Yes, you are correct. I misspoke. CPM 3V is not a stainless steel. To be considered stainless a steel must have at least 12% chromium content. CPM 3V has 7.5%. Thanks for commenting.
Great discussion and review. The SRK is a great classic. Midway USA frequently runs sales on the 3V versions. A while back, I picked up a 3V SRK for under $100 from Midway USA. They offer some great deals.
I just picked up two of them (one in Olive Drab, the other in Flat Dark Earth) in 3V from Midway USA for $100 each. Very happy about the price for this 3V knife!
@@MarkYoungBushcraftFrom MidwayUSA's website: "Due to the variety of regulations controlling shipments outside the U.S., MidwayUSA is unable to process international orders." Sorry.😢
Appreciate the great review - and the hard work it took to do it! I thought you might end up going through that log, as much as you were working on it!
Midway USA currently has the FDE version of the SK-5 SRK on sale for $37.95 and the CPM-3V version on sale for $99.99. Both are screaming great deals, but I'd definitely be more excited about the 3V version if I didn't already have 3 copies of that excellent knife.
One of my pet peeves is the constant attention needed on carbon steels. 3V has struck that balance for me in toughness, edge retention and it stainless enough that it lasts for most of my adventures with little to no maintenance, until I’m home reprepping gear for next time. Most of the time my 3V blades just need stropped...
Something as extremely effective as EEZOX or Fluid Film can be used or as food safe as Wicked Wax can be used. I have used EEZOX since 1988. It is toxic and you shouldn't eat it, but after you apply it correctly, its very simple to maintain with a VERY light coat. A2 , CARBON V, and 1095 CV might patina if you just ignore it in common sense storage for a year?. 3V would probably laugh the idea of rust off with EEZOX
Thank you, sir. I appreciate you performing this test. I own both steel variants but never took the time to compare them in the field. I do prefer the 3V version over the SK5, but I think that preference comes from the overall fit and finish. The 3V version I purchased came as close to perfect as you could get, I imagine. In either case, the SRK is a great model.
Great review, Mark. I've always liked the look of the SRK but haven't been able to talk myself into buying one quite yet. Would love to hear your thoughts on how it compares with the Fallkniven F1, A1 or S1 if you've had a chance to use them. 3V is one of my favourite steels for fixed blade knives. It's got excellent toughness and good wear resistance in the common 58-62 HRC range of heat treatments, it's fairly rust resistant for a non-stainless steel, and it doesn't need specialty diamond stones to sharpen like some other super steels do. The higher price is definitely worth it for people who want to push their knives a little harder and can benefit from the added toughness. As you said, the average person who doesn't use their knives very hard or very often would probably be very happy with either knife and wouldn't see much benefit from splurging on the more expensive version. Heck, the different edge geometries likely affect the average user experience more than the higher end steel would. Thanks again Mark.
Thanks for the Comparison. I've owned the Cold Steel Recon Tanto for 30+ years and haven't been easy on it (it used to be my field knife as a Army Combat Engineer). I recently "retired" it to my car BOB in favor of a custom made field knife. Cold Steel makes quality knives, and now I'm intrigued by the new SRK (damn you Mark! lol).
Hi 👋 Mark Im Glad You Enjoyed My Knife & I Was VERY Impressed With The Edge Retention Of The 3V Version !! Yes It Was Very Expensive But I Have Full Faith It Will Outlast Me (Since I Don't Get In Woods As Much As I Want Too) Take Care Mark & Happy Trails.
G'day Mark, iconic design and there's been quite a few iterations over the years. There was an uproar over too long a ricasso a while back, but looks like thats been sorted. Whilst 3V is not technically a stainless, it is certainly stain ........ less, and yep it's never been a lower budget steel in any brand/design to my knowledge ; ) I've nearly pulled the trigger a few times, though I kinda lost interest after I missed out on a VG-1, or 10, (cant remember), version @ a compelling price point and secondly I have several others of similar design already. However, must say, if I was starting out all over again, it would be one of the first I'd go to. Thanks for your efforts mate, yes a last resort type of application, but that is a capability I'd I expect out of a 5-6 in "secondary" blade out in the sticks ..... regardless of steel, ....mind you, as you so rightly mentioned, an easier honing/maintenance strategy is a very significant consideration, compared to a harder nut to crack out in the field. Cheers Duke. P.S. since I didnt have the foresight to keep an old telephone book or two, next best thing, if you're really fussy about fine paper cut tests, are those (bloody annoying IMO), brochures/catalogues that turn up in ones letter box ........ there is still some justice to be had in the world ; ) ....... I have even more fun with political propaganda, hehehe. Composting or recycling afterwards, of course. .... depending on the ink content. Btw; I believe "newspaper" print, (obviously another good fine paper option), has been rid of the real ink nasties, (lead, arsenic and such), for some years now, .... here anyway, .... though personally I'm not pay'n a coupla knicker everyday ...... just for the crossword, blade testing and compost material ; )
Hi Duke. I think most people do not often think about knife maintenance in the field. I know I am guilty of not packing a stone or even a strop at times. You found a great way to recycle the otherwise useless stuff. Thanks for commenting
Hi Mr. Young. I'd just like to point out, that SK5 steel is prone to chipping and/or breaking in cold conditions. That's the only dowside of it, otherwise it's a great budget carbon steel. Still, if I could choose, I'd make the SRK in 80CrV2, and it would still be a budget blade...
