Recon Tanto or SRK by Cold Steel
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ต.ค. 2024
- #survival #bushcraft #camping #edc
COLD STEEL KNIVES LINKS
Amazon SRK** amzn.to/3SDzK0i
Amazon RECON** amzn.to/3QB5cJU
Bladehq SRK** shrsl.com/4avom
Bladehq RECON TANTO** shrsl.com/4avon
Gpknives** shrsl.com/1mf0b
Smoky Mountain Knife Works**
www.pjtra.com/...
__________________
Gideonstactical Gear Link Hub: solo.to/gideon...
__________________
LA POLICE GEAR LINK
la-police-gear...
10% Off Your Purchase With Code GTTAC10
_______________
BACKCOUNTRY.COM LINK
alnk.to/gVGQLbW
________________
MOOSEJAW LINK
alnk.to/4Xu7Rm9
___________________
5.11 TACTICAL LINK
511.pxf.io/e4MKDO
________________
MONTANA KNIFE COMPANY LINK
alnk.to/4BEBTMj
________________
GRAYL Water Purifier LINK
alnk.to/dpqvGkY
_______________
SPORTSMANS WAREHOUSE LINK
alnk.to/8iPIHhA
________________
MYSTERY RANCH STORE LINK
alnk.to/60VRWIw
________________
KELTY GEAR STORE LINK
alnk.to/faxgXac
________________
HLTH CODE Meal Replacement Shakes: bit.ly/2PVUUbR
Get 15% Off With Promo Code: EATWITHGT
Paypal Link: www.paypal.com...
Paypal Username: gideonstactical@gmail.com
Links Provided May Include Commissions For Me As A Content Creator. It Is Free For You And Helps Me Create More Content.
DO NOT ATTEMPT ANYTHING SEEN IN THIS VIDEO AT HOME. YOU TAKE ALL RESPONSIBILITY AND RISKS WHEN USING, HANDLING, OR ARE OTHERWISE ENGAGED WITH ANY OF THE ITEMS, SCENARIOS, OR TOPICS MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO.
/ gideonstactical
/ gideonstactical300
/ gideonstactical
![ลองสั่งของจากแอพ temu ถูกจริงหรอ?? ( part : 1/2 ) [โกงไหมครับ ep.89 ] | DOM](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/RTcZSQTiDZw/mqdefault.jpg)
SRK...been carrying it since '94 and took it on both tours in Iraq. Best combat/utility knife I carried
Is that in the carbon v steel that cold steel used to use?
I've had my Recon Tanto since the 80s, back when they where made in the USA. Carbon 5 steel, and a nice nylon sheath. I guess mine has a saber grind.
I just received mine through Amazon about 5 minutes ago. I love this blade!!!! I can see why more and more military guys are carrying it nowadays. It's a really great stabber and mine came very sharp. I absolutely love the slight curve of the blade which is perfect for slice cuts. I'm happy they shortened the ricasso and the blade is closer to the blade. This knife will be my new daily carry as it's not a very big blade but big enough to do some damage in case you need to protect yourself. I've been trying to look at some youtube videos regarding this knife and it seems that Russians love this knife because a lot of videos on this knife are Russian!!! I even saw a Russian guy have his CS Tanto on a shoulder strap meant for a handgun and thought that was pretty cool although I didn't understand a single word he was saying. This knife is Badass and very affordable and will most likely buy another as a gift.
I've got my Recon Tanto video filmed. On a lark, I started doing the standard woods test and it did awesome. Wish I had the SRK too.
PREPAREDMIND101 nice! Ya was very surprised with the performance for the tanto in the outdoors.
PREPAREDMIND101 Chris what do you think of the srk?
I do like that video. It covers my intended use for a blade like that. A field knife that is. Not the zombie thing. We don't have zombies over here ;)
Dutch Bushcraft Not yet at least...
LOL. No not yet ;) We do have some unwanted people out here so I am prepared. I always am.
I was pleasantly surprised that the recon tanto is great for batoning. I had to baton little wedges of dry wood for my rocket stove and it was perfect. But with the upward curved blade I was expecting the handle to be torqued upwards with every baton strike but it didn't. I have the SRK and the Recon and am happy with both.
Bad basic education
Real answer is: whichever style you prefer. There you go.
