Csar 1st impressions per Street Soldier request

[imafritz]

Street Soldier and anyone who may be interested,

I know you didnt feel the need to open a new thread but the one you requested info on has been around and viewers may get bogged reading older info so I figgered I'd transfer it. So here it is.

Didn't want to start a new thread when I could resurrect this one.

For those of you who have this knife, how do you like it? Seeing as it seems to be designed as a hard use folder, has anyone done so? What results have you had with it?

I really like the overall design of this knife, but I'm trying to limit my knife purchases this year so my wife doesn't kill me.

Any information or reviews of this knife would be greatly appreciated.

Street,

In all this is an impressive brute of a knife. The design is great, locks up tight as a drum after a very smooth travel from close to open(with an impressive low tone snap if you flick it open:thumbup I love the feel and balance of the frame and the G-10 scales are very cool and very ergonomic and comfortable in my hand. Liner lock is good and stiff-very solid feel. I highly recommend it.

3 Negatives:
1) didnt come nearly as sharp as Bucks normally come

2) finish of the holes was sub-par as the mill didnt remove a center line in center oblong hole

BTW-I filed it down some-it was more pronounced than this.

and the front hole is not finished cleanly on the right side-should have been bored clean/buffed out.



3) pocket clip is stiff as a board and digs into my leg when carrying loose in pocket-I removed it and that aint no big to me because I dont use them. My hands are to big and get caught on the knife when I put my hands in.

Aside from these 3 things which may be nit picking, athough I believe the 1st impressions should be excellent and this is a case of a dropped ball, this is a spectacular knife and I dont begrudge one penny I paid for it(most expensive knife I've bought so far). If youre like me and like big honkin folders, this is your man-buy it:thumbup::thumbup:

All this in my own opinion and am very interest to here other impressions and to see if they had the same finish issues.

Thanks
Fritz

 

[Flatlander1963]

Fritz,

When closed, how centered is your knife?

 

[imafritz]

Fritz,

When closed, how centered is your knife?

Flat,

Pretty much dead center-position and size of liner lock gives the illusion of being left but you can see from the pic that the point is pointed directly at
the center divider.

 

[imafritz]

Flat(and/or Plum),

Did you guys have any of those finish issues?

 

[Plumberdv]

I agree with #1 and #2 for sure.

I really hadn't looked that close at it until this came up. Also, the first three grooves on the top of the blade closest to the pivot has some hard white gunk in them. I haven't tried anything but a fingernail to get it out. That didn't do, it's too hard.
I see what you mean about the clip! Dang, it's stout and if I did manage to clip it on something, it would be a bear to get off.
IF, I ever decided to carry it, I'd take off the clip and use the sheath that came with it. It's way too big for a pocket knife.

 

[Flatlander1963]

Dang it Fritz, I didn't notice that before. All three of the holes have that issue.
My knife was very sharp but then the blade is not centered. I just tightened up the pivot screw and it straightened up some but very stiff now. This is a premium knife and it shouldn't have any of these issues. I still like the knife however.

 

[imafritz]

Dang it Fritz, I didn't notice that before. All three of the holes have that issue.
My knife was very sharp but then the blade is not centered. I just tightened up the pivot screw and it straightened up some but very stiff now. This is a premium knife and it shouldn't have any of these issues. I still like the knife however.

Actually my blade flip seems to be loosening up a little with use and hasnt change the center so hopefully yours will react the same. I agree with the premium knife not having these issues and that I love this knife. I considered calling Buck customer svc but figgered the heck with it. The less than razor sharp original blade is my biggest problem. I wouldnt cut into paper without sawing. I have been able to get it to cut paper reasonably well with my croc sticks but being thats all I can use to sharpen and ATS34 being tougher its as good as I can get it-wont shave hair very well-little stubble.

Now in fairness, I havent given it any kind of work out and as an outdoor/survival knife, maybe it performs very well. I just doesnt seem like it will be much of a slicer and because of its size, maybe its not supposed to be.

I agree with #1 and #2 for sure.

I really hadn't looked that close at it until this came up. Also, the first three grooves on the top of the blade closest to the pivot has some hard white gunk in them. I haven't tried anything but a fingernail to get it out. That didn't do, it's too hard.
I see what you mean about the clip! Dang, it's stout and if I did manage to clip it on something, it would be a bear to get off. IF, I ever decided to carry it, I'd take off the clip and use the sheath that came with it. It's way too big for a pocket knife.

