For me, the knife is perfect, not too small. Because I don't like knives with short blades. This is exactly the kind of knife I was looking for, because I like survival trips with a hammock to the forest, and a good knife is invaluable. Very sharp. Sits securely in the hand. The quality of the materials used is very good. I am very satisfied with both the knife and my purchase at militaria.pl.
Cold Steel SRK Compact SK-5 Fixed Blade Knife - Desert Tan
Engineered with a Full Length Tang construction, the Compact model delivers a scaled-down version of the renowned SRK knife, offering enhanced portability and ease of use. Featuring a Clip-Point blade crafted from high carbon SK‑5 steel, it excels in toughness and edge retention. A black, matte Tuff-Ex coating shields the blade, ensuring stealth and added protection. The handle, finished in Desert Tan, utilizes Kray‑Ex material for a secure, non-slip grip. Included is a Secure‑Ex system sheath for versatile and reliable belt or gear attachment.
Crack-resistant SK-5 tool steel
Crafted from SK-5 tool steel, the blade offers exceptional durability and is highly resistant to cracking, chipping, dulling, and remains easy to sharpen. Once hardened, the blade reaches a hardness of 63-65 HRC, providing robust wear resistance and outstanding long-term durability.
Clip-Point blade coated with Tuff-Ex
Designed with a Clip-Point profile, the smooth blade measures 127 mm in length and 4 mm in thickness. Outfitted with a hollow grind, the blade ensures superior cutting performance and high precision in detailed tasks. The surface is finished with a black, matte Tuff-Ex coating to minimize reflections and offer enhanced protection against corrosion.
Kray-Ex handle, Full Length Tang construction
The handle utilizes Kray-Ex material with aggressive texturing, ensuring a secure grip even when hands are wet or dirty. Constructed with a Full Length Tang, the tang of the blade extends through the handle to its end and is slightly narrower for added durability. A single-sided cross guard is integrated to keep your fingers from sliding onto the blade. At the end of the handle, a hole is provided for attaching a lanyard or safety cord.
Secure-Ex system sheath, multiple mounting positions
The sheath supplied with the knife in the Secure-Ex system is constructed from a lightweight, robust, and weatherproof material. Thanks to a fitted inlet and a snap fastener loop, the sheath ensures the knife remains securely in place, effectively preventing accidental loss. The loop facilitates easy belt attachment, while multiple holes and pass-throughs offer versatile options for positioning on a belt or mounting to other gear components.
Main features
- Compact variant of the SRK series
- Constructed with a Full Length Tang design
- Features a Clip-Point style blade
- Finished with a black Tuff-Ex coating
- Forged from SK-5 tool steel
- Equipped with a Kray-Ex handle
- Grip surface is non-slip for secure handling
- Integrated hole for attaching a cord or lanyard
- Includes a Secure-Ex sheath with multiple holes and pass-through slots
- Sheath features a snap fastener loop for belt or gear attachment
- Sheath can be mounted in multiple positions
Militaria.pl is the official distributor of Cold Steel.
Cold Steel is a renowned American brand of knives, machetes and tactical tools, founded in 1980 in Irving, California. The company has gained popularity thanks to innovative solutions such as Kraton® handles and American Tanto blades, which are appreciated by uniformed services and military enthusiasts. It has also introduced its own steel alloys, such as San Mai III®, which ensures high strength and wear resistance. Cold Steel has patented the Tri-Ad™ Lock blade locking mechanism, which guarantees safe use. The brand cooperates with renowned knifemakers, including the company's founder Lynn C. Thompson and Andrew Demko, whose passion and experience contribute to the high quality of the products.
| Type | Fixed blade |
|---|---|
| Style | Military-tactical |
| Blade length | 127 mm |
| Blade thickness | 4 mm |
| Blade profile | Clip-Point |
| Blade edge | Plain |
| Blunt resistance | Good |
| Corrosion resistance | Medium |
| Lock type | Fixed blade |
| Overall length | 241 mm |
| Main color | Desert Tan |
| Blade material | SK5 |
| Opening method | Fixed blade |
| Handle | Kray-Ex |
| Clip for carrying | No |
| Holster included | Yes |
| Weight | 145 g |
| EAN | 813628007500 |
| Manufacturer code | CS49LCKDDTBK |
| Brand | Cold Steel |
| EAN |
SK-5 steel belongs to a series of Japanese tool steel (Steel Kuogu) with high carbon content and good wear resistance. It is equivalent to American 1080 steel and is also designated as SK-85. It contains about 0.8-0.9% carbon, which gives it high hardness and very good cutting properties. The addition of manganese (0.1-0.5%) improves hardenability, silicon (0.1-0.35%) increases elasticity and strength, and small amounts of chromium (about 0.3%) and copper (up to 0.025%) promote the steel's wear resistance and slow down degradation processes. The presence of nickel (up to 0.25%) further enhances strength, while low sulfur and phosphorus content reduces the material's brittleness. After quenching, SK-5 reaches a hardness of up to 63-65 HRC, and its martensitic structure with fine carbides provides a favorable combination of wear resistance and mechanical strength. Thanks to these properties, the steel is used in chisels, saws, springs, drills, and in utility and tactical knives.
