FALLKNIVEN Modern Bowie Versus COLD STEEL Trailmaster sanmai

Here l put two excellent laminated steel modern bowie knives up against each other in a few wood cutting tests.
/ @robevanswoodsman

[@waveman0]

here in Australia, it's not a fair comparison, the Modern Bowie retails for $1000 whereas the Trail Master (san maiIII) if you can get one is a lot less expensive. I know I bought my San MaiIII Trail Master for $300 10 years ago. For $1000 I can get a full custom knife built to whatever specs I want that will outperform the Modern Bowie. The Modern Bowie was always overpriced IMHO.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Definitely overpriced, I sold that one.

[@RaduMichael]

Fallkniven are known as scalpers and with poor warranty terms. I sent them 2 knives and they returned in the same condition. Crooks .

[@tomwheeler9244]

That stump "holding on to the material " just gave me a idea! Love the channel!

[@martyb3783]

Great comparison. Well done.

[@turtlewolfpack6061]

I can't really say I have ever seen fault with either of these knives, they aren't a style I usually carry but there is no reason to think they won't do the job.

[@Bushcraftnbaseball]

Excellent comparison video Rob. I have always wondered how the Falkniven stacked up to the Trail Master. I have used and abused my TM

[@TheDavewatts]

I have tried that feather stick method of sticking the tip of the blade in a log but instead of feathers I end up with kit kat thick curls 😂, I do like the trail master, but both knives look great.👍🏻 As you say axe and a good scandi, add a silky to the equation and that's perfection.

[@Mcdoogle221]

That Trailmaster though. I could never afford either byt if I could I'd have to go Trailmaster. I have also been watching videos on the Svord Von Temspsky bowie. The Trailmaster and Von Tempsky are definitely king of the big bowies. Great video

[@Ky2-420]

Finally someone who knows how to do a review

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Thanks, I appreciate it. Plenty more to watch.

[@j.p.4541]

Damn good video, thank you for the hard work and for posting this video.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Thanks for watching.

[@johnturner6251]

Thankx Rob

[@grahamwinter5536]

👍Great comparison Rob👌😊

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Glad you liked it

[@Orlosthedruid]

I just LIKE your vids....I think its both the content and your voice. You got a good voice for video.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Thanks , that's kind of you.

[@jurgenkrebbekx4329]

Nice comparison mate,enjoyed it a lot,totally agree with you preferring an axe and bushcraft knife of coarse or any other smaller knife 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@allensterk6190]

I ordered a saw case that your friend is making looking forward to using thanks for the recommmendation

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

He asked me last night how I ship internationally.

[@sharamkh]

Hell yeah! I’m gonna enjoy this video later today 😁

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Glad to hear it!

[@sharamkh]

Watched it. Fun! I have both and can’t decide which one I like the most 😄

[@jcarter855]

I have several Trail Master's, 2 in San Mai III, 1 in O-1, 1 in SK5, one in Carbon V, & have always loved them. I almost bought the Modern Bowie but just can't justify the high price tag even here in the states, I believe the most I paid for either san mai III TM's was $200 vs over $550+ asking price for the MB. I've always figured they are both made by the same company in Japan just different specs for each knife then add the Cold Steel or Fallkniven logo's & bam. It could very well be different companies in Japan but the outcome is the same... Anyways Great Vid sir!!

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I sold the modern bowie, my trailmasters aren't going anywhere!

[@savageater57]

I've used my Trailmaster since 1989 . I bought one of the first run manufactured it's still in excellent condition if a bit worn .

[@l.v.i.bushcraftandsurvival6692]

San Mai III Trailmasters and the Modern Bowie were both made by Hattori in Japan.

[@jcarter855]

@@l.v.i.bushcraftandsurvival6692 Thanks sir, I always figured it was just one company. They sure do know how to manufacture a quality product!!

[@l.v.i.bushcraftandsurvival6692]

@@jcarter855 They do. I did a video on my original Recon Scout, and my San Mai Trailmaster makes a short appearance 🙂You're welcome.

[@darrellfilyaw7255]

Great video the only problem I have with the Trailmaster and I have owned several is it is made in some of the worst countries in the world by top manufacturers in the countries such as China but I still love my Japanese version that I still have from the 90skeep the videos up

[@ericsierra-franco7802]

No Trail Master is made in China. The San Mai version is still produced in Japan by Hattori who also produce the Fallkniven Modern Bowie. Some older versions of the Trail Master in high carbon steels were produced in the US; and some were produced in Taiwan. The new 3V version is produced in Taiwan. Incidentally, many of Spyderco's best knives come out of their Taiwanese plant. No Trail Master is made or has ever made made in the PRC(People's Republic of China).

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

l love my Recon Scout but i would like one in sanmai.

