid for it. An unkillable Bowie knife in 3V. :)

[@samthai818]

Right on brother! Right on! The reviews I am hearing it from are from actual comments from buyers at vendors like Midway and buyers on Amazon who made these complaints with pictures. As a matter of fact Jimmy, my O1 has this exact same issue but it is very subtle but definitely perceptible with a caliper, visually, and when you run your fingers along the spine.I have over 25 Coldsteel knives, most are high end and all have been perfect except for the Trail Master unfortunately. But I still want the 3V, hopefully it will be perfect.

[@samthai818]

Jimmy, I ordered a 3V Trail master from Midway for $237 delivered. I thought this was an awesome price currently. While checking on delivery dates, I find that Midway lowered the sale price to $216!!! Plus the are running a 25% coupon on all Coldsteel knives. So I ordered a second one for $173.5 delivered! A freaking Coldsteel Trail Master 3V!!! I will be getting the first one tomorrow and the second Friday. I hope both are perfect out of the box!

[@Jimislash]

@@samthai818 It's possible that I ordered a couple myself. :)

[@samthai818]

Hahahahaha.....RIGHT ON BROTHER!!!! WE LOVES US A GOOD DEAL ON TRAIL MASTERS!!!