how big of a knife can this sytem sharpen. im looking at getting an cold steel SRK but want to be sure i can care for it properly first?
1530721
I have a Cold Steel Master Hunter, USA with a fixed 4 1/2" blade. Putting the clamp holder in the middle of the blade, it works fine . I also have a S&W; survival knife, old school from the 70's. Quite a bit longer...probably 6" and again, holder in the middle and it's works fine. Much beyond that, and the 'attack' angle gets weird for the holder and rods. Long kitchen knives for example, are problematic for this system. I've gone to the WorkSharp system for those, but you lose a lot of metal each time you sharpen.
1530722
I found that anything over about 5 inches starts to yield problems with the edge since you tend to be "way out" on the rods trying to produce a consistent blade angle. If you are looking at producing a cutting edge on a blade over about 5 inches you probably won't be satisfied.
1530723
I have used it on much larger knives than anyone is saying here. If you take your time, and move it down the blade you only need to get it close to the same depth on blade, (the older model had a groove made it easier) the angle change won't be that significant, probably comparible to the change you get when reaching way out to the tip of blade anyway. This method will give you more control when sharpening a deep curve, and prevent taking of too much (giving a fatter tip edge)
464790
I watched my buddy sharpen a fillet knike with it using sweeping angles and it worked fine. This when processing my deer so we had to sharpen it "tons" of time. I believe the knife was a 7" blade.
1804126
A Kukri would be better for defense, Cold Steel has several quality options. I have to ask what you plan on defending yourself against, because if you think you're gonna walk around town carrying something of this size in a way that it is accessible for self defense, you're probably gonna get harassed by law enforcement. A firearm is the most effective tool for self defense, if that isn't an option due to criminal history or because of your geographic location, then I would go with a knife. Check your local knife laws for type and size restrictions. The Ka-Bar TDI is an excellent option, and I believe it's 50 state legal. The Cold Steel Leatherneck is another excellent option if you need a longer blade. A Kukri would be better for defense, Cold Steel has several quality options. I have to ask what you plan on defending yourself against, because if you think you're gonna walk around town carrying something of this size in a way that it is accessible for self defense, you're probably gonna get harassed by law enforcement. A firearm is the most effective tool for self defense, if that isn't an option due to criminal history or because of your geographic location, then I would go with a knife. Check your local knife laws for type and size restrictions. The Ka-Bar TDI is an excellent option,... » Read More A Kukri would be better for defense, Cold Steel has several quality options. I have to ask what you plan on defending yourself against, because if you think you're gonna walk around town carrying something of this size in a way that it is accessible for self defense, you're probably gonna get harassed by law enforcement. A firearm is the most effective tool for self defense, if that isn't an option due to criminal history or because of your geographic location, then I would go with a knife. Check your local knife laws for type and size restrictions. The Ka-Bar TDI is an excellent option, and I believe it's 50 state legal. The Cold Steel Leatherneck is another excellent option if you need a longer blade. « Show Less
1149669
How well does it work on pocket knives with less than a 3-inch blade? With much difficulty...that's for sure. I have a Buck 1" blade pocket knife that I keep on my key chain. I free hand to sharpen this blade without using the sharpening guide. I'm not as proficient as I'd like to be using the WSKTS-KO. Never the less, omitting the guide when sharpening this particular knife suffices for me. Good luck.
1542760
I really can't answer that question because I'm not familiar with that type of Knife... Sorry! As for just your everyday sharpening of regular knives I must say that it's just O.K., I do better with my hand held sharpener!
1600450
Currently the SRK, regardless of steel used in the blades' construction, is shipped w/ a Cold Steel brand polymer sheath made of "Securex", as far as I know....While the sheath does its job very well in all the categories you can think of, there is ONE totally detested flaw...Securex dulls the heck out of your knife. Be careful to draw/insert blade w/ spine against its side of the sheath.TD!
465564
I'll spend a good half hour stone sharpening it, and use a sharpening steel daily on it. After a stone sharpening, it goes dull in less than a week. Not sure if its factors I control (storage, improper use of stone, etc.) Or if the knife just goes dull that fast anyways. Yes, I use it in a professional kitchen. Its why I bought this knife, so I could have a decent one at work.
2122093
I'm sure a butcher would need a sharpening steel. This is a good one, but I have no idea how long it would last being used several times daily compared to other brands. Sorry...
1873860
I am sorry; I just keep the knife in my car for emergencies, and have not tried to sharpen it yet. I cannot answer your question.
2125447
About 6"I'm happy with the knife, good quality and feel. Keep in mind this is a personal blade, not a commercial steel 'everyone has one' item. The commercial steel blades might be as good or Cold Steel perhaps even better but I'm guessing if you are looking at this you want something different.
1183868
Haven't noticed it with my 2 Cold Steel Master Hunters. However they haven't seen a lot of use compared to some outdoorsmen. Don't see how the sheath would dull the knife? I had seen one review with the post saying it dulled his knife?
1571799
Yep, definitely get the GK or GKP if you can afford it. Either is far superior to any of Cold Steel's stamped metal blades, like the RK. Sure the less expensive blades have the protective coating, but once it wears off through sharpening and use, it is just as susceptible to corrosion if not more so. The GK and GKP are monster blades, light and durable, and if properly maintained either will outlive you.
250186
I never put mine in the dishwasher and it stayed sharp a long time. Then I tried sharpening it with a Henckels knife sharpener. Didn't do a bit of good. So I use a sharpening steel. That is one of those round things with a handle on it. Now I am looking for a professional knife sharpening person at the local farmers market. Using the sharpening steel it is still the best knife in my kitchen.
1245416
I don't know how it compares to Cold Steel. I know it is built like a tank an mine are razor sharp. I know a member of the SEAL Teams that carried them. He said too heavy for combat and that he would rather have the ammo. He said knives dig nice latrines. For survival this knife definitely fits the bill and will last longer than you will. AUS 8 steel is a good all around choice for survival. Holds edge well and sharpens easily
1503978
The knife seems to be high quality, and is stainless steel. I haven't tried to sharpen it yet, but it should be as easy as any knife. A sharpening steel can also be used if you take care to follow the curved edge.
123193
Cold steel uses 1055 carbon steel, not high enough carbon to make razor sharp but it works well for chopping tools like this
1098284
IIRC, out of the box the blade was good and sharp. If you sharpen your own, you'll *love* the way this thing takes an edge. My Zetsurin is just about the sharpest thing I own. After a bit of work ;)