Cold Steel Pocket Bushman: Broken Hopes

Published on March 25, 2009
Duration: 16:46

This guide details the failure mechanism of the Cold Steel Pocket Bushman's Ram Safe lock, as analyzed by nutnfancy. It explains how over-extension during rapid opening can cause the internal compression spring to kink, rendering the knife inoperable. The analysis highlights a critical design flaw that compromises field reliability, despite the knife's other positive attributes like its blade steel and carry profile.

Quick Summary

The Cold Steel Pocket Bushman's Ram Safe lock fails due to over-extension of the plunger during rapid opening, causing the internal compression spring to kink. This critical flaw makes the knife unreliable for serious use, despite its otherwise good blade steel and carry profile.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Philosophy
  2. 02:14The Ram Safe Lock Mechanism
  3. 03:05Demonstrating the Failure
  4. 05:51Mechanical Analysis of the Break
  5. 07:55Marketing vs. Reality
  6. 11:02Proposed Design Fix
  7. 12:08Positive Attributes
  8. 14:15Final Verdict

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes the Cold Steel Pocket Bushman's Ram Safe lock to fail?

The Ram Safe lock fails when the plunger mechanism is over-extended during rapid two-handed opening. This causes the internal compression spring to kink, rendering the knife inoperable and difficult to repair in the field.

What are the positive attributes of the Cold Steel Pocket Bushman despite its lock issue?

Despite the lock failure, the knife boasts a 4.5-inch flat-ground blade made of Krupp 4116 stainless steel, a durable stonewashed finish, and a slim handle profile that makes it comfortable and easy to carry.

How does the Cold Steel Pocket Bushman's lock compare to other brands like Kershaw?

The reviewer suggests that Kershaw knives often incorporate better retention mechanisms, like cross-bolts or pins, to prevent plunger over-extension, which is a critical failure point in the Cold Steel Pocket Bushman's Ram Safe lock.

Is the Cold Steel Pocket Bushman suitable for defensive use?

No, the reviewer strongly advises against using the Cold Steel Pocket Bushman as a defensive blade due to its requirement for two-handed operation and the inherent mechanical vulnerability of its lock mechanism.

More Tactical & Gear Videos You Might Like

More from nutnfancy

View all →