Cold Steel SRK Compact (SK-5)

The knife is close to ideal in its category. Comfortable handle - it is precisely because of its thinness that it does not clog the wrist during prolonged use and, thanks to its rubbery feel, provides excellent grip. The blade geometry is optimized for cutting. It is not for hard work - batoning, chopping and all sorts of picking, in this way you will simply break it, more delicate work such as cutting, planing or piercing - that's its purpose. Two things that I would personally like to change, I would have preferred a stainless steel blade, something like Japanese AUS8 or Chinese 8CR13MOV, and a Tek-Lok belt clip instead of a flex hanger, but if it is easy to add a Tek-Lok, then the steel is already what it is. Thouse are personal preferences, someone will prefer ... MoreThe knife is close to ideal in its category. Comfortable handle - it is precisely because of its thinness that it does not clog the wrist during prolonged use and, thanks to its rubbery feel, provides excellent grip. The blade geometry is optimized for cutting. It is not for hard work - batoning, chopping and all sorts of picking, in this way you will simply break it, more delicate work such as cutting, planing or piercing - that's its purpose. Two things that I would personally like to change, I would have preferred a stainless steel blade, something like Japanese AUS8 or Chinese 8CR13MOV, and a Tek-Lok belt clip instead of a flex hanger, but if it is easy to add a Tek-Lok, then the steel is already what it is. Thouse are personal preferences, someone will prefer the existing configuration. Exceptionally successful sheath (again - excluding flex hanger) nothing worse than kydex, although somewhat rougher - not noisy, thin-profile, quite securely hold the knife and repairable - if the upper part loosens over time as it holds the rubber guard, then it is quite can be lightly squeezed to get the desired shape with a dryer.

I own almost all the Srk's and this version in sk5 is a great little tool. Shorter by an inch and much slimmer than it's full sized cousins, it also features a checkerplate pattern in the kray-ex handle instead of the dimples that are on the others.. (with the exception of the original carbon v version) My only issue, if you can even call it that is with it's tip, which is much finer and so not as robust as the full sized tips, this is more of a precision tool or dare I say a lady's or child's ideal camp knife. You won't be batoning with it ( thank the gods) but it'll notch, v cut and feather stick most admirably and throws a decent spark. I also needed to sharpen this knife as it wasn't mind blowing sharp out of the box like the vg10 and 3V versions were.. all in ... MoreI own almost all the Srk's and this version in sk5 is a great little tool. Shorter by an inch and much slimmer than it's full sized cousins, it also features a checkerplate pattern in the kray-ex handle instead of the dimples that are on the others.. (with the exception of the original carbon v version) My only issue, if you can even call it that is with it's tip, which is much finer and so not as robust as the full sized tips, this is more of a precision tool or dare I say a lady's or child's ideal camp knife. You won't be batoning with it ( thank the gods) but it'll notch, v cut and feather stick most admirably and throws a decent spark. I also needed to sharpen this knife as it wasn't mind blowing sharp out of the box like the vg10 and 3V versions were.. all in all a very well made smaller fix blade knife with an excellent locking sheath system in easy to sharpen carbon steel. Can't wait for the San Mai version!

As an artist I have many knives from tiny X-acto craft knives to large "survival" blades. With this Cold Steel, I was looking for something slightly smaller then my largest knife so I took a risk on this after much research. The SRK Compact is indeed smaller, which is what I am after. However, there are several things I'm not real keen about. These are not deal breakers, just matters of personal preference. First, the blade and handle are straight which for me is uncomfortable. I prefer a curved handle, fits my hand better. Second, the rubberized handle. It has a good grip, I'm just not sure how it will stand up in the long run and hard use. I have several tools with rubberized handles and the material breaks down after several years. Also the handle has minimal ... MoreAs an artist I have many knives from tiny X-acto craft knives to large "survival" blades. With this Cold Steel, I was looking for something slightly smaller then my largest knife so I took a risk on this after much research. The SRK Compact is indeed smaller, which is what I am after. However, there are several things I'm not real keen about. These are not deal breakers, just matters of personal preference. First, the blade and handle are straight which for me is uncomfortable. I prefer a curved handle, fits my hand better. Second, the rubberized handle. It has a good grip, I'm just not sure how it will stand up in the long run and hard use. I have several tools with rubberized handles and the material breaks down after several years. Also the handle has minimal flare which doesn't fill my palm as well as I would like. And next, the blade required sharpening right out of the box. It wasn't dull but it wasn't sharp either so be prepared for that. I would recommend this product for persons with smaller hands.