Cold Steel Bushman 2023 Test: What Could Go Wrong?? - Preparedmind101

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[@mikewashington-se6qw]

Been buying/using Cold Steel products since the '80s. My old Bushman is tough& resilient as hell! Always said Cold Steel knives where worth more than you paid. Cant say that anymore. Watching that was like getting news that your good friend has a terminal illness. ALL REVERSE FULL! Right the ship or sink, Cold Steel!

[@ParrishJMiller]

We all knew Cold Steel was going to go downhill once the company was sold, and we're seeing it happen more and more as time goes on. Sad.

[@jameswysocki6806]

I was worried about what would happen after Lynn Thompson sold Cold Steel. Looking at their knives in magazines and catalogs when I was a kid is what started my obsession with knives. I own several Cold Steels knives from the 90s to 2020s, and it's sad to think I may never purchase another one.

[@MB-jg4tr]

Grab some duplicates of your favorites to put away. Their higher end models are still solid(for now).

[@kyleb4151]

Please keep in mind, gentlemen, that the China produced bushman knives that have the old Cold Steel logo on them are still very good. Glad I stocked up on them before this batch.

[@willames363]

Thank you for being real Chris. Cold Steel has gone awful

[@thegreyghost2789]

Another thing I noticed was the handle seam has returned to its original form, just butted and not welded. Mine from 2014, has a welded seam. The early ones were just butted after forming, then they began welding the seam and now they've gone back to the original form, undoubtedly to save money. This is a real shame. Anyone who has older Cold Steel knives should hang on to them.

[@Elamori]

Thanks for this. I was just about to buy Bushman Bowie, but I think I'll save my money for something else... What a shame, Huusk Steel Bushman 2023.

[@digi63]

Great review and look back at the old test. We need to see this. As a long time cold steel knife buyer I had my concerns when the company was sold. A couple of years ago Lynn Thompson and cold steel put a video on youtube titled, "Cold Steel Address by Lynn Thompson" where Lynn assured us that he was still involved and the quality will not go down. I hope Lynn Thompson sees your video as well as the new owner Eddie Castro the CEO and President of GSM Outdoors.

[@yankee23a]

Lynn doesnt give a flying F$%#......its obviously all about money and he said what he was paid to say....sad how that may be. Everyone has a price at the end of the day and he bowed to his new masters.....not his loyal client base and supporters who kept him in business over all the years.

[@matthewhebbert9712]

I used to be a CS fanboy. I've got probably 100 CS products, from tons of various folders, to multiple shovels, to axes and hatchets, to a buttload of machetes, to a grip of throwing knives and stars, to canes and staves, to several spears, and I've never had anything but great experiences with the products, no matter how hard I beat the tar out of them. Haven't bought any since they sold out, and now I'm glad I didn’t. 😢

[@stevepenney2073]

Cold steel was my go to for about every blade.Lynn Thompson made it it into the best knife company in the world.Thank You for informing us.

[@philbrotherton5720]

What a shame, although it could just be from a bad batch? My Bushman Bowie saved my life back in 2015 when I was attacked by a pack of feral dogs at night whilst camping. I'd fortunately had the foresight to attach it to a branch the previous evening. I've got two of the old ones & now I'm wishing that I'd bought more.

[@morisdrion4540]

After seeing the video, I tested my CS Bushman by clamping the tip of the knife in a vise and bending it more than 45 degrees in both directions, on several occasions, it passed the test. Then I found the box in which I received it when I bought it (2009.), and on the box there is a declaration from the importer for Serbia that the knife was imported to Serbia in 2008. The knife was also made in China, but it was clearly a different time when CS was really CS.

[@jarvisskooge8602]

I’ve owned one for almost 15 years. The older versions had a welded seam on the handle & were very springy. You really need gloves/eye/face protection… that could have gotten really ugly, really fast. Take care!

