Buck /tops CSAR T folding knive

B

Bill334

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Dec 21, 2014
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I was wondering if the buck / tops CSAR T folding knive would be a good backup survival knive. Every blade steel out there has its Weak points would like to know what this ones are. Also what positives this blade steel has over 420 HC. Thanks in advance for everyone's answer on this topic.
 
I'm not sure how to address your question...

I think it solely depends on what you expect of a "survival knife". Compass? Fishing equipment? Match storage? Or just a general purpose, rock solid fixed knife that you can cut a tree down and clean game with?

The modified tanto blade is great for some things, but not so great for a lot of things. For my big sheath knife that's going to cut trees and clean game, I like a more traditional blade shape with a decent belly and preferably a clip point. The CSAR has neither. A survival knife should be easy to sharpen even if all you have is a creek rock (Buck's 420 is a great example) . The CSAR-T isn't "easy" to sharpen (compared to other options) and you would probably turn the rock to gravel before you got an acceptable edge. In my opinion, easy to sharpen is more important than edge retention for a woods/survival knife.

What is good about the CSAR-T is the blade thickness and steel used. It holds an edge really, really well. But is not easy to get hair popping sharp in the field because it's such a thick blade. The blade is 0.175" on my caliper and I have little doubt that it will survive a beating. I'm not a liner lock fan but the CSAR-T has to be the thickest piece of metal I've ever seen in a liner lock.

I guess my vote is "no" it's not a good back-up. Not without support from yet another blade. A 110 might be a better back-up.

As has been the case with most of my posts, I'm sure someone will come tell me how wrong I am. You asked for opinions though, so there you have it.
 
It's a good knife for the display case or showing off. I don't consider it very practical. Liner lock is extremely hard to disengage but if you want a bomb proof folder why not one with a better lock like the Benchmade Adamas. I'd wager the Axis lock on the Adamas is stronger and I know it's much easier to operate.
 
Let's do steel first, 154CM we'll hold a edge a lot longer then 420HC but it is a bit harder to sharpen (not much if you know what your doing) and it well rust faster if you don't oil it.

The knife now, short answer yes it be a fine backup survive it holds up to my hard use just fine.

ZTD
 
I find that threads about survival tend not to go well. One needs to define what sort of scenario you're talking about and then ask what you need from a knife based on those needs.

Define the conditions first.
 
It's a good, beefy knife. I like mine fine. However, all folders have limitations. Also, be aware that there are two similar knives made buy Buck now. I like the original more than I do the newer model, but that is me.
 
This knife also comes in 420HC CSAR Avid, ATS34 original CSAR-T, 154CM CSAR Responder, and current CSAR-T.
I use my CSAR-T as a camp knife how ever I do not use (abuse) it like the guy in the video. It has held up good for me. Heavy duty enough to feel comfortable for most chores.
 
I bought one (154CM version) specifically because I wanted a large folder that could be carried with either a pocket/belt clip or in a sheath that could be mounted to a pack via MOLLE or similar attachment method, acting as a backup to a fixed blade. I previously bought a Ka-Bar Mule and Benchmade Adamas for the same purpose, but found a price I couldn't pass up on a CSAR-T and took a chance. I'm very impressed with the knife (and sheath) and feel I can trust it in its intended role, but it's entirely possible that it will never see any actual cutting use.

MT_Pokt raises a good point about it not being a good backup without another knife for certain roles, although I would qualify that by deciding what the role of your primary "survival" knife is. Some folks think that survival entails everything from cleaning game to food prep to wood processing to combat, and no, a CSAR is not going to be great at some of those tasks, but the argument could be made that any fixed blade knife for which the CSAR is an appropriate backup is likewise probably not ideal for some of those same tasks. So, consider what your idea of a survival knife is, look at your primary knife, and decide if a CSAR can adequately perform the same tasks if the primary is lost or damaged.
 
Thanks for the replies.I should have been or specific as some have pointed out. But I am confident after watching the video that my CSAR T will hold up to normal camping tasks like fire and game preperation. My main knife is a gerber lmf 2. I decided on that as a main because it is easy to replace just like the CSAR T.
 
Just traded 2 Buck Vantage 845 Serrated & Non Serrated Knives for a TOPS BUCK CSAR. Glad I made the trade. The CSAR is one BEAST of a knife. No Doubt About It! I haven't had the chance to use it yet as I just got it in on Monday 3/20/17.

 
I've put mine through some heavy use in a warehouse, cutting nylon banding, shrink wrap, cardboard, prying open crates, etc.
It's taken some real abuse and stood up well to it. I bought the driver and bit set with it and found it quite handy as well.
It seems more practical as a utility knife than a survival knife in my opinion. I mean, I wouldn't pack it into the mountains with me. There are too many other much more useful knives for that. I think it was designed for military and first responders in mind.
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Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
 
It's in my gun bag. Overbuilt folder that I don't think will ever fail. Almost gets fixed blade strength but I have fixed blades for that. Cool factor is an Overbuilt knife from Buck.
 
Do not listen to all the Internet commandos. I have used my CSAR as a backup knife in 3 overseas deployments and it never failed. As long as you remember that it's a knife and not a pry bar or any imaginary high speed tool.
 
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