Are SanRenMu (SRM) knives quality EDC knives?

[lovenhim]

Hello my fellow friends, I am wondering if SRM knives are quality knives at a great price or are the junk?  What can you compare an SRM knife to as far as quality of a brand name and blade steel?  I realize that SRM knives could not compare to a Spyderco Military $100 knife, but what do they compete with?  Is the quality good across the entire line or SRM knives or is it hit/miss with a few model numbers?  Thanks for the help. 

[jekostas]

Hello my fellow friends, I am wondering if SRM knives are quality knives at a great price or are the junk?  What can you compare an SRM knife to as far as quality of a brand name and blade steel?  I realize that SRM knives could not compare to a Spyderco Military $100 knife, but what do they compete with?  Is the quality good across the entire line or SRM knives or is it hit/miss with a few model numbers?  Thanks for the help. 

What would I compare a SRM knife to?

-Spyderco's Byrd Line (of which SRM makes a number of models for).
-Kershaw's Chinese-made line.
-Just about any CRKT knife up to about $40 (of which SRM again, makes a number of models for).  The vaunted Drifter, for example, is made by SanRenMu.
-Boker's Plus line.
-Benchmade's Red Class line, or the knives from the Red Class that got moved to the H&K line.  SanRenMu made the Vex.
-SOG's value line, such as the SOGzilla and Fielder folders.
-Just about everything Gerber makes.  In fact, I'd put them above Gerber, because at least SanRenMu is willing to tell you what steel they use.

In short, I would say that SanRenMu is the equal of just about any of the major manufacturer's "value" line of knives, and edging in to the mainstream lines as well.  This shouldn't be too surprising - manufacturers like Buck, CRKT and Spyderco all use SanRenMu as an OEM for many of these knives.  Sal Glesser outright admitted on Bladeforums that this is the case for Spyderco.

As for quality, well....  I carry a SanRenMu knife 4-5 days a week.  I have been for close to a year now.  In that time I've never had a SanRenMu knife break or fail on me, the locks slip or close, or the blades chip or snap.  I've handled or owned probably 8 different models from the SRM line, and I currently own a 704, 763 and T01 (of which I've done reviews for on this site) as well as a 710.  They're not the best knives in the world, but they're solid, quality knives that are great for every day usage.

As time goes on, they're also getting much better at introducing their own knife designs, rather than repackaging knives they make for other companies.

[edap617]

My favorite is SRM 710. It lookss like a Sebenza,very nice built quality and until now it is still razor sharp.

[papa_mcb]

I would second the 710 especially for the price, though it is a little heavy it is a nice workhorse and comes very sharp from the factory cut one of my fingers messing with it (didn't even notice until I saw all the blood).   

[PyroJames]

jekostas pretty much said it all (can you tell that he really likes SRM knives?) 

I like them too.  I have the 763 which I think is perfect for edc. 

[lovenhim]

Thanks for the help, that explains a lot.    So they are as good and a mainstream brands entry level knife.    I just may have to look into this.

[dks]

What everybody else said 

Also have a look in the review section' most of us in this thread have at some point written our opinions on SRMs and their relatives.

My suggestion is to buy a few different models.
You save on shipping and when you decide which one(s) fit you, you can give the rest as low cost  presents.

[edap617]

I like my 710 very much. Now I am planning to get my second SRM.

Any suggestion?

[dks]

Well, I suggest you go for something slightly different. 

If you want a locking blade then the 763 is quite good and interesting (but ugly).

The BT01 is also good and has some useful, locking, tools on it. Also look at the similar B6T21 and the T16 with the saw. Good quality, Swiss army style knives.

The 728 is also good, has a locking blade and is quite beautiful. 

For a slipjoint look into the H02 series, especially the blue one. Lots of us love them.

You can also look into the Bee/Enlan lines too if you do not want to stay with just SRMs.

[edap617]

Thanks for the tip dks.

I think I will try the slipjoint H01 first. I want to experience how reliable a notch lock is.