After checking out their Predator model, I felt it was only fair to give another offering from CMB Made a shot. After all, you can't judge a company by just one knife. And yes, the name is as straightforward as they come—CMB Made Button Lock. Some brands go for flashy names that stick, but CMB is all business here, and honestly, I don't mind. At the end of the day, what matters is the quality.

 

Speaking of quality, this button lock lives up to CMB's reputation for attention to detail and solid machining. Like the Predator, it’s clear they know how to make a reliable product, and I’m happy to say that this knife performs well.

 

 

Handle and Ergonomics

 

The handle is 4 inches long, and while it’s just enough to get a four-finger grip, it’s a close call for me—my pinky sits right at the end. A forward choil would’ve helped give it more grip space, but ergonomically, it’s decent. It’s comfortable in hand and doesn’t cause any fatigue during extended use. What’s even better is that the end of the handle doesn’t dig into my palm, so it’s a good fit for long sessions.

 

That said, I do have an issue with the G10 handle. I've grown more critical of G10 over the years, and while it’s durable and great for grip, the aggressive texture combined with the milling pattern can be a bit much. It does a number on my pockets. Sure, I could loosen the clip a little, but that defeats the purpose of having a secure clip. G10 still has its place, but here, it's a little too aggressive for my liking.

 

 

Button Lock Mechanism

 

The button lock itself is beautifully executed but has a bit of a weak detent. That’s one of the tricky parts of button locks (and similar mechanisms like the Axis lock). You want the blade to stay closed, but not so tightly that deploying it with the flipper is a chore. While the lock holds the blade securely once open, the retention could use a little tightening up. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s something to be aware of.

 

 

Pocket Clip and Carry

 

I’m a fan of the deep carry pocket clip here. It’s got just the right amount of tension to stay put in the pocket without feeling like part of the knife is hanging out. For a knife in this price range, they nailed the clip design—there’s no middle ground. You either get it right or you don’t, and this one works.

 

 

 

Blade and Cutting Performance

 

The blade is a 3-inch slice of 14C28N Sandvik stainless steel, and the drop point shape is more pointed than you’d expect. I love how pointy it is for a drop point, making package-opening and precision tasks a breeze. The deep belly gives it an excellent slicing capability, and the flat grind has become the standard lately, which I’m perfectly fine with. Sure, a full flat grind would make it even slicier, but the current setup works just fine.

 

14C28N is a solid midrange steel with good edge retention, corrosion resistance, and the kind of sharpness that holds up well. For everyday tasks, it’s a good performer that won’t need constant maintenance. There’s some jimping on the spine of the blade and along the G10 spacer in the back of the handle, which helps with control during finer tasks.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

 

Overall, this is a great little knife. While it might not hit all my personal preferences, it’s a solid performer that offers a lot of value, especially for someone looking for a reliable knife without breaking the bank. The button lock has its quirks, and the G10 texture is a bit abrasive, but the blade shape and cutting performance more than make up for it. Plus, if black isn’t your thing, it’s available in a few different colors, so there’s some variety to choose from.

 

If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly pocket knife, the CMB Made Button Lock is worth a look. It’s not perfect, but it’s hard to argue with the performance at this price.