CIMA 1 Survival Knife Review - Sheath Happens!

This time it's the turn of one of the most popular budget knives out there - the CIMA 1.

First impressions:

The knife arrived in a CIMA branded cardboard box.
Out of the box it was reasonably sharp, but had a few issued with the sheath - it had some scratches on it (even a small crack) and had pretty bad retention.
Plus I really hated the clip CIMA 1 came with (springy steel clip) - it made the knife heavy and uncomfortable.
So I took it off and put a tek lok on it (the key was to use the long screws of the original clip).
Plus I glued a piece of rubber inside to fix the retention.
The knife felt much better after that.

Measurements:
- Blade length: 3.85"/9.8 cm.
- Cutting edge: 3.75"/9.5 cm

- Total length: 8.26"/21 cm
- Weight with the sheath: 10 oz/284 g
- Weight without the sheath: 7.26 oz/206.6 g

Cons:
1. The condition of the sheath and the clip it came with.
2. Pretty thick grind and uneven sharpening.

3. 7Cr17MoV steel.

4. The CIMA 1 is relatively heavy for the size and the balance is off.
5. The design was borrowed from ESEE/ONTARIO RAT series.

Pros:
1. Genuine Micarta handle - best quality and a reason to buy this knife.
Micarta handle is pleasant to touch and provides great grip (even when the hand is wet).
It also absorbs moisture.
2. The looks - are great IMO (kudos to ESEE).3. Awesome ergos, including the gimping and the finger choil.
4. The blade coating is quite durable (not cheap paint).
5. Full tang construction with a skull crusher/window breaker at the end.
6. Price.

Summary:
I admit I expected more from this knife. Maybe I just got a lemon.
But still - I think the CIMA 1 is worth the price (after the improvements to the sheath) as it will perform and you wouldn't feel sorry for it.
Plus that micarta handle is awesome.

Check out the CIMA 1 here: CIMA 1 Survival Knife
Or on Amazon for faster US shipping: CIMA 1 on Amazon

Competitive option:

Ontario RAT 3: Ontario RAT 3 Survival Knife

Video demo: