I have the SRK in V1 (Japan) ,3V (Italy), and just picked up the SK5. To say i love it is an understatement. San Mai is next. Great review as always!!!

From the view of a Japanese, it is really strange and wonderful feeling for me that our technique to create a blade called San Mai (三枚鍛え) is loved by people in the world. I'm also a lover of Cold Steel and enjoying Recon series.

I’ve got one coming in this week, for the master tanto and the tanto 12 recently. Their fixed blades are so good

Just grabbed one! Love the sheath. Blade, and oversize not too big yet can do big stuff things. Love it.

No Donnie, you’re my number one favourite knife reviewer

Number 1 knife reporter.

Currently watching this video at 9:17pm in my cold garage in my Canadian neighborhood while smoking cigarettes and examining my freshly Sharpened, razor sharp pocket knife.

Love this review took me awhile yo find something like this where someone actually use this knife in the vg10 san mai version to baton and it went thru great

I know it's a few years later but I just ordered one of these in San Mai steel. I hope this current run of SRK knives is still good!. I already have the AUS8A one as a backup in my vehicle.

You got me hyped for this knife within 20 mins just bought one. Geat content keep it up! Great enthusiasm and you actualy did some work with it. Some reviewers just talk you do both Liked and subbed

I just ordered and received it a month ago. The VG10 is my second SRK, the first is an SK5. I desperately want a 3V. Regardless this is a beautiful knife. I want so much to take it out and thrash it, but I don't have the time and the SK5 has performed so admirably so I expect the VG10 to be even better. I am wearing this knife every day since I got it last month. The SRK VG10 on my left hip for a cross draw and an hkusp 9mm full size on the right to balance me out. I feel very comfortable going out wearing this combo.

I've been thinking of getting an srk, but I can't make up my mind whether to get the San Mai, or the 3v. 3v is one of my favorite fixed blade steels, but I've never tried the vg10 before, so don't know what to think about it. Ether way, a great design, and a timeless classic. I just LOVE me some clip point sweetness.

dude you look just like my step dad! great vid btw, keep up the good work!

Just orderd one I can't wait omg

If you want the belt loop lower, to keep it tight, slip inner tube (ranger band) i think 1 & 1/2" should do. Cut 4" and double it up. Slip it on sheath so it covers the fixings so you get 2" coverage. It will also keep screws in place. But keeps the loop shorter. If you use teklock. Same thing pass ranger band over the tecklock so it covers the screw heads, and keeps them in place, from both sides. When used like this on a Esee sheath it will put pressure on the sheath as well and locks the knife in tight, as with the coldsteel sheaths. A little added bonus, when used with belt strap as well.

Seems like a pretty good knife! Would you recommend the Cold steel Srk or the Bear Grylls Ultimate Pro Knife? I would love to hear your thoughts!

Very cool! Classic knife! Pretty unbeatable design and all rounder. Cold steel is the shit man. I hope they keep coming out with these great knives. TriAd locks are hella awesome too!!! Great vid man! Happy new year to you! All day!!!

I wouldn't write off that cracking as being the wood too quickly. The VG10 center is a brittle steel, sandwiched between a more flexible steel. If that blade flexed it's possible the VG10 core snapped but is still held captive by the outer layers. That's not a prying steel.

Ahhhhhhh,,,, Next knife I believe??? Let me think about it ..... As long as they are still for sale somewhere??? Then YES !! Most definitely will be in my possession soon !! Looks freakin awesome !!

Great video. The VG10 high carbon core is hard and brittle. It holds a razor sharp edge that doesn’t roll easily.The San Mai stainless shell is durable, flexible ,and highly rust resistant. I like VG-1 a lot more. It’s a lot less chippy compared to VG-10. But whatcha gonna do.

If you had to choose only one knife, between the SRK and the Kabar Mark1, which one would you take with you? thanks

Hi guys, I ordered an SRK San Mai VG10 steel. I received the knife, everything looks perfect except for a small detail : the "lamination line" along the edge is parallel but only on one side... I have one of the two sides of the knife with the tip covered by the steel protecting the VG10 : normally, the tip is only made of VG10, the central steel. Apart from this aesthetic detail (I hope so...), it seems... wow ! He's a fighter and it shows. The Secure-Ex sheath sucks, it compresses the knife, it's not normal to have to force the blade to get it in... The Zytel sheath delivered with some ESEE knives is almost luxurious put side by side.

Great review

Just make a simple leather belt loop. Just fold it overglue the bottom, then use Chicago screws, drill the hole in the leather to match the holes in the sheath. You can fit tubing in the leather for the screws. If you want stitch it through the glue for extra strength. Brilliant knife, I have cpm3v version has well. But use my srk version alot. That has a wrap around, micarta scales and a leather sheath.

I'm torn - Recon Tanto or SRK San Mai for Camping / Survival (Poke a curious Hog, Batoning, Feather-sticking, chopping)? The verdict D-Bad?

Hi DBad, what do you think ? Is the tip strong enough for prying (if necessary) regardless of the steel ? Ok, I've just orderder the sk5 version - for the moment I considered the sanmai version a bit of a luxury - not necessarily that I woulnd't afford but I'd rather spend that kind of money on somerhing more ...substantial, let's say ...not on a 6 incher blade ... Based on your experience, is that SanMai 3 times better (toughness - in the first place, edge retention on the second ) than an "ordinary" steel - such as sk5 / 1085 / 1095 ? Oh yeah, just cross my mind : what about a "top 5" whatever steels and , of course, companies ?! (Because we at least found so far that the best steel without a proper heat treatment is ..sh.t - as well as the opposite : a mediocre steel with a good / decent ht may prove to be outstanding/at least decent)

I got krayex handle on a 1980 cold steel folder and looks new.

