Cold Steel Pocket Bushman: Broken Hopes

Published on March 25, 2009
Duration: 16:46

The Cold Steel Pocket Bushman is critically reviewed for a significant design flaw in its 'Ram Safe' lock mechanism. While the blade and handle offer positive attributes, the compression spring can kink and fail if the plunger is over-extended, rendering the knife inoperable. This vulnerability makes it unsuitable for serious use or defensive applications despite Cold Steel's marketing.

Quick Summary

The Cold Steel Pocket Bushman suffers from a critical 'Ram Safe' lock flaw where the compression spring can kink if the plunger is over-extended, rendering the knife inoperable. While the blade quality is good, this design vulnerability makes it unsuitable for serious applications.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Broken Design?
  2. 02:14Ram Safe Lock Mechanism Explained
  3. 03:05Demonstrating the Lock Failure
  4. 05:51Mechanical Analysis of Failure
  5. 07:55Marketing vs. Field Reality
  6. 11:02Proposed Design Fix
  7. 12:08Positive Attributes: Blade & Handle
  8. 14:15Final Verdict: Big Thumbs Down

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main criticism of the Cold Steel Pocket Bushman?

The primary criticism is a critical design flaw in its 'Ram Safe' lock mechanism. The internal compression spring can kink and fail if the plunger is over-extended, rendering the knife inoperable and unreliable for serious use.

How does the Ram Safe lock mechanism on the Pocket Bushman fail?

The Ram Safe lock fails when the plunger mechanism is pulled too far back, often during rapid opening. This over-extension causes the internal compression spring to kink, making the lock mechanism completely fail and the knife unusable.

What are the positive aspects of the Cold Steel Pocket Bushman?

Despite the lock issue, the knife features a 4.5-inch flat-ground blade made of Krupp 4116 stainless steel with a durable stonewashed finish. The slim handle profile also contributes to comfortable everyday carry.

Can the Cold Steel Pocket Bushman's lock failure be fixed?

Once the compression spring kinks, it's difficult to reassemble and the knife becomes non-functional. A potential design fix involves adding a retention mechanism, like a cross-bolt or pin, to prevent plunger over-extension.

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