Cold Steel Mini Bushman

[DaleW]

I wanted to try out a Cold Steel Mini Bushman, which is discontinued, but I was able to hunt one down on Ebay and it arrived today. I had previously owned the full-sized model and this one has all the garden implement appeal of the larger one, but I think it is a much more reasonable size and weight (8oz) for hauling in a pack. Like the larger version, it is a cheap, no-frills cutting tool. I gave it a good working over with a Sharpmaker and it's ready to use and abuse. I'm surprised Cold Steel stopped making this model-- I think it fits the survival kit nature of this kind of construction better than the large knife.

I would like to have about 1/2" more handle and the sheath is perfectly crappy. If I get serious about using this knife, I'll have to get Normark to work his Kydex magic for me.

The photos show the Mini Bushman compared with a Fallkniven F1.

 

[pict]

I gave one to my daughter when she was 12. They turn into one formidable weapon real quick when mounted on a sapling. As a grown man I haven't needed a spear. Put yourself in the place of a 12 year old girl alone in the woods and that spear suddenly makes more sense.

As for mods, I wrapped the handle in rubber tape and covered that with a layer of paracord. The paracord wrap also holds down an aluminium finger guard that runs the length of the handle to take out some of the round profile. I found nylon web Kershaw sheath at a flea market that fits it perfectly so I haven't gone for the kydex yet.

I think the Bushman is a great concept. The Mini-will be back. Mac

 

[dingobubba]

I love my mini. I sanded down the blade to a satin finish then ground it down to a drop point. Sprayed the handle with bed liner stuff and got a sheath from Eric. It's a tuff, no nonsense knife that sees alot of abuse. I too don't understand why it was stopped.

 

[bikermikearchery]

And I keep wanting one about 4" longer. Really do need a different sheath though.

 

[Liam Ryan]

I love my mini. I sanded down the blade to a satin finish then ground it down to a drop point. Sprayed the handle with bed liner stuff and got a sheath from Eric. It's a tuff, no nonsense knife that sees alot of abuse. I too don't understand why it was stopped.

I did the same, I want to get another as well as the bowie style one, looks pretty formidable. The large bushman came very close to being in my trio,
maybe a mini would muscle it's way in.
Time to check e-bay

 

[sodak]

I have a large and mini, and agree, the mini is a more practical size for my needs. If I could only find where I put it...

I might take the large to a grinder and convert it.

 

[abiggs]

I did the same, I want to get another as well as the bowie style one, looks pretty formidable. The large bushman came very close to being in my trio,
maybe a mini would muscle it's way in.
Time to check e-bay

Liam, how does that Columbia knife in the middle perform? I got one a few years ago but have never really used it.