I've had my Mini Bushman for a long time (got a video on TH-cam about it) and it is my favorite knife of all. I have 3 drawers full of knives, all Cold Steel, Al Mar, Randall, Benchmade, Spyderco, Camillus, Ontario, Kershaw, and more... I wish they would bring it back so I could EDC it again. Right now, it is too valuable.
I love mine. It works just like it is supposed to. As far as the slippery handle, easy fix. I just super-glued a strip of closed-cell foam on each side. No problems. It also makes it stay in your pocket better.
@almann7885 The foam? I just used Craft Foam, available just about everywhere for little or nothing. You can even get it with self-adhesive on one side (that's what I used), just peel and stick. It comes in every color of the rainbow, and since the Bushman is silver, any color works. I tie fishing flies, so I always have different materials around.
I carried one for years, never had a problem opening it or the grip slipping. To open it, I would simply hold the lanyard in my left hand and put a slight amount of tension on it with my right hand while I opened the blade with the thumb stud. It opened easily with no re-positioning. My hands are large, but not abnormally large. The trick is to just put some tension on the lanyard when you open it, not pull the lock back and then try to open. I lost mine after I accidentally bent the pocket clip and loosened it. A tree branch probably caught the lanyard and lifted it out of my pocket. I miss that knife...
Never had an issue with it opening. Just had to get used to it being under much more tension. It wasn't an issue. I EDC mine all the time. Sometimes it takes me longer to pick out the knives I want to carry than it does to lay out my clothes.🙂
I treat it like a two handed knife for opening...much safer. To close it's easier to grab it by the blade spine and guide it into the handle when pulling the lock. Not for the sloppy user.
I actually use a folding knife for "bushcraft" (hate this term) and that grip is the exact opposite of what you want in a "bushcraft" folder, or at least what I want. The grip has to be comfortable for long term use, I might be holding/using it for 30 minutes or more each use carving, notching etc. I think Opinels, the gerber gator in 154cm and the realsteel bushcraft folder are all good examples of "bushcraft" folding knives. Though this knife is interesting in a novelty knife kinda way.
Casey Bryan, I'm going to, I've been holding off hoping cold steel would upgrade the steel this year but all they did was add new colors. I've got nothing against aus-8 but aus-8 in a true scandi...? It took many reviews to convince me but I'm now convinced.
Have to agree. I'm not crazy about the idea of AUS-8 in a Scandi. Just out of curiosity, why do you dislike the term "bushcraft" so much? Seems a pretty appropriate descriptor.
You think an Opinel knife is good for bushcraft? If a good bushcraft knife will split and fly apart, potentially leaving a blade in your body, then I agree. It's the best bushcraft knife.
I have been using their Finn Hawk Puukko Mora style knife which has the 4116 steel, I honestly am blown away by how well it works. As for a bushcraft knife IMHO its my top 5 most favorite budget blade I've ever used, I highly recommend it to anyone who loves using scandi grinds and doesn't have the money to buy a more expensive Puukko. The blade shape is now my favorite style for carving and the handle grip is very comfortable, if you can find one in Aussie land totally get it especially if you like Mora's.
The new version of this comes with CTS-BD1 FYI. It's a huge upgrade in my opinion. I personally use mine without a lanyard and have never had trouble, but its not the best option in the world to be honest.
I was going to suggest maybe using a little wrist flick to help open the knife instead of shifting your grip, but that might be dangerous seeing how slippery the handle is. Thanks for the review Pete , take care
It's not, I own one and you honestly don't need a wrist flick, just use the thumb stud. Unless you have a condition that weakens your hands such as arthritis you won't have an issue.
