Cold Steel has finally bought the Black Bear Classic back , though it is now in san mai (so vg10 laminate) and has G-10 handles rather than the micarta. I have long wanted a Black Bear Classic but they were almost impossible to find, so I had to satisfy myself with owning the OSS (aus-8a version) and OSI (aus-8a version) which are fine knives but I always wanted the premium model they were based on. I have pre-ordered mine Black Bear Classic from my prefered retailer, just waiting now for it to come in stock and turn up, can wait bit of a grail knife for me.
The only problem with it is that the blade is slipped down into the handle and that it's not truly a real full tang as it made to look. Just like the OSS is slipped into the handle so is the Black Bear Classic , unfortunately and it's a beautiful combat blade but I had no idea that the blade and handle is two separate pieces.🤔
always wanted a Black Bear Classic san maiIII but they are impossible to find now and when one does pop up they are way too expensive for me. I did settle for a OSI (while I like the double edged OSS/BBC I thought I would go with the single edged version) and really like it.
I bought my CS OSS for $32 at warriors and wonders... one of my favorite knives in an extensive collection. Best value, and it just feels awesome in your hand.
@@СайберЛінк I would imagine in "real contact" it would be heavily damaged or cut off completely, the rubber/plastic guard is more there just to keep yourself from making a mistake opposed to any defensive use
As for stabbing, isnt better to have all fingers together to push weapon better? I tnihk with this subhilt you have chance to have a gap between index and middle finger, especially if you have small fingers...
Out of all the knife steels that I've ever owned Aus-8 is the sharpest. I have a Cold Steel OSS. Sharpened it with my Ken Onion Work Sharp, passed it on my ceramic rod then stropped it on leather belt. It's basically a huge straight razor, SCARY SHARP. Second sharpest is Cold Steel Recon Tanto in 3v.
@krazy4knives I believe if you watch the video again, you will find the answer to your question. The S&W is a fine addition to an ornamental collection for the price, but it has noticeable flaws and I would not personally prefer it for carry or use over the others. I much prefer the Cold Steel options.
It's in the vid. I say I think the S&W is very elegant looking for $50 bucks, but the handles have gaps and the back edge is blunted and false. Thanks for watching.
Can anyone tell me if the cold steel blades he reviewed are any good for boat hunting? Or should I look for higher quality blades? I've got a budget of about $250 so nothing outrageous.
The Cold Steel options should be more than adequate for reaching vital organs if you are dispatching the boar with a knife. I know many guys use USMC Kabar or old bayonets with lots of success. Mind that top edge!
There's a video of someone saving his father's life with the OSS Knife and it a animal much larger than a boar.So yes them knives are good hunting tools all 3 and the two CS knives are very good with the double edge.
@marksmanman96 In the US, the newest version of this knife costs $399 at the highest price I could find. MSRP is $500, NO ONE pays that. You can find SMIII Black Bear classic under $299 all day long I promise.
@Tevujin You heard wrong brotha. For the price you cannot go wrong. The way Cold Steel treats their AUS-8 steel is top notch. I've got numerous user blades made from the stuff. Really though it all depends on what YOU like. But you won't find another sub-hilt blade affordable that compares to this one.
@GrinderMagee i agree cold steel shows that there knives may be a bit expensive but they are worth every dollar there videos show that they are the best in what they do i havent seen any other like s&w show there knives tested
You're right, anything made in a factory is just plain refuse. Any American who can't afford a $10,000 work of art from a dead KG legend should just know their place and go without. This man would never design a knife for Beretta, Schrade or Lone Wolf. He certainly wouldn't make anything to be sold at Abercrombie and Fitch! For that matter, neither would Blackie Collins, Frank Centofante, Jimmy Lile, or Gil Hibben. All would be INSULTED to have their style imitated on a factory blade!
@blitzspeer Of course, money is always a consideration, I work hard for mine, that is why I don't intend to use S&W garbage that looks the part then falls apart. Get you one of each in hand then come back to agree. S&W is NOT on par with Cold Steel, period.
