Cudeman Bowie 106M: Can I Love a Hollow Ground Blade?

[@mazyarkanani6708]

Nice Spanish tradition. I’m surprised all those Spanish blades aren’t more popular. They do a huge range of nice looking blades

[@onesky8647]

I own that knife and I did not regret getting it. :) Cudeman, Joker, Muela and even iField are quite popular Spanish knife makers. Let’s not forget the Italians either, even though the Roman empire is long gone.😅

[@garagemetalshop7975]

Thank you for this review. I bought the Model 299B Boina Verde made with Bohler N695 with 58 HRC and have used it for years. The original ones designed by Angel Corts and made since the 90s. Seems like some Spanish soldiers used them in various Middle East deployments. I bought this Bowie and find it too big and heavy for most things. Maybe it would be a good fighting knife.

[@garagemetalshop7975]

One question, I found the micarta scales to be a bit slippery for such a heavy knife and nothing at the pommel to keep it from sliding out on the draw, did you? I see you made a reference to this when talking about transitioning. Maybe remedy this by grinding tang and scales to make a slight belly and quillon at the end? Scratching my head, it’s too big and heavy to be a skinner, I thought maybe for fighting and slicing food, but that edge will roll fast. Your testing seems to indicate that it isn’t as delicate as I thought, however. Love your fighting demonstration! I have an Aitor Cuchillo Montero that feels good but has a stick tang and not as sturdy and solid as this beautiful hunk of steel.

[@michaelrizzo5523]

I did reshape the grip somewhat, gave it some taper at the top and flair at the bottom. You could also cut some texture into it. I just roughed mine up a bit.

[@powerplay4real174]

That's is a exceptional Hollow Grounded Blade ,and I seen some camp task testing done on another channel,but the Martial Point of view is always very important to me and that knife as a Bowie is a winner even with the type edge it has. Thanks for your review Mike. 👍

[@michaelrizzo5523]

I do really like the way it feels in hand.

[@richardrudy2834]

Damn , just about took half of my mustache off when you whipped that bad boy out 😂😂😂. great video thanks for sharing bud.

[@estebanchiadote.9174]

Haha😂😂..you right.!!!

[@cooperbryant785]

How do you not have a half million subs. I love your videos.

[@michaelrizzo5523]

Thanks! Working on it...

[@chadthunderd1ck734]

Really nice slicer just cut about 1/2 way to the bone on my thumb would recommend the knife

[@michaelrizzo5523]

The stag model got me good. Scary sharp.

[@outlawsamurai47]

Mike liking a hollow grind the damn world is going to end I never thought I'd here this 2:48

[@michaelrizzo5523]

Shocking, I know. Maybe I've just had too many disappointing butterknives that I can't resharpen because of the grind angle, or couldn't cut through anything with because they'd just get stuck in the media.

[@outlawsamurai47]

@@michaelrizzo5523 just use a workshop my dude just use a worksharp that bastard will put an edge on anything

[@ralph3711]

Great and honest review. I bought the stag handle version 106-C. Same issues as you described, otherwise solidly built quality. Besides the sharp edges of the guard, I feel it could have been fit better to the tang. The handle scales are absolutely flush, but when I'm looking from the blade towards the guard, I see gaps on the sides between guard and tang and the shoulders of the blade aren't sitting completely flush on the flat face of the guard (all gaps are about paper thin, but still). As for now everything seems tight, but I'm wondering If I'm the only one with this issue? Hope the guard won't start rattling after some use. Otherwise beautiful knives.

[@CutleryNovice]

Thoughts compared to a Cold Steel Laredo?

[@michaelrizzo5523]

I can't speak to the 3V or earlier versions of the Laredo, but I like this knife much better overall, and it's been good for utility use as well. Solid, full tang, good ergos for me, feels substantial but not sluggish in hand. The Laredo is longer and more nimble as a fighter, but I'm still getting that cable tang "buzz" in the grip when I target cut with it.

[@CutleryNovice]

@@michaelrizzo5523 Thanks for the info. I carry large bowies in place of guns for self-defense, so I'm always looking for new options, which do you consider the higher quality knife in terms of build and fit and finish?

[@michaelrizzo5523]

@@CutleryNovice I wasn't terribly impressed with the finish of the 4034 Laredo, but I've heard the 3V version is much better. As a fighter, the Laredo is probably superior in terms of speed and better penetration, and the false edge comes sharp. The Cudeman has more chop and belly slash, better edge. Depends on if you like a chopper or a stabber martially speaking.