I love my knives made in 80-CrV2. So tough. I have a lot of knives in SK85 and have not had any cold weather chipping, yet. I will be watching for that. Thanks for commenting
I have an SRK in SK5 and it serves me just fine. The only knife I currently own in 3V is my Boker Bronco and it's quite nice, but very expensive. I think your assessment at the end of the video is spot on; 3V knives are only worth it if you can afford it and know how to sharpen it. 👍 Thanks for sharing, take care and Cheers!
Right on. Super steels are popular right now and great to own but a person can get more knives for the same money. Thanks for commenting Dave. Hope all is well
Just ordered the CPM3V version (olive drab handle) from Midway for $100 (that's including shipping and taxes!). Just sold off my older OKC RAT-7, so this will replace that knife. Never liked the RAT-7 micarta handles and it felt heavy and unwieldy. Got the SRK-C last week and love its "goldilocks" size and profile.
Really cool🙂 I don’t have an SRK but I have a master hunter in san mai. It works pretty well. I have had amazing 3V knives and crappy 3V knives. I had an adventure sworn mountaineer in 3V. Holy cow it was extreme. I beat on it all day and it was like I never touched it. Freaky sharp. I still have nightmares of selling that knife😬 I’ve also had a benchmade in 3V and it was very disappointing. I think maybe it comes to the heat treatment? I think I would go with the SK5 because it works well enough and I am a weekend warrior lol. Thanks for sharing 😀👍🏻
I agree about the hollow grind. I have seen videos where the tip broke off too easily. I don't want to push mine to see if it will happen. Thanks for commenting
To give a different take on the question of whether or not the price difference is worth it. I like to compare each knife as though it was my one and only "survival knife". Being that 3V is no doubt a famously toughter and less likely to snap steel, and can hold a long edge, the answer is already there - yes. Yes it is worth the 3 times price difference. I use the same thinking with led flashlights, in that, the flashlight with the greater ability to utilize super-low lumens settings will always win over the higher lumen light (all other metrics being equal). Why? Conservation of energy is akin to prolonged usage/usefulness. Given there is no way to charge them at the time of usage. Great review, thank you.
Good argument. It did get me thinking about the value of buying three SK5 versions of the SRK as opposed to one 3V version. Personally, I prefer the 3V version. Thanks for commenting
I got a CPM-3V version and put a new edge on it with the WS Professional Precision Adjust sharpener and it cuts amazing. This steel has surpassed my expectations and I personally think it is worth the extra money. I have thrown the knife also into oak without any problems with tip damage. It is one of my last knives I would expect tip damage with. The way the clip point is cut makes it like a diamond shape and very strong. I may pick up one of the old SK5 models for practicing throwing. Then if I break it or damage the handle it's only about $35.
Hmmmm, the age old question of diminishing returns on more expensive stuff. Always a tough one. Especially with a knife that may take forever to repair damage….or will it not get damaged, etc…. I leather strop my straight razor, but I feel like there isn’t much point with a knife. The edge is so fine and delicate, and knife use can be pretty rough, so that a few uses and it’s back past that point, but there is a great satisfaction in the first few cuts. Hey, I got a question. I know you’ve done at least one video on ferro rods, so do you have a suggestion or two for a good large size one?
If you've need something that will last longer between needing to be sharpened (because you're not able to do so), value the time saving of less overall sharpening (even if a single session takes longer) and don't mind the extra cost the 3v makes sense. If you need something that will work well and don't mind regular touch ups/maintenance, something that has to work well enough for one circumstance, or are going to use it as a tool that could very likely see hard use than the regular might suit you better. I haven't got a need currently that the regular won't fit the bill for, and for far fewer bills out of my wallet. I've also never been a fan of shiny blades on knives, I leave that aesthetic for actual swords.