Thanks for the review! I have had this knife for several years, and might add a few other pros and cons. PROS: - Slim in the pocket. Despite being such a long and relatively broad blade, it's not thick in the handle, and really disappears in the pocket, especially if you don't use the clip. - Ultra stainless. 4116 is highly stain resistant, so this is a knife that you can use in damp conditions, and that you can wash off and pocket without much other care or concern while camping out. CONS: - Slim handle. While this makes it good for discreet carry, it suuuuuucks for actual woods use. There simply isn't enough handle there, and you are likely to get cramps inside of a few minutes of carving. - Hot spots. The blade isn't the only sharp thing on this knife. The metal handle has sharp edges on the underside where the blade is received, and within seconds of use for carving, those are digging into your hand. Between this and the slimness of the handle, I consider it unusable for cutting or carving anything hard. - Gravity. This thing is HEAVY. It's 6.6 ounces according to my measurement, and that's without the means to open it (I replaced the paracord with a braided lanyard). By way of comparison, my Mora Bushcraft Black, which has a blade of almost identical length and thickness, weighs 5.7 ounces WITH the sheath. And it's an ACTUAL fixed blade, rather than a folder purporting to have the strength of one.
Cedric & Ada Gear and Outdoors Because it looks so cool. Lets face it, most people watching these videos have way too many knives and occasionally want a knife that's just different. You could have one mora and be set for life, but what's the fun in that?
My take on this knife, you absolutely need to know how to handle it, the quality and size of the knife is outstanding for its price point, you’d be very hard pressed to find a knife of that size and type of steel and perform like this does. Like anything that’s a tool or a weapon, it’s only as good as the person who uses it. How many folding knives could you baton with? The locking mechanism, in short this is a two handed folding knife, it’s meant to be a serious cutting tool, not like other folders. It’s got to be used with care, and this would make a great back up knife. I have a Cold Steel SR1, and this one would be great for tasks around the camp and well...Bush crafting as the name suggests.
Just flick it open with the thumb stud. Everyone overthinks this knife because of the spring resistance in the unique locking mechanism. You only need to pull the lanyard when closing.
I got a blood blister on my index finger the first time I used mine. It got stuck in between the back of the blade and the end of the handle, while I was opening the knife. My finger got a bit stuck because the opening action is going slow first and than picks up the speed when it is almost open. It never happened again...lol. I like this knife for the simple but sturdy design. Too big to be my edc...it is as big as the Spartan!
The only usage cases I’ve found for myself with this knife are: 1) secondary back up blade; 2) in a kit where space constraints are specifically tailored to its dimensions. All in all, it’s absolutely worth the price if it’s size/features are advantaged to your needs. It’s a niche item imo. Numerous better folders that function like folders exist in its price range (RAT 1 comes to mind). Numerous small fixed blades perform rougher tasks better. However, finding a folder that is this close to fixed blade performance at this price, almost impossible; finding a fixed blade that stores in the space of this when folded, extremely difficult. Like I said, niche item imo.
I manage a small 100 acre farm in Kansas and carry this everyday. I agree it can be dangerous especially if you’re not paying attention when closing the knife ... I’ve found that I’m always wearing leather gloves when I use it so no problem.. In fact, I might suggest a rule of thumb: if you’re not doing work requiring that you wear leather work gloves, chances are you shouldn’t carry the pocket bushman ... find a smaller folding knife :)
Hey there, 3 Leon!! God bless every of our farmers, not least our home state agrarian artists! We had a smaller 10 acre lot of blue stem, fescue, osage and elm, and a pond we daily tramp with the dogs in our training programs. And it is for these vocational ventures ventures I’m thinking of the pocket B’Man. Appreciate your perspective, additional input, and above all, your vocation and it’s consequences for us all! Whether farm or ranch, y’all are our heroes and our kids and us are rearing our wee bairn grandyoung’uns to love and honors tractors and bovine! God bless you and yours! You ever need the services of a canis rusticus, a classic well handling farm dog, Please! Reach out!
It´s my EDC Knife, in BD1, for 1 1/2 years, and I love it. For me, it´s a real Survivalknife. The best Survivalknife is the Knife, that you carry. I live in a very big City, and it´s not possible to carry a fixed Blade, because it´s not publical excepted. So, I carry a Folder. It´s lightweight, slim and robust. In a survival situation , i have the ability to splitting wood or building a shelter. Which else Folder can do this? My second EDC- item is the Leatherman Rebar and a Firesteel.
Depends on where you live. Every big city has weird ass knife laws. Any of the cold steel knives with the triad is a great choice if you absolutely cannot have a fixed blade for "survival".
