Great video, as a teenager in the 90's I lusted after this design, but could not justify the original price point. When I saw free shipping and a 11% off coupon code on Black Friday, I decided to once again live vicariously through my children and picked one up for my son. For just over $200 with taxes I thought it was a great deal. Yes, I generally prefer US, German or Japan blades, but the quality control on this Taiwan version in San Mai is above average (Taiwan is not China by the way, at least not yet). I think it is a piece of functional art. We can argue all day long about the practicality, but no one can deny the beauty of this design. My only complaint is they cheaped out on the nylon belt loop. The original had a leather sheath and this is some type of kydex. No issues with the sheath itself, but they could have come up with a better material/design for the belt loop. It just feels low end. If you are looking for a higher end version, may I suggest you check out Paul Lusk just north of Houston. If your willing to spend the money his quality is on the high end of custom knives. Please continue making great videos.
Thanks! I've been training with the Black Bear like I train with my swords and other "impractical" weapons, and for that I like it a lot. And it is a nice piece of craftsmanship.
I love the idea of the sub-hilt fighter - what always stumbled me was this: I feel like you'd have to commit to learning to be comfortable with a very specialized knife-using-style. IDK.
They've made more sense to me the more I've been training with swords designed to have the index finger up over the crossguard. I'm planning to do a comparison soon, pros and cons.
Just got one myself yesterday . Same story as you. Wanted one for decades, but couldn't justify it. Recently noticed Knifecenter had 'em for under $200 and was shocked. I had a $50 gift card from them too, so, I (still guiltily) couldn't resist anymore and finally went ahead and bit. Looks nice. Already cut myself on the back edge, so it works! I'm no commando, so it's not likely to be my go-to survival blade, but it seems Well worth what I paid for it, at just a little better than twice the price of the OSS. Wanted to hate the sheath, too, but it fits the knife very well and seems quite practical, once adjusted some. I carry strong side, ice-pick grip draw (sheath reversed from as shipped). Sub-hilt works great for this. No complaints. It does what it's meant to do; cut fast in two directions with a long reach and stab deep. Be a decent extra-large hunting knife (especially with a few modifications like some custom blade covers to protect the game and you while gutting and skinning). But, for survival. I'm still carrying my Marbles Ideal.......at least WITH this...the Ideal's a sharpened pry-bar. Not gonna be chopping and prying with this thing! but it's nice.
It would be a terrible hunting knife. This knife has one purpose & one purpose only, it's a fighting knife. Enjoy it for what it is & don't try to justify owning it.
@@eugenevictortooms4174Agreed. I'd never carry it for modern hunting. But, in ages past, when hunting with bows or spears, similar knives seem to have been carried to dispatch wounded came or slaughter livestock with. And theoretically, one can CAREFULLY choke up on it enough (with your pinky between the hilts, blade held between the thumb and the fore and middle fingers) to use for more precision tasks (yielding about a 5" working edge), if needs be. Just wouldn't be my preference, no. But, It's a knife. It'll do what it'll do.
I couldn't wait for one, I had a deposit down for over 6 months and it still didn't come in, I ended up getting a TaiPan instead, kind of glad I did. I have long wanted a Black Bear but they are too expensive now here in Australia (nearing AUD$500) Good overview.
@@michaelrizzo5523 I have the OSS, OSI and Boar Collector so I really don't feel the need to splurge on the Black Bear. AS far as big fighting knives from CS I am also covered with the Tai-Pan, 1849 riflemans knife, TrailMaster sanmaiIII just to name a few.
@@michaelrizzo5523 it's a classy piece and very period correct if you are into that sort of thing. Plus it's a big chunk of 1085 in a very good design so it's a formidable fighting knife in its own right.
the surprising one for me was the Boar Collector, a sub hilt fighting knife that is right out there. I got mine on special here in Australia for AUD$55 which is outstanding.
very good and informative video, thank you! I never have handeled a Loveless style subhilt knife .. always thought that the subhilts main function is to draw back the blade after a thrust. Cheers, Erik
Did you buy one of the Original Cold Steel Company Black Bear Classics? I ask because you state that yours has Micarta Handle Scales. Mine is from the New, GSM, Cold Steel Company. It has Black, Polished, G-10 Handle Scales... :-) Peace, Stiletto :-)
The OSS is much lighter and the Kraton is grippier and more forgiving under impact, but I like the OSI much better for any kind of practical use. Plus, the OSS and OSI are a fraction of the price.
I just watched this video and I am very impressed with this gentlemen's knowledge. Does anyone know why his knife in this video has a polished guard and sub guard, when every OSS and OSI I found for sale seems to only have them in black? Are they rubber if they are black? Thanks for any help.