Love that knife! A pretty tough blade. Hey Don, have you had any problems with that sheath dulling the blade? The knife is a pretty snug fit in that sheath. Like the Condor Undertaker!

DBAD - Is your SRK San Mai III flat ground, or hollow ground. I'm asking because all the new versions are hollow ground, except the CPM-3V version. In the video, it's difficult to discern the grind type.

Is the San Mai Full Tang ?? I read the original Cold Steel SRK’s are not ..... I also read that there are great exceptions ( knives that are not full tang ). Some are still great -- while others are not . ( May have to do a video on that -- hint hint )...

Do you have laredo bowie san mai vg1 bro? If you have can you review that bowie?

Good job...great reviews...

@DBAD - Question for the expert: I purchased the San Mai 3 version of the SRK. It's coming this Thursday. I wanted at least 1 stainless do-everything knife. That said, I'm not a fan of the hollow grind SRKs. The Italian-made CPM-3V "super steel" version is still available for like $43 more. It's flat ground, with a significantly stronger tip (stronger blade overall, from what I've read). I can't afford both. Should I return the San Mai 3, and pay extra for the CPM-3V version?

Hi, Donnie. Did you experienced any chipping, I mean did you cut various materials with it? Thank you. Stay sharp, brother.

Is it easy to sharpen on my 45 year old norton india stones?

can it strike a ferro rod? does it have a sharp 90 degree spine?

Damn good video, I loved the talk about lanyards and gloves, so fucking true man. I'm deff picking one up instead of the srk 5

Hi donnie did you sharpened already you srk san mai?

Is it easy to clean off the residue and scratches?

Great video Donnie going to buy one or two.

Great video, I really enjoyed today. SurvivalAustria

I have it in vg-1 love it

Those SRK's and recon Tanto's offer a WHOLE LOTTA KNIFE in a compact package! Talk about worth every penny...

Is the grip of this knife not too thin and short? Comfortable to hold?

Getting one soon, I gotta good collection already, Cold Steel Tanto Kubon in 8AuSa,..Kbar 1211, Gerber Prodigy Fine edge, Glock 81 Field knife” hopefully the SRK in VG10 San Mai

Nice review!! ¿what about this VG-10 steel? ¿good retention Long time use? Regards!!

I put a magazine pouch on mine from glock it fits just right.

Hi donnie may i ask what is the difference of san mai and 3V srk? Thank you.

I'm surprised the tip of the SRK San Mai III is so strong. Due to the hollow grind, the tips of the SK-5 versions are pretty weak.

Good vid , greetings from Poland Bro.

Nice video，i have a srk cpm 3v，it's also a great knife

Nice!

Do Cold Steel Kraton handles hydrolyze?

When you said "D-bad" I thought you said "D-bag" 😂😂

I have the Cold Steel SRK in San Mai. My friend has the Fallkniven A1. I prefer the SRK over the A1 One . Better price. Two. Better sheath. The A1 zytel sheath retention is terrible. The SRK secure ex sheath is top notch.Three. The grip on the SRK is better. The SRK has grooves on the top and bottom along with the sides whereas the A1 only has grooves on the sides. I find the blades are very comparable .

For a destruction test on the standard srk check out BushbrosNZ. You will be more than impressed. I don't like plastic sheaths, I like leather much better and if looked after properly will last longer than a life time. Buy an Buck 119 sheath, it fits better than the 119.

bro how to know its a vg10? what is the mark?

My San Mai should arrive by Monday at the latest . Can’t find these Anywhere my friend !! But I never gave up the search . So I am excited!! ( apparently I bought the last one online for the original price -/ I think some folks are selling on eBay for a lot of $$$$$$$$ )... Also - I just sent you another high priority email !!! Please check it out cause you won’t want to miss this opportunity amigo !!

I think the A1 is slightly better though, it just feels higher quality.

Is it rust resistant?

I just ordered mine five minutes ago been eyeingone for years ...RIP COLDSTEEL 🙏 get one now before the new company kills it

I have two SRK's both are vg1.

When u do let me know..sharping can be a good vidio....iam old...enjoy ur vidios bro.

Is this stainless steel bro?

Hi Donnie, just a heads up.... just found this Rothco survival knife that's an exact copy of the rare SOG Government knife- www.opticsplanet.com/rothco-vietnam-mac-sog-combat-knife.html What's interesting is that it is very SRK like in size and weight, all for $19.95 shipped! It's only 1050 Medium Carbon steel, but it should be tough as nails and easy to sharpen. This could make a great low budget survival knife and a fun video to do. Regards, John

I forget is this one convex?

This id only real test of this knife on KZfaq

Cold steel hovers near the top because of their solid proof videos, here, you have a company that isn't trying to bamboozle you with a trendy blade shape or attempting to pass off blade art or a tacticool knife as a work horse, not only do they show videos of their knives being obviously abused, but they are priced right, mad respect for cold steel

nice review- mine is in the mail as we speak

good

👍🏻💯

CS "over-test" their products but advise you not to abuse your Cold Steel or it will void warranty.

i believe your favorite youtuber is Mr. TAC oh yea oh yea haha

Cool guy 😂

San Mai III steel = 1 layer of poor-man's VG-10 stainless steel + 2 layer's of cheap dinning utensil grade stainless steel being passed off as and sold at a price of some kind of super-high performance premium steel.

You lost me at if you're not illiterate