:/
Then both 😑
That’s with literally anything but some things are objectively better than others
@@dc4lcorkscrewpatdaGIGA it's the same knife. to be fair I'd say tantot for urban survival because of its stronger tip, but the shape of the tip sucks at carving wood. And SRK for wilderness survival. However with skill and practice you can make any knife work in the woods. People focus too much on choosing the right gear, but they don't go out and practise for shit.
@@bibigreen6533 true IMO a simple sharp stick could work for you if you practiced enough with it
I have both of these awesome knives as they were gifted to me when I was in service. I just bought the CS tanto magnum 2 san mai as well. I am def a CS fan girl! Well, Lynn Thompson CS era anyway..not sure yet on the new folks. As fas as bushcraft/survival I love my Mora bushcraft black, Garberg and kansbol knives. Im def a knife and all other weapons chick..about to have to get another storeage building lol. Great vid!🙂
I have both (though both are in Aus-8) and for bushcraft the SRK wins hands down, but as a kick ass tough _beast_ the Recon Tanto has the goods. For the price though get *both* you won't be disappointed in either.
In which bushcraft tasks did the SRK significantly outperform the Tanto?
Wow, Aaron.... it's about time someone did a comparison of these blades. I used to get the Cold Steel Special Projects catalogs and read every word and look at every blade in there. These two knives to me are classic like a Becker BK-2 or an Ontario SP-8.
My first good quality knife was a Recon Tanto second that my mother bought for me and I can't even find the flaw in it, but it's as solid as they claim although I do not punch it thru car doors. I maintain it as a tactical or fighting knife, but then have thought why not try using it for other things since I am not a Ninja or need to dress for possible combat. I also don't want to trash it because it's a cherished gift.
It's nice to see you demonstrate that it isn't JUST a weapon or combat blade. Mine is an earlier version, and at the time, it was marketed as a favorite of SWAT teams while the SRK was sold as a knife for rescue operations. I am glad the knife was offered as second and I own one. More so after your review and I've had it for years already. Your review is actually more realistic and gives viewers a better representation of the usefulness of these two products.
MasterK9Trainer thank you so much my friend!!
Its crazy that ya made this vidja! I bought bought the SK5 SRK last month and the SK5 Recon Tanto just last week. Im happy with both
I've always wanted a tanto, and specifically a Cold Steel tanto. I'll have to pick one up soon.
I fell in love with Cold Steel knifes with their early XL Tantos in sandwich steel, whatever they used 30 years back then. It was the early San Mai.
I bought two of them back in the days, one to use in outdoor tasks, the other for meat preparation. I used to buy half a pig from time to time, actually a complete one, together with a friend, cut it in portions by myself, and filled two freezers with it. Once a year my friend and I bought "a quarter of an ox" each, what filled another two freezers in my basement. My wife and I have two boys, and this way we never had to go to the butchers and knew exactly where the meat was from.
My parents used to home slaughter a pig in the late fall, what is pretty common in my aerea in Germany, kind of a traditional thing.
So the long, strong and sharp as hell tanto blade was wonderful for meat processing, cutting big bones out of the meat, pork ribs have been no problem.
I still have the two Tanto blades, and some more Cold Steel fixed blades, like the Trail Master in Carbon V and a XL Kukri, plus some great folders like the Vaquero Grande (two of them) plus some more EDC blades like the Luzon Large and two ProLite, one clip point and, what else could it be, a Tanto blade.
I am a long time and big fan of Cold Steel knifes.
I have my carbon v from back in 91 it’s the toughest knife I’ve ever owned
I have a recon tanto in carbon v as well! The only knife I don't want to use because they can't make that steel anymore. I bought an AUS8 SRK and was a bit disappointed as the tip broke off rather easily. I'd buy one in a better steel though.
Been looking at these for a while. Thank you for doing this, it help's as far as looking at them.
I bought the Cold Steel Recon Tanto San Mai 3 when they were made in Japan. That is for home defense. But for outdoor use, I use my Cold Steel Drop Forged Survivalist. The small utilitarian jobs are where either my Cold Steel Kobun or Click N Cut come in. Recently, I sold my Kobun and bought an OSI and Pendleton Hunter. I love Cold Steel! Various knives and tools for various jobs!