3v is my favourite steel for a fix blade . It is not stainless but like d2 it's close . Cold steel are not the best heat treat on 3v . But the steel is still good . 3v is worth every cent you pay . I have broken up 3 red deer with only a few stops to strop .
Yes, I misspoke about 3V being stainless. I pinned a correction comment on the video. I agree, great steel for anyone who will put the time into maintaining it. Thanks for commenting
I don't understand why anyone would be using their knife as a prying tool? it's for cutting, chopping splitting, but I would never use any knife to do any serious prying. I'd rather have the hollow grind for better cutting.
I'll make it simple for you all. If you want a solid throw away knife, the SK-5 is better. If you want something to pass on to your kids, something that will last and that you can trust, get the 3V.
How about this for a SCREAMING deal: Midway USA has the SK-5 version of the SRK and the Trail Boss axe for $44.99! When you consider the SRK alone is at least $37.95, that means you're getting a really great Cold Steel axe for $7. That is incredible. I don't need another SRK or another axe, and it's such a great deal I'm getting one anyway.
How would it (3V) compare to Demko Freereign? Here in the US the prices on Amazon are $127 and $150 respectively. SRK has a full inch blade length advantage, better steel, and no strange pseudo jumping at the top of the blade. Saber grind of Demko is a better geometry for strong tip than clip point, but then again, the SRK is made of a stronger steel. Realistically, you are not going to break either tip unless you do something really stupid. Demko has a better sheath... Anything else?
Coincidently, I have a video coming out soon doing the same test (same day actually) comparing the FreeReign in AUS10A against the FreeReign in Magnacut. I have not yet compared the Magnacut against the 3V. I would have to borrow (or buy) the SRK again. I do a bit of a comparison of design in my FreeReign video. I personally prefer the FreeReign to the SRK. Thanks for commenting
@@MarkYoungBushcraft Thank you, that would be interesting. A fairer comparison would be SRK in 3V VS Demko in AUS10, as even in AUS10 version Demko is the more expensive knife of the two. Magnacut version is unavailable for purchase at this time, and when it becomes available it will be more expensive still.
@@MarkYoungBushcraftJust out of curiosity... is there anything in particular that leads you to prefer the freereign in Magnacut to the SRK in 3V? TIA.
@@cjmutschler Mostly a personal decision. I feel the FreeReign in AUS10A is a stronger design than the SRK in SK5; However, the gap is closer for the knives with the upgrade in steel. For me, I prefer the grip design of the FreeReign and I like that the Magnacut is a stainless steel. Having said that, I would be perfectly happy to own a SRK in 3V
@@MarkYoungBushcraft Thank you for your reply. I had been weighing the purchase of the 3V SRK vs the Magnacut Freereign and whether the Freereign was worth the extra money. Then I found a really good deal on the SRK so it became a less competitive decision.
So, if I send you one of my knives to test, does that mean you’ll eventually own it?…..🤓 On which steal is the best to get, it really depends on how much you really use the knife. If you don’t have or plan on buying a lot of knives, and you don’t mind a spending little more money, then having that one blade that can handle most of the tasks you need can be beneficial. I personally prefer knives that are easier to sharpen in the field. ✌️🇺🇸🇨🇦✌️
You could try sending me one and see what happens😉 I agree, 3V or other "super steels" are worth it if you are willing to maintain them. Thanks for commenting
Either one of them is not worth it in the sense that there are lower (much) priced knives than DO the same job and there are a couple of REAL cheap ones. Maybe my opinion comes from my 89 yr. age. Heck a good axe can do the same(cheap one mind)
Mate I'm 65 and I can see the advantages of good steels against lesser quality. But heat treat also is important. If the heat treat is off , the blade will be poor . My experience is that a better quality steel gets a better heat treat . Otherwise we would learn about it fast and no one would buy it .
I wish you could see what ive done to my srk Lol. I bought it specifically for a shit knife and it has held up great. Or at least it hasn't broken yet. I use it for just fun brutal dangerous things like stabbing barrels and chopping rocks. Good secondary pack knife for hard tasks so i can spare my decent blades the abuse.
Us canadians, may not be, as technologically advanced, but, in canada, cutting a fresh 6" oak, is best left to the chain saw. A real knife test, would be fighting off a po'd 500 lb black bear. Skinning this bear, is also a good test. Perhaps, another test, if you could find a cooperative bruin?
