New and looking for opinions

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fatcat55

Joined
Jan 1, 2010
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I'm new to the forum and learning a lot of very useful information as well as getting an "education" on knives. I own my share of SAKs and LMs but my knife experience has been limited to the Buck, Case, Shrade,Gerber etc. brands.

My 14 year old Boy Scout son is beginning to take an interest in knives and I was wondering about opinions on a couple of knives we are considering for a "beginning" venture beyond the above mentioned brands. These knives will be for camping(non Boy Scouts) and just "playing" in the woods.

Keep in mind we are starting small and may eventually move into higher quality but what are your opinions on 1)CS bushman and 2)CS pocket bushman?

Thanks for any information and I am glad I found this forum.
 
If you want opinions, you've found the right forum.

I don't know much about the CS Bushman, and I don't own a Pocket Bushman, because of all the negative press it's getting. I think Nutnfancy has a video on it. Search "Nuntfancy bushman" in Google and it'll pop right up.
 
An ESEE(formerly RAT) RC-3 is virtually indestructable and a good size.

For folders my son at that age liked his SOG Flash II and his Benchmade Mini-Grip. Also, ya can't go wrong with any Spydercos and they come in all sizes.
 
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im a bit on the younger side for this forum, im an eagle scout and a NOLS grad. i would recommend moras, cheap and indestructible. My first real knives(other then SAKs...no offense to SAKers) was a Spyderco Dragonfly, then a delica. if i were you i would also look at the tenacious. Any of the Byrd line would be really good, Kershaws are also really nice knives for less money.

-Alex
 
Adults can be demonized for having a knife. One of the things that satisfy the sheepie is the Boy Scout logo. The logo makes it OK. Without it, you can come off as a bad or negligent parent.
http://scoutstuff.org/BSASupply/default.aspx?cat=01RTL&ctgy=PRODUCTS&C2=CAMPING&C3=KNIVES&C4=&LV=3
The logo protects you and your kid. I can't take credit for this idea. I learned it in an old Alfred Hitchcock story in which the bad guy, kills two other bad guys with a BSA knife. Forget how it ended, but remember thinking how clever the idea was.:)
 
I have the Pocket Bushman and I think the CS Bushman and Pocket Bushman are both excellent knives. Make sure you watch some youtube videos so you know what you are getting.

The problem some have had w/ the Pocket Bushman is IMO due to improper use. The lock is a little tricky and if you get in a hurry or do it wrong you could end up w/ a nasty cut. In use the knife is very strong.
 
personally, i think you should consider getting him a fixed blade and/or maybe a simple SAK.

a fixed blade will kill any temptations he has to take it somewhere where perhaps he shouldn't. also, fixed blades are generally more durable than folders.

as for the SAKs, they are great little knives and i rekon are one of the best options for a kid. my first knife was a SAK when i was ~13 and i've carried a knife with me every day since.
 
Thanks for the suggestions guys.

My son already has a Vic Fieldmaster and several Buck folders and a Winchester multi-tool. He has taught the knife handling requirements to other scouts and constantly reminds me about knife safety,

We were looking at the CS Bushman as something different to try bushcraft etc. on non scout activities.

By the way, the Boy Scouts can no longer carry fixed blade knives, so SAKs, folding knives and multi-tools are their only options.

I have a Mora and it is a great knife for less than $15 bucks.

I'm looking at Byrd Cara Cara, RAT Izula, Becker Necker, Buck 119s and some others for future purchase, but wanted to start with some more inexpensive knives hence the CS questions.

Thanks again for all the suggestions and advice.
 
Check out the Kabar Dozier folders too. They are another cheap option and have a few different blade styles to chose from. This forum is a great place to find out just about anything knife related. There's also good camping and general outdoors info in the wilderness & survival skills forum if you haven't looked there yet.
 
I am quite fond of my Pocket Bushman and have never had a stick of problem with it. However, releasing the lock can be a tricky affair if not done properly and I am guessing that your young fellow's upper body strength may not be sufficient for the task.

The Bushman would be a good introduction to fixed blades. Oh, and if you are shopping for a 'legacy' 110, I would highly recommend this one.
 
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