[@ARAW-__-]

Used one 10 years ago, it was great. Just ordered one to play with... I'm pretty sure it'll be the new version. 😢

[@michaelhernandez410]

Glad I kept my old one.

[@4449John]

Ya know what? I made a sad discovery about the new Cold Steel as well. This was on a pair of the Taiwanese made SR-1 Lite's. Back in the day, I used to gently bend the pocket clips on Cold Steel knives to help save my pants pockets from being eaten up too quickly. Never an issue when the outfit was here in Ventura. Well I ordered a couple SR-1 Lite's from my local dealer, went to make the same adjustment I'd made many times before, and both clips actually shattered in the process. Like I said, I'd done this before, but there was no heat treat or something had changed with the current clips; they both failed right at the lower bends. What was even more special, the new wonderful folks in TEXAS refused to sell me two more clips. I mean I wanted to just buy the clips, not get free clips, and they said no way. Fortunately, I discovered titanium deep carry clips from a guy in the area, and that solved my dilemma. So I'm certain that CS is cutting corners, your near disaster here just shows me how many corners the new owners are cutting. I have a bunch of CS knives going back quite a while, but I'm now officially wary of buying any more at this time. This is a very sad turn of events.

[@claypoole702]

I purposefully only buy Cold Steel pre-2000. Even rusted and left for dead, i could restore it and it would probably do better than these newer knives.

[@MB-jg4tr]

Their Recon 1 in s35vn is still great, probably the best iteration of the model. A lot of their products have suffered indeed, but there's still some good ones(for now). Guess we'll see how long it takes.

[@jeffslaven]

I remember your original review of this knife, and really liked it. It's actually heart breaking to see the cost cutting measures that this company has taken by sacrificing quality. Lyn C. Thompson would have never signed off on anything that didn't live up to his personal standards. Shameful!

[@k1m6a11]

Yeah but he did sign off on it.

[@marksaint2936]

Cold steel needs to come out with a tester's helmet and goggle set....made in Taiwan.

[@johnpetry6753]

I remember when they used to weld the seam on the handle. Now you get a pinch point as well.

[@republicjim120]

Eleven years ago when I joined SAR and had no money to buy quality gear, that was the first fixed-blade knife I bought. I wrapped the handle for better grip and squared up the spine for striking sparks, but otherwise used it as made. It served me well for several years until I upgraded to a Jääkäripuukko 140. I still have the Bushman as my Jeep knife, and occasionally use and abuse it. Absolutely bulletproof knife for $20! So sad to see they have now ruined it, and I'm glad I got mine when they were good.

[@juliobalmaseda7527]

I have batoned my bushman into a log so knotty i had to chase it with a wedge to get it back. I recently played with the idea of getting a handful to stockpile. Thanks for saving me money and heartache. So sad to see another one bite the dust

[@PMK7734]

I'm glad I bought a bunch of them over ten years ago.

[@qui-gone]

So in retrospect, it's good that I purchased two of these back in 2014.

[@Circa1664]

My Cold Steel purchases from the past year or so: AD10 Lite Tanto - Its a beast. No issues with hard use. Roach Belly - Amazing value, awesome blade shape and probably my favorite "kitchen knife." Commercial pairing knife - I let someone use it and they broke the tip off before I ever tried it. One and done. Pendleton Lite Hunter - I use it for food/game processing. Works well. SRK SK5 - I took it out the day it arrived and chopped a smallish grapevine with it and it got 3 chips in it. Very disappointed after hearing great things. My BPS carbon is waaaay better. Was going to get the San Mai if I liked it. Wakizashi machete - Doesn't hold an edge. I might have messed it up with a pull-through sharpener though.

[@preparedmind101]

The machete takes work. I have the full size katana one. Ken Onion Blade Grinder and ceramic rod. It'll take your head off. There can be only one!

[@KawikaLee408]

i was thinking about getting one of these as a christmas gift. glad i was able to find an updated review. ''vintage'' bushman knives on ebay are selling for over double the msrp of brand new ones

[@bdwillis8284]

I have one that over 20 years old. It’s been a beast.

