Benchmade CSK Vs. SOG Gov-Tac ?

lagarto

lagarto

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Oct 26, 2001
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My local B&M carries both the SOG Gov-Tac and the Benchmade CSK for the same price. I'm considering picking up one of them for use as a camp knife on an upcoming trip and am wondering if anyone could provide me with input as to which would be the better knife. I like the feel of the CSK, but I wonder how robust that rubber handle really is. Also, what's the big deal with the "BILT" system? As far as the steels I know almost nothing about D-2 vs, the AUS 8 in the SOG, which takes and holds the better edge?

Thanks in advance.

Lagarto
 
D-2 will hold an edge better but is not so rust resistant.

AUS8 will not hold an edge as well but should be durable and is pretty rust resistant.

I dont know anything about the BILT stuff.
Seems like either would be a good knife. Personally i dont like the look of either. What do you mean when you say camp knife? Want it to chop down a tree or just to coo with?
 
I've been really pleased with my CSK. I've used it for kitchen work, light chopping, and batoning to split firewood and it's done an excellent job. I haven't used the SOG so can't comment on it.
 
Thanks for the input so far. As far as usage I don't plan to chop trees. I might take off small limbs, baton it, or use for chopping/slicing food. Pretty much the same sort of chores popedandy already mentioned.

Lagarto
 
If I were you I'd check their sheaths (!) and decide what suits me better.
 
Found this on the "BILT" system:

"Benchmade's patented B.I.L.T. system allows for easy disassembly and cleaning of the handle. "

What that means beats the heck out of me.

I agree with eyeatingfish that D2 will hold an edge longer. But, it would also most likely be more brittle than AUS8.

What are you planning to do with your camp knife?

The D2 would be better for skinning and pure cutting, although IMO a 6" blade is a bit large for such things. AUS8 might be better for rougher work. Neither would be as tough as a carbon steel knife.

As far as the designs of these two knives go, I like the shape of the CSK better because there is nothing to keep you from putting your thumb on the back of the blade to provide additional cutting control when needed for precision cutting. The crossguard on the Gov-TAC won't let you do that, which is not surprising since the SOG promo material implies this is designed to be a military blade instead of a camping blade.

So it goes back to, "What camp chores are you planning to do with the knife?"
Cutting and skinning? Of the two you mention, I'd go with the CSK.
Cutting branches and such? Of the two you mention, none of the above.


Have you considered something like an Ontario Knives RAT-5?
 
"BILT system: A patented Benchmade exclusive, the BILT System (Bolted In Line Tang) simplifies fixed blade handle assembly process, while at the same time strengthening the overall assembly itself. A long nut is positioned in the slotted full-tang; a hardened bolt is passed through the butt-cap and then threaded into the nut drawing the handle assembly together for a solid fit."

From the Benchmade catalog.

I have the CSK, and I like it. I haven't used it a lot yet, but the overall feel is OK. The handle is comfortable. Th sheath comes with an extra removable smaller sheet, where you can put a folder, or a multitool, or even a survival kit.

I haven't seen the SOG Gov Tac yet, so I can't comment on that one. Only that in my experience D2 is a better steel than AUS8.
 
Thanks for the help folks, I did wind up going with the CSK. Here's a mini-review of how they stacked up side by side when I played with them in the store. First off this is what I intended to use it for: Light chopping, slicing/prepping backcountry food, possibly light baton work, nothing heavy there. Whittling tent stakes etc.... basically light all around backup knife.

Sheaths (sp?): The CSK definately has the better sheath, IMO, it has the smaller pocket as previously mentioned and I really like Benchmade's cordura and plastic sheaths. Not a huge fan of the Kydex used by SOG, though I do like Dave Brown's work.

Control: As far as being able to choke up on the knives, I found I could put my hand on the top of the SOG blade, but it was a little more difficult. They do have a nice serrated thumb ramp there though, so I think this was intended. This was noticeably easier with the CSK too.

Handles: I really like the handle on the SOG, the checkering gives it a nice feel and grips well. The rubber on the CSK works well, but I fear it may wear down quickly. I've had this problem with a LMF II.

Tip Strength. I can't say for sure, but the GOV-TAC has a more elongated tip, versus the drop point style of the CSK, and is IMO less suited to wilderness use as described above.

Blade Thickness. Edge goes to SOG on that one, roughly 1/4"-5/16 vs 3/16 or so for the CSK.

Butt. I think either would work as a field hammer in a pinch, but definately think the SOG would perform better in this role.

Overall, as stated in a previous post, I think the GOV-TAC would definately make a suitable wilderness knife, but definately felt like more of a tactical/utility knife. The CSK feels like it is designed as a more well-rounded survival blade, and I look forward to putting it through its paces. Thanks again for the advice and help.

Lagarto
 
lagarto said:
Handles: I really like the handle on the SOG, the checkering gives it a nice feel and grips well. The rubber on the CSK works well, but I fear it may wear down quickly. I've had this problem with a LMF II.
Click to expand...

Sorry, abit off topic here but what do you think of the LMF II besides the grip material? (I am waiting for mine to arrive)
 
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