The cold Steel Bushman! What an interesting and unique knife!!! Its a knife.....and a spear.....and a machete, all in one!! And its affordable! Lets take a look.
Yes, the fact that it makes into a spear was the reason I bought this one 21 years ago. I have a spear head or harpoon in all of my kits. The CS Bushman was made with much thicker steel all those years ago. I believe they eventually started using better steel and making it a bit thinner. But it’s a very durable blade. Personally, I prefer the Condor Matagi Knife. It’s like a Bushman on steroids! And the handle is not round. Look it up, a bit less pretty, but it’s better bear protection than the Bushman.
Thanks for sharing the name of this other model, interesting, but it lacks a tip, and maybe it's heavier, it looks more like a machete, it's good that they have options with different uses
Thanks for another great vid. I love this way of using nails in your craftsmanship like you did on that sheath and how you did some of your other knife handles. It is highly functional and done with readily available materials. Another thumbs up!
I love this knife, I'm thinking about getting another one with the newer and improved sheath. It may seem ghetto at first for a fixed blade, but the hollow handle has some practical uses and the blade shape is useful. Plus it's dirt cheap for how tough it is. It's more than a novelty, it's innovative!
I really like the way you changed the grind on your knife. I think I'll do that to one of mine. I love these knives and have a few, including one of the original ones that has a thicker blade, unwelded handle and leather sheath, and also one of the mini versions.
I really liked your sheath. cool. I make mine out of leather (it's very economical with leather, I only use what I need and no more), I leave it in the middle of one piece, next to the other (the stitching is on top, and the thread part is just leather, but I never cut the hem, and it's tight, they use it like that in the south of Brazil and it has a hem that lasts longer than fava beans), and I sew with an awl, I use the Victor Inox one. In fact, the first one I made was with cotton string and it is still alive today, it was my only knife, which was a very thick kitchen knife, today it only focuses on the kitchen really.
BRILLIANT review! I found your comments on the factory plastic sheath and your solution to that problem particulary interesting. I have recently purchased one of these knives and I think I'm going to look about and recreate your sheath for it. Very best regards!
i have thos knife for years,!!! its very functional, durable and light . I have build 1000nds shelters , traps , fires . This lnife never let me down. I have one earlier model it has sheat with big pocket. Sheath is ok i just modified strop on it. Also i changed grind to convex and wrapped handle with hockey tape.
Thanks Dave! Yep... both myself and my son carry these (and eyescrews) in our bags. These are made from spring steel which makes them so "indestructible". We both wrapped our handles with double-sided hockey tape (to prevent the "cold"), and also to help prevent hand slippage up onto the blade edge.
LOL, I must admit....i have thrown it a few times. But it being "less desirable" as just a knife....I don't carry it much. Its a solid weapon as a spear! Thats for sure.
Nice review Dave. You hit on at least one point in the review of why I have two of these knives. 1. It makes a great defensive weapon on the end of a pole. You said it best having 4" between you and something with claws and teeth, is not as good as six feet. 2. It is light weight and makes an excellent backup knife for packing. 3. It actually processes fire quite well for such a thin blade. 4. The steel is SK5 and very well known, and proved in Japan. It has a high carbon content of .75 - .80 and can be heat treated to very high levels of hardness yet maintain toughness. 5. The new Securex sheath with fire-steel is a nice improvement, but learn how to remove it from the sheath properly, there is a trick to it. It would not be my first choice for a primary knife, but as a back up it is great. It's greatness lies in it's versatility. it may not be the best at any one thing , but in a pinch can do almost anything.
I have had my bushman for many years. I love it. I don't really worry about the handle being cold b/c of where I live. Rust is a big thing though. Mine is old enought to have a leather sheath with no ferro rod. I have spilt kindling, dug crap holes, and skinned with it, but I have never fought off a large animal with it on a pole...yet.
Cool video, I have 2 Bushmans for 5 years already, and the one I used is still in great shape. The sheath is not the best but I wrappeded a bit of paracord on it and added a pouch with various things inside, the paracord also hold the blade better in the sheath. A bit of tape or duct tape over the ferro rod holder also makes it better in holding it over time. I made a round notch on the back of the blade for striking the ferro rod, and it does wonders.
Thanks Dave for an excellent description of what makes the Bushman such a good in camp knife. It has always annoyed me that almost all the videos of this knife have then sticking them on a pole and throwing them. A spear can also be used as you say to keep some distance between you and razor sharp claws or whatever. One other thing this knife is very light so is great to have one in the pack. I have two of these my first is the Bowie style blade with original nylon sheath, the second is the spear point and securex sheath. Good tip on the the plastic sheath fix. Really enjoy you and your wife's videos,
It's a pretty good low-budget survival knife because it's tough as nails and very versatile. The blade is spring tempered and will bend through at least 90° without breaking and return to true. And the spear option, while cool, is the tip (sorry) of the iceberg. A shorter handle attached to the knife makes it a functional machete and even a light digging tool. It's thin enough to filet fish and holds an edge well enough to dress large game. It feathers wood well, and even though it's thin, can baton wood in a pinch. Mods are cheap and easy too. Hockey tape or ranger bands on the handle address the cold and slickness of it. A loop of paracord through the hollow handle can serve as a kind of guard so your hand doesn't slip onto the (razor-sharp) blade. Another loop of paracord or a ranger band on the belt-clip of the stock sheat can secure the knife, with or without the plastic tab in place. It'snot perfect or ideal for everything, but for $25 it offers a lotta possibilities.
