Cold Steel Black Bear Bowie Knife Review

Let’s Dive into Cold Steel Black Bear Bowie Knife

The Cold Steel Black Bear Bowie Knife is a formidable blade, a modern take on a classic design from the renowned manufacturer, Cold Steel. Its extra-wide, 12-inch blade and robust polypropylene handle promise both cutting power and a secure grip, all at a surprisingly accessible price point. What initially drew me to the Black Bear Bowie was its potential as a reliable camp knife and a robust tool for tackling various outdoor tasks.

For years, I’ve been searching for a Bowie-style knife that offered a good balance of size, durability, and affordability, without sacrificing too much in terms of steel quality. I was immediately struck by the Black Bear Bowie’s imposing size and aggressive clip point. My initial impression was that this was a knife designed for serious work, not just display.

I’ve owned and used similar bowies from Ka-Bar and SOG. The Cold Steel Black Bear Bowie Knife caught my eye because of its price point and the Cold Steel reputation for producing durable, albeit sometimes utilitarian, tools. The Ka-Bar was a bit more expensive and geared toward military use, while the SOG felt less robust.

Upon unboxing, I was impressed by the solid feel of the knife. The injection-molded polypropylene handle felt surprisingly grippy, and the blade was thick and substantial. The Cold Steel Black Bear Bowie Knife exceeded my expectations, promising a blend of performance and value that I was eager to test.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Cold Steel Black Bear Bowie Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I first put the Cold Steel Black Bear Bowie Knife to work during a weekend camping trip in the nearby Angeles National Forest. The conditions were typical for Southern California in late spring: dry, dusty, and with temperatures fluctuating between cool mornings and warm afternoons. I primarily used it for tasks like batoning firewood, clearing brush, and preparing food.

The Black Bear Bowie performed admirably when batoning. Its thick blade split logs with relative ease, and the handle provided a comfortable and secure grip even with prolonged use. Clearing brush also proved to be straightforward. However, the knife struggled slightly with more delicate tasks such as preparing food due to its size and thickness.

The Black Bear Bowie Knife required minimal acclimation, feeling comfortable in hand from the start. Its balance point is slightly forward, which aids in chopping tasks. The only minor issue was the slickness of the handle when wet, which I addressed by wearing gloves.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of using the Cold Steel Black Bear Bowie Knife on various outdoor excursions, it has proven to be a reliable and durable tool. I’ve used it for everything from chopping roots and branches to digging holes. The blade has held its edge reasonably well, requiring only occasional touch-ups.

Despite heavy use, the blade’s black powder coating has held up surprisingly well, with only minor scratches and wear marks. The polypropylene handle has also shown no signs of cracking or degradation. Cleaning is a breeze, requiring just a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth and occasional oiling of the blade.

Compared to some of the higher-end knives I’ve used in the past, the Cold Steel Black Bear Bowie Knife certainly isn’t the sharpest out of the box. However, for the price, its durability and ability to withstand abuse far outweigh its shortcomings. It has become my go-to knife for tasks where I need something tough and dependable, without worrying about damaging an expensive blade.

Breaking Down the Features of Cold Steel Black Bear Bowie Knife

Specifications

The Cold Steel Black Bear Bowie Knife boasts the following specifications:

• Blade Length: 12 inches – This provides ample cutting surface for chopping and slicing.
• Overall Length: 17.75 inches – Gives excellent reach and leverage.
• Blade Shape: Clip Point – Enhances piercing capabilities and precision cutting.
• Blade Material: 65Mn Carbon Steel – Known for its toughness and ability to hold an edge, making it suitable for heavy use.
• Included Accessories: Cor-Ex Sheath – Offers a durable and secure carry option.
• Handle Material: Polypropylene – Provides a weather-resistant and comfortable grip.
• Blade Finish: Baked-on Anti Rust Matte – Increases corrosion resistance and reduces glare.
• Handle Length: 5.75 inches – Sufficient length for a secure and comfortable grip.
• Blade Thickness: 2.8 mm – Balances cutting ability with durability.
• Handle Finish: Matte – Enhances grip and provides a non-reflective surface.
• Sheath Material: Nylon – Offers weather resistance and durability for the sheath.
• Weight: 18.1 oz – Provides a substantial feel without being overly heavy.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the knife’s performance and usability. The 65Mn carbon steel ensures that the blade can withstand heavy use without chipping or breaking, while the polypropylene handle provides a secure and comfortable grip even in wet conditions. The Cor-Ex sheath is a practical addition, allowing for safe and convenient carry.