Didn't know that the Black Bear Classic was not integral but a blade that's slipped down into the handle and the some how pinned to merge the handle and blade to a snug and tight fit. I just thought it was all one piece of metal with the blade and tang steel.😟
2023 and still on top of the game , good informative video 😊
Cold Steel has finally bought the Black Bear Classic back , though it is now in san mai (so vg10 laminate) and has G-10 handles rather than the micarta.
I have long wanted a Black Bear Classic but they were almost impossible to find, so I had to satisfy myself with owning the OSS (aus-8a version) and OSI (aus-8a version) which are fine knives but I always wanted the premium model they were based on.
I have pre-ordered mine Black Bear Classic from my prefered retailer, just waiting now for it to come in stock and turn up, can wait bit of a grail knife for me.
The only problem with it is that the blade is slipped down into the handle and that it's not truly a real full tang as it made to look.
Just like the OSS is slipped into the handle so is the Black Bear Classic , unfortunately and it's a beautiful combat blade but I had no idea that the blade and handle is two separate pieces.🤔
Did you get it??? What are your thoughts. I just ordered one from optics planet
@@wchurchill419
It's a good solid knife but it a stick tang , 😊
Been a long time grinder I hope your well. Great review, just bought me an OSS after watching this. Takes it easy, little nick.
always wanted a Black Bear Classic san maiIII but they are impossible to find now and when one does pop up they are way too expensive for me. I did settle for a OSI (while I like the double edged OSS/BBC I thought I would go with the single edged version) and really like it.
Orion I’m selling one, email me if you’re interested davidjensen253@gmail.com
@@DavidJensen66 I just saw this and would have loved to have had a look but I doubt the BBC is still available.
@@waveman0 I actually still have it! haha
David Jensen how much? Definitely interested
I bought my CS OSS for $32 at warriors and wonders... one of my favorite knives in an extensive collection. Best value, and it just feels awesome in your hand.
Would you say that leaving those rubber handle knives in the heat of say a car ect.may damage the molding and loosen up the handle.
Oh yeah very good subhilt blade collection love that black bear,all you need now is the Gil Hibbon one.
@5FSF The tang tapers dewn from the ricasso all the way till it terminates with the lanyard tube drilling through the end. It is full length.
I used to have the OSS, was one of the best knives i had out of a collection of about 30... definitely a good buy and very durable
Hm can OSS rubber cross guard hold sliding blade or it will cut trought?
@@СайберЛінк I would imagine in "real contact" it would be heavily damaged or cut off completely, the rubber/plastic guard is more there just to keep yourself from making a mistake opposed to any defensive use
@@Patters3 Yeah, thx for reply
great video and review, and after watching this videos i am going to buy both the smith & wesson and one ore perhaps two of the cold steel knives...;)
I got the oss last year and love it. Good value for the buck.
this was a great review man
Where can i get custom Smith and Wessons?
Is it like Puma where you can make one on the site and then order?
As for stabbing, isnt better to have all fingers together to push weapon better? I tnihk with this subhilt you have chance to have a gap between index and middle finger, especially if you have small fingers...
The hilt fills the gap, adds dexterity and aids in retention, but there are some drawbacks. I prefer heavy Bowie without the sun-hilt
what is the guard made of on the oss and would it stop a knife strike?
Out of all the knife steels that I've ever owned Aus-8 is the sharpest. I have a Cold Steel OSS. Sharpened it with my Ken Onion Work Sharp, passed it on my ceramic rod then stropped it on leather belt. It's basically a huge straight razor, SCARY SHARP. Second sharpest is Cold Steel Recon Tanto in 3v.
Try m390
@krazy4knives I believe if you watch the video again, you will find the answer to your question. The S&W is a fine addition to an ornamental collection for the price, but it has noticeable flaws and I would not personally prefer it for carry or use over the others. I much prefer the Cold Steel options.