The CS Bushman and mini Bushman in 1055 carbon = Maybe the most appreciated or under appreciated knife around . I've had 4 large and gave away 3 of them . Still have the original large and small which sadly is no longer made . The original pigskin sheath still works great and handle is wrapped with bicycle inner tube and used a product called Shoe Goo as an adhesive . Heavy duty carpet thread for wrapping ends of inner tube and coated with epoxy . Used for moose - elk - deer - bear in U.S. and reindeer in Finland . Still a favorite . Thanks again for your video Bushradical .
Spears or pikes were actually the preferred weapons of British/European knights back when they had longswords. It is longer, heavy enough to knock a sword to the side and has great thrust mobility. It has all of the abilities of a quarterstaff with the addition of excellent thrust and some slash abilities. One of its most important qualities is that it requires very little training to become reasonably effective with it.
Love mine, use it as a truck knife for camping, trail clearing, emergency needs. Corked the inside with paracord and filled the handle with fishing line, fire starter, eye screw, etc. Like another commenter I wrapped my handle with hockey tape for grip and comfort
Dave! I would love to see you come to Maine and make some videos with Fowler (season 3 winner) You both are extremely knowledgeable and I am sure your shows would get a ton of hits.
Ive actually never spoke to fowler that I remember. I chat on line with Dave MacIntyre, and I Met Lucas. Sam Larson And I have talked a bit online...but i've never talked to Fowler.
I just wanted to drop a quick note. I like my coldsteel knife as well and have fell in love with the coldsteel special forces shovel. I have taken the hack of using an eye-bolt to secure the shovel head to the handle. It should open up possibilities for that fine tool. Thanks.
I put a piece of wood into the handle that extended the handle by 3 inches and then wrapped the whole thing with several wraps of friction tape and now its awesome. I removed the paint as well. Love it. Does great light chopping.
I got one over 5 yrs ago. I didn't get it with the idea of making a spear, but to put a 2 or 3 ft shaft so you can chop with it to just chop down thumb to wrist branches. And my sheet is nylon with some kind of Walt reinforcing. It is fun. Though I haven't felt the need for a spear since I made a harpoon in Jr high shop class. Cheers
Dave, thank you for the great video review of the Bushman. I agree with you on the sheath problem. I think they should have never replaced the previous cordura sheath. The only problem with the previous sheath was that people were not reading instructions or at least watching youtube videos on how to use it; they were not inserting the knife into the sheath all the way. Also, very good assessment on the viability of the knife as a spear weapon.
The Cold Steel Bushman used to give me and my walking stick the extra security I needed when walking some off-the beaten trails where apparently everyone pays to attention to their dang dogs that are not at home! Thank God it never came to that but there was more than one occasion, I thought it just might.
One of those knives on a good solid pole is one serious weapon for sure. Thanks for sharing the eyescrew idea, and warning about the sheath issue. I didn't know the retainer bump was not part of the plastic sheath.
I like! Spear is such an underrated weapon especially in Canada where you technically are not allowed to point a gun at anyone without going to prison for a LONG time. Sold out on Amazon :(
I like that eye screw trick, I know what I'm buying in the hardware department today. I have an older version of the Bushman, I think it has a Cordura sheath. I'd love to see a follow-up video on how to make a really good spear out of it. What kind of wood should you use? Would a shovel handle work, or a long dowel? Can you improve the balance for throwing it? Can you improve the grip? Should you add a crosspiece, and if so, how?
A few years ago, making a spear at night with my Bushman Bowie turned out to be a good idea. I was attacked by a pack of feral dogs & if I hadn't been prepared (paranoid), then I would have been dog food. This was on a remote beach in Northern Greece & two years later, a British woman was attacked & killed in the same area. The authorities said it was wolves, but I think they were trying to cover up their feral dog problem. Either way, a Bushman is always in my bag on remote trips. It might not be the best knife for everyday knife uses, but it's the next best thing to a firearm when things go bump in the night!
That is an awesome story Phil! And a solid gold endorsement for the bushman! I bet that must have been a CRAZY thing to have to fend off wild dogs!!! Terrifying!
I used a champagne cork, cut about a 1/2" thick disc forced into the blade side end of the handle used the remaining cork to seal the other to create a space big enough for a mini BIC lighter and a few cotten balls
I guess I got one before they went to that plastic sheath. It used to be a fabric (sort of like a seatbelt/tie down material) with a sharpening stone, nothing else. I didn't use it much for years and then decided I wanted it for backpacking. I made it my utility knife and beater. I changed the grind to a utility grind (around 35 degrees) and then beveled it to about 25 degrees. I can baton through firewood and still have a great edge. I did add para cord on the handle and a couple of monkey balls so that I could use the hollow handle to store some matches. Sort of sucks that most of my cold steel knives are now discontinued.
The thing I liked with this knife is utility. With 2 rubber corks you can store Vaseline cotton balls inside. With silicon camo tape the handle is super grippy.
I see you had to bevel down the sides of your Bushman too. I got the older model, and there was too much drag on the sides when cutting through meat. Now it's my #1 knife for out in the boonies!