[@jeremyreed1729]

I was planning on buying one of these. Not now.... glad I found your video.

[@matthewmarek1467]

I've been on a "No Chinesium" buying policy for the last 3.5+ years. This coverage makes me feel good in my choices. I buy fewer, but better researched blades overall. Keep the Taiwan made Cold Steel coming.

[@duanerogers1166]

Thank God I have an old model bushman

[@eachday9538]

I'd say it snapped at the handle transition first, then the blade sprung forward and snapped the tip off in the other direction

[@JohnSmith-gs4lw]

What that CS video didn’t explain is that you have to bend it TOWARDS the open side of the tube handle, not away from it like you did. (For the humor impaired, that was a joke)

[@brianf9619]

Thats why I told everyone to buy all the Cold Steel Knives that you every wanted Before they were Sold , I knew they would Never be the same R.I.P. Cold Steel .... 😪😥🤧😭

[@TimBryan-tt2ty]

Still have my Taiwan bushman, going to have to make a sheath for it someday..

[@henryhill6126]

Chris, you are a fair reviewer. That grain was to course, like sand. It should be much finer for 1055. The heat treat looks like it was too hot and the temper was too low. Spring temper for 1055 is 600 degrees Fahrenheit but they probably did the cheaper 350 degrees. Also, please take care of your health. You look different than you did in earlier videos. Take care and best wishes.

[@brazzy1467]

I still have two of the old ones and they have taken a beating and still going strong.

[@OldScratch81]

I got one in march along with a new mora robust , both are still in great shape after a summer of beating them

[@escapetherace1943]

yeah he might have got a bad one

[@kevinschmith9379]

I think maybe the heat treat was off a little

[@Trevlee74]

What did Lin say when he sold the company? Oh, I remember: “Nothing will change”.

[@Julian-bq9qv]

LOL!!!

[@johna6291]

The good old days of Cold Steel are long gone.

[@JCOwens-zq6fd]

Going to have to change the name to "Brittle Steel" they keep this up. Every time a company sells out like that this happens.

[@borgir8388]

With the abbreviation being BS. How fitting :)

[@longrider42]

That knife is an emergency spear, plain and simple. Not for chopping or wood splitting. I have had one for some time, and its a good medium weight general purpose knife/ Emergency spear.

[@scottsyoutubeworld1824]

Great video. And I actually love the sounds of kids having fun in the background. But what a disappointment in the Bushman. I guess the question now is, how is the Cold Steel warranty? Will they provide a replacement?

[@kaylamarie8309]

I figured when Lynn Thompson sold Cold Steel that the new company would cheap out on materials and Quality Control would go to Hell. I am not surprised. I bought 2 of the Bushman Bowie's a few years back, pretty good knives. I recently bought a regular Bushman off of Amazon so now I know not to put it to extremely hard use . It is sad when new companies procure established companies and immediately screw up tried and time tested good products. I guess I won't be buying any of the new CS stuff, at least not until they get back to making quality a priority over profits.

[@unitedstatesirie7431]

I was afraid of the same thing when Lynn Thompson left the company.

[@kaylamarie8309]

@@unitedstatesirie7431 yeah. I guess he's just enjoying retirement now. Never Unarmed seems to be over with.

[@Demosophist]

I have two Kai knives, a Shun and a Kershaw, both of which broke. In both cases I had come back to the cutting table and found them broken so I never knew what actually happened to the tip. I suppose it's possible that they broke while doing food prep, which is all I used them for, and I ate the tips or something.

[@Johnny-rj9on]

5:28 broke my heart

[@johnniewalker3134]

Never really liked cold steel except the Finnwolf and thats pretty much it.

[@adrianfytr35]

I was NOT expecting that 😮. Dangit i hate being so late to the Cold Steel party. I just started my collection less than a year ago. Looks like i better get some remaining models before its all new stuff. Thanks alot GSM😐.

