Buck CSAR-T

street soldier · Aug 22, 2010

I was in a local brick and mortar store the other day and I was perusing their Buck display. I was pressed for time as I was with my family, but I'm pretty sure they had the CSAR-T there. I believe that it was listed at $58.00.

I have checked online sites and see that it is selling for around $90-$100.

My question is: is it worth it to go back and pick it up? It's not very far from my home, so travel is not the issue.

I guess what I'm curious to know is how has this knife performed for you? I know the term has been beaten to death, but I'm looking for a 'hard use' folder that can take everything thrown at it and keep going. Not abuse, mind you, just hard work.

What have you cut with it/ used it for? Has anyone tried it for detail or fine work? Heavy cutting? How does it feel in your hand after protracted use?

I have looked at a bunch of threads here regarding this knife, and they mostly revolve around looks/ comparison to other knives(which are outstanding, by the way), and the CSAR-T's weight.

I appreciate any and all help in regards to this. I have looked at the CSAR-T for a while, but have held off due to an uncertainty of its performance. Not due to a potential lack of performance/ failure, but is it an overkill type knife that is more than I would need. I would be using it for general everyday type tasks (cutting rope/ boxes/ food prep) as well as some light outdoor type chores. Although I am starting to warm up to small fixed blades, I really like folders for EDC.

Thanks.

John

presz · Aug 22, 2010

For $58 I would buy it.

chevy_racin · Aug 22, 2010

I have one, and I really like it.

It's weight is an issue for some, 8.5 or 8.6 ounces, so over 1/2 pound. For some I think this is very important for their EDC. The liners do add a lot to the weight, and the steel end where the tools go, is thick.

I've found it is not a great slicer, but it is good for working in the yard and cutting things like rope and boxes. It's blade is thick. And, with the modified tanto, it has a strong tip. I would probably select another one of my knives for finer cutting tasks since it is bulky.

It's an "older" steel, ATS-34 versus some of the newer ones. I'm not a steel expert by any means. But I find the ATS-34 holds up about as well as the S30V for my uses. YMMV Someone with more knowledge could probably give you more information on this.

For the price, I think it is a good knife. I would say it is worth the $58 bucks.

Good luck with your decision.

rich XDguys · Aug 22, 2010

For that price I would buy them all

SCALPHUNTER · Aug 22, 2010

I've got one and it's a "tank" of a knife. It is a little heavy for a folder but after a couple of days I got used to carrying it clipped in my front strong side pocket, but you can always use the belt case that comes with it. It has a good tanto type, thick blade that you could put through a car door. As chevy racin said, it's not the greatest slicer, but it does an adequate job. The blade is 3/16" thick, and it makes for one mean defensive knife that's designed more for penetration than slicing, and you know you've got a good chunk of steel in your hand. I've never heard of it being sold for less than $84.00, so if you can get one for $58.00, you are getting a bargain. I've never been disappointed with mine.

kidcoyote · Aug 22, 2010

i would buy it, i been wanting one but don't have $100 bucks to spend on one.

christmas is soon but so many knives i want..

imafritz · Aug 22, 2010

chevy_racin said:
I have one, and I really like it.

It's weight is an issue for some, 8.5 or 8.6 ounces, so over 1/2 pound. For some I think this is very important for their EDC. The liners do add a lot to the weight, and the steel end where the tools go, is thick.

I've found it is not a great slicer, but it is good for working in the yard and cutting things like rope and boxes. It's blade is thick. And, with the modified tanto, it has a strong tip. I would probably select another one of my knives for finer cutting tasks since it is bulky.

It's an "older" steel, ATS-34 versus some of the newer ones. I'm not a steel expert by any means. But I find the ATS-34 holds up about as well as the S30V for my uses. YMMV Someone with more knowledge could probably give you more information on this.

For the price, I think it is a good knife. I would say it is worth the $58 bucks.

Good luck with your decision.

+1 om all that is said by the good chevy except at $58, I would run to make sure you dont go to jail for grand theft. I paid $95 plus shipping and was happy to do so , although it looks like around $85 is the new normal price. $58 is hard to believe. Even if you only need it to club something over the head with, it is well worth that

mbjannusch · Aug 22, 2010

Are you sure you arn't dyslexic, I can see $85 but not $58. It was too heavy for me, tried to sell it but couldn't get a buyer even at a loss.

Plumberdv · Aug 23, 2010

mbjannusch said:
Are you sure you arn't dyslexic, I can see $85 but not $58. It was too heavy for me, tried to sell it but couldn't get a buyer even at a loss.