Love the sheath!!! I made a hollow handle knife a few years back. Has a stainless steel handle with a cap so you can stir survival gear on the handle. "Rambo" Anyway, childhood dream but high quality and practical. Turned out Nice! Video on myy channel of it. Anyway, took it out that first winter to give it a workout. Quickly found out that cold handle was no fun. Since then I did a nice cord wrap on it and once again I love it!
it is a spring steel that does not break if you watched lyn thompson demo when used as a spear at the impact the weight of the handle is going to make it bend and get right back to it original form it will make a great survival tool ps : a survival knife is not a knife that you are supposed to like but something that will save your life like serrated blade or partly serrated i am not crazy about it but depending on what you have to cut a simple regular edge won't do thanks for sharing :)
Its a interesting knife. I would definitely consider it a "Survival" knife for sure, but I don't know if I would want to carry it daily. Even in the bush. I would pick something thats better suited for constant use. For $25 its a hard knife to beat, but not the most comfortable.
Hahaha I Totally forgot about those.....Super Awesomeness..... I picked up some smaller versions of that from Madison Parker a few Years Ago hahaha....But I do like that one hahahaha Thanks
Northwest Territories, Canada in the 1990’s two prospectors staking mineral claims in the wilderness were stalked by a predatory black bear. Traveling light they were not carrying a firearm, they were able to snare the bear with rope and dispatch it using their knives as spears.
I have one of the old bowie ones in the cordura sheath. I've never used it, I bought it for like $25 and figured it may be a good spear if needed? I wrapped mine in paracord and its functional.
the sheath does totally suck, other that it's a pretty good knife. If you are planning on using it for a spear it is awesome. The hollow handle makes it more effective as a spear point, than lashing a knife to the end of a pole. Cool sheath!
The sheath is pretty ghetto right? The knife does make a great spear....on a good pole its a freekin' dangerous weapon! Good idea on the orange paint you put on yours......that would be an easy knife to loose out where we were.
I thought that the Cold Steel Boar spear could ostensibly replace a knife on Alone, and would work against bears, cougars and wolves if mounted on a green sapling about 8 foot long. It would at least give some peace of mind. Thoughts?
Hey friend 🙂 Nice review 👍🏻 I have seen these but never thought of buying one. I can definitely see me spooning that spear if I was where you are by myself at night😂 was it very expensive? I've had a cold steel Finn Wolf. A scandi folder with that triad lock💪🏻 ever get your Genesis back to a true scandi?
Bushradical I actually just left the scandivex on my Genesis. I just lift the knife on the stone until I feel the edge catch. About 4 swipes on each side with a fine stone and it was back to razor. Then I strop the dwylights out of it😂 there is a guy on here Mark Bailey who has a very good channel. He gave me a tip on this stuff called Tormek polishing compound. He said he's had his for three years and never had to take his to the stone. He just strips his with that Tormek every night that he uses it. I'm gonna give it a try👍🏻 you should check out his channel. Very small but he does a very good job
I have a couple of these as backups in my packs. The spear idea is good but I would think no so much for throwing, as for thrusting. I would rather fight something off, or kill a snake at 5 feet than arms length. Also try about an 18 to 24" stick i the handle makes a pretty good machete and light chopper. They are very light to have as a backup but good insurance,
my 1st Cold Steel knife, 22.00 in 1995. rode in a guys truck bed for a year. I washed it, put it on a stone, and Voila, good as new. just bought another one in fact. yeah the sheath sux, but is workable. ignore the belt loop, and stick it in your pants pocket! about the spear thing, that blade shape is the same as a Naginata, the Samurai home defense weapon! Google it.
I think this knife makes a great emergency kit knife. Why? Because it is cheap, tough, and very usable as a knife. Most people making an emergency kit already have a knife though, so this can become a spear or back up knife when needed.
Spear a pike AKA Sharp pointy stick class ‘SPS’ Class of weapons. This is one weapon that was used by the human race for all aspects of life including war. The SPS Class of weapon is still used in war today “ bayonet”. The more space you can put between you and your target the better (spear, bow, firearms) .
I own one Cold Steel "machete" and will likely own a few CS knives. The thing is I'll continue to make certain CS, & Lynn Thompson in particular, don't receive a penny of my money.
I was thinking about that knife and looked at it on the Cold Steel web site. Kenneth Kramm had one for a while and just put it on the end of his walking stick with the sheath left on. It is an interesting blade and has been around for a very long time. Thanks for the video.
Its no where near the first knife I would take.....but if having a spear was a big plus , it would be a perfect choice. Just as a knife.....its robust, but cold on your hand and too long to feel really good doing most stuff.
I'm between the newer model with the plastic sheath....and the older one with the cordura one.....some people say the older sheath is better....some swear that the newer plastic one is best.....anyone out there care to chime in....
Sorry.......you're welcome to watch my guitar review channel. Everything one there is $100+ and its called "Whip's Cheap Guitars". At least the cheap stuff on this channel is affordable. LOL Thanks for the comment.
I bought some of these, one for each family member. If two or three weak people with basic training have each one of these on a pole, they can defend against any big unweaponed guy or a guy with a knife, I guess.