Love your video and your comments. I bought one 4116 version those year, and I found those problems you pointed out in your video as well. It is not that kind of "survival" or "bushcraft" stuff, but a good barbecue knife, I suppose.
There is an old saying live and learn . never had a problem with this knife. to close it pull the string close the blade just a little then reposition your hands and finish closing it. I know famous last words lol .
Good and fair review. I had one and keep it as a picnic knife. I think it is NOT a knife for outdoor activity unless some modify on the handle with sticky tape or simply wearing gloves. I tried gloves and that did not be a big problem for using.
For a folding knife it seem to be well built and that is isn't American made it does a great job. I have one knife from China and said I would never buy another one, but Taiwan did a great job building it.
I've had one for a few years. Like any knife, be careful. But I've never had a problem. I've got huge hands and I'm a big man. Not sure how smaller guys would like this knife.
the guy at the store was like just pull down on that string? I pulled a little bit and was like they must want people to cut their fingers off trying to close this thing?
My friend has a knife store, we called this knife the finger chopper.At 85% of customers went wrong when they opened and closed this knife. we always said, watch out with this knife. No "" it is a good knife, but not for me.
Gday :) Definitely a high value folder, not so much "pocketknifey" edc. Comprise between fixed 5 inch type strength n folder compactness? "I might suggest" . Great safety advice especially if buying for under 12's. Cheers.
Thanks, you talked me out of buying one of these. Seriously, I would rather have any number of other knives with an inch less blade and some proper handle scales. What's the point of this knife? It just looks like an accident waiting to happen.
I like the idea behind the knife, but I disagree with you when you say there is nothing wrong with the blade geometry. It's advertised as a bushcraft knife, yet it has a modestly thick stock with a full flat grind and a slightly tapered profile near the tip. The large blade and cumbersome lock makes it a poor choice as a normal pocket knife, and the blade looks like something meant more for hunting than bushcraft. As far as filling its niche, it does a poor job. What it should be using is a blade that looks like the Finn Wolf; a thicker stock, straight spine, and a Scandinavian grind. It should also be using AUS8 instead of 4116 because I'm pretty sure AUS8 is harder to chip or snap. That kind of blade would be well suited to its primary purpose.
It's a folding canoe paddle with one side sharpened to cut hard water. Cold Steel.... not known to amaze us with quality, but the design is kind of intriguing.
I have and love all my bushman knives. My mini bushman is hands down my favorite! I lcarry the pocket bushman for 5 years now. Never had issues.
I've had my Mini Bushman for a long time (got a video on TH-cam about it) and it is my favorite knife of all. I have 3 drawers full of knives, all Cold Steel, Al Mar, Randall, Benchmade, Spyderco, Camillus, Ontario, Kershaw, and more... I wish they would bring it back so I could EDC it again. Right now, it is too valuable.
I love mine. It works just like it is supposed to. As far as the slippery handle, easy fix. I just super-glued a strip of closed-cell foam on each side. No problems. It also makes it stay in your pocket better.
Hmm. Is there a specific name it's known by? Thanks.
@almann7885 The foam? I just used Craft Foam, available just about everywhere for little or nothing. You can even get it with self-adhesive on one side (that's what I used), just peel and stick. It comes in every color of the rainbow, and since the Bushman is silver, any color works.
I tie fishing flies, so I always have different materials around.
I carried one for years, never had a problem opening it or the grip slipping. To open it, I would simply hold the lanyard in my left hand and put a slight amount of tension on it with my right hand while I opened the blade with the thumb stud. It opened easily with no re-positioning. My hands are large, but not abnormally large. The trick is to just put some tension on the lanyard when you open it, not pull the lock back and then try to open. I lost mine after I accidentally bent the pocket clip and loosened it. A tree branch probably caught the lanyard and lifted it out of my pocket. I miss that knife...
devi aprirlo senza far leggermente presa sul bordino così don buoni tutti
Never had an issue with it opening. Just had to get used to it being under much more tension. It wasn't an issue. I EDC mine all the time. Sometimes it takes me longer to pick out the knives I want to carry than it does to lay out my clothes.🙂
I have the bd1 model and I love it. I haven't ever had any issues with it and you won't either if you use your noggin
The dog at the beginning of this video is cute. 🐕🐾
I treat it like a two handed knife for opening...much safer. To close it's easier to grab it by the blade spine and guide it into the handle when pulling the lock. Not for the sloppy user.