[@MrEdium]

The Spanish are Renowned knife fighters so it's no surprise that it's a Great knife. Hope you enjoy it. 🐘

[@michaelrizzo5523]

It is a favorite!

[@minnesota-hk1vp]

Thank You for sharing!

[@Jussydergraf]

Just ordered the Cudeman 107 M Bowie. I try it for heavy use. Lets see if it holds up.

[@michaelrizzo5523]

Let me know what you think when you get it.

[@Jussydergraf]

@@michaelrizzo5523 The Knife arrived. Iam very impressed. Very nice balance. Perfect size for my taste. Not to heavy, but solid. I‘ll do a hardcore test tomorrow in the woods.

[@jorgefernandez6407]

Sorry to hear (and see) about your problems with the sheath. I'm wondering if it's a fluke! This is one of my favorite Bowie's. So needless to say I really enjoyed seeing this video and watching the knife pass, with flying colors!!! I was pretty surprised too at the bamboo results cause I thought for sure the edge would give in one way or the other... DAMN, it didn't and still, "paper cuttin' sharp"!!! You made me like my Cudeman even more Mike! GREAT video!!!

[@michaelrizzo5523]

Thanks, my friend! The sheath has been breaking in with a little stretching over time, and then I'll repair the stitching, but I'm still looking at other options. I REALLY like the knife. It's become one of my favorites too, enough that I just ordered another.

[@jorgefernandez6407]

@@michaelrizzo5523 "Excellent"!!! If I was to go hiking or camping (which I rarely do, if ever lol) then this knife, is one of the "very few" that I trust enough to take! I do my camping mostly on concrete, lol...

[@The8thCharacter]

Do you think you'll ever review a Buck 119? That's also a hollow-ground bowie-style fixed blade. People often bag on its choice of 420HC (although it's also pointed out that Buck's 420HC is very good).

[@michaelrizzo5523]

My biggest issue with the Bucks are the slippy standard black grips and the aluminum fittings--I have a lifelong curse around anything aluminum: even if I'm just carrying it and not using it, within about a week it looks like it got dragged behind a truck and dropped down a garbage disposal. No idea how. (Similar reason why I don't wear a watch: the crystal will last maybe a few days.) Otherwise, I had one a long long time ago and wasn't fond of the hollow ground blade, weight and profile. I may need to give them another chance after all this time.

[@kenearl9487]

Mike, what do you use to round off the sharp edges?

[@michaelrizzo5523]

I can reach some of the sharp corners with my 1X30 belt sander, otherwise it's hand filing and sanding.

[@JCOwens-zq6fd]

I like hollow grinds, depending on what im doing that is. If done right they have their advantages in certain situations. Partucularly good for cutting through clothing/ flesh while, as well as saving on overall wieght w/o making the edge too weak. However like all things to do with blades it is a trade off.

[@michaelrizzo5523]

I think I've just had some sub-par hollow grinds that turned me off (Cold Steel included).

[@matthiascarroll1924]

Slightly off topic but have you much consideration for serrations on a knife like this? I recently seen a video by Tom Veff where he put his serrations on the upper false edge of a CRKT Kuk, and I think it might provide some utility as well as cutting power for those hooking cuts.

[@michaelrizzo5523]

I have an old Gerber Command II with a serrated false edge. I wondered what the thought process there was until I learned to appreciate those back cuts. So, yes, I can see where that could make these thicker back edges more effective.

[@matthiascarroll1924]

@@michaelrizzo5523 Nice! I've always liked the look of the Gerber pattern, seen an old Mark II with the canted blade but they are well outside my price range.

[@dannymcdaniel1652]

I have been watching you for a while and I have ordered this knife just to see for myself 😂 what's have I got to lose 😂

[@michaelrizzo5523]

About a hundred bucks. But I still really like this knife, it's one of my favorite big Bowies. Let me know what you think when you get it!

[@maxb.4567]

I handled almost all current production bowies you can get for 400 bucks or less. The Cudeman 106 and 107 are ok-ish budget blades. I chopped and batoned a lot with my 106m, and it seemed surprisingly undestructable. But the edge holding with serious cutting is just not good, I needed to touch up the edge constantly to keep it going. The sheath worked well for me after a week or so.