[@preparedmind101]

The Taiwan made budget stuff is still solid (SRK/SRK-C)

[@bdub0983]

Idk man, these blades are very thin, always were. Putting a 90 degree angle on the tip is gonna break most thin, bendy blades

[@tedspang1945]

Thanks for helping me Dodge that bullet.

[@nerahwolena8686]

I actually had zero idea that Cold Steel sold and I am so glad I have not bought another product from them. I have a bunch of old knives from them I bought ever since I started my collection and now I know they are not worth the price tag anymore. I will be taking care of my current and avoiding anything new. So sad to hear that someone who was as vocal as Lynn now gets to watch his life's work sink. This now begs the question for me: What company should someone go to if they want an effective budget knife? Cold Steel and Schrade are both having obvious quality issues. Who does that leave?

[@billclancy4913]

"Snappy McSnaperson" LOL Now I've got to dig out my old one and play with it.

[@GutiTheJ]

LOL man it didnt even look like you were trying.... On the very first test wow

[@Wideranger]

Never seen a double break before. Loving the location shift arounds as well.

[@jesseadams45]

It happens almost every time I break really dry dead pine branches, I started noticing that a middle chunk would just go flying. So, it seems, these are the same, super brittle, so when they snap, the middle pops out. At least that's my take.

[@czed7515]

Spaghetti noodles break like that also. There's a science to it. Something about vibrations or something

[@robertfleming387]

Thnx for the test, but I wlkd away from cold steel in the early 90s, I watched a video at a gun store, got all jazzed up and bought a cold steel folder, went right home and hit my vice like they said it could handle, knocked a good size chunk outta the blade. Still have it somewhere but cursed em and never bought another..I buy Amercan..👊Essee

[@Julian-bq9qv]

Sorry but LMAO at "I'm gonna... JEEEEZUS!!!" Glad you are OK!!!

[@SpringheelMac]

JoeX has a KZbin channel where he legitimately torture tests blades. People give him crap for it, but it is precisely his tests that got me to buy blades that I know won't fail. Believe it or not, the Cold Steel.machetes, made in South Africa, are some of the toughest blades he has tested. (But he has also destroyed their Chinese blades, as you have done here). I recommend his channel for informed future purchases. The machetes really are on another level.

[@PumatoneStudios]

I use Cold Steel’s South African made machetes at my job as a groundskeeper. Their 1055 steel is indeed bulletproof, but that doesn’t necessarily make it a good steel for the intended use. I love JoeX videos, but seriously, he’s only destroying shit, and that’s a dumb thing to base your opinion on. Those machetes aren’t on “another level”. They’re just soft and rusty.

[@SpringheelMac]

@@PumatoneStudios 🤔 we must be watching different videos. He literally COULDN'T destroy this machete. It was enough to get me to buy one, then look at his videos for other models. How exactly is this a dumb thing to base my opinion on? kzbin.info/www/bejne/fH_Xgmptlq6ahc0si=JcXcA9pjNjhjBzVX

[@SpringheelMac]

Replied to you with a link and KZbin shadowbanned it. Search for "JoeX Jungle machete". He has also tested the other cold steel machete with similar results.

[@SpringheelMac]

@@PumatoneStudios kzbin.info/www/bejne/fH_Xgmptlq6ahc0si=2NWwOQTNDL-qFGUb

[@SpringheelMac]

@@PumatoneStudios @PumatoneStudios 🤔 we must be watching different videos. He literally COULDN'T destroy this machete. It was enough to get me to buy one, then look at his videos for other models. How exactly is this a dumb thing to base my opinion on?

[@ThomasConnolly]

This Cold Steel blade had absolutely no flexibility compared to the original you had 10 years ago.

[@babyrabies]

I noticed the chinese one looks brittle and stiff as hell when you tried to bend it. Doesnt look like it flexes much compared to your old one. Its like totally different knives. Is this a heat treatment problem or just different steel altogether?

