Cold Steel 36MC Drop Forged, Survivalist

[Gary W. Graley]

Picked this up recently, loved the blade shape and the idea of 52100 steel being used, while the Spartan looks of the handle do take some getting use to, it proves to be a worthwhile purchase, especially at the price point they are selling at right now.

Mine arrived very sharp, very pointy and the grind looks to be even and true as well. The coating is more a champagne colour but I hear that it can wear away quickly so time will tell. The handle is smooth as you can see, and that makes it slippery, I'm thinking of having this one laser engraved along the bottom and top of the handle to provide some texture, I tried to use some paracord but didn't care for that plus it hindered the fitting into the sheath.

The sheath, knife snaps in securely, having both top and bottom guard snapping in I think limits any rattle. But the belt loop is pretty lame, in my opinion and so I have replaced it with a bit of leather, a copper rivet and now it rides well on the belt and when you go to sit down you can pivot the sheath forward easily.

Here are some images of mine and the mod I made to the sheath;

Untitled by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

Untitled by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

Untitled by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

you can see a little mink oil I put between the belt loop and the sheath attachment to aid in being able to swivel;

Untitled by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

The belt loop section is glued at the bottom to keep the two pieces tightly together and then a copper rivet provides the ability to swivel.

Untitled by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

Very nice knife, how long I'll keep her is anyone's guess as I do tend to go through knives quickly especially fixed blades but I like how this one is made.

Feel free to post images of yours as well in this thread.
G2

 

[Man with no name]

Excellent review. I like this knife so much that I purchased two more in case they stop making them in the future. I agree with your assessment of the blade and sheath. I also removed the belt loop and just stick it under my belt Bowie style. I wouldn't mind if they made one with a longer blade, say 9 1/2 to 10 inches. They could use the same handle as I find it very comfortable as is.
This was my favorite new knife for 2017. I also like the boot and bowie knives as well. Want those with longer blades too.

 

[Man with no name]

 

[Gary W. Graley]

Some more images;

Untitled by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

At work I had a friend in the machine shop laser engrave seven Celtic Crosses along the spine and bottom of the handle, attractive while at the same time providing a slight amount of texture as well. Not a lot of texture, but some.

Untitled by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

Untitled by GaryWGraley, on Flickr


IMG_7117 by GaryWGraley, on Flickr


G2

 

[WValtakis]

That came out amazing Gary! I've got dibs when you get bored with it

~Chip

 

[oxman198]

Great job on the Celtic crosses. The blade shape is very similar to my beloved Trailmaster. May have to pick one up.

 

[Gary W. Graley]

My thoughts exactly! but in a handier size than the Trailmaster was, in my opinion.
G2

 

[Man with no name]

MONOLITHIC AXE AND TOOL
The Survivalist is the largest of our Monolithic knives. It’s long, wide, 52100 High Carbon blade (inspired by our ever-popular Recon Scout) is designed for military application as well as hunting, survival & bush-craft.

 

[goldie]

ive used one in the woods, I bulldozed though lots of brush with one. hardly needed sharpening. I think its unbeatable for the price especially considering the steel being used.it definitely proved to me that you don't need to spend 400+ on a fixed blade knife

 

[Gary W. Graley]

That grip looks secure on there.

Here's some shots taken today to show the swivel belt loop, while standing;

Untitled by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

while sitting where the sheath can hang straight down;

Untitled by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

and while sitting down you can swivel the sheath more horizontal to allow sitting easier;

Untitled by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

a dangler type carry has a bit too much play, where using a copper rivet keeps things under control better.
G2