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The Cold Steel Bushman is a versatile survival knife that combines robust construction with practical features. Our review examines its performance in real-world scenarios, from wilderness camping to self-defense situations.

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Reviews

Odin Outdoorsman Brouk & Co. 12 in 1 Tool

Equipped with an impressive array of 12 interchangeable tools including an axe, saw, and hammer, this durable stainless steel outdoor companion is more than just a handy camping tool. The six-in-one blade system transforms this compact survival gadget into a versatile helper for any wilderness adventure. The convenient black-finished tool features a red-accented handle that doubles as an emergency signaling device, while the included belt pouch keeps it secure and accessible for your next great outdoors excursion.

Fox Knives Bushman Fixed Blade Knife

The FoxKnives BUSHMAN combines a razor-sharp D2 steel blade with a durable green micarta handle for a versatile outdoor tool that excels at heavy-duty tasks. At just 380 grams, this 15.8cm fixed blade knife feels surprisingly light for its robust build, making it an practical addition to any backpack or tool kit. With its proven performance and solid craftsmanship, the BUSHMAN delivers the reliability you need for camping, hiking, or any adventure where you need a trusty cutting tool.

Cold Steel 89PA Pole Axe

Combining historical prowess with modern craftsmanship, this drop-forged carbon steel pole axe delivers exceptional reach and cutting power. The heavy wooden handle provides a secure grip, though some assembly issues have been reported. Widely praised for its sharp blade and robust construction, it's equally effective as a versatile tool or military-style weapon.

High Carbon Damascus Steel Bowie Knife

This cold steel Bowie knife stands out with its 14-inch folded patterned Damascus blade and robust rams horn handle. Reviewers have awarded it top marks, with one mentioning they'd recommend it to everyone who tries it. The solid build quality and impressive craftsmanship make it a standout piece in any knife collection.

Cold Steel 90AWH Weeping Heart Hawk

With a solid hickory handle and 1055 carbon steel head, this chopping ax delivers the performance you'd expect from Cold Steel. At just over 1.7 pounds, it feels surprisingly light and nimble for its size. While some users have noted issues with the handle retention, the razor-sharp blade and durable construction make it a practical choice for woodcutting tasks.

Cold Steel CS-90QC Hudson Bay Camp Hatchet

This compact hatchet packs surprisingly generous cutting power into its manageable size, with a proven blade design that's earned praise from users over countless camping trips. Made from durable 1055 carbon steel with a secure locking mechanism, it's built to last through rough outdoor conditions. The American hickory handle provides a comfortable grip while keeping the tool's weight practical for extended use.

Cold Steel 90QA Hudson Bay Tomahawk

Crafted from American hickory with a high-carbon steel blade, this axe packs serious weight at 792 grams while keeping the total length manageable at 55.5 cm. The natural wood handle needs some custom shaping for optimal grip, but once you've tuned it to your liking, this Cold Steel axe delivers exceptional performance for cutting wood.

Cold Steel RIFLEMANS Hawk Tomahawk

Forged from tough 1055 carbon steel, these tomahawks combine a battle-ready design with practical functionality. The precision-forged blade features both cutting and hammer faces, while the American hickory handle provides excellent grip and balance. Whether you're chopping wood, splitting kindling, or crafting in the wilderness, these Cold Steel hawks offer durability and performance that shines through with regular use.

Superior Bushcraft Knife with High Carbon Damascus Steel

This high-carbon Damascus steel bushcraft knife combines sharp performance with handsome craftsmanship. The beautiful blade pattern and solid handle make it a pleasure to use for outdoor tasks. The gift recipient in my story absolutely loved it.

Cold Steel 91PBX Heavy Duty Cane

This heavy-duty cane combines remarkable strength with surprisingly light weight, featuring a 2mm aluminum shaft that's heat-treated for durability. The partially crooked nylon handle provides a secure grip, while the rubber ferrule ensures excellent traction on uneven terrain. At 37.5 inches long, it offers ample support, though some users may need to shorten it to their preferred length.