I appreciate your comment. I have the new Cold Steel Survivalist with the textured handle scales & Teflon coating. It's not a perfect bushcraft knife due to the top guard & lack of a choil. That said, I wonder if I even need an SRK or Recon Tanto when the Survivalist 52100 ball bearing steel is vastly superior.
@@DDDYLNI see your point. I sold my Pendleton Hunter and bought an SRK. The advantage of the SRK and Recon Tanto over the DF Survivalist is the weight. The Survivalist weighs almost as much as the SRK & Recon Tanto combined. That is why my Survivalist is for jobs outside of my house, my Recon Tanto SM3 is for home defense, and my SRK is for jobs away from home.
@@wellingtonblackwell3118 if I go on a back country camping trip, my Drop Forged Survivalist sits on the back of my belt, scout carry style. My SRK CPM-3V is my primary do-everything knife. The 2 knives make a good combo. For hone defense, or even military members, the Recon Tanto is a great self defense knife. It's extremely light, yet the tip is very strong, and tantos are great at stabbing.
@@wellingtonblackwell3118 it highly depends on your hand size, but I've had great luck with my Cold Steel Chaos Bowie. It's an excellent self defense long knife, but it can also baton wood with ease. I've batoned several hardwoods with it, with zero damage to the edge. I keep that knife on my nightstand. I like the self defense ability of being able to slash, but also stab. The beefy aluminum handguard also protects your hand, and can deal devastating blows. Cold Steel SK5 is a much better high carbon steel, than people give it credit for. That said, if you don't have wide palms, the grip will likely be painful, due to the rib in the center.
I just bought the SRK-C. Just came in the mail today. I haven't used it yet but I absolutely love the feel of it. Good weight, very comfortable grippy grip. Blade is razor sharp out of the box and the sheath feels like quality!
I have been a VERY avid Cold Steel collector and enthusiasts since 1995!! I have 5 Recon Tanto’s and 5 SRK’s as well as MANY more Cold Steel knives. These two specific knives are in my emergency bag and in my SUV!
I have put both of these blades through some pretty heavy abuse and the blades are still ABSOLUTELY FINE!! For anyone wondering if they should get one of each… DO IT!! You won’t be disappointed!!
C'mon , these are great , really fun knives, especially for $40.00. What you didn't say about the Recon Tanto is that it has adout 3" inches more spine to hit when battoning , than the SRK. I have both knives in the SK-5 and VG1 and a SRK in the SanMai steel. And by far my favorite knife is the San Mai SRK . It has a great hollow grind ( better than the SK-5 versions) holds a good edge and is easy to sharpen. I bought it when I first saw Nuttin Fancies review on the SRK San Mai vs Falknivens VG10 laminate , and called it a draw. Loved it ever since.
Brian Follett Yes the San Mai versions are so Awesome, that steel is way strong, but for the 40.00 the lower Japanese steel is still awesome
I like the guard better on the cold steel leatherneck tanto.
Great comparison- thank you! I think this actually helps a lot of people who are looking for a stronger equivalent to the SRK. My biggest concern was how the Recon Tanto would perform in wood tasks if it needed to be used as a survival knife. Your review greatly helped me in the that research. And with two survival tasks -- batoning and using the tip to dig out grubs or make a bow drill kit, it actually sounds like the Recon Tanto is superior to the SRK. Pretty cool.
I really wish Cold Steel would change the SRK design. If they gave it a flat grind, and a stronger spear point, I'd buy it without hesitation. I have the Recon Tanto. It's my favorite knife.
I have the Master hunter and its very good for Hunting, thus the name... But it is also very good at Bushcraft type stuff and camping. Love my Cold Steel....
Honestly, the tanto seems superior in just about every way, with the stronger tip, hollow grind, and curved blade for slicing.
I have both, your not going to see any difference in the tip you can't break either of them unless your using a vise and who the hell would do that those 2 blades are what I call 100% good to go for anything any person would ever come up against in any condition . It comes down to style as you said what is your choice .