I like it and use it. Not so much as a spear because we have no dangerous wildlife here but do attach it to a long pole to cut down the high hanging fruit.
Bushradical No mine is a the other style i believe its called the bowie point little different then yours and Jims it has the taller blade but is a bushman.
You would probably have a walking staff so why not allow it to fit on the cold steel bushman personally I prefer the bushman bowie and as for the sheath what is wrong with securex style sheath it comes with or did you buy the old version with the floppy sheath anyway for 25$ you can’t go wrong i should know I have 10 of them all attached to the sheaths of my other knives and machetes I throw out a challenge to anyone who can beat the bushman in a torture test
Gawd, I mean, any weapon would make you feel safer in "big game" country I guess versus being armed with nothing. But I would hate having to use that, what a terrifying situation. And to think our ancestors did it pretty frequently. Doesn't take away the validity of it being formidable, just.... Think about that!?!?
I don't know.....you put this knife on a solid 6" pole and you get a whole new impression of whats possible. I mean, its a very dangerous piece of gear when its a spear. I've spent years in grizzly country carrying a .44 mag.....and you never feel totally comfortable....but aside from guns, this would be the next best thing.
i feel like calling the option of having a spear "novelty" is a bit reductive. Think about how important the spear was to our ancestors survival. say your bullets are wet, your bow string snapped or maybe popping off shots might attract unwanted attention. having a quiet way to bag something that can be as big as a hog without expending perishable ammunition could be life saving. not to mention how much easier itd be just to defend against wildlife. if you just had a knife against even an angry Buck youd quickly learn how squishy you are. A spear evens things up a bit.
Dont get me wrong...spears are not a novelty. And this makes a solid spear. I think it would be pretty rare to "need" a spear in the modern world, or having a clear oppertuntity to use one in the field...and making a successful kill. For protection at close range its nearly as good as a pistol.
@@Bushradical Easy to say that when you live in America, but in countries you cannot get a firearm for long range defense a spear keeps the enemy at a distance.
Back in the Middle Ages this sort of thing was used to defend against knight on horseback. You would plant the end of the spear in the ground and let the knight run into the blade and hope he didn't have time to carve you up instead. The Masai use a similar long spear to kill lions charging at them. I'd rather not, thanks.
Yes, the fact that it makes into a spear was the reason I bought this one 21 years ago.
I have a spear head or harpoon in all of my kits. The CS Bushman was made with much thicker steel all those years ago. I believe they eventually started using better steel and making it a bit thinner. But it’s a very durable blade.
Personally, I prefer the Condor Matagi Knife. It’s like a Bushman on steroids! And the handle is not round.
Look it up, a bit less pretty, but it’s better bear protection than the Bushman.
Thanks for sharing the name of this other model, interesting, but it lacks a tip, and maybe it's heavier, it looks more like a machete, it's good that they have options with different uses
Thanks for another great vid. I love this way of using nails in your craftsmanship like you did on that sheath and how you did some of your other knife handles. It is highly functional and done with readily available materials. Another thumbs up!
Thanks Nathan.
I can't believe I've never heard of this before. It's pretty cool...but what's cooler is how u gave it a fair and practical assessment. Great video
I love this knife, I'm thinking about getting another one with the newer and improved sheath.
It may seem ghetto at first for a fixed blade, but the hollow handle has some practical uses and the blade shape is useful. Plus it's dirt cheap for how tough it is. It's more than a novelty, it's innovative!
It is a cool knife for sure.
Most detailed and useful review of the Cold Steel Bushman. I hope Cold Steel sees this and upgrade accordingly.
I really like the way you changed the grind on your knife. I think I'll do that to one of mine. I love these knives and have a few, including one of the original ones that has a thicker blade, unwelded handle and leather sheath, and also one of the mini versions.
I always thought the mini looked cool but they quit making it.
I really liked your sheath. cool. I make mine out of leather (it's very economical with leather, I only use what I need and no more), I leave it in the middle of one piece, next to the other (the stitching is on top, and the thread part is just leather, but I never cut the hem, and it's tight, they use it like that in the south of Brazil and it has a hem that lasts longer than fava beans), and I sew with an awl, I use the Victor Inox one. In fact, the first one I made was with cotton string and it is still alive today, it was my only knife, which was a very thick kitchen knife, today it only focuses on the kitchen really.
BRILLIANT review! I found your comments on the factory plastic sheath and your solution to that problem particulary interesting. I have recently purchased one of these knives and I think I'm going to look about and recreate your sheath for it. Very best regards!
Glad it was helpful!
I love bushman so much, the idea to make a shovel knife was amazin’! And as bowie i think its very useful as well!
i have thos knife for years,!!!
its very functional, durable and light . I have build 1000nds shelters , traps , fires . This lnife never let me down. I have one earlier model it has sheat with big pocket. Sheath is ok i just modified strop on it. Also i changed grind to convex and wrapped handle with hockey tape.
The Hockey tape handle makes a ton of sense to me. Great knives.
Just ordered one in Jan '23. Thank You as always Brother.
Thanks Dave! Yep... both myself and my son carry these (and eyescrews) in our bags. These are made from spring steel which makes them so "indestructible". We both wrapped our handles with double-sided hockey tape (to prevent the "cold"), and also to help prevent hand slippage up onto the blade edge.
I was hoping to see you with some spear throwing action there!
