Cudeman FAB 298-K Cocobolo: the bushcraft knife born from a community of experts
Some knives begin as a simple sketch; others, by contrast, take shape from the knowledge of those who truly walk the backcountry or share a passion for Spanish sporting cutlery. The Cudeman 298-K (FAB) belongs firmly to the second group. Its story goes back to 2010, when Cudeman introduced the celebrated FAB I together with the Foro de Armas Blancas. That first model, with white Micarta scales, paved the way for a success that soon earned enormous prestige among survival enthusiasts. This version represents the maturity of that legendary design, now dressed in the timeless warmth of natural wood.
Following the spirit of constant improvement so typical of Albacete, the geometry has been brought up to date: the curved grind of the original edition has given way to a straighter, more contemporary profile that cuts noticeably more efficiently. It is the logical evolution of a classic, designed for the adventurer who demands maximum technical performance without giving up the look of traditional materials.
What sets this model apart
- Renewed cutting performance: the new straight grind improves the entry angle and simplifies sharpening, which shows in outstanding performance when working wood.
- Weight with a purpose: with a 5 mm blade thickness and a 3.5 cm spine width, its 270 grams provide the mass needed to chop with authority without becoming a burden on the belt.
- Grip and safety: the jimping on the spine settles the thumb during precision tasks, while the bulky rear pommel is positioned for striking and percussion work.
Steel and edge performance
The FAB's reputation calls for a core to match. The blade is forged from solid Bohler N-695 steel, with a heat treatment that brings its hardness up to 59/60 HRc. This alloy offers outstanding edge retention over long bushcraft days along with excellent corrosion resistance. The straight grind, finished with a satin finish, slices through material with great ease; that said, given its high hardness it is wise to include a diamond or ceramic stone in your kit to keep its bite intact.
Construction and durability
Ruggedness is the non-negotiable hallmark of this piece. It is a full-tang construction: a single plate of steel runs through its 23.5 cm total length. The scales are fixed to the frame with millimetre precision using threaded internal brass bushings and stainless steel Allen screws. It is a tool built for demanding work, always used with judgement: its drop-point tip excels at directional cutting and dressing game, but it is not designed to act as a pry bar or as any other tool forced beyond its purpose.
Handle and control in the field
A knife of this calibre deserves a grip to match. This variant features magnificent satin-finished Cocobolo scales, a dense and noble wood that dampens impact vibration beautifully. Its ergonomic profile fits the hollow of the hand and delivers a warm feel that delays the onset of fatigue during prolonged carving. As an added safety feature, the sturdy rear pommel includes a lanyard hole, so the tool stays under control even during the most sudden movements.
Sheath and carry
Updating the knife also brought an improvement in how it is carried. The basic sheath of the early days is now a thing of the past: the FAB 298-K now comes with an advanced multi-position brown leather sheath, fitted with heavy-duty loops and snaps. As is customary at Cudeman, this piece is entirely made in-house, cut and assembled by their craftsmen. For this Cocobolo wood version there are two configurations available:
- 298-K: multi-position brown leather sheath. Simple and elegant, ready for vertical or horizontal belt carry.
- 298-KC: the complete set. Multi-position brown leather sheath with a front adapter that adds a sharpening stone, a signalling mirror, a fire steel and 550 paracord in coyote colour, for a complete survival kit.
What it is for
- Intensive bushcraft and camp set-up, making the most of its mass to process firewood using the batoning technique.
- A range of field tasks where percussion is needed, thanks to its solid pommel.
- A go-to companion on hunting trips, taking full advantage of the versatility and control of its drop-point blade.
Care and maintenance
- Always clean sap, resin or blood from the satin-finished blade with water and mild soap before it dries.
- Dry the Bohler N-695 completely before storing it in the leather, to avoid any surface rust marks.
- As a noble wood, Cocobolo appreciates the occasional few drops of natural wax or linseed oil to enhance its grain and prevent cracking; always store it in a dry place, away from excess moisture.
- Periodically check the tightness of the Allen screws if the knife has been through intensive chopping and vibration sessions.
- Keep the spine jimping clean and free of ingrained dirt, so the thumb keeps resting on it with the best possible grip.
The Cudeman FAB (298-K) is born from paying attention to those who live this craft: a tool made by Cudeman in Albacete that combines the effectiveness of a modern design with the legacy of a piece created for the community and for enthusiasts of Spanish steel. Available at Navajeria with shipping across mainland Spain.