Performance & Functionality

The Cold Steel Black Bear Bowie Knife performs admirably in its intended role as a large, durable utility knife. It excels at chopping, batoning, and clearing brush, making it a great choice for camping and survival tasks. However, its size and blade thickness make it less suitable for delicate tasks like food preparation or fine carving.

Its strengths lie in its robustness and ease of use. The thick blade and sturdy handle can withstand a lot of abuse, and the simple design makes it easy to maintain. The main weakness is its edge retention, which is decent but not exceptional. It does require more frequent sharpening than knives made from premium steels.

The Cold Steel Black Bear Bowie Knife generally meets expectations for a knife in its price range. It is a reliable and durable tool that can handle most outdoor tasks, although it may not be the best choice for users who prioritize edge retention or fine cutting ability.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Cold Steel Black Bear Bowie Knife is solid, with durable materials used throughout. The polypropylene handle is comfortable and provides a secure grip, even when wet. The knife’s weight is well-balanced, making it easy to handle for extended periods.

The Black Bear Bowie is user-friendly, with a simple and intuitive design. There is virtually no learning curve, and most users will be able to pick it up and start using it immediately. The grip is comfortable and ergonomic, even for users with large hands.

Durability & Maintenance

The Cold Steel Black Bear Bowie Knife is built to last, with a thick blade and durable handle that can withstand a lot of abuse. The black powder coating on the blade provides good corrosion resistance, but the blade should still be cleaned and oiled regularly to prevent rust. The polypropylene handle is virtually indestructible and requires minimal maintenance.

Maintaining the Black Bear Bowie is relatively easy. Sharpening the blade is straightforward, and the handle can be cleaned with soap and water. Regular oiling of the blade will help to prevent rust and corrosion.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Cold Steel Black Bear Bowie Knife comes with a sturdy Cor-Ex sheath made from durable nylon. The sheath features a belt loop for easy carry and provides good protection for the blade. There are limited customization options for this knife.

While aftermarket grips are not readily available due to the injection-molded handle, some users may choose to customize the sheath or add a lanyard to the handle. The blade’s simple design also lends itself well to custom etching or engraving.

Pros and Cons of Cold Steel Black Bear Bowie Knife

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Who Should Buy Cold Steel Black Bear Bowie Knife?

The Cold Steel Black Bear Bowie Knife is perfect for:

• Campers: Its chopping and batoning abilities make it ideal for preparing firewood and clearing campsites.
• Survivalists: A reliable and durable tool for tackling various survival tasks.
• Hikers: A robust option for clearing trails and dealing with unexpected obstacles.
• Budget-conscious buyers: Excellent performance and durability at an affordable price.

This knife might not be the best choice for:

• Those prioritizing fine cutting ability: Its thick blade and large size make it less suitable for delicate tasks.
• Users who demand exceptional edge retention: Requires more frequent sharpening than premium steels.

A must-have accessory for the Cold Steel Black Bear Bowie Knife is a good quality sharpening stone or honing steel. This will help to maintain the blade’s edge and ensure optimal performance.

Conclusion on Cold Steel Black Bear Bowie Knife

The Cold Steel Black Bear Bowie Knife is a solid and reliable tool that offers excellent value for the price. Its durable construction, comfortable handle, and versatile blade make it a great choice for camping, survival, and general outdoor use. While it may not be the sharpest or most refined knife on the market, its robustness and affordability make it a worthwhile investment.

The price is absolutely justified for the performance and durability you get. You are getting a tool that can withstand hard use without breaking the bank. I would definitely recommend the Cold Steel Black Bear Bowie Knife to anyone looking for a tough and dependable outdoor knife on a budget.

So, if you’re in the market for a reliable and affordable Bowie-style knife, give the Cold Steel Black Bear Bowie Knife a try. You won’t be disappointed.