Buck Marksman 830. Why?

W

White Mule

Joined
Jan 14, 2015
Messages
163
Before I ask my questions, my 110 just got a pocket clip and thumb stud. Love it!
Now my questions:

Why should I make the 830 my next purchase?

Why should I avoid the 830?

Ok go. ;)


The White Mule
 
Nothing operates like an 830. Have to try it to feel it.
 
Makael said:
Nothing operates like an 830. Have to try it to feel it.
Click to expand...

I will second that. Had a chance to operate one in a store. The look, fit and finish were excellent but you must operate it to make sure it is a good fit for you.
 
I wasn't sure I was going to like it. I've always carried 110 variants or slip joints. I played with it a little bit at a show and while impressed with the way it was put together, I really didn't think it was for me.

I finally broke down and bought one, and I'm glad I did. There is a lot more to like about this knife than dislike.

The absolute only thing I don't care for about the stock version is the handle. I don't mind the aluminum, but the geometric shapes they cut into them make absolutely no sense to me. They're hard on the pockets and don't provide any useful traction that I can tell.

I've changed the handles on mine a couple of times. It's much easier on the pocket and the hand now.

 
I picked mine up mostly out of curiousity. I have a thing for different lock innovations. It hasn't made it into the carry rotation yet, but the lock/detent mechanism and bearing flipper action on this one are quite a thing to behold.

As others have said, the 830 is a very unique specimen and should be handled by anyone considering purchasing.
 
I liked mine so much I bought a spare. Now I'm considering one of the new ones with the G-10 handles. Awesome knife!
 
I like the 830 marksman but I've never owned another knife that has bit my hand so much. The 830 is fast. It's a flipper and a flicker and one hand operation is easy but if you are slightly laxidazical that bearing riding on the return closing blade likes kissing the top of my ring or middle finger. I've adjusted it and added some tension via the locking bar Strap but be cautious, the action is so fast, you have to be careful.... I'm ordering two more for Christmas presents for each of my brothers.
 
One of the slickest lightweight EDC's Buck has came out with in years. Only thing I'd change, is fill in the hole in the blade with proper thumbstuds! :)
 
Mine should arrive any day now. I will post my findings on this thread. On a side note I picked up the ZT 0620 today, but I'll save my findings for another thread. Thanks for chiming in everyone.


The White Mule
 
I have never warmed up to the 830, but MT's scales and the possibilities of other types improves the odds. ? Stag 300
 
It just arrived. First Impressions Review (FIR)

1) Very light
2) Action is very fast
3) Factory sharpness - meh
4) Centred
5) Hot spot at baby finger main knuckle. (Right handed, average size) Other wise nice ergo.
6) Fit and finish is 7.5/10
7) Aluminium marks easily
8) Lock is scary at first. Use two hands. I cut myself quickly. Glad I did not have my own edge on it at the time.
9) Pocket clip works well
10) CPM 154 is very nice
11) No lanyard hole. Use clip.
12) Overall 7.5/10 (Remember this is Initial)
13) Food prep (not observed)
14) EDC use (not observed)
15) Light bushcraft (not observed)
16) Ambidextrous friendly 10/10

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One handed operation became easier at the end of this FIR. It's growing on me quickly. Even after it kissed me. It's has a spot in the collection.


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its not the prettiest knife but i sure like mine. course with such a strong lock id prefer a bigger blade but that's me.
 
The side gimping on the lock tab is really starting to annoy me. It hurts and requires two hands after a bit of one hand use.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
I think the more you use your 830 your fingers won't bark at you so much due to the abrasive cut of the side gimping. I have the SKBlade version and prefer the G10 scales over the aluminum. I also like the parallel cuts to the pocket clip over the perpendicular cut outs of the original 830. I've made it a point to EDC for a month now and have open (loosened) and closed (added tension) to the locking strap finding my happy medium. Mines still fast and it hasn't bit me (knock on wood) for a week or so. It still sometimes opens in my pocket if I'm moving about and I usually pinch it closed to verify before pulling out of my pocket. Mine opens and locks with a strong wrist snap or using the flipper on the blade but I make sure to press on the locking strap firmly if I slow open via the thumb hole. Overall I like the knife and the more time I spend using it the more comfortable I've become with it.

 
Close with thumb on one side and middle finger on other side and push blade down with forefinger.
 
This is the fastest opening/closing knife I own. From open locked to closed locked .5 seconds. Makes a great sound too!


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Makael said:
Close with thumb on one side and middle finger on other side and push blade down with forefinger.
Click to expand...

I really never gave much thought to how I close mine. The bearings are so smooth I basically lift the lock-bar and it falls into place. I haven't had any problems with it closing fully either that I can recall. Even if I do, it doesn't take much to get the blade closed all of the way.

Of course, I shaped my scales to make it easier to operate the lock bar (one of the criticisms of the original design).

I basically pinch the knife between my thumb and 3 fingers and use my index finger to operate the lock bar. More often than not, I use the whole first digit on my index finger along the lock bar. Either way, it's pretty easy to operate. I find myself opening and closing it in lieu of my stress relief ball...lol

 
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