Makoto Pat
Member
Just got my favorite alert status from U.S. Postal Services- Out for delivery!
Posts: 503
|
Post by Makoto Pat on Dec 22, 2010 18:14:31 GMT
I am looking to replace my Cold Steel SRK sometime next year and want to know what properties the different steels have. I don't mind if I need to keep it oiled to prevent rust. Just want to know which can be sharpened the easiest and hold an edge.
Is the San Mai III similar to the old carbon V? I liked my Carbon V...alas a crack-head pill addict needed it to sell...and I had that horrible work habit...One more reason I walk with a cane...just in case its my lucky day. But no seriously after the hip is fixed it will be back country time for me next fall. I want a good camp knife to go with my Gransfors Bruk carpenter hatchet.
|
|
Hairu
Member
Posts: 1,294
|
Post by Hairu on Dec 22, 2010 20:00:42 GMT
well AUS 8 is stainless san mai is like a carbon 1095 its super hard and can go long times without needing sharpening
|
|
|
Post by GUEST on Dec 22, 2010 20:33:04 GMT
San Mai is not carbon steel, it's a lanimate of sofer outer stainless steel with a harder stainless steel core making up the edge. SK5 is the carbon steel they use to use in the SRK. Before SK5 they used Carbon 5 steel. The one you lost was problaby Carbon 5.
|
|
Makoto Pat
Member
Just got my favorite alert status from U.S. Postal Services- Out for delivery!
Posts: 503
|
Post by Makoto Pat on Dec 22, 2010 21:50:51 GMT
It was a carbon 5 (V). And thanks for the info...Fallen. It is helpful. Anybody that has owned both ever compare them?
Because right now I am intrigued and lean toward trying out the San Mai III laminate since it costs more and I never had it before...it must be good. Plus it kind of reminds me of the tanto construction (steel not geometry) I want but cannot afford just now.
|
|
|
Post by vince on Dec 22, 2010 22:11:41 GMT
Here is a generic def
San Mai means "three layers". It is the term given to the traditional laminated blades used by the Japanese for swords and daggers. Laminated construction is important because it allows different grades of steel to be combined in a single blade. San Mai III provides a blade with hard, higher carbon steel in the middle for a keen, long lasting edge, and tougher, lower carbon steel along the sides to withstand impact and lateral stresses.
Hope this helps
|
|
Makoto Pat
Member
Just got my favorite alert status from U.S. Postal Services- Out for delivery!
Posts: 503
|
Post by Makoto Pat on Dec 23, 2010 1:18:45 GMT
Thanks Vince...that's what I wanted to hear...And that is what I want to buy.
Now Cold Steel men, please no pun-ish here, which is better and why, of course in your knowledgeable opines, the SRK or the Recon Scout.
I will be chopping, batoning, skinning, cleaning fish, digging, throwing, and hopefully not fighting for my life but just for fun include the possibility in your thoughts. As far as aesthetics I like them both equally...but perhaps because I owned the SRK before I am leaning in its direction...plus if I get the Recon Scout it will probably be high carbon (prices).
|
|
|
Post by GUEST on Dec 23, 2010 16:13:58 GMT
I prefer the SRK for the purposes you outline. It will be easier to skin and clean fish. But the Recon Scout would be a better chopper more heavy in the blade. Since you are use to the SRK go with it. Best of all just get both.
|
|
Makoto Pat
Member
Just got my favorite alert status from U.S. Postal Services- Out for delivery!
Posts: 503
|
Post by Makoto Pat on Dec 23, 2010 18:00:39 GMT
I like the way you think, but my budget won't allow just yet but over time I am going to collect the classic CS Trail Master, SRK, Recon Scout, and I really like that Laredo Bowie...Probably a boar spear to attach to one of my backpacking staves...I'll wear it on one of my straps...so when the boar or whatever charges I can quickly set my spear versus charge as a free action.
|
|
|
Post by nihontoman on Dec 23, 2010 19:32:46 GMT
well, AFAIK cold steel uses VG-1 steel in their san-mai lamination. this VG-1 is very hard and can hold an edge for a long time. in other words, it is a winner steel aus -8 can be sharpened with less effort than the san-mai, but aus-8 is softer, so it can't hold an edge as good as the sanmai does. my vote goes to san-mai steel.
|
|
|
Post by templar on Dec 24, 2010 15:31:45 GMT
I own both. I really like both. The SRK is very handy, but it can't come close to the Recon Scout for many of the all around camping and survival chores (batoning being the most obvious). Skinning with the Scout is more awkward, but really not all that difficult if you take your time. Having spent a whole lot of time in the very back country, I would vote for the Scout in a heartbeat.
|
|
Makoto Pat
Member
Just got my favorite alert status from U.S. Postal Services- Out for delivery!
