After some recent research on the SRK, I have a few questions/observations.
1. In the Rare Gems thread, jlauffer introduced me to the SRX model, the uncoated Carbon V version of the SRK. So if that model was labeled the SRX, what is this? [Photos borrowed from Arizona Custom Knives.]
This isn't a Carbon V with the coating removed. I've seen other photos of this same model and the knives look exactly like this one. Anyone remember Cold Steel offering the SRK in uncoated Carbon V?
2. As I learned more about the SRK, I was struck by how many varieties of sheath have been offered with the knife over the years. By my count, there are at least six:
The earliest Cordura with single retaining strap.
One leather.
A second version of Cordura with a second retaining strap.
One Concealex.
Two Secure-Ex.
Anybody know of others?
By the way, initially I thought that there was an unmarked version of the second Secure-Ex sheath. But in every single photo that I've found of one it was with a counterfeit knife. Several examples (from among far too many out there):
COUNTERFEIT
COUNTERFEIT
COUNTERFEIT
COUNTERFEIT
So beware. Any SRK you find with that style sheath that doesn't possess the Cold Steel/Secure-Ex logo is fake.
3. An off-shoot of my sheath search yielded at least six versions of Carbon V SRKs.
This tang stamp, Parkerized.
Same stamp but with black epoxy powder-coated blade.
Same stamp but uncoated.
Same stamp but SRX marking.
This tang stamp (more clearly defined in the second photo with the blade coating removed).
This tang stamp, which I believe was the last.
Any I'm missing?
-Steve
1. In the Rare Gems thread, jlauffer introduced me to the SRX model, the uncoated Carbon V version of the SRK. So if that model was labeled the SRX, what is this? [Photos borrowed from Arizona Custom Knives.]
This isn't a Carbon V with the coating removed. I've seen other photos of this same model and the knives look exactly like this one. Anyone remember Cold Steel offering the SRK in uncoated Carbon V?
2. As I learned more about the SRK, I was struck by how many varieties of sheath have been offered with the knife over the years. By my count, there are at least six:
The earliest Cordura with single retaining strap.
One leather.
A second version of Cordura with a second retaining strap.
One Concealex.
Two Secure-Ex.
Anybody know of others?
By the way, initially I thought that there was an unmarked version of the second Secure-Ex sheath. But in every single photo that I've found of one it was with a counterfeit knife. Several examples (from among far too many out there):
COUNTERFEIT
COUNTERFEIT
COUNTERFEIT
COUNTERFEIT
So beware. Any SRK you find with that style sheath that doesn't possess the Cold Steel/Secure-Ex logo is fake.
3. An off-shoot of my sheath search yielded at least six versions of Carbon V SRKs.
This tang stamp, Parkerized.
Same stamp but with black epoxy powder-coated blade.
Same stamp but uncoated.
Same stamp but SRX marking.
This tang stamp (more clearly defined in the second photo with the blade coating removed).
This tang stamp, which I believe was the last.
Any I'm missing?
-Steve
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