[@user-qz8vd2lc8q]

Great comparison video. Thank you for honesty. I have seen you review a few fallkniven ( r2 scout which i own and love, as well as h1 hunter, ibalsobown and love... perhaps you helped me decide on purchasing them 😆!...) but i love that you chose the better performer which happens to be approximately 1/3 the cost... not a usual outcome on a youtube review video. I am glad you are keeping unbias and honest. Thanks again. - side note, are you still building an selling knives? Where could we find some or discuss custom builds with you?

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I don't do custom knives just my own designs, if you want one of those email me [e-mail]

[@ThirdoptionJCSU]

Trailmaster in cpm3v is the winner.

[@tikkidaddy]

If you can break a CSTM or CS Recon Scout by hand without shop tools, made out of 3V? You got a lemon or you need anger therapy😂😂 Absolute monsters😆

[@ThirdoptionJCSU]

I have only recon scout in 3v and it is absolute beast for combat/surviving apps.

[@stuartlockwood9645]

Hi Rob, two nice knives, but I'm whith you on the the axe, saw, smaller knife etc, far more efficient and versatile it's back to the old No one tool does it all , although people still try to find the holy grail of knives that they think will be all they need in the woods, at least it keeps knife makers like youself in business, lol. Cheers mate, best wishe's to you and your's, Stuart UK.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I was hoping that the Selvans was a knife that came close, less said the better.....

[@MyPlace26]

I bought the MB on the back of your and the DBK boys excellent reviews of it, its a great knife! Wish that it came with a different sheath though.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

the sheath is really well made but it hangs too low, even a removable dangler loop would be better.

[@dennisleighton2812]

That was obviously before you viewed this video (and read my comment!)! 🤣😉

[@MyPlace26]

@@dennisleighton2812 That Rob would ever consider making a sheath for the modern bowie never crossed my mind 😉

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I'd make you one , just warning you that they aren't cheap at that size, it's a lot of work.

[@MyPlace26]

@@RobEvansWoodsman Thanks Rob! Really appreciated, I’ll be in touch if the wife approves 😂

[@stevanoutdoor]

This size knives are more the 'one tool option' basically to replace a small camp knife and ax. And with practise you can peel potatoes with a machete. My go to in this style is the Ontario SP5 Bowie but I took the swedge off and made it a strong clip point. For a fraction of the cost it does everything these two can do.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I found the MB to be excellent in the kitchen!

[@stevanoutdoor]

@@RobEvansWoodsman Long time ago I made a small video where I use a Tramontina machete in the kitchen. That also works. It's the skill and not the knife.

[@marektoth7814]

I LOVE mine Trailmaster !!!...SEXIEST knife ive EVER seen !!!...VERY nice video !!!...

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

They definitely are sexy knives!!!!

[@mmiller73]

Great review Rob! I am curious what you think of the steels between them. The San Mai used by CS is just VG-1, whereas Fallkniven uses VG-10. Did you notice any difference? Also, do you think it is worth upgrading to the new Trail Master in 3V?

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Modern bowie is LamCos, the way I look at it is that on a big chopper that dosen't need to stay razor sharp for carving I'd prefer something comfortable to hold and I'm not that fussy about the steel. I wouldn't bother upgrading from sanmai to 3v on a chopper , I did with the SRK.

[@douglasreed9237]

I'm curious did you have any edge rolling or chipping due to the layered type steel versus straight carbon steel? Thanks for the review Rob. 👍

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

They are both laminated and neither rolled or chipped, I've had the Trailmaster a long time and used it plenty of times, the edge is very durable.

[@alexbergmann2817]

@@RobEvansWoodsman maybe because of convex grinding

[@Setaishafree]

​@@alexbergmann2817exactly!!

[@Kyle-bb9zp]

Trail master is ready nice I like it. But it's some money. I don't own one.

[@dannybarrett2213]

Hopefully they’ll be some new chopping blocks up there soon. I’ve just got to figure how to get 2 big arse lumps of oak, from the gate to the cabin 🫣💪🤔

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I don't fancy your chances of carrying them mate.

[@dannybarrett2213]

@@RobEvansWoodsman I doubt I’d get the truck up there anytime soon after all the rain the last couple of weeks 😖 But I have got a cunning plan 😉

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

All the best plans are cunning ones!

[@reddirt5489]

I can give you two thumbs up I can give you a second one right here. 👍

[@iruwild]

I like my Cold Steel trailmaster San Mai too over my Fallkniven modern bowie. I think the fallkniven tor is a better knife than modern bowie..only thing inferior is the steel..with vg10 instead of COS. The FALLKNIVEN Modern Bowie is too thick and heavy..get tired using the blade all day long. Trailmaster handle is easier to hold for my small hands and balance and weight is better. And Trailmaster when on sale is way cheaper than even a used Modern Bowie. Not worth it..even considering upgraded steel. Sure it hold its edge for 5 days of chopping instead of 2 days. But that much harder to get it razor edged again.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

We're coming from the same place but I find the Tor's handle very slippery.