Even though I prefer the Recon Tanto, as it has a stronger blade, a stronger edge (flat grind), a stronger tip (it's 5_mm along the entire spine length), and it's actually a longer blade than my standard Ka-Bar, I think the SRK has its place. All these specialized bushcraft knives cost way too much money. The SRK can do the fine work of a bushcraft knife, with its hollow grind, and it doubles as a larger blade for self defense. I'm not sure I'd chop or spear with it, due to the hollow grind and relatively weak tip. That said, it's a great knife for the price. It will perform as well or better than a 4" blade specialized bushcraft knife. If Cold Steel was to strengthen the tip, similar to the Gerber Strongarm, I'd definitely buy one right away. If the San Mai 3 versions go on sale after Christmas, I'll probably get one.
Love both of these knives. Thanks for the great comparison.
What's wrong with going into the woods with a combat knife if it can do everything a dedicated bushcraft knife can do? This whole bushcraft thing befuddles me. The knives are crazy expensive, and I can do more with a combo of a large fixed blade, and a Leatherman Wave.
Bushcraft knives are typically more ergonomic in the handle to help with long periods of carving wood.
If you have lots of fires or carve various things for camp it's hugely beneficial to have a more comfortable handle and a strong tip.
@@Elektroslag the question is whether carving wood is critical to survival.
@@DDDYLN Would you call boiling water, making shelter, and making fire critical survival skills?
I would, and a knife is the primary tool for each. Carving doesn't just mean carving little figurines out of wood... It's notching/batoning/cutting down etc etc.
@@Elektroslag I understand. I just think most quality fixed blades can do it. That said, I do have one true bushcraft knife. I keep it in my tailgate, because it's 420HC.
@@DDDYLN oh 100% , a simple 10 dollar Morakniv would be great. But many of us love knives so we worry about the tiny little improvements and details when we should probably just increase our skills further.
For what these knives sell for, there's no reason to choose one over the other. I've purchased both SK5 versions for well under $40 each. The shorter clip point is more functional for ordinary tasks, the tanto is a more capable fighting blade.
I would love to get the Recon Tanto and SRK in Z wear PM steel, if Cold Steel would ever use this amazing steel.Even better than CPM 3v steel.
@@Elektroslag Now,it would be ideal if these 2 models were in CPM Magnacut Steel!!!
Hi Aaron,
Yeah, the tip on Recon Tanto is full flat and the edge is hollow grind
You can figure by the lines - when you look to the knife from lateral ...
If the line is straight - is clearly full flat, if is curved is hollow ...geometry :)
At least at Tanto blades ...
On the clip point is not necessarily true ...
I bought two compact and one tanto. Fun knives... Such a low price point I'm not afraid to go all out
I have both, though I got them because I like their products. They both balance well and are fun to hold. My hunting, hicking days are long gone, but I can still enjoy my toys. I enjoyed your video.
I really love these knives. I just wished the handles were designed differently. I have noticed that they get loose too easily. Would love these so much more if the handle was constructed more like the GI Tanto style with scales. Throwing and chopping will definitely loosen the handles
You can just use some strong epoxy on the Kray-Ex handle when it gets loose. I bought a GI Tanto and returned it. I think it was like $25 at the time. 1055 is not a good enough steel for an outdoor knife. Cold Steel advertised a strong tip. The tip on mine easily bent while stabbing some soft pine from the hardware store. The Recon Tanto tip is far more stout. I also have XXL hands, so the only way I can use the GI Tanto is to choke up and use the uncomfortable choil. I have no idea why CS didn't make the choil round. I like Cold Steel, but my experience with their Chinese knives, has not even been close to their Taiwan made knives. If they were to change the GI Tanto steel to SK-5, make the spine thicker, lengthen the handle, and add handle scales with more grip, I'd definitely pay $25 more for it.
@@DDDYLN well said brother
I will take a bowie style for general use field and combat etc. 7 inch or up for use.
Great review. Convinced me to buy the recon tanto to replace the SRK in my urban bet home bag.
Just ordered it from blade HQ. they also offer engraving on the blade for an extra 3 bucks, too cool.
Thanks for the review
Nope, the tanto may be better for prying, but the clip-point is better for penetrating. It's thinner, thus creates less resistance and the tip is centered, whereas the tanto tip is not in line with the grip and points away.