I actually use a folding knife for "bushcraft" (hate this term) and that grip is the exact opposite of what you want in a "bushcraft" folder, or at least what I want. The grip has to be comfortable for long term use, I might be holding/using it for 30 minutes or more each use carving, notching etc. I think Opinels, the gerber gator in 154cm and the realsteel bushcraft folder are all good examples of "bushcraft" folding knives. Though this knife is interesting in a novelty knife kinda way.
Mt. Baldwin try the cold steel Finn wolf much more comfortable
Casey Bryan, I'm going to, I've been holding off hoping cold steel would upgrade the steel this year but all they did was add new colors. I've got nothing against aus-8 but aus-8 in a true scandi...? It took many reviews to convince me but I'm now convinced.
Have to agree. I'm not crazy about the idea of AUS-8 in a Scandi. Just out of curiosity, why do you dislike the term "bushcraft" so much? Seems a pretty appropriate descriptor.
You think an Opinel knife is good for bushcraft? If a good bushcraft knife will split and fly apart, potentially leaving a blade in your body, then I agree. It's the best bushcraft knife.
I don't have a string attached to mine. I replaced it with a key ring and it is magic.
great idea.
I have been using their Finn Hawk Puukko Mora style knife which has the 4116 steel, I honestly am blown away by how well it works. As for a bushcraft knife IMHO its my top 5 most favorite budget blade I've ever used, I highly recommend it to anyone who loves using scandi grinds and doesn't have the money to buy a more expensive Puukko. The blade shape is now my favorite style for carving and the handle grip is very comfortable, if you can find one in Aussie land totally get it especially if you like Mora's.
Absolutely love my Hawk and Wolf. Got the Roach Belly, and Canadian Belt Knife, too. I EDC them all the time.
The new version of this comes with CTS-BD1 FYI. It's a huge upgrade in my opinion. I personally use mine without a lanyard and have never had trouble, but its not the best option in the world to be honest.
I was going to suggest maybe using a little wrist flick to help open the knife instead of shifting your grip, but that might be dangerous seeing how slippery the handle is. Thanks for the review Pete , take care
It's not, I own one and you honestly don't need a wrist flick, just use the thumb stud. Unless you have a condition that weakens your hands such as arthritis you won't have an issue.
Great vid! Exactly what I was looking for
Very good knife i carry one in my "man purse" when i go hiking .
Thanks for the review! I have had this knife for several years, and might add a few other pros and cons.
PROS:
- Slim in the pocket. Despite being such a long and relatively broad blade, it's not thick in the handle, and really disappears in the pocket, especially if you don't use the clip.
- Ultra stainless. 4116 is highly stain resistant, so this is a knife that you can use in damp conditions, and that you can wash off and pocket without much other care or concern while camping out.
CONS:
- Slim handle. While this makes it good for discreet carry, it suuuuuucks for actual woods use. There simply isn't enough handle there, and you are likely to get cramps inside of a few minutes of carving.
- Hot spots. The blade isn't the only sharp thing on this knife. The metal handle has sharp edges on the underside where the blade is received, and within seconds of use for carving, those are digging into your hand. Between this and the slimness of the handle, I consider it unusable for cutting or carving anything hard.
- Gravity. This thing is HEAVY. It's 6.6 ounces according to my measurement, and that's without the means to open it (I replaced the paracord with a braided lanyard). By way of comparison, my Mora Bushcraft Black, which has a blade of almost identical length and thickness, weighs 5.7 ounces WITH the sheath. And it's an ACTUAL fixed blade, rather than a folder purporting to have the strength of one.
Nailed it charles! Dunno why you'd take this out when theres things like moras out there
Cedric & Ada Gear and Outdoors Precisely.