[@michaelrizzo5523]

Sheath is breaking in. I was a little concerned with the MOVA/4116 steel as specs say it doesn't get above 57HRC and is generally rated as an okay but not fantastic steel especially for hard-use knives.

[@maxb.4567]

Yeah, that is what I know about the steel aswell. So I was very surprised as I delimbed several fallen down trees using the knife with brute force and there was no damage, as you discovered as well. But Start breaking down cardboarrd and the edge is gone in no time. As a budget fighter, I can still recommend the 106/107. In his price range you could also get the ontario sp10, an even stronger knife, but it requires a different style to use it for defensive purpouses.

[@maxb.4567]

Also, I really enjoy your videos. Thank you for all the hours you put into this and the money spend on knives. Really appreciate it!

[@michaelrizzo5523]

@@maxb.4567 I'm afraid I may have missed out on the SP10 as it doesn't seem to be available anymore.

[@JamesThomas-gg6il]

It os definitely a good looking knife. Im with you on the hollow ground blades. Even though this one didnt roll the edge, im betting it will faster than a convex but as for a martial blade i really think its pretty good, i will habe to check them out myself.

[@michaelrizzo5523]

I wouldn't use it for a lot of chopping, but it's a lot better than I expected.

[@chrisw7248]

While it's not a big martial knife, I have a Muela 6 1/8 inch blade bowie with cocobolo wood handle that has been in my collection for the last 17 years. they are a little o nthe expensive side (well at least here in Australia). like your cudeman it is in a Mova steel . I find it to be very durable, nimble in the hand. it could be very interesting to see what a larger Muela bowie would be like.

[@michaelrizzo5523]

Muela is on my list to check out.

[@ricosuave7102]

I’ve never been a fan of hollow grind blades. I have a Buck 119 Special and it did well cutting steak 🥩 but having a large Bowie with a hollow grind doesn’t seem like it will hold up well, even if it’s made by a reputable company. I would use large Bowie knives for fighting,survival and hunting so I prefer a Sabre grind.

[@michaelrizzo5523]

Saber is definitely better for chopping.

[@richardhenry1969]

Guess the Spanish know a thing or two about knife steel. The one thing i can say is they make some beautiful blades. I have much more faith buying from a Spanish company then made in China. Maybe im bias or maybe im once bitten twice shy, to steal a great phrase. Great video as always

[@michaelrizzo5523]

They seem to have generally good quality, materials and attention to detail. I'm trying some more.

[@stephenpatton8690]

Dude. 100 bucks. I just bought one for A HUNDRED BUCKS!!! If it diesnt break in half when cutting, review over.

[@michaelrizzo5523]

That's a really good price! And mine's held up to some hard use.

[@dannymcdaniel1652]

I'm here again to watch this a second time and 😂

[@eduvaldes1094]

Spanish steel and toledos sword are de the best in the world .. Im laughing when you said giving a chance ... do you know that navy seals utility knife in first irak war was produced in spain by Marto???😀😀

[@eugenevictortooms4174]

A lot of Spanish knives are junk, made from garbage steels. Some are okay, but many aren't.

[@mariaconcepcionrodriguezhe2850]

Note on spanish sheaths: they are not leather! Thats why they paint them brown or black. Im no expert but by looking it seems to be minced leather offcuts glued together (forgot the name) Pretty scummy iyam

[@michaelrizzo5523]

Making modifications to some of them, yes, they are basically the "chipboard" equivalent of leather.

[@mariaconcepcionrodriguezhe2850]

​@@michaelrizzo5523yeah its a real shame. Heres a tip since i see youre into spanish bowies: dont buy the j&v brand bowie😅

[@michaelrizzo5523]

@@mariaconcepcionrodriguezhe2850 Thanks! Yeah, I was just looking at their products. Some sites say they're a 3 year old startup and others that they've been around for 70 years. Some folks leave Joker or Cudeman and start their own thing? I'm not sure I could take something called an "Adventure Knife" seriously.

[@dannymcdaniel1652]

Ok I reckon I should say this 😂I got one and I am pleased with it 🫣it handles well and easy to sharpen..🎉 Thanks for turning me on to this knife ❤

[@michaelcohen9740]

I like your videos but imo you overthink this one,it's a magnificent Bowie with a beautiful leather sheath and I paid $100 for it ,so please don't be so critical over a $100 knife😢

[@michaelrizzo5523]

It's actually one of my favorite knives. Changed my mind about hollow ground blades.