Bruh, if i stab you with my recon tanto trust me, it'll penetrate you
I let one go, regret it, bought another recon, awesome blade, imo better than the vg10 san mai as a user, but I do love the aesthetics of my san mai tanto 6” bloody beautiful
I just got a Recon Tanto in San Mai. Hory Shirt!!!!!!! Is that knife scary sharp!!!! Now I'm looking at getting another SRK, but this time in San Mai. If I get caught by my wife, I'm blaming it all GT!! Suck it up Buttercup!! :)
Couldn't make mind up so bought both! Got them as beater knives. Still got my tanto from the 80's. Why doesn't anyone show what the chisel grind at the end can do? Support tha blade near the end and do push cuts. After all it is half a chisel profile!
If you can find it, I’d like to see a review of the condor Garuda in the 5.5” blade.
My SRK IS SK-5 made in Taiwan! Is it a good steel and blade?
You got my subscription when you said "i am not skilled in hand to hand combat" the reason is most everyone else on you tube if you name it they can do it. There is nothing they do not know how to do or an expert at
I bought the Tanto for my deployment, to substitute a broken bayonet- very good review
Thanks for watching hope it serves you well!
You keep messing around with tantos and you'll find out they are just as useful if not more useful than any clip,spear, drop or any other point knife!.
Tantos are better at everything except skinning animals. Its a knife with clear definition of what its trying to accomplish (cutting and dealing damage in ancient times) rather than a knife trying to do everything but be a master at none (SRK)
There is one thing where it sucks- stabbing
@jim yocum - I agree. I love my Recon Tanto in SK-5. It's probably my favorite knife, and I own a lot of knives. The other commenter is correct in one way. There are better knives out there for skinning game. He's incorrect about what Tantos, and especially the CS Recon Tanto can do. It's better than a clip point, drop point, or spear point, for almost everything. I'm pretty sure if you carry both a Recon Tanto, and an SRK, you're covered for pretty much everything.
@@DJUwU I think you be surprised at what the CS Recon Tanto can do. It can do almost any knife task. I do agree that a thin clip point is better for skinning game. I have the Recon Tanto in SK-5. It's probably my favorite knife, and I own several knives that are far more expensive. I like it better than my $80 Standard Ka-Bar (Kraton handle and Kydex sheath). Believe it or not, it's a longer blade than the Standard Ka-Bar. It's an excellent fighting blade, and outdoor blade. However, without a handguard or a pommel that retains your grip, it's definitely designed as an outdoor knife, not a combat knife.
@@DJUwUNot carving.
Wow, youtube showing its true colors on my feed today. You were on my feed for all of 20 minutes before your vid magically vanished from it.
micheal vega weird
I have both , I rarely if ever grab the SRK I never thought a tanto would be so versatile, my ontario TAC 1 kills them both in the woods, but the CS is more of a weapon, a better "fighting" knife.
I already have the lite tanto hmm I love tantos. I use mine for barbecue meat cutting haha. Oh which one should I get
What about the Cold Steel Leatherneck SF and Tanto?
I love it when reviewers say it's not my first choice for a survival scenario or whatever and then they never tell you what their first choice would be. I'm watching your video for info not for suspense.
He would choose a Becker or ESEE, based on his other videos. But yes, he should have mentioned the knife he would use, along with the price difference.
@@DDDYLN thats what every knife snob would choose. Its just a popularity contest at this point. People are afraid to say some of the cheaper knives are pretty good and are afraid to be judged by the knife snobs so they pad their opinions with the good ole "it wouldn't be my first choice"
Man ill use a butter knife if it's well built lol
@@optimumpcyt all you need is a Recon Tanto, a Leatherman Wave, and an Ontario military machete for some purposes. You're set.
@@DDDYLN i been eyeing that recon tanto. It looks solid. A few years ago i bought a 40 dollar knife called Condor Rodan. Someone did a video with a becker, i think it was the bk2. And the guy said the Rodan was basically the same thing. Huge thick blade that can take a beating and then some. And almost exactly the same size. There are some gems out there to be had from some lesser known brands for sure
@@optimumpcyt last I checked, it was under $42 on Amazon. However, if you want a knife that will take any and all abuse, I suggest the Ontario SP10 Marine Raider Bowie for $60.
Have the Recon Tanto in the San Mai steel👍👍 Great knife!