[@iruwild]

@RobEvansWoodsman I did too at first. You have to heat up handle woth hair dryer and apply multiple coats of Snow Seal..it's beeswax with petroleum basically. The beeswax is very tacky. And use it often..the sweat make the handle absorb water and become grippier.

[@schonbeardwildmark]

Thanks Rob! Nice video mate! Fällkniven keeps losing 😳 what’s happening??

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I think that they just can't get their handles right, most of the time they are too small now this one is too square.

[@dennisleighton2812]

Really nice comparison video, Rob, and confirmed what I already knew! Like you, I love my TM! And I'm very proud of the sheath you made for it! Get many compliments for it, by the way (and I always tell them where I got it from!). For me the best attribute of the Trail Master is that handle. It's almost as if it was custom-made just for my hand! Even chopping seasoned oak I feel virtually no shock. So far the edge is holding up superbly! Have a great day Rob!

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

l made this video for you mate.

[@dennisleighton2812]

@@RobEvansWoodsman 😂🤣 Thanks Rob!

[@V4victory2025]

Hi Rob I heard a rumour that they were once made in the same factory but I don’t know how true it is’ I love my TM too but found the edge to be a bit chippy easily put right again though’ I hate the sheath but haven’t ever seen one to purchase and cold steel don’t or didn’t sell them separately. Great informative video I watch them all but don’t comment often.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

@@V4victory2025 carbon trailmaster can be chippy with the secondary bevel but this one is tough as old boots.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

@@V4victory2025 I also heard that rumour, I think it's true, Japanese factory.

[@leemichel8199]

Is it worth the price difference between them cos the falniven is twice the price of the trail master

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I don't think so, I prefer the cheaper knife anyway.

[@plutobauer]

Battle Mistress and an bigger stronger guy would help😅. Trailmasters or the Fällniven are nice but an Battle Mistress is a Level above

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I have an anniversary battle mistress and it's far better than either, are you 6'2" and built like a tank ? It's not my fault I'm a short guy but I can assure you that I'm no wimp, not as strong as I used to be since I gave up manual work.

[@mlentsch]

san mai? is this 1990?

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I bought it around 2006

[@mlentsch]

@@RobEvansWoodsman close enough😆

[@tikkidaddy]

I have the CSTM in Carbon V, San Mai, SK5 and a mono steel very old black and silver boxed stainless in AUS 6. My oldest Carbon V probably first run , because it has exactly the same engravings on the ricasso as the Aus6 stainless version, has been worked like a mule until that old school rubber handle was practically worn smooth Rob😂 . Sent it to Ventura CA years back way before the sale, rehandled, factory resharpened. The CSTM, CSRS, CSSRK and CS Ghurkha Khukuri have been my constant companions since hell..1988😂

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I don't think I've done a video on it but I have a Cold steel ATC kukri, late '80's.

[@tikkidaddy]

Big longer one? Me too. The one I don't have is the old LTC Khukuri that was the forerunner of the CSGK

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I have a LTC , I bought it late 1990, the aforementioned ATC has the same shape blade as the LTC but 1/4" thick full flat grind, it's not very well balanced, probably why they brought the lighter LTC out.

[@davidcurry9292]

I have trailmaster in carbon V steel also. I bought mine when they first came out. Mine is a factory second, stamped 2 on butt of handle. They say they’re factory second due to a blemish in finish, or with edge angle. I personally never could find a blemish on mine,especially now after years of use and sharping. Paid less than $100 for it.

[@brianvannorman1465]

If you're residing in the U.S. and paying our taxes, you may be able to write the expense of those two knives off o. Your taxes. The KZbin gig has to be a business or included in the business. Talk to your consultant.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

I'm in the UK, I can get a tax break on most things relating to business but I had the Trailmaster for years and the modern bowie was a second hand purchase so I can't do anything about that. I did buy a hardcore hammers axe through the business last week.

[@brianvannorman1465]

@@RobEvansWoodsman Salud. And Hello from San Diego California.

[@connyhaggblom]

I don't understand, I just bought the MB - How can you do this to me? 😤😥🙃😁

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Sorry, you might not like the Trailmaster.

[@The-Armed-Pacifist]

Coffee?

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

Yes I also drink coffee 😁

[@klausheisler5014]

Hatchet & puukko all day over a large knife. That being said, the 3V Trail master is a lot less money. My friend in the states send me knives as "gift" of valued at $100 so no VAT & custom fees.

[@charlesslocumjr1693]

Just use an axe

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

We know that, watch the whole video and it's exactly what I say.