Cedric & Ada Gear and Outdoors Because it looks so cool. Lets face it, most people watching these videos have way too many knives and occasionally want a knife that's just different. You could have one mora and be set for life, but what's the fun in that?
My take on this knife, you absolutely need to know how to handle it, the quality and size of the knife is outstanding for its price point, you’d be very hard pressed to find a knife of that size and type of steel and perform like this does.
Like anything that’s a tool or a weapon, it’s only as good as the person who uses it. How many folding knives could you baton with? The locking mechanism, in short this is a two handed folding knife, it’s meant to be a serious cutting tool, not like other folders.
It’s got to be used with care, and this would make a great back up knife. I have a Cold Steel SR1, and this one would be great for tasks around the camp and well...Bush crafting as the name suggests.
before complaining about size, carry the Rajah 2 or Espada XL
Just flick it open with the thumb stud. Everyone overthinks this knife because of the spring resistance in the unique locking mechanism. You only need to pull the lanyard when closing.
I'm a simple man, I see Ada in the intro I press like.
It would be so easy to simply attach some sandpaper stickers to the handle of this knife to have a home run.
I was thinking about skateboard tape. like sandpaper.
whoa whoa! I heard it was an hologrind. I sure hope it is a full flat one as you said cause I bought one
I got a blood blister on my index finger the first time I used mine. It got stuck in between the back of the blade and the end of the handle, while I was opening the knife. My finger got a bit stuck because the opening action is going slow first and than picks up the speed when it is almost open. It never happened again...lol. I like this knife for the simple but sturdy design. Too big to be my edc...it is as big as the Spartan!
The only usage cases I’ve found for myself with this knife are: 1) secondary back up blade; 2) in a kit where space constraints are specifically tailored to its dimensions.
All in all, it’s absolutely worth the price if it’s size/features are advantaged to your needs. It’s a niche item imo. Numerous better folders that function like folders exist in its price range (RAT 1 comes to mind). Numerous small fixed blades perform rougher tasks better. However, finding a folder that is this close to fixed blade performance at this price, almost impossible; finding a fixed blade that stores in the space of this when folded, extremely difficult. Like I said, niche item imo.
I manage a small 100 acre farm in Kansas and carry this everyday. I agree it can be dangerous especially if you’re not paying attention when closing the knife ... I’ve found that I’m always wearing leather gloves when I use it so no problem.. In fact, I might suggest a rule of thumb: if you’re not doing work requiring that you wear leather work gloves, chances are you shouldn’t carry the pocket bushman ... find a smaller folding knife :)
100 acre is not small for me 👍
Hey there, 3 Leon!! God bless every of our farmers, not least our home state agrarian artists! We had a smaller 10 acre lot of blue stem, fescue, osage and elm, and a pond we daily tramp with the dogs in our training programs. And it is for these vocational ventures ventures I’m thinking of the pocket B’Man. Appreciate your perspective, additional input, and above all, your vocation and it’s consequences for us all! Whether farm or ranch, y’all are our heroes and our kids and us are rearing our wee bairn grandyoung’uns to love and honors tractors and bovine! God bless you and yours! You ever need the services of a canis rusticus, a classic well handling farm dog,
Please! Reach out!
It´s my EDC Knife, in BD1, for 1 1/2 years, and I love it.
For me, it´s a real Survivalknife. The best Survivalknife is the Knife, that you carry.
I live in a very big City, and it´s not possible to carry a fixed Blade, because it´s not publical excepted.
So, I carry a Folder. It´s lightweight, slim and robust.
In a survival situation , i have the ability to splitting wood or building a shelter.
Which else Folder can do this?
My second EDC- item is the Leatherman Rebar and a Firesteel.
Depends on where you live. Every big city has weird ass knife laws. Any of the cold steel knives with the triad is a great choice if you absolutely cannot have a fixed blade for "survival".
Just in case you get lost in the big city woods you're all set
Ram lock awesome knife I own 4 of them going to buy a ton off them
Why in the hell do you need 4 of them?
because he likes them and they aren't expensive. that's my opinion . @@lucaspriesendorf251
Love your video and your comments. I bought one 4116 version those year, and I found those problems you pointed out in your video as well. It is not that kind of "survival" or "bushcraft" stuff, but a good barbecue knife, I suppose.