Thanks! But, yes, the OSS, OSI and Marauder have one-piece solid Kraton (rubber) grips, guards and sub-hilts. The Black Bear is a "premium" version with a Sanmai blade, Micarta scales on a true full tang, and polished stainless guard and sub-hilt. You pay 2-3 times the price for it compared to the rubber-hilted models, which are perfectly functional for rough field use, even though it is strange to have a knife with a rubber guard. The Black Bear is a well made production version of the old handmade Loveless-style sub-hilt fighters. I think it's worth the money if the design appeals to you, but definitely watch for sales!
The balance on these is slightly too far back in the handle when it should be about an inch further forward in the ricasso. Why? Because in any attempt to copy the work of the great Bob Loveless, the one thing NOT to ignore is a tapered tang. I've handled a real Loveless "Big Bear", and the momentum in the cut is significantly superior to this copy without losing enough quickness in the blade to notice. That and the crappy, edge-dulling, glass-filled nylon sheath that is now standard with most C.S. fixed blades are my only real complaints.
It's a good-looking knife. I've looked at that one but I hummed and hawed over the price. That said I just bought a $300 Monterey Bay xlc. Knife collecting is going to make me rich.
It's a very nice collector piece and I personally enjoy using it in my martial practice and experiments. I'll be doing some follow ups on sub hilts. As a "practical" utility or outdoors knife, no. If you want a sub hilt with a little more of that kind of usefulness I'd recommend the OSI.
@@gymrat100000 I looked into them as well, but I think they just forgot to update the stock. People are saying they made orders from that site and never received anything
Rizzo you know blades pal and that's know joke ,glad you waitted and got one for a reasonable deal and I enjoyed hearing your thoughts on one of my favorite knives and definitely my best combat knife. Lynn C Thompson calls the Black Bear Classic the Quintessential Fighter. I'll be looking to hear more from you about this implement in the future ⚔️🎱⚔️.
Prices on these flex a lot. If it comes in a cold steel box with a bar code label and the current logo it's probably real. At least Amazon has a great return policy.
I have received this knife and I like how sexy it feels and how effortlessly it is wielded. I’m sure the neighbors I’m sure the neighbors think I’m a little off as they see it strapped to my hip.
What is this $400 knife for? it cannot skin small game, bad point design for large game, will not chop as well as an axe, poor for whittling wood. slippery handle....for combat in can only be held one way with the handle, draws attention to police and general public, awkward to drive or sit down with, what the hell is it good for?
Considering the knife laws of any state within a thousand miles of me, I'd have to have any fixed blade knife taped to my forehead (or wear it naked) to not be potentially "concealed" as an "illegal dirk or dagger" by the definitions (and then I couldn't draw it without it being considered "brandishing"). That tends to make any fixed blade knife useless to me if I can't carry it or use it outside my front door without being arrested. So it's in the collection with my other knives and swords, for "collecting, historical and academic purposes only". AKA: Useless. Now if someone made a decent folding knife for serious field craft, that might be worth something to me.
It would poke enough holes in you to keep that bitching under wraps. The knife is 200 dollars not 400. It's a combat knife. It's meant to kill in a knife fight. Worth every penny
Great video, as a teenager in the 90's I lusted after this design, but could not justify the original price point. When I saw free shipping and a 11% off coupon code on Black Friday, I decided to once again live vicariously through my children and picked one up for my son. For just over $200 with taxes I thought it was a great deal. Yes, I generally prefer US, German or Japan blades, but the quality control on this Taiwan version in San Mai is above average (Taiwan is not China by the way, at least not yet). I think it is a piece of functional art. We can argue all day long about the practicality, but no one can deny the beauty of this design. My only complaint is they cheaped out on the nylon belt loop. The original had a leather sheath and this is some type of kydex. No issues with the sheath itself, but they could have come up with a better material/design for the belt loop. It just feels low end. If you are looking for a higher end version, may I suggest you check out Paul Lusk just north of Houston. If your willing to spend the money his quality is on the high end of custom knives. Please continue making great videos.
Thanks! I've been training with the Black Bear like I train with my swords and other "impractical" weapons, and for that I like it a lot. And it is a nice piece of craftsmanship.
Best Cold Steel I own; the grip is hand honed and feels great 👍 my Trailmaster vg1 san mai iii is right next to the Black Bear in quality.
I love the idea of the sub-hilt fighter - what always stumbled me was this: I feel like you'd have to commit to learning to be comfortable with a very specialized knife-using-style. IDK.