Posts: 503
|
Post by Makoto Pat on Dec 25, 2010 5:52:19 GMT
San Mai III...I have heard is difficult to sharpen...especially in the field without a belt or wheel sharpener...I don't have a belt or wheel sharpener anyway...so how hard is it really? I do not mind resharpening a blade. I actually like to do this...it is fun...I have to admit I am leaning toward the Recon in Carbon...or the Trail Master...For cutting and chopping and knife combatives...
I thank you my Cold Steel brothers...
|
|
|
Post by nihontoman on Dec 25, 2010 6:12:43 GMT
you just need a good knife sharpening stone or system, and you'll sharpen just about every knife in field (well, maybe sharpening 440V or zdp-189 will be a little more difficult ) as I said before, VG-1 used as a core steel in cold steel san-mai are harder to sharpen than AUS-8, nut it is not that hard to be afraid of....
|
|
Makoto Pat
Member
Just got my favorite alert status from U.S. Postal Services- Out for delivery!
Posts: 503
|
Post by Makoto Pat on Dec 25, 2010 6:15:45 GMT
Thanks...I was just reading reviews on-line...Still very much want and curious about VG-1...Merry Christmas.
|
|
|
Post by GUEST on Dec 25, 2010 14:43:03 GMT
Personally has long has I don't let a blade get to dull I don't have much of a problem sharpening any steel. I mainly use ark oil stones sometimes diamond. I'm getting to where I like the diamond sharpeners.
|
|
Makoto Pat
Member
Just got my favorite alert status from U.S. Postal Services- Out for delivery!
Posts: 503
|
Post by Makoto Pat on Dec 25, 2010 16:58:29 GMT
Yeah I am a pretty good sharpener. I used the diamond stone, then the oil stone very lightly, and then an old smooth leather belt. All my blades shave...One of my knives I purchased from a Cherokee man who said a Zuni woman had made...it is an old file...I put a secondary bevel on it in order to get a razor edge. It took a lot of work, but it was fun and in my kitchen...camping is a little different...but I still really enjoying working a knife beside my cook fire. The diamond stones mak life easier for sure.
It would be a big purchase but I would like to get the Trail Master in carbon and the SRK in VG-1. because I know if I get a TM I would be chopping everything with it...just too dull it so I could sharpen it...probably tie it on my leg to go bed.
|
|
Makoto Pat
Member
Just got my favorite alert status from U.S. Postal Services- Out for delivery!
Posts: 503
|
Post by Makoto Pat on Jan 5, 2011 5:00:15 GMT
I think I have been convinced to get the Recon Scout and make a survival kit...looking at the trail master because it is longer and I can put more stuff on it, but the RS seems more suited to many woodcraft tasks and has the plastic sheath. Going to post in the cafe. viewtopic.php?f=17&t=2040
|
|
|
Post by Larry Jordan on Jan 5, 2011 13:28:03 GMT
This reminds me of Shelley Duvall's riddle to Steve Martin in "Roxanne": "What can you sit on, sleep on and brush your teeth with?" He strains his brain to come up with one solution. When he gives up, she answers: a chair, a bed, and a toothbrush.
Chopping, batoning: Bowie or Machete Skinning: 3"--4" fixed blade with gut-hook Digging: Shovel Throwing: Set of Throwers
|
|
Makoto Pat
Member
Just got my favorite alert status from U.S. Postal Services- Out for delivery!
Posts: 503
|
Post by Makoto Pat on Jan 5, 2011 19:05:53 GMT
Very true and I own all of these and a carpenter ax which can do all of those tasks to a degree of ease. I want to purchase one Implement which can also do them. There in lies the ponder-ance of which is over all best at each task...I think the basic bowie or drop point knife is best suited for all round use/function. I like your reference. It reminds me to keep it simple and sweet. K.I.S.S. And most importantly I want a new CS knife.
|
|
Makoto Pat
Member
Just got my favorite alert status from U.S. Postal Services- Out for delivery!
Posts: 503
|
Post by Makoto Pat on Jan 12, 2011 19:40:06 GMT
The CS Trail Master SK5 is on it is way home. I think the Recon Scout would be a better survival knife because of its size...more utilitarian, but the trail master is a bit more bad a@$ in my opinion. Wanted it for a while. I would like to thank everyone for their time and information of SK5 and San Mai III.
San Mai III is to come later after I finish paying for school and start making real money again with a salary. Then I will have two...one for each hand.
|
|