That black bear is a beautiful knife. I might have to get me one :)
It's in the vid. I say I think the S&W is very elegant looking for $50 bucks, but the handles have gaps and the back edge is blunted and false. Thanks for watching.
how deep is the tang for the OSS?
Can anyone tell me if the cold steel blades he reviewed are any good for boat hunting? Or should I look for higher quality blades? I've got a budget of about $250 so nothing outrageous.
What is boat hunting?
GrinderMagee I would think he meant Boar Hunting.
The Cold Steel options should be more than adequate for reaching vital organs if you are dispatching the boar with a knife. I know many guys use USMC Kabar or old bayonets with lots of success. Mind that top edge!
There's a video of someone saving his father's life with the OSS Knife and it a animal much larger than a boar.So yes them knives are good hunting tools all 3 and the two CS knives are very good with the double edge.
coolplayz Nogame Yeah it was a water Buffalo in Africa crazy video
@GrinderMagee Thank you very much :)
@marksmanman96 In the US, the newest version of this knife costs $399 at the highest price I could find. MSRP is $500, NO ONE pays that. You can find SMIII Black Bear classic under $299 all day long I promise.
can the bear classic rust at all?
@opawari In Finland it costs about 400 euros, but i got mine 350 euros.
Thanks for watching buddy!
@Deathmoremods well, id go for the black bear, because it is going to be a collectible ( i think) and it looks nice, if you have the cash.
Money is no problem spend high dollar and get the premium Black Bear Classic
@Tevujin You heard wrong brotha. For the price you cannot go wrong. The way Cold Steel treats their AUS-8 steel is top notch. I've got numerous user blades made from the stuff. Really though it all depends on what YOU like. But you won't find another sub-hilt blade affordable that compares to this one.
You don't always need the whole spine sharp ,just the clip is fine most times.😎⚔️🎱🎱⚔️
i have a cold steel black bear classic 400 series taiwan ....is this nave a fake ? cause ..TAIWAN ???!!
@GrinderMagee i agree cold steel shows that there knives may be a bit expensive but they are worth every dollar there videos show that they are the best in what they do i havent seen any other like s&w show there knives tested
You're kidding me about the black bear in san mai.... cs sells it for about $500 now...
Tha OSS is a beauty I have one n it is razor sharp
Very nice review Grinder! (philwar)
Sure they are. Watch the video again. Thanks.
Thank you.
Heart Stoppers 🖤.
⚔️ 🗡️⚔️
Cool Sub Hilt Loveless style blades pal.
You're right, anything made in a factory is just plain refuse. Any American who can't afford a $10,000 work of art from a dead KG legend should just know their place and go without. This man would never design a knife for Beretta, Schrade or Lone Wolf. He certainly wouldn't make anything to be sold at Abercrombie and Fitch!
For that matter, neither would Blackie Collins, Frank Centofante, Jimmy Lile, or Gil Hibben. All would be INSULTED to have their style imitated on a factory blade!
the new bear is 500! i want it :(
@blitzspeer Of course, money is always a consideration, I work hard for mine, that is why I don't intend to use S&W garbage that looks the part then falls apart. Get you one of each in hand then come back to agree. S&W is NOT on par with Cold Steel, period.
Your eyes decieve you. The Cold Steel tangs are most likely very similar, it is the handles that are different.
its kryton not meant to stop a knife
I have the OSS, a guy grabbed me in a choke hold, I opened up his thigh down to his bone with this knife..I ran away and made it home ok.
oceanbeach20111 wow that's brutal lol
Pure fighters.
Warriors Knives 4 certain 😎⚔️⚔️😎
Didn't know that the Black Bear Classic was not integral but a blade that's slipped down into the handle and the some how pinned to merge the handle and blade to a snug and tight fit.
I just thought it was all one piece of metal with the blade and tang steel.😟
@@powerplay4real174it is one piece full tang!
Rubber. Even a similar metal guard isn't made to "stop" another blade.
factory garbage, they cant even put a tapered tang on any of these, to call these "loveless style" is an insult to the man.
Very nice review Grinder! (philwar)
Very nice review Grinder! (philwar)