They've made more sense to me the more I've been training with swords designed to have the index finger up over the crossguard. I'm planning to do a comparison soon, pros and cons.
@@michaelrizzo5523 That makes sense. I feel like a this is a knife that a swordsman would wield well.
@@markeysonwoodcraftandcarvi9247 Very well stated!
James Keating talks about the use of the Sub-hilt. Pulling a trigger
Very nice in the snap-cut. Also good grip purchase for withdrawing the blade from the sheath or when it's stuck deep in a target.
Just got one myself yesterday . Same story as you. Wanted one for decades, but couldn't justify it. Recently noticed Knifecenter had 'em for under $200 and was shocked. I had a $50 gift card from them too, so, I (still guiltily) couldn't resist anymore and finally went ahead and bit. Looks nice. Already cut myself on the back edge, so it works! I'm no commando, so it's not likely to be my go-to survival blade, but it seems Well worth what I paid for it, at just a little better than twice the price of the OSS. Wanted to hate the sheath, too, but it fits the knife very well and seems quite practical, once adjusted some. I carry strong side, ice-pick grip draw (sheath reversed from as shipped). Sub-hilt works great for this. No complaints. It does what it's meant to do; cut fast in two directions with a long reach and stab deep. Be a decent extra-large hunting knife (especially with a few modifications like some custom blade covers to protect the game and you while gutting and skinning). But, for survival. I'm still carrying my Marbles Ideal.......at least WITH this...the Ideal's a sharpened pry-bar. Not gonna be chopping and prying with this thing! but it's nice.
It would be a terrible hunting knife.
This knife has one purpose & one purpose only, it's a fighting knife.
Enjoy it for what it is & don't try to justify owning it.
@@eugenevictortooms4174Agreed. I'd never carry it for modern hunting. But, in ages past, when hunting with bows or spears, similar knives seem to have been carried to dispatch wounded came or slaughter livestock with. And theoretically, one can CAREFULLY choke up on it enough (with your pinky between the hilts, blade held between the thumb and the fore and middle fingers) to use for more precision tasks (yielding about a 5" working edge), if needs be. Just wouldn't be my preference, no. But, It's a knife. It'll do what it'll do.
Great video great knife
I couldn't wait for one, I had a deposit down for over 6 months and it still didn't come in, I ended up getting a TaiPan instead, kind of glad I did. I have long wanted a Black Bear but they are too expensive now here in Australia (nearing AUD$500)
Good overview.
I was pretty surprised when it came up for less than 250USD on Amazon here. The Taipan is also very intriguing.
@@michaelrizzo5523 I have the OSS, OSI and Boar Collector so I really don't feel the need to splurge on the Black Bear. AS far as big fighting knives from CS I am also covered with the Tai-Pan, 1849 riflemans knife, TrailMaster sanmaiIII just to name a few.
@@waveman0 I just got the OSI and really like it. The Rifleman's knife caught my eye.
@@michaelrizzo5523 it's a classy piece and very period correct if you are into that sort of thing. Plus it's a big chunk of 1085 in a very good design so it's a formidable fighting knife in its own right.
the surprising one for me was the Boar Collector, a sub hilt fighting knife that is right out there. I got mine on special here in Australia for AUD$55 which is outstanding.
Incredibly nice blade!
Yes, those big knives have a certain appeal.
Sorry, I meant subhilt, not subguard.
very good and informative video, thank you! I never have handeled a Loveless style subhilt knife .. always thought that the subhilts main function is to draw back the blade after a thrust. Cheers, Erik
It does do that, and adds something to certain kinds of cuts I've found. But... is it worth the extra cash? To be continued...
Did you buy one of the Original Cold Steel Company Black Bear Classics? I ask because you state that yours has Micarta Handle Scales. Mine is from the New, GSM, Cold Steel Company. It has Black, Polished, G-10 Handle Scales... :-) Peace, Stiletto :-)
Just missed the upgrade: my recent version is polished G10. I'm just used to seeing that texture in Micarta.
Good looking knife! How does the grip feel on the OSS version in comparison? Would you say it is gripper or perhaps more practical in use? Thanks.
The OSS is much lighter and the Kraton is grippier and more forgiving under impact, but I like the OSI much better for any kind of practical use. Plus, the OSS and OSI are a fraction of the price.
I just watched this video and I am very impressed with this gentlemen's knowledge. Does anyone know why his knife in this video has a polished guard and sub guard, when every OSS and OSI I found for sale seems to only have them in black? Are they rubber if they are black? Thanks for any help.