LOL, I must admit....i have thrown it a few times. But it being "less desirable" as just a knife....I don't carry it much. Its a solid weapon as a spear! Thats for sure.
Great review, no BS, no hype, just practical sense.
A great kitchen knife. i have the mini bushmen, too.
Nice review Dave. You hit on at least one point in the review of why I have two of these knives.
1. It makes a great defensive weapon on the end of a pole. You said it best having 4" between you and something with claws and teeth, is not as good as six feet.
2. It is light weight and makes an excellent backup knife for packing.
3. It actually processes fire quite well for such a thin blade.
4. The steel is SK5 and very well known, and proved in Japan. It has a high carbon content of .75 - .80 and can be heat treated to very high levels of hardness yet maintain toughness.
5. The new Securex sheath with fire-steel is a nice improvement, but learn how to remove it from the sheath properly, there is a trick to it.
It would not be my first choice for a primary knife, but as a back up it is great. It's greatness lies in it's versatility. it may not be the best at any one thing , but in a pinch can do almost anything.
Thanks Dan 101. I totally agree.
I have had my bushman for many years. I love it. I don't really worry about the handle being cold b/c of where I live. Rust is a big thing though. Mine is old enought to have a leather sheath with no ferro rod. I have spilt kindling, dug crap holes, and skinned with it, but I have never fought off a large animal with it on a pole...yet.
Cool video, I have 2 Bushmans for 5 years already, and the one I used is still in great shape. The sheath is not the best but I wrappeded a bit of paracord on it and added a pouch with various things inside, the paracord also hold the blade better in the sheath. A bit of tape or duct tape over the ferro rod holder also makes it better in holding it over time. I made a round notch on the back of the blade for striking the ferro rod, and it does wonders.
Awesome. For the money its a vert interesting and useful knife
Love the sheath you made
Thanks.
Thanks Dave for an excellent description of what makes the Bushman such a good in camp knife. It has always annoyed me that almost all the videos of this knife have then sticking them on a pole and throwing them. A spear can also be used as you say to keep some distance between you and razor sharp claws or whatever. One other thing this knife is very light so is great to have one in the pack. I have two of these my first is the Bowie style blade with original nylon sheath, the second is the spear point and securex sheath. Good tip on the the plastic sheath fix. Really enjoy you and your wife's videos,
Thanks Dan. I think its a cool knife !
It's a pretty good low-budget survival knife because it's tough as nails and very versatile. The blade is spring tempered and will bend through at least 90° without breaking and return to true. And the spear option, while cool, is the tip (sorry) of the iceberg. A shorter handle attached to the knife makes it a functional machete and even a light digging tool. It's thin enough to filet fish and holds an edge well enough to dress large game. It feathers wood well, and even though it's thin, can baton wood in a pinch. Mods are cheap and easy too. Hockey tape or ranger bands on the handle address the cold and slickness of it. A loop of paracord through the hollow handle can serve as a kind of guard so your hand doesn't slip onto the (razor-sharp) blade. Another loop of paracord or a ranger band on the belt-clip of the stock sheat can secure the knife, with or without the plastic tab in place. It'snot perfect or ideal for everything, but for $25 it offers a lotta possibilities.
Agreed. Its a lot of good stuff for $25 thats for sure.
The CS Bushman and mini Bushman in 1055 carbon = Maybe the most appreciated or under appreciated knife around . I've had 4 large and gave away 3 of them . Still have the original large and small which sadly is no longer made . The original pigskin sheath still works great and handle is wrapped with bicycle inner tube and used a product called Shoe Goo as an adhesive . Heavy duty carpet thread for wrapping ends of inner tube and coated with epoxy .
Used for moose - elk - deer - bear in U.S. and reindeer in Finland . Still a favorite .
Thanks again for your video Bushradical .
I have a Cold Steel Bushman. Its a cool knife. I love the concept.
Spears or pikes were actually the preferred weapons of British/European knights back when they had longswords. It is longer, heavy enough to knock a sword to the side and has great thrust mobility. It has all of the abilities of a quarterstaff with the addition of excellent thrust and some slash abilities.
One of its most important qualities is that it requires very little training to become reasonably effective with it.
right on
Love mine, use it as a truck knife for camping, trail clearing, emergency needs. Corked the inside with paracord and filled the handle with fishing line, fire starter, eye screw, etc. Like another commenter I wrapped my handle with hockey tape for grip and comfort
Great review! Very helpful to know about the sheath and ferro rod!
P.S. if ya want some extra fun, look up some HEMA techniques for spear fighting!
I think making a spear out of a branch and a knife is pretty clever! Thankyou Dave! Love your videos! God Bless
Hey Bob. This knife is meant to be a spear. Thats a big part of its selling point. It actually DOES make a pretty solid spear!
Dave! I would love to see you come to Maine and make some videos with Fowler (season 3 winner) You both are extremely knowledgeable and I am sure your shows would get a ton of hits.
Ive actually never spoke to fowler that I remember. I chat on line with Dave MacIntyre, and I Met Lucas. Sam Larson And I have talked a bit online...but i've never talked to Fowler.
@@Bushradical have you checked out the mods he did for a machete he carried in Brazil neat stuff
Great review!