Cold Steel Bushman Fixed Blade Knife

These versatile survival knives combine impressive durability with razor-sharp edges. The single-piece forged steel construction ensures a solid grip and reliable performance, while the reversible handle design lets you customize your grip or turn it into a spear. Whether you're camping, hunting, or just around the house, these knives prove their worth time and again.

Cold Steel Bowie Bushman Knife

This sturdy survival knife packs serious durability in a surprisingly lightweight package. The single-piece SK-5 steel blade, forged for razor-sharp edges, delivers unparalleled performance whether you're skinning game, chopping wood, or fashioning emergency shelter. The sleek, 7-inch blade disappears into the solid handle when not in use, while the included plastic sheath keeps it secure and the built-in ferro rod makes starting fires a breeze.

Buyer's Guide

The Cold Steel Bushman series combines functionality with affordability, making it a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts and casual blade users. Understanding key aspects of these knives will help you select one that meets your needs and preferences.

Materials and Construction

The blade typically features high-quality stainless steel for durability and corrosion resistance. Look for knives with full-tang construction for better balance and durability. The handle should provide positive grip in various conditions, often featuring textured polymer or G10 materials.

Size and Weight

Bushman knives come in several sizes, from pocket-friendly options to larger fixed-blade models. Consider your intended use: smaller blades are ideal for everyday carry, while larger knives offer more cutting power for outdoor and camping tasks.

Blade Design

Common blade profiles include drop point, clip point, and sheepsfoot designs. Drop point blades offer a good balance of penetration and tip strength, while clip point blades are excellent for precision work. Sheepsfoot blades provide exceptional thumb pressure and are popular for skinning and filleting.

. additional Features

Many Bushman models include practical features like lanyard loops, finger grooves, and leather sheaths. The lock mechanism (if present) should be reliable and user-friendly. Some versions feature reversible blades or dual blade designs for versatility.

FAQ

What is the Cold Steel Bushman?

The Cold Steel Bushman is a comprehensive series of tactical and survival knives known for their practical design and durable construction. The series includes various models, each tailored for different uses, from everyday carry to heavy-duty bushcraft.

The knives feature a drop-point blade design with either 440C stainless steel or modified 1095 carbon steel blades, depending on the specific model. The handle materials range from G10 composite to dual materials combining glass-reinforced nylon and stainless steel.

What are the different models available?

The Cold Steel Bushman line includes several models, each with specific features and blade lengths. The most popular models include the Bushman II (3.5" blade), Bushman Elite (4.1" blade), and Bushman Pro (4.4" blade).

Each model offers distinct improvements over the basic Bushman, including enhanced blade steels, improved handle designs, and additional features like lanyard holes and dual-purpose blades.

What are the key features of the Bushman series?

The Cold Steel Bushman knives are known for their robust construction and practical design elements. Key features include full-tang blade construction, secure lockback or liner-lock mechanisms, and durable G10 or stainless steel handles.

Most models include ambidextrous blade grooves, lanyard points, and reversible pocket clips for versatile carry options. The series balances aggression and reliability, making it suitable for both professional use and serious outdoor enthusiasts.

What kind of blade steels are used?

Blade steels vary by model but typically include 440C stainless steel, which offers good corrosion resistance and edge retention, or modified 1095 carbon steel, which provides superior edge hold and ease of sharpening.

High-end models feature specialized steels like M390, S30V, or CPM-S90V, offering superior wear resistance and edge retention for demanding applications.

How does the handle construction affect grip and durability?

Handle materials range from durable G10 composite for the Bushman II and Elite to dual-material designs in the Pro model, combining glass-reinforced nylon with stainless steel for enhanced durability and weight distribution.

The handle designs incorporate ambidextrous blade grooves, improved finger groove patterns, and ergonomically placed texture for secure grip in all conditions. The specific material and design choice depend on the intended use and model variant.

Are these knives legal to own in my state?

Laws regarding knife ownership vary by location, so it's important to check your specific state or local regulations before purchasing. Cold Steel Bushman knives generally fall under legal definitions for tactical and survival knives.

The basic models are suitable for general carry, while some high-end variants with modified blade lengths might require specific permits or registration in certain jurisdictions.