I honestly don't see the model staying in the lineup very long. It seems to have a limited number of potential buyers, unlike many of Bucks other offerings (JMO) so for that price ($58) it would be something to grab even if just to put away.

As I've mentioned in the past, I offered to give mine to a friend of my son's who is an armed paramilitary/swat team type security officer at a Nuke plant and he didn't even want it. He preferred the Tempest/Sirus or something with a more useable everyday design. I ended up giving him a Vantage Pro and he's been very happy with that.

postfallsidaho · Aug 23, 2010

mbjannusch said:
tried to sell it but couldn't get a buyer even at a loss.

I like mine! Its not really designed for fine detail work, but its tough! I will use mine more when I get out hunting etc. I bought mine online NIB for $80.00 shipped, so I would say $58.00 is a great deal. It seems after they became more available that the prices dropped quite a bit. So maybe its not very popular

??? BUT if a guy can get one NIB for 80-85 shipped, its gonna be tough to sell a used one (if if gently) for only 5-10 dollars less.

Sorry just a thought, and my .02

Plumberdv said:
I honestly don't see the model staying in the lineup very long. It seems to have a limited number of potential buyers, unlike many of Bucks other offerings (JMO) so for that price ($58) it would be something to grab even if just to put away.

As I've mentioned in the past, I offered to give mine to a friend of my son's who is an armed paramilitary/swat team type security officer at a Nuke plant and he didn't even want it. He preferred the Tempest/Sirus or something with a more useable everyday design. I ended up giving him a Vantage Pro and he's been very happy with that.

Gees Dave, you couldn't give a Buck knife away???? I guess if I was looking for an EDC I would opt for the Sirus/Vantage as well!!!

Plumberdv · Aug 23, 2010

postfallsidaho said:
I like mine! Its not really designed for fine detail work, but its tough! I will use mine more when I get out hunting etc. I bought mine online NIB for $80.00 shipped, so I would say $58.00 is a great deal. It seems after they became more available that the prices dropped quite a bit. So maybe its not very popular ??? BUT if a guy can get one NIB for $80.00 shipped, whos gonna pay $85.00 shipped for a used one?
Sorry just a though, and my .02

Gees Dave, you couldn't give a Buck knife away???? I guess if I was looking for an EDC I would opt for the Sirus/Vantage as well!!!

Nope, the guy just said "what the he** would I do with that?

Anyway, I don't really know how popular they are. They just don't seem to get a lot of "press" here in the Buck forum. Could be they are selling like Hot Cakes to the mall ninja group or other more paramilitary types that post in other forums.

rich XDguys · Aug 23, 2010

They are selling like hot cakes. THAT I know for a fact. Again that price is a steel

spelling pun

Lots of guys like a heavy knife Heck that why I like my BuckMasters. It is also a agile knife and when you get use to it you can use it every day. Plus you can use tool bit's if a need ever arises.

I cant wait to see more collabrative efforts from TOPS and BUCK.
Rumor is we will see more soon

postfallsidaho · Aug 23, 2010

rich XDguys said:
I cant wait to see more collaborative efforts from TOPS and BUCK.

Me too! 2 great companies in the good ole USA, (and Idaho)

Now how about a fixed blade

street soldier · Aug 24, 2010

Ok, went back to pick it up and it turns out it was not the CSAR. It was the other knife that is built on the same frame (alpha folding hunter I think?). Oh well, thought it was to good to be true.

Thanks for all the thoughts/advice.

imafritz · Aug 24, 2010

The Alpha is a great knife and very useful. If its th 420hc rubber handled, you can get a better price.

Tacticalmonkey · Aug 26, 2010

I've only had mine a little over a week now, but its always in my pocket. I paid $85 for mine and consider it a real bargain. I love the feel of this knife and the beefy blade. I like TOPS Knives and the combination of the two really made for a great folder.:thumbup:

XIECHENG · Dec 24, 2012

I love him.. strong

TwinStick · Dec 26, 2012

GREAT knife !!! Great sheath !!! Get you one !!!

Yes, you can baton with it. I have with no issues.

draftpick · Dec 27, 2012

TwinStick said:
GREAT knife !!! Great sheath !!! Get you one !!!

Yes, you can baton with it. I have with no issues.

I'm a huge fan of the folder, love it but I'm under whelmed buy the fixed blade. I have a couple issues, first I just don't really like the feel in my hand. Also call me a steel snob 420hc is not a bad choice for a hard use knife, but I think they could have used different steel and could have used thicker steel. I would have prefered the same thickness as the new nighthawks. Also the new nighthawks have thicker steel and similar sheath if not the same, and cost less than the CSAR-T fixed? I know Buck can't make everybody happy, but those issues are why I have not bought the fixed version.