Benchmade CSK II, Is it any good?

[knife2Agunfight]

I found this knife online for $70 and I really love the design of it. I know it's Benchmade, but it's so cheap that I question it's quality. It comes with a leather sheath and I'n not sure if the sheath is heavy duty, where it won't tear if if it gets pulled or stressed. The primary use will be a camping knife for splitting wood, hacking limbs, and other various little things. Does anyone have any experience with this knife?


Benchmade CSK II
6" 1095 Steel Blade

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

The sheath is the chintziest, sorriest piece of leather I have ever seen mistakenly marketed as a "sheath." I looks like it was made in Pakistan by a blind man with the shakes out of spray-painted cardboard. The knife is ok, but there are better choices out there in the same price range.

 

[knife2Agunfight]

The sheath is the chintziest, sorriest piece of leather I have ever seen mistakenly marketed as a "sheath." I looks like it was made in Pakistan by a blind man with the shakes out of spray-painted cardboard. The knife is ok, but there are better choices out there in the same price range.

What would you recommend?

 

[Onies]

I would personally take a BK5 or BK7 over this one in the price range stated. ESEE makes some of the best 1095 knives out there too, albeit a little more expensive.

 

[HuntBomb]

My CSK 2 + sheath have held up just fine. (attached to my pack, so it gets hung-up on stuff all the time and hasn't failed yet) The sheath attachment system is on the cheaper side.
The 1095 is easy to sharpen, great length, not too thick, and has handled its share of chopping, battoning, etc.
I'm not sure how, but about 4mm of the tip has chipped off...barely noticeable, but still.
I would recommend it, but there are other options.
ESEE knives are similar and apparently well liked , but a bit more in price.
Becker also has a serious following and similar prices.
If you want a knife that lasts forever...save up and spring for a Busse/ScrapYard/Swamp Rat.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

My CSK 2 + sheath have held up just fine. (attached to my pack, so it gets hung-up on stuff all the time and hasn't failed yet) The sheath attachment system is on the cheaper side.

Note that I didn't say that it wasn't functional--it's just gross, dry, fibrous, UGLY leather.

What would you recommend?

For a knife of similar style (albeit a little thicker and in stainless) you might scope out the Cold Steel SRK. Personally, though, I'd save up the extra and spring for an ESEE-6. Great knife with and even better warranty.