[@mysticforge369]

Good thing I saw this I was about to get one. Not anymore.

[@jcb6713]

dang !!!! safety glasses; just in case...have a great weekend....

[@zr1pja]

Made a nice sound

[@barryf7253]

This amazing knife is heat treated using the same process that orcs in Mordor use for their legendary blades....

[@ThomasConnolly]

This Cold Steel fixblade failed because it's drop forged/stamped in a mold on a giant hydraulic press in a Chinese factory. Then Cold Steel out sourced the heat treatment of these blades to the lowest bidding heat treater, who then most likely sped through the process of heat treating hundreds if not thousands of blades at a time😬 Lynn Thompson sold out Cold Steel to a GSM Outdoors, a company that he knew would send most of it's manufacturing to China🙁

[@JAB671]

Chris Tanner: If it says Cold Steel China I wouldn't trust it as far as I could throw it. Me: And I wouldn't throw it because it will break. Seriously, I often take tip tests with a grain of salt but, as I said in the comments of your G.I. Tanto video the whole point of an American style tanto is the tip is supposed to be very strong. Well, this is even worse because the Bushman is specifically made to be able to use it as a spearhead. Stabbing or even throwing it. That is going to put a lot of stress on the blade whether throwing it, missing and having it stick in a tree or (more appropriately) stabbing it into a game animal or aggressive animal (in an emergency situation, onviously). What do you think that weak ass blade would do if it got bound up between the critters ribs and you had to work at getting it out? Or maybe lodged between a couple of vertebra? A person would be praying that one strike did the trick because their broken blade isn't going to do another. So although I can see the argument that tip tests are abuse in many cases not in this case because of the intended and advertised purpose of the knife.

[@dennisdamenace.8181]

Lynn Thompson would be fucking heartbroken.

[@MB-jg4tr]

He's living it up with his millions

[@preparedmind101]

This

[@k1m6a11]

@@preparedmind101 "This" what though? If he's truly heartbroken over his broken promise to preserve quality even as he sold the company and made bank, let him say so. Otherwise I call BS.

[@ApocGuy]

good ol quality of days long gone... all suddenly i got urge to keep my old CS on shelf, since newer ones are CRAP.

[@dicksonanthony1]

I literally have that exact knife as a backup blade in an emergency kit. That was eye-opening, to the say the least....Actually, it's relieving to have witnessed that particular limitation, to forego ignorance should I ever actually need it

[@gearaustralia8767]

I have the original Bowie and Tanto 🤙 I used the knife to shape a spear shaft and skin the bark off, then finished with sand paper. It flies like a frickin missile and the blade flexes like crazy on impact 🤘🤘 a total legend 😎✌️✌️

[@unitedstatesirie7431]

WARNING ⚠️ Do NOT buy the COLD STEEL 'Bushman' knives that have the non-welded gap in the handle.

[@T37912]

Hi, thank you for sharing this. I´ve been following you for a long time and, due to your (and others) recommendation, I bought this knife for my son a long time ago. He still uses it for all things outside, even with an extra handle, using it like a machete). Another son uses the CS Trailhawk. I am really disapointed now in the new Cold Steel but that was to expected. Kind regards Alain

[@kellywallin2641]

Holy shit. That double snap was surprising.

[@andrewhondo]

i do got there bowie i don't no if its twain or china but if mine is china mine has served me well i mean i never tried to bend it like that i mean i only ever used mine for splitting wood and camp stuff but there is a dud in every batch

[@thevirginiabushcrafter8833]

What would you expect to happen other than "Break" when mis-used. Well, at least you have an extra sheath and Ferro rod

[@joshuatempleton9556]

ok hulk with your 2.1 tons of pressure lol

[@preparedmind101]

I try to keep it on the down low... But sometimes it gets away from me.

[@richardskinner4198]

Well I am glad I found this out before buying one . I will have to check out the Schrade blades you tried ,I won't be buying Cold Steel China blades that's for sure . Such a shame they can't be trusted anymore .

