Thoughts on a prince or a squire?

kyhunt

kyhunt

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I've never really paid much attention to the prince or squire but after looking over some online was considering putting one on my Christmas list. Any thoughts on these knives.
 
My Dad gave me a prince a long time ago. I was very happy with it, until I lost it. Anyway, it's a nice little knife. Fits easily into the pocket. It's very classy looking with the silver/cherrywood colors. Sharp blade, not razor sharp, but a nice working sharp.(but who really needs to shave with a pocket knife) I think it would make a great gift. Anyone with the smallest interest in knives would like it. I knida miss mine now that I think about it... I never had a squire, It's looks like the same knife just a little bigger.
 
My thoughts go like this. In my opinion the Squire, once called the Esquire, also known as the '501' is the best all around folder Buck ever made. The proof of its exceptional design among other qualities is the longevity of its presence in their line up. I always have at least a couple of these around and feel it has a lot of the right things going for it to be capable of some tough tasks but small enough to be carried all day long. Its also not one that scares the sheeple out there if you have to pull it out in public.

These days they have taken a back seat to many of the new generation of gents and tactical folders and especially the one hand opening pocket clip equipped folders that get first billing but it is still in an apples to apples comparison for bang for the buck one of the better knives available from Buck for end line users.

STR
 
My first Buck knife was a 501 in 1975. I still carry it as I have for 33 years It is always with me and has served me well. I might say it served others well also. As they borrowed it for their little tasks. It has done more work than you can imagine. I can't say I have never lost it, but, as luck would have it not for long. Get one now ! You will not be sorry.
 
Thanks guys. I'll put one on my list and see what I get. But that little 55 looks nice also.
 
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The 503 Prince, available for $.08 more than the 110 at Wally World, a whopping $25 + s/t, is still a deal. It's small, but not teeny. The nickel silver bolsters and rosewood scales make it handsome, the shaver-sharp 420HC blade makes it a user. It's a true 'Gent's knife'. At it's size, it is sheeple-friendly, definitely not to be mistaken for a tactical folder. It will whittle or open the mail with ease, but forget about cutting up that refrigerator box with it.

It's main failing, and not really one at all, is that you can buy a 110 for a few cents less, making the Prince pricey in the bucks per pound of Buck comparison. Probably a great stocking stuffer for knife enthusiasts. You'll want to touch up those bolsters often with some Flitz or Semichrome if you carry it in a pocket with change & keys, of course.

Stainz
 
My wife bought me one last year for Christmas and it has been a nice little carry knife. I highly recommend it.
 
Thanks. Our Walmart dont carry it. The only two USA made Bucks they carry are the 110 and the Special.
 
STR said:
My thoughts go like this. In my opinion the Squire, once called the Esquire, also known as the '501' is the best all around folder Buck ever made. The proof of its exceptional design among other qualities is the longevity of its presence in their line up. I always have at least a couple of these around and feel it has a lot of the right things going for it to be capable of some tough tasks but small enough to be carried all day long. Its also not one that scares the sheeple out there if you have to pull it out in public.

These days they have taken a back seat to many of the new generation of gents and tactical folders and especially the one hand opening pocket clip equipped folders that get first billing but it is still in an apples to apples comparison for bang for the buck one of the better knives available from Buck for end line users.

STR
Click to expand...

I have to agree with you on the 501... I've had mine since the mid 70's, well used and well traveled... lost it for a few years and found it agiain (move related). Well made, and a great knife.

Buck501a.jpg
 
I kinda disagree with the comment about the refrigerator box. My squire has handled some big jobs including cuting up hundreds of pounds of cardboard and it came through unscathed. I have a prince, a squire, and an old duke with "buckarta" scales, and I carry the squire.
 
Have the Prince, and can't say anything against it. Very nice knife when you don't want the bulk or need the heft of a 110.
 
I have had a 501 since august and a 503 for a few days. I like them alot. Really good pocket knives imho.:thumbup:
 
I love the 50x series. I've had a Prince since the '90s and carry it often. My father carried it's little brother for over 20 years and did unspeakable things to it. Here it is net to a 505 Knight.

IMG_4945.jpg
 
This thread got me thinking about my little 503 Prince and I've been carrying it the past few days. I was in Walmart today and picked up another for less than $30. This one was made in Idaho and is just perfect. It's a tiny bit thicker than the older one, has nice scale rivets which are slightly bigger, the rosewood scales match exactly and lockup is perfect. The blade grinds are also excellent. Love it.
 
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