Yeah I really had a hard time even opening that enough to put over my pocket to try it out. Worse yet I was at church in dress pant and nearly tore them.

 

[Plumberdv]

I had the same problem with another Buck/clip, but I don't remember which one. I hooked it in my hip pocket and gave myself a wedgie trying to get it out!

 

[imafritz]

I had the same problem with another Buck/clip, but I don't remember which one. I hooked it in my hip pocket and gave myself a wedgie trying to get it out!

hee hee hee

 

[sharp dude]

if you dont like it sell it on ebay
i will bid on it
because i think i WILL like it..

 

[Plumberdv]

if you dont like it sell it on ebay
i will bid on it
because i think i WILL like it..

Naw, I've got alot of knives I don't like or at least don't care to carry. I'll keep them and someday maybe I'll give them to someone that does like them.:thumbup:

 

[imafritz]

if you dont like it sell it on ebay
i will bid on it
because i think i WILL like it..

Never said I didnt like it, in fact I stated I love it, they just need to finish it properly. I'll sell it to you right now if you wish for $95 free shipping and I'll order a new one that they hopefully have corrected.

Its important that Buck has feedback that this is happening and needs corrected. The vantage series had growing pains also that needed worked out.

 

[wingslevel]

thanks for the heads up on all that guys. really like my alpha folder so been thinking of adding this as a beefed up version! not really into tatical style but if ergonomics and build quality are similar to the alpha it will be on my short list for a good rugged folder.

 

[Flatlander1963]

thanks for the heads up on all that guys. really like my alpha folder so been thinking of adding this as a beefed up version! not really into tatical style but if ergonomics and build quality are similar to the alpha it will be on my short list for a good rugged folder.

Jump on a folding Rosey Kalinga if you don't already have one. You can get the Czar later. That Kalinga is a world class big folder.

 

[Pack Rat]

I had the same problem with another Buck/clip, but I don't remember which one. I hooked it in my hip pocket and gave myself a wedgie trying to get it out!

I have a couple of 179 Hi-Lo's that have/had really tight clips.
The one I have had and used the longest, the clip has loosened up to where I know which one I am carrying.

Tight clips isn't a bad thing. I have had some on lesser non Buck knives that cost as much and a lot more, that constantly had to be taken off and sprung back into place. Those are all gone now.

I am betting they will loosen up with use. Keep an eye on the screws. I lost one, so the others got the blue lock-tite treatment.

 

[emcarrol]

I must have got the prototype because mine is absolutely perfect! fit finish and all, sharp as a razor too!

I do agree, the size could be overwhelming but it is a great knife and a custom sheath (horizantally) mounted on your belt is the best way to go here!

MV

Volclae Design

 

[imafritz]

thanks for the heads up on all that guys. really like my alpha folder so been thinking of adding this as a beefed up version! not really into tatical style but if ergonomics and build quality are similar to the alpha it will be on my short list for a good rugged folder.

I agree with Flat, wings, If you want a beefed up alpha get the Kalinga. I think the Csar is a different catagory of knife. I dont think the csar is a hunter and I dont think an alpha could hold up to the kind of abuse the czar looks to be able to handle. I think after years of edc carry the csar will look the same as the day it came out of the box-IMHO. I hope so at least. I'll carry the alpha on my belt everytime during hunting season.

 

[imafritz]

I must have got the prototype because mine is absolutely perfect! fit finish and all, sharp as a razor too!

I do agree, the size could be overwhelming but it is a great knife and a custom sheath (horizantally) mounted on your belt is the best way to go here!

MV

Volclae Design

good for your em-thats the way it should be:thumbup:

Wanna trade?

 

[wolfdog]

The vantage series had growing pains also that needed worked out.

Yes. That's why I'm waiting a few months. It's not unusual for a new product on the market. Look at all the delays and glitches with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. It'll still be a great plane when it rolls out on to the runway with passengers aboard. The Buck Csar's problems are minor-minor by comparison.

Jump on a folding Rosey Kalinga if you don't already have one. You can get the Czar later. That Kalinga is a world class big folder.

Hear hear. +1 :thumbup:

 

[wingslevel]

yeah i need to find one of the Kalinga's i'm sure. kinda late to the game and have yet to handle one so just didn't pull the trigger. but youre right it being a more stepped up choice of the alpha then the CSAR. not near any shops that carry em so will have to be an order "unseen" but guess i know what i'll be looking for tonight (and the CSAR next week!) thanks for the suggestions