Reviews with photos
Review summary
Number of reviews: 78
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First impression after taking out of the box: the knife seems very solid. It's super sharp, so this is a tool for someone who already has some experience with knives—at this sharpness, it's easy to make a mistake and have a bloody problem. The dimensions are perfect for EDC needs, well balanced. I don't know if the Kry-ex rubber grip will loosen, but it looks very tough (if so, I'll glue it). The pseudo-guard is also fine—it protects the hand from slipping onto the blade. The grip on this handle is just very, very good, you can safely and smoothly switch to different holding methods, and the knife sticks to the hand. Comparing it to the Glock knife, the handle there is very 'slippery.' SRK-C seems to be a tool for cutting and stabbing, not for chopping or prying doors. The ricasso and blade spine have edges that allow you to start a fire with a firesteel, so a plus for survival. The sheath is interesting—tactical, I think you can attach a lot to it, e.g.: firesteel, compass, sharpener, etc. Overall, the profile of the equipment in the sheath as a whole is quite flat, nothing sticks out. I think it's great for relatively concealed carry under a hoodie or jacket if anyone needs that.
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The younger brother of the cult SRK, although I wouldn't call it compact. Its smaller size and weight make it more universal and handy. A color other than black is a nice option.
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A compact version of a classic, like its larger brother, the quality at this price is very high. I don't think you'll find anything better in this price range; the item matches the description, comes extremely sharp from the factory, and is slightly more comfortable to use than the big version. Only the guard could be harder. I recommend it.
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It's just a fairly well-made knife, but the downside is mainly the handle—weak rubber that turns into a soft guard, and heaven forbid if it bends, you can really cut yourself. I don't understand the enthusiasm for this knife.
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For me, it's the ideal knife: not too big, not too small. Sits securely in the hand. The quality of materials used is very good. Buying this knife won't ruin your budget. I am very pleased with both the knife and my purchase at militaria.pl
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Very pleasant and fits well in the hand. Great for everything. Solid and thick spine, plus the classic blade shape work well together. The sheath with belt loop is definitely a plus.
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I hesitated for a long time before buying this knife. I read and watched reviews about it. I bought it at a good price and am very satisfied. As is typical for Cold Steel, the workmanship is exemplary. It arrives sharp, ready to use. I recommend shopping at militaria.pl
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Hello, I'd like to write a few words about this knife. In my humble opinion, it is the best knife in the world for such a (small, of course) price. Light, handy, sharp, the handle is rubber, just awesome, grips great in the hand even when wet. You won't find a better knife for this money—I know what I'm saying, I have over a hundred different knives, and as you know, they can cost much, much more. Superb quality, I recommend with a clear conscience. Regards.
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The military knife is characterized by solid construction and exceptional durability. Made from high-quality steel, it is a reliable tool in tough conditions. Its tactical design and ergonomic handle ensure a secure grip and functionality. The material is massive and strong; high quality is immediately visible. It meets all my expectations in every respect and I can recommend it with confidence. Thank you.
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The best knife of this type and in this price range I have ever held. Very comfortable anti-slip handle, good blade geometry, overall a great design.
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Attractive price. A handy and solid knife, more versatile than the large SRK. The handle provides a secure grip, although I think it could be a bit thicker, but it's still good. I recommend it.
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I've owned this knife myself for almost a year, and I sincerely recommend it to anyone who wants a good blade. It holds its edge very well and is easy to re-sharpen. Perfectly balanced, even if you want to throw it. Moreover, it's beautiful in its simplicity.
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A classic of the genre, you could say. I have always liked knives from Cold Steel. Good price and great workmanship. That's the case here as well. I recommend it, it's a good purchase. Fast shipping from militaria.pl
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A classic when it comes to an inexpensive and good fixed blade knife. The new version with a colored handle adds a bit of life to this design. At this price, you won't find anything better!
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