I got it in the mail yesterday (08/24/2021.) This is probably one of the current "improved" versions with the thumb stud moved further away from the pivot (unlike the one pictured at the website) as per numerous requests by the aged, arthritic (no disrespect I just hope my turn doesn't come,) whimsy, and/or whatever. Buck listened to my disappointment but it's still not a big deal to me.
This is made in the USA and that is important to me in a knife market where most high quality folders are imports. I am supportive of domestic production we need more of it and I don't nit pick about a lack of bells and whistles. This is a knife that makes the grade. It uses high quality blade steel, is heat treated by one of the best outfits (Bos,) is durable and light weight.
The knife weighs about 3 oz and will be even lighter with the pocket clip removed. Being as light weight as possible is important to me and in my opinion one of the better modern standards expected of any gear that is to be carried for long periods of time.
The action is very firm but not stiff this may be subject to interpretation since others may consider an action that does not have woefully weak blade retention bordering on that of a gravity knife without a button to be too stiff. For me this firm action is a feature as I am weary of carrying a knife that can open easily in my pocket. It can be opened fast enough with the provided thumb studs and does not need to have a weak action.
Mine has no side to side blade play and no blade rock. If I force the blade there is an extremely tiny bit of blade rock (almost non existent) that goes away after one or two rocks. In other words lockup is solid.
I am a fan of the total lock back design (lock release all the way to the rear.) This gives more leverage to the locking action (longer lock bar,) provides more firm lockup, and makes accidental lock disengagement less likely but it does not make for easy one handed closing. I prefer this trade off in favor of a more secure lock up. I don't think every knife has to be made to please wannabe ninja assassins who fantasize about a need to quickly close their knife after using it to avoid being detected by wandering shogun warriors in crowds. All jokes aside, I get it, some people like to fidget opening and closing their folders with one hand. I also find it fun but this is a working class user knife with a strong lock action that can be opened quickly however it is designed to be closed with 2 hands. One hand closing can certainly be done (VERY CAREFULLY) but it is not made for that. There are better options out there for those who like quickly closing their knives with one hand.
I don't like the pocket clip. I am going to give Buck the benefit of the doubt and assume that it is function over form. I will give it this it is a very deep carry clip that leaves almost none of the handle showing. Maybe someone who has experience using this pocket clip can chime in but I have no intention of using it since NYC is not a pocket clip friendly place. It is not a Spyderco delica or endura type knife that is optimized by design to allow easy one hand closing and work best with pocket clips. I love Spydercos too but a Spyderco is a Spyderco and a Buck is a Buck. I also love the time tested simple effective Buck design.
The blade is extremely sharp S30V heat treated by Paul Bos's outfit. This means a lot to me since Buck has a known reputation for taking their heat treating seriously. They are able to make their 420hc blades (also heat treated by Paul Bos) have acceptable edge retention.
I love the micarta they use. Despite the micarta being a synthetic it feels natural, grips well and secure, is stiff enough, and should be very strong.
This is a riveted design that does not come apart except for the pocket clip (thankfully.) There are pro and cons. The rivet design will not come loose and is very durable. The need to disassemble is debatable and for the most part is probably not needed on the other hand it is nice to be able to take a knife apart to deep clean replace parts modify etc.. one never knows if it may be needed one day but there are pinned used folders out there that have been used for decades and work just fine to this day with standard care and cleaning without disassembly. After having persistent blade pivot loosening problems on other screw apart folders despite properly applying loctite blue or teflon tape (not all screw folders do this) a riveted folder that is properly assembled does not bother me.
Overall I love this knife for what it is. It's a basic slim light weight Buck 110 made to modern standards with a high quality steel blade. Although the narrower handle does not give as much purchase as a standard heavy Buck 110 despite that I find it to be more than good enough. The fact that this knife is not as bulky in the pocket more than makes up for it.. The blade does not have the same upward curve clip point as the standard Buck 110 but should be fine for most uses and works well for this slim version.
Overall I love this knife and a lot of it has to do with it's function prioritized over unneeded "features" design.
This is made in the USA and that is important to me in a knife market where most high quality folders are imports. I am supportive of domestic production we need more of it and I don't nit pick about a lack of bells and whistles. This is a knife that makes the grade. It uses high quality blade steel, is heat treated by one of the best outfits (Bos,) is durable and light weight.
The knife weighs about 3 oz and will be even lighter with the pocket clip removed. Being as light weight as possible is important to me and in my opinion one of the better modern standards expected of any gear that is to be carried for long periods of time.
The action is very firm but not stiff this may be subject to interpretation since others may consider an action that does not have woefully weak blade retention bordering on that of a gravity knife without a button to be too stiff. For me this firm action is a feature as I am weary of carrying a knife that can open easily in my pocket. It can be opened fast enough with the provided thumb studs and does not need to have a weak action.
Mine has no side to side blade play and no blade rock. If I force the blade there is an extremely tiny bit of blade rock (almost non existent) that goes away after one or two rocks. In other words lockup is solid.
I am a fan of the total lock back design (lock release all the way to the rear.) This gives more leverage to the locking action (longer lock bar,) provides more firm lockup, and makes accidental lock disengagement less likely but it does not make for easy one handed closing. I prefer this trade off in favor of a more secure lock up. I don't think every knife has to be made to please wannabe ninja assassins who fantasize about a need to quickly close their knife after using it to avoid being detected by wandering shogun warriors in crowds. All jokes aside, I get it, some people like to fidget opening and closing their folders with one hand. I also find it fun but this is a working class user knife with a strong lock action that can be opened quickly however it is designed to be closed with 2 hands. One hand closing can certainly be done (VERY CAREFULLY) but it is not made for that. There are better options out there for those who like quickly closing their knives with one hand.
I don't like the pocket clip. I am going to give Buck the benefit of the doubt and assume that it is function over form. I will give it this it is a very deep carry clip that leaves almost none of the handle showing. Maybe someone who has experience using this pocket clip can chime in but I have no intention of using it since NYC is not a pocket clip friendly place. It is not a Spyderco delica or endura type knife that is optimized by design to allow easy one hand closing and work best with pocket clips. I love Spydercos too but a Spyderco is a Spyderco and a Buck is a Buck. I also love the time tested simple effective Buck design.
The blade is extremely sharp S30V heat treated by Paul Bos's outfit. This means a lot to me since Buck has a known reputation for taking their heat treating seriously. They are able to make their 420hc blades (also heat treated by Paul Bos) have acceptable edge retention.
I love the micarta they use. Despite the micarta being a synthetic it feels natural, grips well and secure, is stiff enough, and should be very strong.
This is a riveted design that does not come apart except for the pocket clip (thankfully.) There are pro and cons. The rivet design will not come loose and is very durable. The need to disassemble is debatable and for the most part is probably not needed on the other hand it is nice to be able to take a knife apart to deep clean replace parts modify etc.. one never knows if it may be needed one day but there are pinned used folders out there that have been used for decades and work just fine to this day with standard care and cleaning without disassembly. After having persistent blade pivot loosening problems on other screw apart folders despite properly applying loctite blue or teflon tape (not all screw folders do this) a riveted folder that is properly assembled does not bother me.
Overall I love this knife for what it is. It's a basic slim light weight Buck 110 made to modern standards with a high quality steel blade. Although the narrower handle does not give as much purchase as a standard heavy Buck 110 despite that I find it to be more than good enough. The fact that this knife is not as bulky in the pocket more than makes up for it.. The blade does not have the same upward curve clip point as the standard Buck 110 but should be fine for most uses and works well for this slim version.
Overall I love this knife and a lot of it has to do with it's function prioritized over unneeded "features" design.
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