Cold Steel San Mai III VS CS SK-5

D

Dodi

Joined
Apr 24, 2009
Messages
16
Hi ppl! I'm new here. I don't even know exactly how to post a question! but I was wondering if you guys can advise me on the CS Recon Scout San Mai.

Is there anything about the San Mai III version that justifies the 200% premium on top of the SK-5 version's price? What is it that the San Mai can do and the SK-5 cannot? Any thoughts...:confused:
 
Only if the looks are that much better for you. I'd rather have a high (or medium) carbon steel on a knife that size than stainless. But that's just me. The San Mai might have slightly better edge holding for cutting, the SK5 should work better for chopping.
 
They look different. Unless you use your knives to the point of destruction, I doubt you could tell the difference otherwise.
 
Dodi said:
Hi ppl! I'm new here. I don't even know exactly how to post a question! but I was wondering if you guys can advise me on the CS Recon Scout San Mai.

Is there anything about the San Mai III version that justifies the 200% premium on top of the SK-5 version's price? What is it that the San Mai can do and the SK-5 cannot? Any thoughts...:confused:
Click to expand...

San Mai III is CS's name for laminated steel. IIRC they currently use VG1 in the center with 420 on the outsides. The idea is to have a center alloy with high hardness and high edge retention, then use the side pieces to increase toughness. The intent is to have high edge retention and great toughness in a single blade steel. How well Cold Steel has succeeded with its version I do not know.

Aside from that, the SK5 is essentially 1085 carbon steel. The San Mai III is stainless. If you need or prefer stainless alloy, you might look at the San Mai III.
 
Hi guys! Thanks a bunch for your advice! Based on it I have decided that I will get an SK-5 version. The only problem is that there are none available on ebay at the moment and I'm in the UK where the price for this knife even online is toooo high.

I saw a post here by a gentleman 'nutnfancy'. He had a pic of a broken CS SK-5 on a camping trip. Any comments on that!? I hope this was one of those rare occasions only. What knife should a person get if not a recon scout?
 
i would hold out for a used old school carbon v version much nicer knife.my 20 year old trail master has been to hell and back and still looks damn neer new if you watch the forums or ebay you will find a bargain on a older knife
 
I have both of these. I got the San Mai one here for $200 and the SK-5 was selling for under $100 at one point. Got mine from New Graham.

The SM ones don't pop up very often but the SK-5 and Carbon V versions are often available here. If I'm not mistaken there's an SK5 going right now on the Exchange.

As to the difference... hmmm... the SM version is eye candy for sure, acres of shiny steel to admire, if you're into that sort of thing. It also has a convex edge as opposed to the SK5's conventional grind.

The SM-III comes with a cordura sheath and the SK5 a leather one. Both are functional but nothing to write home about.

As far as cutting performance goes, I have used the SK5 one on some pretty hard wood and it is a very good performer for the dough. Holds an edge reasonably well and sharpens up quite easily.

I would definitely say that the SM is a better steel package, and bites into wood like nobody's business. It is highly resistant to staining.

Either one is good to go, it just depends on how much you want to spend I guess. I'm not sure if Carbon V offers a substantial improvement over SK5. Those who have used both state that CV holds a slightly better edge.

They do command a bit of a premium, however, over the newer SK5 versions.

Bottom line: check the Exchange often and one will come along soon enough.
 
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