Thanks! But, yes, the OSS, OSI and Marauder have one-piece solid Kraton (rubber) grips, guards and sub-hilts. The Black Bear is a "premium" version with a Sanmai blade, Micarta scales on a true full tang, and polished stainless guard and sub-hilt. You pay 2-3 times the price for it compared to the rubber-hilted models, which are perfectly functional for rough field use, even though it is strange to have a knife with a rubber guard. The Black Bear is a well made production version of the old handmade Loveless-style sub-hilt fighters. I think it's worth the money if the design appeals to you, but definitely watch for sales!
The balance on these is slightly too far back in the handle when it should be about an inch further forward in the ricasso. Why? Because in any attempt to copy the work of the great Bob Loveless, the one thing NOT to ignore is a tapered tang. I've handled a real Loveless "Big Bear", and the momentum in the cut is significantly superior to this copy without losing enough quickness in the blade to notice. That and the crappy, edge-dulling, glass-filled nylon sheath that is now standard with most C.S. fixed blades are my only real complaints.
Agreed: The balance point makes the blade very insubstantial for cutting, and the sheath is awful on the edge.
Just ordered one from Midway USA for only $120 including tax!
It's a good-looking knife. I've looked at that one but I hummed and hawed over the price. That said I just bought a $300 Monterey Bay xlc. Knife collecting is going to make me rich.
I don't think this one was designed to be a reverse grip Fighter... :-) Peace, Stiletto :-)
Really doesn't work well that way. Just covering the bases.
These late vg-10 models w concealex sheaths hollow or flat grind?
Hollow. Terrible secondary edge bevel. Needed serious re-profiling.
I will be getting a different sheath. I am not a fan of the plastic.
Deserves a better sheath!
now thats a nice blade
Do you still recommend this knife after 1 year?
It's a very nice collector piece and I personally enjoy using it in my martial practice and experiments. I'll be doing some follow ups on sub hilts. As a "practical" utility or outdoors knife, no. If you want a sub hilt with a little more of that kind of usefulness I'd recommend the OSI.
I own this knife. It is a very fast blade! Would be my choice in a fight.
The oss guards are rubber.
Awesome
... very-nice video.
Thanks!
Nice looking blade.
Hi, I've been saving up to get this knife and now it's discontinued. Would you be willing to sell it or trade it?
SMKW has them in stock
@@gymrat100000 I looked into them as well, but I think they just forgot to update the stock. People are saying they made orders from that site and never received anything
@@elliotv5354 Fed Ex is delivering mine on Monday. From SMKW. I’ve purchased many from them with no issues.
@@kenearl9487 How long did shipping take? I just saw a lot of complaints about the website
No it's not. It's still made. DLT has them in stock.
awesome knife
Rizzo you know blades pal and that's know joke ,glad you waitted and got one for a reasonable deal and I enjoyed hearing your thoughts on one of my favorite knives and definitely my best combat knife.
Lynn C Thompson calls the
Black Bear Classic the
Quintessential Fighter. I'll be looking to hear more from you about this implement in the future ⚔️🎱⚔️.
I really am loving this knife.
Nice sweater
I see this knife on Amazon today for $147. Makes me wonder if it’s a counterfeit
Prices on these flex a lot. If it comes in a cold steel box with a bar code label and the current logo it's probably real. At least Amazon has a great return policy.
I have received this knife and I like how sexy it feels and how effortlessly it is wielded. I’m sure the neighbors I’m sure the neighbors think I’m a little off as they see it strapped to my hip.
@@Sonny_Eclipse Sexy is a good descriptor for this knife. Glad you like it!
If this had a leather sheath.....
Ah, yes, the "BBC" is no joke... Don't hurt nobody.
What is this $400 knife for?
it cannot skin small game, bad point design for large game, will not chop as well as an axe, poor for whittling wood. slippery handle....for combat in can only be held one way with the handle, draws attention to police and general public, awkward to drive or sit down with, what the hell is it good for?
Considering the knife laws of any state within a thousand miles of me, I'd have to have any fixed blade knife taped to my forehead (or wear it naked) to not be potentially "concealed" as an "illegal dirk or dagger" by the definitions (and then I couldn't draw it without it being considered "brandishing"). That tends to make any fixed blade knife useless to me if I can't carry it or use it outside my front door without being arrested. So it's in the collection with my other knives and swords, for "collecting, historical and academic purposes only". AKA: Useless.
Now if someone made a decent folding knife for serious field craft, that might be worth something to me.
It would poke enough holes in you to keep that bitching under wraps. The knife is 200 dollars not 400. It's a combat knife. It's meant to kill in a knife fight. Worth every penny