Benchmade CSK II? Anyone use one?

PropThePolecat

PropThePolecat

Joined
Jan 31, 2009
Messages
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Ive been checking out the CSK II and i think it looks pretty sexy. I can get one for a good price and ive been thinking about adding it to the collection. Id like to hear from members who've used the blade while hiking, thats why i posted in this section instead of general.

Yes, ive seen Nutnfancys video where it chips while chopping branches in subzero conditions, but i believe it was lemon he was using. I just dont believe Benchmade would consistently put out a blade that had such a bad heattreat.

Ive already got a Fallkniven A1, the ultimate 6-inch blade :thumbup:, so im not looking for a blade to replace it. Im only looking to add a blade to add to my hiking collection. Therefore, please refrain from suggesting all sorts of blades :D

So who has any experience with the Benchmade CSK II (other than internet surfing/viewing :D)? What do you think about it? Handle, blade-thickness, grind, robustness, cutting abilities, etc.?

And what about the sheath? Is it nice and well-built, or utter crap like the rest of stock sheaths that manufactureres put out?

Any input is welcome. Pics even more so!

bm158bk.jpg
 
I had a CSK 1 a few years back, slightly different design with D2 steel. It was a comfortable knife with a nice drop point blade, and had a good sheath. I didn't find anything particularly wrong with that one except I know I didn't like the finger guard. But it somehow got traded away.
 
I've had my BM CSK 2 attached to my Maxped pack for about a year now, and it goes everywhere with me and does just fine.
I also use my Busse NMSFNO and NMFBM for heavy chopping because the CSK 2 is rather light-weight.
However, it is thick enough to handle some hard blows from a baton...(I agree that NutnFancy had a lemon)
Blade came very sharp and D2 has held its edge like a champ.
Sheath is pretty pathetic for attachment purposes, but does hold blade safe and secure.
Handle is also surprisingly comfortable and "grippy".
 
The CSK1 was awesome, other than that goofy BILT system it used. The CSK2 is just really REALLY "meh" for the money to me...the grip has an elliptical shape that's a bit too "pointy" at the top and bottom, causing hot spots, and the leather sheath is just downright embarrassing. The quality of the leather is worse than I've seen on a lot of Chinese-made no-name knives. I like Benchmade a lot, normally, but this one is just a walking mistake. Someone needs to put it out of its misery. :(

I say go with an ESEE-6, a Cold Steel SRK, or similar. Just stay away from that CSK2.
 
The knife itself isn't bad at all but the sheath is horrendous. I bought mine and thought someone did a switcheroo with the sheath. If ur still interested, mine is for sale LNIB :)
 
Thanks all for your input. I think ill stick at admiring its looks, instead of actually buyuing it. The reviews have just been to mixed.

dead-eye said:
If ur still interested, mine is for sale LNIB :)
Click to expand...

Thanks, but unless youre located in the EU, then no thanks :D
 
My girlfriend has a drop point Benchmade Rant in 440C and it's freakin' awesome. Very similar design to the CSKII - nice handle, good lines, and a wicked sheath to boot. It might be worth looking at.
 
NothingCoherent said:
My girlfriend has a drop point Benchmade Rant in 440C and it's freakin' awesome. Very similar design to the CSKII - nice handle, good lines, and a wicked sheath to boot. It might be worth looking at.
Click to expand...

I agree. They look very nice and Benchmade expanded the lineup to include a few more blade styles, although i still prefer the drop point the most.

510-512-515-517-rant-knives.jpg
 
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