I want a better CS Pocket Bushman

[MrPocketsOfSteel]

I often do. But my purpose in wanting the pocket bushman is the compact size. A 4.5-inch fixed blade requires around 9 inches of storage space in a bag. A 4.5-inch folder only requires 5 inches of storage space.

Just so you know, I measured mine, it's roughly "almost" 6" closed.

 

[hunter s thompson]

From what I have read...the Douk's (at least what I've read) blade actually moves a bit brand new - says "it's because the design of the knife - it can't be helped."

I don't own a Pocket Bushman, but do own and EDC a Douk Douk and can tell you mine has little or no blade play, it is rock solid now as they day I got it. They could be hit or miss but the one I own is rock solid.

 

[Ultraman]

I have one, and while I like the steel and the folded steel handle, I consider the lock to be dangerous. To have to pull the lanyard to unlock it and close it means it could slip through your hand down to the blade.

This tendency is not helped by the smooth metal handle and the stiff lockup. I suspect that no matter how careful you may think you are in using it, one slip up (operator error or slippery conditions), and you could end up slicing your fingers down to the bone.

So, thumbs down pn the pocket bushman for me. Too bad Cold steel couldn't make a Douk Douk with more colors or better construction, or remanufacture the mini bushman FB, instead of this lawsuit-in-waiting.

 

[Goosey]

This tendency is not helped by the smooth metal handle and the stiff lockup. I suspect that no matter how careful you may think you are in using it, one slip up (operator error or slippery conditions), and you could end up slicing your fingers down to the bone.

The Douk-Douk is a bit dangerous as well with it's gin-trap backspring, lucky mine came relatively dull or I would not have the tip of my thumb today...

The Pocket Bushman is just like the Douk-Douk's evil brother

 

[Gobbo_the_civet]

I love the pb for what it is, but I have both been bit when closing it and pulled my fingers over the edge twice when operating the lock. It's a cold, hard and bloodthirsty knife.

But it it's been used often enough, the tang/lock surfaces are burnished enough to open it easely one handed. Slicing your fingers over the edge is easely avoided too, just as long as you're concentrated and have a good grip on it.

Size is a good overkill for edc, even considering it's light weight. A mini pb would make a great addition to the bushman family.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

Once again, the only way you're going to risk cutting yourself during closure is if you're doing it wrong. Grasp the thumb studs between your forefinger and thumb and you'll be fine.

 

[MrPocketsOfSteel]

Wonky...lol...uh ya! Taller studs would GREATLY enhance the probability of getting her open. Are those thumb studs (the new ones) the screw off kind like the ones on the Recon1? I never saw nothing like that in my life.:barf:

I'm able to one-hand open them brand new out of the box--especially with the new taller thumbstuds. I'm wondering if you've got a wonky one? Maybe I'm just special.

 

[MrPocketsOfSteel]

Cool, that is GREAT Hunter. Like I said, I'm going to get them any how but it really would've put a damper on it if the blades were doing the two step out of the handle. I think that's cool that you EDC "The Douk." I've never been so excited to pull the trigger on a blade in that price range, I guess it's the history of the piece and knowing all the folks over the years that owned them.

Hey Grease, I'm not trying to hijack the thread, maybe consider picking up a Douk Douk along with the PBman and keep the winner and sell the loser....or you COULD keep both of them.

I don't own a Pocket Bushman, but do own and EDC a Douk Douk and can tell you mine has little or no blade play, it is rock solid now as they day I got it. They could be hit or miss but the one I own is rock solid.

 

[MrPocketsOfSteel]

.....

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

Wonky...lol...uh ya! Taller studs would GREATLY enhance the probability of getting her open. Are those thumb studs (the new ones) the screw off kind like the ones on the Recon1? I never saw nothing like that in my life.:barf:

I can't recall off the top of my head, distinctly, but I know it's an asymmetrical stud and I'm fairly sure that the short one on backside has a slot for unscrewing it to swap sides if you're a lefty. It doesn't look bad, if that's what you're wondering. For the record my personal one is a 1st-generation one with the symmetrical low studs.