I've become a big fan of yours. You cover such wide array of products. Your presentation is good too. I'm a bit apprehensive about cold steel but that tanto is winning me over.
maybe I will buy one... I have one cold steel tanto and it is great stuff
Heavy duty wood work, i would choose the Recon. Food prep and game cleaning, i would use the SRK
Agree. For food prep I have my smaller bushcraft knife. So it will be only hard use and for that I prefer the Recon Tanto
I use the recon tanto on deer every year
What amazes me is that these two models with the much smaller ricasso are in production now for well over 2 years but they never adjusted the sheath to this smaller ricasso.
Id choose the tanto..... the srk seems to have a very fragile tip!
I own both in crv.
Had 4 yrs
Thanks! You helped me out here. Appreciate it 👍
I had this same question which one should I get.. so the logical answer in my head was: “well I have two hands so I’ll just get both” 😂😂 so I got both....but then with some more thinking I was like wait I need a back up for them so I got the SRK-C too lol (that’s really not how it went I actually wanted all 3 but had to justify it somehow 🤙🏼
SRK freak have the V1, 3V, & Sk5. Picked up the Recon Tanto this week instant fan. Great review as always Brudda!!
I bought both, and returned the SRK. If the Recon Tanto can do everything, with the possible exception of skinning game (as someone mentioned), why buy the SRK, especially with the weaker hollow grind? I think the only reason to buy the SRK, over the Recon Tanto, is so that you don't look "tacticool" while camping and hiking. Tactical-looking knives can turn off a lot of people, and they'll judge you. I don't care what people think of me, so I'll keep my Recon Tanto!
@Michael Sparks I haven't used mine enough to know. So far all my Cold Steel handles have been fine. I'm pretty sure it's just bonded to the tang with a strong adhesive. If it ends up loosening up, all you have to do is glue it back with some very strong epoxy. Ontario Spec Plus knives are the same way. In most of the videos I've seen, people accidentally tear up their CS Kray-Ex handles by scraping them on rocks, throwing them at wood, and accidentally dropping them. If you don't do that, they're pretty stout. They're also surprisingly comfortable, despite how they look. They look uncomfortable, but they aren't. I have XXL hands. The handle is a tad short for me, but I can still make it work.
Got the tanto for my sons shtf rig i got the srk on mine. Both good to go. ✝🇺🇸✝
A year later i have the Srk in SK5 and VG10 and they are good knives. But compared to my Recon Tanto in SK5 and VG10, I have to emphatically say that the tanto is almost 2X the knife of the SRK! Over a year of use from Florida to Maine stopping in multiple states camping and fishing, I have used the SK5 Recon for everything around the camp and it excelled in all aspects. It batons extremely well. It chops wonderfully. Especially for clearing branches off bamboo trunks or poles. I used the srk VG10 to cut 2" palm fronds that took 2 strokes where the SK5 Recon went through like butter with a single stroke. I even made a bow and drill fire starter with the recon. In addition an SK5 Recon is sooo easy to get a shaving sharp edge and holds it edge extremely well during batoning and chopping. The SRKs are great survival knives but the Recon in SK5 is my pick for being the best survival and outdoors knife under $45. As I mentioned i have the VG10 Recon also and for 2X the price of the SK5, it is not worth if you are on a limited budget. Get the Recon tanto in SK5 and you will never regret it!
I appreciate your comment. I'm currently trying to decide between the 2. All my blades are fighting blades, or hunting blades. I don't really have a dedicated Bushcraft blade. I know Gideon said neither would be his 1st choice for bushcraft, but good bushcraft knives are $150+. I thought the regular SRK would be a good bushcraft/defense combo. Your comment leads me to believe the Recon Tanto would be the better option. I have one question. I have huge hands that are extremely wide. Am I going to struggle with the 4.75_in grips on these knives? My palm is 4.5" wide when closed.
Jesse, the grip of the SRK and the Recon tanto are exactly the same. As are the master hunter and the 9" Trail Master. My hands are just large enough to wear large sized gloves comfortably. If your hands are larger, you may need to wrap the grip. The Recon in SK5 is so cheap, I would suggest to get one now before prices increase with the Biden inflation. With very large hands I don't think you should be comfortable with a fallkniven or a Bark river without modifications. I think the benefits of a versatile knife like the Recon tanto in worth taking a chance. I am continually surprised by my SK5 Recon. I was able to chop a 1.5-2" palmetto fronds with a single 1/4 swing while my just sharpened VG10 Srk required 2 or 3 strokes!