[@michaelpatriots5702]

Glad my cold steels are from a few years ago. No more money spent there

[@kkutube1972]

LOL, mine is still new from back in the day. Time to get a backup.

[@troymanning3150]

Now to be truly old school we need a lawnmower. Lynn Thompson where are you!?!?

[@12lionwhelps71]

Why did you cut out the breaking scene?

[@MuvoTX]

oh snap!!

[@FARACI1]

It’s a shame, but I have seen the quality and cold steel drop significantly since they sold. And since that time I have not purchased any more Cole steel items. The old stuff is still good the new stuff in my opinion not so much.

[@Kyle-bb9zp]

Wow can't believe it. I just ordered one of theses.

[@fathersonsurvival]

Did you test yours?

[@Kyle-bb9zp]

@@fathersonsurvival I actually didn't buy it I bought the finn bear instead

[@johna6291]

I remember watching Lynn Thompson telling the camera that, while he was selling Cold Steel, the same dependability and rigorous standards would still be going into the new Cold Steel products. I had a gut hunch that would not be the case, once it was sold, and a few years down the line.

[@DDDYLN]

Exactly why I won't buy one. Finding the Taiwanese versions is difficult.

[@freewaywarrior8241]

What about their folders now Chris?

[@v.v.w.-pd3rq]

Similar story with all brands sold to chinese comunist's hands. Thanks for review. Greeting from Czech rep.

[@MrMann703]

Joe X has a destruction test he put out on the bushman 6 months ago and his took a total ass kicking, i never owned the original but i have this one and the bowie style and after watching Joe X beat the living piss out of his i will be happy with it

[@delbert3539]

Base on your early review done years ago I purchased the bush knife. Still have it, love it. I made a great looking spear and toss it every now and then and the flex is great. Man the paint has even held up. Well, I won’t buy another.

[@Rimshot1175]

Get of my lawn…. Hell I love the vibe of the video

[@Erebus.666.]

Well, we can see where GSM has been making cost reductions. Shame, as the Bushman has always been bombproof. Well, not anymore apparently....

[@JayhooOutdoors]

Vary sad I love these knives was going to get more of them but I guess it’s time to find something different

[@stevenscott9524]

I bought my GI Tanto after watching your original review, back in the Becker blade days. Too bad...

[@geraldthompson6904]

Hi Chris ,good video as always , sad to see this happen to this knife or any other knife in fact ,but it is what it it ! 'shite ' shoddy workmanship 'Cold steel' like Sharade had better get their act together if they want to stay in business & be able to compete with the up& coming WTG , However i bought one of these knives a few years ago after seeing your review on it with Will , ( never used it yet ) mine is slightly different from the one that just snapped in your review , It could be one of the old better ones ?? the sheath is the same with all the same markings etc, on it , However the knife has a welded closed handle ,no gaps , and the blade edge seems to be a sabre grind , that flows into a 3mm slight hollow grind then the blade edge , ??? could this be one of the better ones ???

[@torpilo]

They're done!

[@zednotzee7]

The Cold Steel Bushman. The knife formally known for making Knife Test Nos utter the words " " One of us is going to die, me or this knife. And right now the knife is winning... " I'm almost heartbroken to see what has become of this company ( but I did kind of think this would be the result tbh ). I'm just glad I bought my G.I Tanto and Bushman before the company was sold.

[@elvinamillaneam]

Holy s#%t Chris !!! And I was going to purchase one today... Wow, I have several cold steel budget knives, I think cold steel is off the list... I think Stick Man gotta talk to his boss... Sad....

[@duanerogers1166]

Coldsteel is letting us down

[@briargoatkilla]

Glad the old one didn't break and cut Will's throat.

[@KnifeKandy]

I don’t think it’s a bad batch. I been hearing of Cold Steel’s new budget knives are trash. Don’t sell your OG knives people, unless absolutely necessary