 

[MrPocketsOfSteel]

I have my left index finger on the spine of the blade a inch and a half ( I measured) over the thumb studs. My left thumb rests in the cutout in the handle. It takes just using the proper technique like Blades said. With me at least, as I pull the lanyard evenly and gently....I am applying just a bit of pressure on the spine of the blade with my index finger. With the tightness of the blade it works perfectly, as soon as the blade "gives"/unlocks - - it has barely moved. Then of course you use the two handed method to close the blade. I forgot to add that I have a small strip of sticky tape that runs along the handle folded a little over a quarter of an inch on both sides. I've never even had a close scenario with it. Just be careful.:thumbup:

Once again, the only way you're going to risk cutting yourself during closure is if you're doing it wrong. Grasp the thumb studs between your forefinger and thumb and you'll be fine.

 

[Ultraman]

Once again, the only way you're going to risk cutting yourself during closure is if you're doing it wrong. Grasp the thumb studs between your forefinger and thumb and you'll be fine.

I just think it's not for everyone. It could still slip because the lock is tight and you are pulling down hard on the lanyard to unlock it. I just think the design makes it easier to slip up and the law of averages will catch up. It's a potentially unsafe design and is the steroidally enhanced genetically mutated clone of the Douk Douk

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

I just think it's not for everyone. It could still slip because the lock is tight and you are pulling down hard on the lanyard to unlock it. I just think the design makes it easier to slip up and the law of averages will catch up. It's a potentially unsafe design and is the steroidally enhanced genetically mutated clone of the Douk Douk

I agree fully with the bolded statement. However I don't think it's any more potentially dangerous than any other locking knife. Think of how many folks have bitten themselves with backlocks or liner locks. It's user error--not the fault of the knife design. The PB just happens to be the ONLY knife with that lock, and that lock is unfamiliar to most folks, so the design often gets blamed.

 

[DemkoKnives]

I can very easily open the pb with one hand. That said, it's not easy for everyone

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

Also, it's worth noting I have small hands. That might possibly make it easier for me to position my hand for easy one-handed opening? But I think most folks can get the hang of it without overly much effort--it just takes practice.

 

[A.P.F.]

I too have no problem opening the PB with one hand. I think that the secret is pushing the stud at the correct angle. Otherwise, it is a great knife for a great price.

 

[jimh0220]

I'm able to one-hand open them brand new out of the box--especially with the new taller thumbstuds. I'm wondering if you've got a wonky one? Maybe I'm just special.

Me too. From day 1. and for 5 years now. Try thumb exercising maybe??

 

[MrPocketsOfSteel]

In your opinion. Is The Douk safer?

I just think it's not for everyone. It could still slip because the lock is tight and you are pulling down hard on the lanyard to unlock it. I just think the design makes it easier to slip up and the law of averages will catch up. It's a potentially unsafe design and is the steroidally enhanced genetically mutated clone of the Douk Douk

 

[Ultraman]

In your opinion. Is The Douk safer?

The Douk Douk is a slipjoint. The CS PB is a locking knife, so it's apples and oranges to compare.

That said, The Douk is safer to me because it does not have the risks I see with the PB such as a lock that requires some strength to pull it in a potentially unsafe manner.
With the Douk, you just open it like any slipjoint past the half step and use and close as is appropriate to a slipjoint. With the PB,you are pulling down on one hand to unlock a stiff mechanism that could slip through your other hand. I am of the opinion that no matter how careful you may fancy yourself, it could slip through and cut rather badly.
I realize there are alternative ways to close like in this thread and here.

But I consider the Douk safer because it does not need special technique or strength to close it safely.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

Neither is safe if used wrong. Both are perfectly safe if used right.