@@samthai818 I appreciate the reply. I'm thinking it over for the exact reason you mentioned. Heck, the regular SRK dropped to $38.50 on Amazon. The Recon Tanto is $44.50. I do already have the Cold Steel Drop Forged Survivalist. That blade can pretty much do everything, but the SRKs look easier to use for small wood tasks.
@@samthai818 the more I think about it, I think the grip will be okay for me. I prefer knives that have a back-stop/pommel on the handle. Those knives tend to have grips 5 inches or longer, but the actual part your hand grips is usually only like 4.25 inches. With this knife, I suspect my thumb will be on top of the spine most of the time. When closed, my fist is about 4.5 inches wide. I think it'll work out. I just may not be able to use the lanyard unless I'm gripping with just 4 fingers.
Solid comparison, Aaron. I had an SRK in VG-1 that I recently let go in a trade. At the time I wasn't feeling too much about it, but I'm kinda sad now that I don't have it. I didn't use it all that much, but I just enjoyed having it. Anyway, I have a question. When you go out for a hike, is there one knife that you usually pick over the others to bring with you? If so, what kinfe is it?
I have the SRK in VG-1 steel. Love it!
Todd S
Hi Todd
I have the SRK in San mai trouble is it’s too nice to use, just sits there looking good😀🇨🇦
Both ❤😊
I do carry My Tanto regularly
Are these knives stainless steels? How about them being wet / in humid conditions? Will they corrode & rust easily?
Aaron,have you ever tried knives from Lituanian factory TRC ?
Apparently they process their knives through cryogenic process,their Apocalypse knife is at the top.What about Behemoth knife from Carothers in Delta 3V ?
Looks like both are good budget knives. I have a KA-BAR 5011 if I need a fighting/utility knife so I would probably get the SRK as I like the blade shape better for outdoor use. Thanks for sharing.
The tanto would be better for prying,but not stabbing.Becauseof the tip geometry being thinner on the srk, you would get better penetration.
Joel Ohms I disagree on that point (lol! Get it? Point? Meh..ahem). Sorry. Couldn't help myself!
mk45gunnr let's not get into a pointed discussion. Lol Merry Christmas to you and yours.
recon tanto has a reinforced tip, plus tantos are made for stabing, what you say makes no sense..
BEST ANSWER: BUY BOTH (and the SRK-C, and the LEATHERNECK TANTO) 🤣🤣🤙🏼🤙🏼
One of the most popular American EDC knife in Russia, but old version is better.
Value-wise, at the current price point, the only knives that can compete with these are the Ontario SP Gen2 line, and the Mtech MT-151 and MT-096. At $15, the MT-096 is king.
Added benefit of SRK drop point is that it can also skin animals if you are in a pinch- better survival knife of the 2. The tanto point doesn't really do a good job at skinning...although it has the famous katana cutting geometry for fighting and cutting.
Great review! Just picked up the Recon Tanto and I literally haven’t even cut anything with it yet. But nice to hear that I made a good choice.
Have you had the handle become loose at all
Not on these but on a few cold steels over the years
Love the video.....only advantage I would give the SRK as a woods knife or bug out knife is being able to skin an animal......in that regards the Tanto will not work out...but other than that.....my choice is the Tanto....longer blade .....stronger tip....upswept blade.....
If you think about it, most cheap Chinese knives in this category are $45-$55. The SRK is $35+change, and the Recon Tanto is still $41+change (SK-5 versions). I don't think there are any knives that give you so much, for such a small price. Don't let the internet bushcraft crowd fool you. SK-5 is a tough carbon steel. I prefer it to my Ka-Bar 1095 CroVan.
does the blade go deep into the grip or is it just "added" in front of the grip?
Whats a good fixed blade knife thats more bushcraft/woodsy in the same price ball park?
Zachary Tomes
Condor Tool and Knife Mini Bushlore 3-Inch Drop Point Blade, Walnut Handle, Leather Sheath www.amazon.com/dp/B004WMFI0Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_x69GCb0KD8XJB
At this price point the rat seven or Becker companion
Good commercial at the beginning, watched the whole thing. Oh yeah and Id take the recon, more reach.
