Abstract <p>A continuous cold drawing model of high-strength cold drawn pearlite steel wire with surface defects was established using finite element method, and the variation laws of V-shaped, concave, and U-shaped defects during the drawing process were explored. In addition, the influence of shape parameters and drawing process parameters on V-shaped defects was studied, which is of great significance for reducing the formation of defects in actual production. The results indicate that V-shaped defects are more easily eliminated during repeated drawing processes, while concave defects usually cannot disappear and eventually form folding defects, seriously affecting product quality. By adjusting the parameters of defect shape and drawing process, the disappearance of V-shaped defects can be promoted. Specifically, V-shaped defects with larger defect angles and smaller defect depths are easier to eliminate, while smaller drawing die angles and larger pass compression rates increase the uniformity of strain around the defect, which is beneficial for the disappearance of V-shaped defects.</p>