Cold Steel Finn Bear Fixed Blade Hunting Knife w/ Sheath Review

Let’s Dive into Cold Steel Finn Bear Fixed Blade Hunting Knife w/ Sheath

The Cold Steel Finn Bear Fixed Blade Hunting Knife w/ Sheath is Cold Steel’s offering for those seeking a robust, utilitarian knife without breaking the bank. This knife promises a blend of functionality and affordability, making it an attractive option for both seasoned outdoorsmen and newcomers to the field. Let’s explore if this knife truly delivers on its promises, and where it shines (and perhaps, where it doesn’t).

My search for a reliable, budget-friendly knife for basic camp chores and as a backup hunting blade led me to the Finn Bear. I wanted something I wouldn’t hesitate to use and abuse, without the anxiety of damaging a high-end tool. This knife appeared to be the perfect candidate.

Upon unboxing, the Finn Bear’s simple design immediately struck me. The high-impact polypropylene handle felt sturdy and provided a decent grip, though lacking the refined feel of more expensive materials. The German 4116 stainless steel blade arrived reasonably sharp, with a satin finish that felt practical and easy to maintain.

Compared to my Mora Companion and Buck 119 Special, the Finn Bear sits in an interesting middle ground. The Mora is lighter and more suited for delicate tasks, while the Buck is a classic hunting knife with a more refined finish. I chose the Finn Bear for its purported toughness and resistance to the elements, hoping it would be a reliable workhorse in varied conditions.

My first impression was a mix of excitement and slight apprehension. The knife felt solid and capable, but its budget-friendly construction also raised concerns about long-term durability. Only real-world testing would reveal its true capabilities.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Cold Steel Finn Bear Fixed Blade Hunting Knife w/ Sheath to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Cold Steel Finn Bear Fixed Blade Hunting Knife w/ Sheath during a weekend camping trip in the local national forest. The knife was primarily used for preparing firewood, food preparation, and basic camp maintenance. The weather was fairly mild, with occasional light rain.

The Finn Bear performed admirably in splitting small pieces of wood for the campfire using a baton. Its sturdy blade and comfortable handle provided good control, even when my hands were damp. I also used it to prepare vegetables for dinner, and the blade’s hollow grind made slicing and dicing surprisingly easy.

The knife required no learning curve; its simple design made it immediately intuitive to use. The only minor issue was the sheath, which felt a bit flimsy and lacked a secure retention mechanism. I worried about the knife accidentally falling out during more strenuous activities.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of occasional use, the Finn Bear has held up surprisingly well. The blade has retained its edge reasonably well, requiring only occasional touch-ups with a honing steel. There are some minor scratches on the blade’s finish, but no signs of rust or significant wear.

The handle shows no signs of cracking or deterioration, despite exposure to sun, rain, and mud. Cleaning the knife is a breeze; a simple rinse with water and a wipe-down with a cloth is all it takes. The sheath, however, remains a point of concern; I would recommend replacing it with a more robust option for serious outdoor use.

Compared to my previous experience with a similar budget-friendly fixed blade, the Finn Bear has significantly outperformed it in terms of edge retention and overall durability. It’s not a high-end knife, but it’s a reliable and capable tool that punches above its weight class.

Breaking Down the Features of Cold Steel Finn Bear Fixed Blade Hunting Knife w/ Sheath

Specifications

• The Cold Steel Finn Bear Fixed Blade Hunting Knife w/ Sheath features a 4-inch blade made from German 4116 stainless steel. This steel is known for its good balance of edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance.
• The overall length of the knife is 8.5 inches, providing a comfortable and manageable size for most users. The handle is made from high-impact polypropylene, offering excellent durability and weather resistance.
• The knife weighs just 2.8 ounces, making it lightweight and easy to carry. The blade thickness is 2.5 mm, providing a good balance between cutting ability and strength.
• The handle length is 4.5 inches, providing ample room for a secure grip. It comes with a Cor-Ex sheath for carrying.
• The blade shape is a drop point, making it versatile for various tasks. The blade finish is satin, offering a clean and functional look.

These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the knife’s performance and usability. The steel choice determines how well the blade holds an edge, while the handle material ensures comfort and durability in adverse conditions. The overall weight and size affect its portability and ease of handling.

Performance & Functionality

The Cold Steel Finn Bear Fixed Blade Hunting Knife w/ Sheath performs admirably for its intended purpose: general utility and camp chores. The blade is sharp enough for slicing, dicing, and carving, while the sturdy construction allows for batoning and other more demanding tasks. Its drop point design makes it versatile for a range of applications.

The main strength of this knife is its affordability and durability. The weaknesses include the basic sheath and the somewhat plain handle. Overall, it meets expectations for a budget-friendly knife, exceeding them in some areas like edge retention and toughness.

Design & Ergonomics

The Cold Steel Finn Bear Fixed Blade Hunting Knife w/ Sheath features a simple, no-frills design that prioritizes functionality over aesthetics. The polypropylene handle is comfortable enough for extended use, though lacking the ergonomic contours of more expensive knives. The knife is lightweight and well-balanced.

The knife is very user-friendly, requiring no special skills or knowledge to operate. The sheath is functional but basic, offering minimal retention. There is no significant learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

The Cold Steel Finn Bear Fixed Blade Hunting Knife w/ Sheath is built to last, with its German 4116 stainless steel blade and high-impact polypropylene handle. With proper care, this knife should provide years of reliable service. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional sharpening and cleaning.

Repairing the knife would be difficult, as the handle is permanently molded to the blade. However, given its affordability, replacing the entire knife is a viable option if necessary.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Cold Steel Finn Bear Fixed Blade Hunting Knife w/ Sheath comes with a basic Cor-Ex sheath. There are limited customization options available directly from Cold Steel. The sheath is a pouch style sheath with a generously sized belt loop.

The knife is compatible with aftermarket sheaths from various brands. Paracord can be added to the handle for improved grip and aesthetic appeal.

Pros and Cons of Cold Steel Finn Bear Fixed Blade Hunting Knife w/ Sheath

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Who Should Buy Cold Steel Finn Bear Fixed Blade Hunting Knife w/ Sheath?

The Cold Steel Finn Bear Fixed Blade Hunting Knife w/ Sheath is perfect for:

• Budget-conscious campers and hikers.
• Hunters needing a reliable backup knife.
• Survivalists seeking a durable and affordable tool.
• Anyone needing a general-purpose utility knife for outdoor tasks.

This knife is not ideal for:

• Those seeking a high-end knife with premium materials and craftsmanship.
• Users requiring a highly specialized knife for specific tasks.

A must-have modification is replacing the sheath with a more secure and durable option.

Conclusion on Cold Steel Finn Bear Fixed Blade Hunting Knife w/ Sheath

The Cold Steel Finn Bear Fixed Blade Hunting Knife w/ Sheath is a fantastic option for anyone seeking a reliable, affordable, and durable knife for general outdoor use. While it lacks the bells and whistles of more expensive models, it delivers excellent performance and value for the price. The price is definitely justified given the quality and performance.

I would personally recommend the Cold Steel Finn Bear Fixed Blade Hunting Knife w/ Sheath to anyone looking for a budget-friendly workhorse. Don’t hesitate to pick one up; it’s a solid investment that will serve you well in the field!