Buck Dymalux durability

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Seeleybc1

Joined
Apr 5, 2022
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Hi guys

Was hoping some of you all would have some personal experience with how Bucks dymalux cocobolo (yes i understand it’s not cocobolo) handle material wears and ages?
Specifically curious about repeated exposure to water/washing in a kitchen environment.
The black phenolic is basically bomb proof but not as pretty (my opinion) as the red.
I’ve had laminate gunstocks that while plenty tough, age rather poorly. They start to show almost a checked or chalky appearance.
Thanks in advance, any intel appreciated
-Ben
 
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Dymalux is basically resin impregnated plywood. It is pretty tough stuff. Soap and water aren't going to hut it. soaking in water for long periods, or running through the dishwasher, may or may not hurt it. I don't really know. But I wouldn't recommend doing either to any knife no matter what the handle material.

O.B.
 
I have a 105 Pathfinder that has the cocobolo handle, and it has been great. It hasnt seen all that much heavy use though. I have used it when out hiking and carried it around town a little bit. Its made dinner a few times, and needed sharpening just once. The handle looks the same as when it was new, though admittedly that doesnt say much.

On the other hand, I have a 50th Anniversary 110 Folding Hunter with the Ebony laminate handle that they used until recently that has seen a lot of use. That knife handle is the same materical basically, but brown. It has been inside of a few whitetail deer and other animals too (and then cleaned with hot water and soap every time), has cut up food and everyday stuff for years, been dropped multiple times and carried in the original nylon and then a leather sheath for many miles on my hip. Ive used it an awful lot, and the handle looks new still. It has a couple of dings in it, and I have reshined the brass a few times, but no issues whatsoever otherwise. I have never oild the wood or anything either, it is super stable.

Buck has a great warranty also, so if you do have trouble they will fix it. I wouldnt worry at all about getting a Buck with a laminate handle, they are extremely durable (and I think they are attractive too). Lots of hunters are out there with wood handled Bucks and they sell plenty of them. Just dry it after cleaning and dont put it in the dishwasher.
 
Cool thanks guys! Appreciate the responses.
Sounds like it will be totally fine for kitchen use. Definitely no dishwasher use ever, I agree that’s a no no for any knife regardless.
 
I've seen a lot of the river " treasure hunters " who scuba and magnet fish find 110's in the river, they always look like they've been there awhile and the diamondwood is always fine.
It's some pretty tough stuff.

I know I had some real trouble when I carved my initials into mine 10 years ago.
 
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