I have a Carbon V SRK and it is a superb knife. I know for a fact that for many years that has been an extremely popular knife amongst UK Special Forces units.
Why choose? Just get both.
got my SRK love the videos keep em coming
So far no knife has made me replace my OKC SP-1 combat knife with custom kydex sheath. I might still get this recon tanto knife though, just because it looks like a Samurai sword - except scaled down.
I have the OKC SP10 and SP6. I loved Cold Steel before Lynn sold the company to GSM Outdoors. That said, my OKC Spec Plus knives are superior, especially after they switched to tougher 1075 steel, from the older 1085. The downside with OKC is that they come butter knife sharp, and the sheaths aren't as good (still better sheaths than most companies, though).
Got the original USA one w/nylon sheath has served me well since the 80's ! TY 4 video Cold Steel Rules ! ;)
I just polished my RTK VG-1...I wanna buy Sanmai-III version from beginning, but price to VG-1 version is only 50% of Sanmai-III.
I got SRK VG-1 and I'm more then satisfied. To me it's a perfect one knife solution for outdoor / survival situations.
SimbaOS You need a Sanmai III Outdoorsman from cold steel. That's a funny knife for outdoor use.
Blade & Outdoor Isn't the core of the SanMai just VG-1? You'd just be getting a little more toughness from whatever the laminate is.
You're right it is, Rodrigo ;)
Rodrigo Teresa I just hate coating!
I do like a tanto but mostly because it's pretty. It looks to me that the SRK would be a better skinner. As an aside I have a shorter Cold Steel tanto that is the exact same size as a Gerber tanto. They are so alike they both fit perfectly in the same securex molded sheath.
Skinning is pretty much the only thing the SRK does better, unless we're including slicing food.
Thanks for the comparison, just what I was looking for. Was on the fence too purchase one or the other. This helped my choice. Just ordered the Recon Tanto here in Canada. Cheers
Awesome video thanks you 👍👍
The steel still comes from Japan. The SRK has a nice belly from handle to tip. Just like the recon scout .The Recon tanto has a very pronounced belly, very aggressive!
Hi, nice comparison video. I was thinking of the clip point to supplement my Ontario SP1, your review on the Tanto has raised my eyebrows. Thanks.
After 2 years of owning, and, at most 15 times of medium use. My Recon Tanto-s handle is ratteling and I have a feeling that knife will fall out of its hande. First Cold steel knife in which I am really dissapointed...
certainly a combat knife, and that's what i'm after in this
The belly of the Recon Tanto is bigger than the SRK. I have both. Also the longer blade of the Recon move the weight to the blade. On the other side SRK the weight is on the left ricasso.
If i have to choose one for everything: Recon Tanto.
Another plus on the Recon is that the capabilities of the knife is of a 7 inch blade but with the half of the weight.
A nice combination would be a Recon Tanto with 4 - 3,5 inch like a master hunter, F1 or a Mora Garberg
The sk5 sttel is made in Japan. The knives are made in Taiwan.
Are these better than a buck 119 special 🤔??
Would love to see the 3V version
The one thing about a tanto is that the force at the grip isn't transmitted directly to the point. The srk has a thinner tip, but it's a diamond cross-section giving you an a finer point with a fair bit of material behind it. It is also a clip point, putting the point of the blade directly in line with the pommel, allowing you to more efficiently and accurately transmit the force of a strike directly to the tip of the blade, giving it considerably more puncturing power than the more robust tanto tip. The tanto will take less damage from stabbing harder materials, but that is also due to the fact that you are not transferring the full force of the strike to tip. The SRK is designed as a combat knife, and the point reflects this. The tanto is more robust, but that upswept design means that unless you are swinging the knife blade out and following the radius of your stroke, you are not going to be able to maximize your penetrating force, in a combat scenario this limits the effectiveness of the blade as a close quarters weapon. The finer point of the SRK is no less robust, as the diamond cross-section gives it resilience along the blade, it just gives you a smaller surface area to transmit the force of a stabbing blow, magnifying the penetrating power. As a tool, the tanto and srk are fairly close, but one was purposely engineered for use in combat.
Completely agree. Well said
Great question. One I've been asking myself too!
Great comparison. And real happy to see Tommy back.
I love my srk 5. A little bit better for Survival is my German Eickhorn KM 4000, not destroyable