Good Camp Knife Or White Elephant?

[cziv]

I have a Japanese made Cold Steel Bush Ranger. I bought it in the early 90's and put it in my safe and have never touched it except to look at it, heft it a little and wipe a bit of oil on it. Still has what feels like a hair raising factory edge. Would you think it's still good for camp use? Light batoning, fuzzing sticks for kindling, cleaning fish/game and food prep? I have a lot stouter fixed blades but the grip is super comfy and it's amazingly light for size/length. What would you recommend to do - keep it in storage for aesthetics or take it out and see what it can do? I'd hate to break it after all of these years, do you guys think it would work in the above decribe roll?

The Specs are:

Blade Length: 7.5 " Clip Point

Handle: 5" Kraton

Overall Length: 12.5"

Blade Steel: AUS-8

Sheath: Leather Belt Sheath With Leg Tie

 

[nevermind35]

Heck yes you should use it! Thats one sweet blade shape it looks like it would perform very well for the described uses. I really like that swedge too it adds a nice touch. And that full convex(?) grind looks like it would chop and make fuzzies like a champ. My personal opinion would be to either start using it or sell it. Its a shame to have such a great performer sitting in the safe with no use, theres probably a lot of members here that would love to pay you for that beast. I myself would use it is just an awesome knife. It would also be good as a BOB or pack knife because the stainless won't rust as much if you were to leave it in your pack unattended for long periods of time.

 

[Morales]

Only few knives are worth to be real collector items imho and most production knives aren't in that categories. The true value of a knife for me is only visible in using it, and you appreciate a knife a lot more if you've seen, felt and experienced what it is capable of. But that's just me...

 

[cziv]

Only few knives are worth to be real collector items imho and most production knives aren't in that categories. The true value of a knife for me is only visible in using it, and you appreciate a knife a lot more if you've seen, felt and experienced what it is capable of.

Thanks Morales, I agree. I only know that it's a very sharp and flexible knife from watching the ancient Cold Steel video tape I found - where they had the Bush Ranger doing their "Proof" workouts.

I don't regard it as a collector's item but wanted feedback about it. Nobody talks about them and uses them anymore. I don't know what to expect. As a fighter, no doubts but as a real "Bush" knife - I'm not sure.

I did do a Google search about it awhile back and don't recall the query but it returned a couple of threads from this forum around 2005/6 and members were saying it kicked butt and wished CS would bring it back.

Figured I'd post and find out about it before any light batoning etc. I'd rather keep it in my arsenal if they don't hold up well. It's pretty and there's always zombies that need attention.