Thanks
BB 🍻
Thanks
I just wanted to drop a quick note. I like my coldsteel knife as well and have fell in love with the coldsteel special forces shovel. I have taken the hack of using an eye-bolt to secure the shovel head to the handle. It should open up possibilities for that fine tool. Thanks.
I put a piece of wood into the handle that extended the handle by 3 inches and then wrapped the whole thing with several wraps of friction tape and now its awesome. I removed the paint as well. Love it. Does great light chopping.
Awesome
Does it hold?
I got one over 5 yrs ago. I didn't get it with the idea of making a spear, but to put a 2 or 3 ft shaft so you can chop with it to just chop down thumb to wrist branches. And my sheet is nylon with some kind of Walt reinforcing. It is fun. Though I haven't felt the need for a spear since I made a harpoon in Jr high shop class. Cheers
Ive tried it on a short stick like a machete....it works great!
Dave, thank you for the great video review of the Bushman. I agree with you on the sheath problem. I think they should have never replaced the previous cordura sheath. The only problem with the previous sheath was that people were not reading instructions or at least watching youtube videos on how to use it; they were not inserting the knife into the sheath all the way. Also, very good assessment on the viability of the knife as a spear weapon.
I wish mine came with the old style sheath. I think it was a way better design.
Good concept multiple uses.
right on
The Cold Steel Bushman used to give me and my walking stick the extra security I needed when walking some off-the beaten trails where apparently everyone pays to attention to their dang dogs that are not at home! Thank God it never came to that but there was more than one occasion, I thought it just might.
Hi Dave! Good review! I bought one of thoz a few years ago... but never really used it. Good spear idea tho!!
Right on.
Thanks for sharing. Great vid just waiting for my Hudson Bay to arrive
Let me know what you think when you get it.
Bushradical will do man thanks
One of those knives on a good solid pole is one serious weapon for sure. Thanks for sharing the eyescrew idea, and warning about the sheath issue. I didn't know the retainer bump was not part of the plastic sheath.
Thanks
I loved the idea of the screw!
Thanks
I like! Spear is such an underrated weapon especially in Canada where you technically are not allowed to point a gun at anyone without going to prison for a LONG time. Sold out on Amazon :(
Great cheap tool!!!
I like that eye screw trick, I know what I'm buying in the hardware department today. I have an older version of the Bushman, I think it has a Cordura sheath.
I'd love to see a follow-up video on how to make a really good spear out of it. What kind of wood should you use? Would a shovel handle work, or a long dowel? Can you improve the balance for throwing it? Can you improve the grip? Should you add a crosspiece, and if so, how?
That sounds like a video YOU need to do. The are super cool knives, but I dont know the best answers to your questions. Thanks
I've used mine to kill wild boar and could see where it could be useful taking other larger game.
Right on. Its a pretty serious thing to have 7" of steel on a pole.
Used by itself (as a spear), or to dispatch with catch dogs?
A few years ago, making a spear at night with my Bushman Bowie turned out to be a good idea. I was attacked by a pack of feral dogs & if I hadn't been prepared (paranoid), then I would have been dog food.
This was on a remote beach in Northern Greece & two years later, a British woman was attacked & killed in the same area. The authorities said it was wolves, but I think they were trying to cover up their feral dog problem.
Either way, a Bushman is always in my bag on remote trips. It might not be the best knife for everyday knife uses, but it's the next best thing to a firearm when things go bump in the night!
That is an awesome story Phil! And a solid gold endorsement for the bushman! I bet that must have been a CRAZY thing to have to fend off wild dogs!!! Terrifying!
Love it i subbed
Another great review Dave!
Thanks Dano!
You're welcome Dave
Yes a spear is the most versatile melee weapon. It actually has the best track record on the battlefield as melee. And it's good for hunting.
I see filling in the blade end of the handle with something, then loading the handle up with tinder then capping the open end
You could for sure.
I used a champagne cork, cut about a 1/2" thick disc forced into the blade side end of the handle used the remaining cork to seal the other to create a space big enough for a mini BIC lighter and a few cotten balls
I like the rivets on the sheath. Nice idea to make it into a spear.
The rivets are pretty low tech. LOL!
I guess I got one before they went to that plastic sheath. It used to be a fabric (sort of like a seatbelt/tie down material) with a sharpening stone, nothing else. I didn't use it much for years and then decided I wanted it for backpacking. I made it my utility knife and beater. I changed the grind to a utility grind (around 35 degrees) and then beveled it to about 25 degrees. I can baton through firewood and still have a great edge. I did add para cord on the handle and a couple of monkey balls so that I could use the hollow handle to store some matches. Sort of sucks that most of my cold steel knives are now discontinued.
right on. Its a cool knife
Very well done!
Thanks
Field expedient baqueta (holster). I like the way it came out. Have a great day.
Thanks Jorge
The thing I liked with this knife is utility. With 2 rubber corks you can store Vaseline cotton balls inside. With silicon camo tape the handle is super grippy.
Its a cool knife for sure! There are a lot of mods you could do to make it better like you say.
You can also attach a smaller shaft and hold it from the wood. This way you can use the knjfe like a machete
I see you had to bevel down the sides of your Bushman too. I got the older model, and there was too much drag on the sides when cutting through meat. Now it's my #1 knife for out in the boonies!