There is an old saying live and learn . never had a problem with this knife. to close it pull the string close the blade just a little then reposition your hands and finish closing it. I know famous last words lol .
Good and fair review. I had one and keep it as a picnic knife. I think it is NOT a knife for outdoor activity unless some modify on the handle with sticky tape or simply wearing gloves. I tried gloves and that did not be a big problem for using.
Ако направите още един възел на шнура, близо до отвора на дръжката, шнура няма да ви пречи при отваряне и затваряне на ножа.
For a folding knife it seem to be well built and that is isn't American made it does a great job. I have one knife from China and said I would never buy another one, but Taiwan did a great job building it.
I've had one for a few years. Like any knife, be careful. But I've never had a problem. I've got huge hands and I'm a big man. Not sure how smaller guys would like this knife.
. Get one you will love it. Warning" it is not for tea sippers "
i dont see how it could slice you if you think first, put grip tape on it
this goes for around 30 bucks in the us.
the guy at the store was like just pull down on that string? I pulled a little bit and was like they must want people to cut their fingers off trying to close this thing?
My friend has a knife store, we called this knife the finger chopper.At 85% of customers went wrong when they opened and closed this knife. we always said, watch out with this knife. No "" it is a good knife, but not for me.
Good knife but steel is very hard. Lacks flexibility. I actualy broke tip of this knife by only little force when knife was sticked in the wood.
Hmm, I think I will stick to the Douk-Douk. That locking mechanism is a little too goofy looking for me.
It's not a quick draw knife I use it everyday
5:10 I became sour at this moment
One of the best folder in the world
I've often wondered how this would compete with an Izula type knife + sheath for a compact survival kit. More blade for sure.
Gday :) Definitely a high value folder, not so much "pocketknifey" edc. Comprise between fixed 5 inch type strength n folder compactness? "I might suggest" . Great safety advice especially if buying for under 12's. Cheers.
Goddamn, that knife nearly flew right into your leg!!
It is by far the strongest folding knife.
How can they promote a knife as hard use - when it has such terrible grip & ergonomics?
Because u can hard use a knife without good grip or ergonomics .......this knife is super tough and has grip
Thanks, you talked me out of buying one of these. Seriously, I would rather have any number of other knives with an inch less blade and some proper handle scales. What's the point of this knife? It just looks like an accident waiting to happen.
I like the idea behind the knife, but I disagree with you when you say there is nothing wrong with the blade geometry. It's advertised as a bushcraft knife, yet it has a modestly thick stock with a full flat grind and a slightly tapered profile near the tip. The large blade and cumbersome lock makes it a poor choice as a normal pocket knife, and the blade looks like something meant more for hunting than bushcraft. As far as filling its niche, it does a poor job. What it should be using is a blade that looks like the Finn Wolf; a thicker stock, straight spine, and a Scandinavian grind. It should also be using AUS8 instead of 4116 because I'm pretty sure AUS8 is harder to chip or snap. That kind of blade would be well suited to its primary purpose.
omg he's reviewing the pocket bushman what a brave man after all the people that hate this blade and give it bad reviews
Its just a knife. Trickey, but a user. Stainless baby🔪🔪🇺🇸
Its almsot no different than the ratchet lock knivess from south africa and jamaica
my bushman steel is CTS BD1 AM I SPECIAL????
isaazman123 the new ones have cts bd1, which might be a better steel.
Actually it's the newer ones that have 4116. They switched from BD1 in 2016.
John Montgomery the older ones have 4116 in 2015 cold steel switched to cts bd1. Look at all the old videos on TH-cam they have 4116
isaazman123 Depends, is that what your mom tells you?
It's a folding canoe paddle with one side sharpened to cut hard water.
Cold Steel.... not known to amaze us with quality, but the design is kind of intriguing.
Il mio non di apre poi pollice devo aprirlo non 2 mani ke peccato mi sono rotto in poll8ce.