Love the sheath!!! I made a hollow handle knife a few years back. Has a stainless steel handle with a cap so you can stir survival gear on the handle. "Rambo" Anyway, childhood dream but high quality and practical. Turned out Nice! Video on myy channel of it. Anyway, took it out that first winter to give it a workout. Quickly found out that cold handle was no fun. Since then I did a nice cord wrap on it and once again I love it!
Awesome K. I'll check that vid out. Whats the title of it?
Bushradical sent ya a link on Facebook messenger
@@KillingerUSAcan you tell us the title of the video? I can't find it
Brilliant !
Thanks! Its a fun knife for sure.
Nice sheath!
Thanks
What’s the size of the eye screw you used?
I've got one of the older ones that had the nylon pocket sheath - they should have kept with that sheath design!
Totally agree. I really wish they wouldn't have went to the plastic sheath.
it is a spring steel that does not break if you watched lyn thompson demo when used as a spear at the impact the weight of the handle is going to make it bend and get right back to it original form it will make a great survival tool
ps : a survival knife is not a knife that you are supposed to like but something that will save your life like serrated blade or partly serrated i am not crazy about it but depending on what you have to cut a simple regular edge won't do thanks for sharing :)
Its a interesting knife. I would definitely consider it a "Survival" knife for sure, but I don't know if I would want to carry it daily. Even in the bush. I would pick something thats better suited for constant use. For $25 its a hard knife to beat, but not the most comfortable.
Hahaha I Totally forgot about those.....Super Awesomeness..... I picked up some smaller versions of that from Madison Parker a few Years Ago hahaha....But I do like that one hahahaha Thanks
Went a bought one. It is now a fine spear.
Awesome
Northwest Territories, Canada in the 1990’s two prospectors staking mineral claims in the wilderness were stalked by a predatory black bear. Traveling light they were not carrying a firearm, they were able to snare the bear with rope and dispatch it using their knives as spears.
Thats pretty hard core.
I have one of the old bowie ones in the cordura sheath.
I've never used it, I bought it for like $25 and figured it may be a good spear if needed?
I wrapped mine in paracord and its functional.
The old cordura sheath was a good sheath. I like the bowie version.
Bushradical I'm from Kentucky and grew up on John Wayne and Clint Eastwood. I love anything Bowie lol!
Right on!
the sheath does totally suck, other that it's a pretty good knife. If you are planning on using it for a spear it is awesome. The hollow handle makes it more effective as a spear point, than lashing a knife to the end of a pole. Cool sheath!
The sheath is pretty ghetto right? The knife does make a great spear....on a good pole its a freekin' dangerous weapon! Good idea on the orange paint you put on yours......that would be an easy knife to loose out where we were.
You got loads of experience with your bushman....what did you think of it in terms of long term use?
What did you use to strip the finish off the blade?
A wire wheel?? I don't remember.
I thought that the Cold Steel Boar spear could ostensibly replace a knife on Alone, and would work against bears, cougars and wolves if mounted on a green sapling about 8 foot long. It would at least give some peace of mind. Thoughts?
Yeah, I bet it would work. Jim Beard ( season 4 winner) took this very knife out with him ( Bushman) and he did fine with it.
Hey friend 🙂 Nice review 👍🏻 I have seen these but never thought of buying one. I can definitely see me spooning that spear if I was where you are by myself at night😂 was it very expensive? I've had a cold steel Finn Wolf. A scandi folder with that triad lock💪🏻 ever get your Genesis back to a true scandi?
I tried to get a perfect scandi on the Genesis, but not quite there yet. The Bushman is only about $28 so its super cheap.
Bushradical I actually just left the scandivex on my Genesis. I just lift the knife on the stone until I feel the edge catch. About 4 swipes on each side with a fine stone and it was back to razor. Then I strop the dwylights out of it😂 there is a guy on here Mark Bailey who has a very good channel. He gave me a tip on this stuff called Tormek polishing compound. He said he's had his for three years and never had to take his to the stone. He just strips his with that Tormek every night that he uses it. I'm gonna give it a try👍🏻 you should check out his channel. Very small but he does a very good job
I have a couple of these as backups in my packs. The spear idea is good but I would think no so much for throwing, as for thrusting. I would rather fight something off, or kill a snake at 5 feet than arms length. Also try about an 18 to 24" stick i the handle makes a pretty good machete and light chopper. They are very light to have as a backup but good insurance,
Ive used it on a short handle before ....pretty amazing how well that works.
Good video
Thanks JB.
And this is why I kayak camp, so I can bring dumb stuff like a spear knife with me and not have to worry about weight. lol
I love it.
my 1st Cold Steel knife, 22.00 in 1995. rode in a guys truck bed for a year. I washed it, put it on a stone, and Voila, good as new. just bought another one in fact. yeah the sheath sux, but is workable. ignore the belt loop, and stick it in your pants pocket! about the spear thing, that blade shape is the same as a Naginata, the Samurai home defense weapon! Google it.
Thats awesome I just looked it up.
👍
Drill extra holes in the handle too
I think this knife makes a great emergency kit knife. Why? Because it is cheap, tough, and very usable as a knife. Most people making an emergency kit already have a knife though, so this can become a spear or back up knife when needed.
right
Would you recommend it?
Why not. Its only $25. And it's solid. I don't think its a knife I would want to use much in cold weather. but it has its advantages too.
Thanks Dave for the cold steel bushman. Brian 77
Thank You!
In a bug out situation if you don't have a gun the next best weapon is a spear, and you can carry a walk stick and a knife very easily.
Spear a pike AKA Sharp pointy stick class ‘SPS’ Class of weapons. This is one weapon that was used by the human race for all aspects of life including war. The SPS Class of weapon is still used in war today “ bayonet”. The more space you can put between you and your target the better (spear, bow, firearms) .
cool video but i think bushman bowie is a bit better
It makes a great spear. Go hunt with it.
I own one Cold Steel "machete" and will likely own a few CS knives. The thing is I'll continue to make certain CS, & Lynn Thompson in particular, don't receive a penny of my money.
I was thinking about that knife and looked at it on the Cold Steel web site. Kenneth Kramm had one for a while and just put it on the end of his walking stick with the sheath left on. It is an interesting blade and has been around for a very long time. Thanks for the video.
Its no where near the first knife I would take.....but if having a spear was a big plus , it would be a perfect choice. Just as a knife.....its robust, but cold on your hand and too long to feel really good doing most stuff.
Bonjour Is it a good knife for bushcraft ?
Its OK.....but its cold to the hand
Ok Merci 😷👍
Man got to have spear.
... In the woods.
LOL, right on!!
like you said good survival knife in bear country
Yup! Thanks for the comment.
I'm between the newer model with the plastic sheath....and the older one with the cordura one.....some people say the older sheath is better....some swear that the newer plastic one is best.....anyone out there care to chime in....
Dave, when you do videos like this I end up having to buy the stupid thing just to goof around with it...... you are costing me money.... LOL!
Sorry.......you're welcome to watch my guitar review channel. Everything one there is $100+ and its called "Whip's Cheap Guitars". At least the cheap stuff on this channel is affordable. LOL Thanks for the comment.
I bought some of these, one for each family member. If two or three weak people with basic training have each one of these on a pole, they can defend against any big unweaponed guy or a guy with a knife, I guess.
let's see some custom old hickory knives.
I might have one or two.
Protect your area
Makes you think of that movie the edge and using this to discourage the bear. Might be worse off stabbing him.
Ah, A Spear chuck'n Son of A Gun. huh?
LOL.
I like it and use it. Not so much as a spear because we have no dangerous wildlife here but do attach it to a long pole to cut down the high hanging fruit.
Its a cool knife. Thanks for the comment DB!
Back then when there were cordura sheaths for this knife: WE NEED PLASTIC SHEATH.
Now when there are plastic sheaths only:
Nice ! Gonna dig mine out and spear some s***
LOL. Was that your knife Jim took? I know you took that ontario with you.
Bushradical No mine is a the other style i believe its called the bowie point little different then yours and Jims it has the taller blade but is a bushman.
AHHH. I know the one you have. Cool knife.
You would probably have a walking staff so why not allow it to fit on the cold steel bushman personally I prefer the bushman bowie and as for the sheath what is wrong with securex style sheath it comes with or did you buy the old version with the floppy sheath anyway for 25$ you can’t go wrong i should know I have 10 of them all attached to the sheaths of my other knives and machetes I throw out a challenge to anyone who can beat the bushman in a torture test
The secure style sheath has a "clip" that can fall out and then it wont hold the knife. I had to make a sheath for it
Gawd, I mean, any weapon would make you feel safer in "big game" country I guess versus being armed with nothing. But I would hate having to use that, what a terrifying situation. And to think our ancestors did it pretty frequently.
Doesn't take away the validity of it being formidable, just.... Think about that!?!?
I don't know.....you put this knife on a solid 6" pole and you get a whole new impression of whats possible. I mean, its a very dangerous piece of gear when its a spear. I've spent years in grizzly country carrying a .44 mag.....and you never feel totally comfortable....but aside from guns, this would be the next best thing.
i feel like calling the option of having a spear "novelty" is a bit reductive. Think about how important the spear was to our ancestors survival. say your bullets are wet, your bow string snapped or maybe popping off shots might attract unwanted attention. having a quiet way to bag something that can be as big as a hog without expending perishable ammunition could be life saving. not to mention how much easier itd be just to defend against wildlife. if you just had a knife against even an angry Buck youd quickly learn how squishy you are. A spear evens things up a bit.
Dont get me wrong...spears are not a novelty. And this makes a solid spear. I think it would be pretty rare to "need" a spear in the modern world, or having a clear oppertuntity to use one in the field...and making a successful kill. For protection at close range its nearly as good as a pistol.
@@Bushradical Easy to say that when you live in America, but in countries you cannot get a firearm for long range defense a spear keeps the enemy at a distance.
Back in the Middle Ages this sort of thing was used to defend against knight on horseback. You would plant the end of the spear in the ground and let the knight run into the blade and hope he didn't have time to carve you up instead.
The Masai use a similar long spear to kill lions charging at them. I'd rather not, thanks.
right!
I think I just watched the primal part of your brain turn on when you attached the blade to the haft.
A spear in kodiak country wouldn’t be invalidated I don’t think
Is it weird that I'm now humming "in the jungle"?
It makes me think of Jungle love by Steve Miller.
@@Bushradical excellent tune!