“knife without a mark, a valueless knife”

Makael said:


Thug was chemically stripped then put to a wire wheel. the etching went right thru the paint and onto the blade. I cant get the etching off.

Click to expand...
Not a fan of the Thug...I don't know...reminds me of a fantasy knife by United Cutlery from back in the 80's.
 
Frotier76 said:
Not a fan of the Thug...I don't know...reminds me of a fantasy knife by United Cutlery from back in the 80's.
Click to expand...
Not a fantasy knife for sure. But maybe what the knife is intended to be used for isnt your cup of tea. Not a hunting knife for sure.

Buck/Ron Hood “Thug” Knife Review


The Buck ‘Thug’ fixed blade survival knife was designed by Ron Hood. It features a 7” drop point blade made from 5160 high carbon steel (Rockwell Hardness unknown) coated with a matte black finish to prevent corrosion. The blade also features a deep, hollow ground, bevel combined with a thick spine making it very sharp but still impervious to shock generated by light chopping tasks.

In addition, the handle is built from linen Micarta and it incorporates Buck’s proprietary Shock Mitigation System (SMS) to alleviate shock and wasted energy when chopping. Plus, it has a large finger choil and a grooved section along the back of the spine to provide the user with more leverage and greater control when carving or performing other detailed carving activities.

Plus, it also features an exposed lanyard loop at the back of the handle. Lastly, the Buck “Thug” is supplied with a heavy duty M.O.L.L.E. compatible nylon sheath.

Although I am not personally a big fan of Buck knives, I have to admit that the Buck “Thug” is a well designed knife for the stated purpose of outdoor survival.

At 7″, the drop point blade is long enough to perform well as a general purpose knife. The hollow ground bevel on the blade enables the user to sharpen the blade to a very sharp edge. The matte black finish helps to impede corrosion.

In addition, the 7″ length is long enough to serve effectively as a light chopping tool but is not so long as to preclude the user from also employing it effectively as a skinning knife.

In addition, I personally do not care for the large finger choil ground into the back of the blade because it places the starting point of the edge farther from the user’s hand which in turn, reduces leverage when carving with the knife.

Also, the use of 5160 alloy steel has both good and bad aspects. For instance, alloy steels exhibit higher strength, hardness and wear resistance than carbon steels. Thus, they are used in a wide range of industries. Therefore, 5160 alloy steel creates a knife with excellent edge retention that is also very tough so that it will resist chipping and breaking under hard use.

However, since alloy steels contain less than 4% chromium, they are not stainless steels (requires greater than 12.5% to qualify as a stainless steel.) Therefore, they do require extra care to prevent corrosion unless they are coated with a non-corrosive finish.

In addition, the shape of the handle does demonstrate considerable forethought concerning the ergonomics of the knife.

Although Buck does not list either the overall length of the knife or the length of the handle on their web site, the handle is designed such that the handle slabs can be easily removed so that the knife can be lashed to a stave to form a makeshift spear in the event that you find yourself threatened by predatory animals.

In addition, I do like the textured, black, linen Micarta handle slabs since Micarta is an extremely tough material that will not chip, split or crack under extreme duress. And not only is it impervious to changes in temperature, it is also waterproof and thus, it will not absorb moisture the way non-stabilized wood slabs will.

However, I am of two minds concerning the fact that the handle slabs are removable just like many of the more modern smaller knives. On one hand, removable slabs do allow the knife to be lashed to a stave for use as spear but, not having the handle slabs permanently affixed to the tang means that they can come loose on their own or be lost if purposely removed from the tang.

Last, I really like the design of the M.O.L.L.E. compatible nylon sheath since nylon is also an extremely tough material that is both waterproof and impervious to moisture absorption. And designing it such that it is M.O.L.L.E. compatible provides numerous different options for attaching the knife to your gear.

Consequently, I am very pleased with the overall design and construction of the Buck Hood/Thug (if not the price) and I would certainly feel like I was well equipped if I were carrying it in the field. But, with a hefty price tag, I feel like this knife priced in line compared to some others on the market. However, in all probability, it’s slightly more expensive due to the use of the unconventional 5160 alloy steel. But, if I were willing to spend that much on a hard use survival knife, this is an excellent option for anyone looking for a top grade quality hunting knife.
 
eveled said:
I don’t know why they bother with a date code.


I think it’s neat that they do use a date code but it’s not necessary. But the Buck name should be stamped. Does anybody else mark their knives with the date?
Click to expand...
I remember Western Knives did a production year letter I think from 1976 up to the year 1989.I think it was at the point of Camillus acquiring the brand that they stopped in 1990.

I like production year marks...no complaints about Buck doing it.Looked around quite a bit for a new old stock 112FG with a production year of 1999.Certain sentimental reasons behind that year.I'm partial to some clean satin finished 450 Protégé blades on a 112's handle...just wish Buck cranked out some of those build-outs in finger grooved instead.
 
Makael said:
Their sheaths are moving to USA Made with the background an american flag. Have you seen recent sheaths.?

I could care less what the Chinese are doing.I dont see them losing identity either. just a different stamp. I dont care for etched either but Buck sees a reason for it.




Click to expand...
Are these 'custom shop' sheaths or are these what they'll be doing for mass production also?I ask because these are custom shop knives...not regular production.

I do recall Buck putting their 100th anniversary on factory standard sheaths in 2002.
Makael said:
Not a fantasy knife for sure. But maybe what the knife is intended to be used for isnt your cup of tea. Not a hunting knife for sure.

Buck/Ron Hood “Thug” Knife Review


The Buck ‘Thug’ fixed blade survival knife was designed by Ron Hood. It features a 7” drop point blade made from 5160 high carbon steel (Rockwell Hardness unknown) coated with a matte black finish to prevent corrosion. The blade also features a deep, hollow ground, bevel combined with a thick spine making it very sharp but still impervious to shock generated by light chopping tasks.

In addition, the handle is built from linen Micarta and it incorporates Buck’s proprietary Shock Mitigation System (SMS) to alleviate shock and wasted energy when chopping. Plus, it has a large finger choil and a grooved section along the back of the spine to provide the user with more leverage and greater control when carving or performing other detailed carving activities.

Plus, it also features an exposed lanyard loop at the back of the handle. Lastly, the Buck “Thug” is supplied with a heavy duty M.O.L.L.E. compatible nylon sheath.

Although I am not personally a big fan of Buck knives, I have to admit that the Buck “Thug” is a well designed knife for the stated purpose of outdoor survival.

At 7″, the drop point blade is long enough to perform well as a general purpose knife. The hollow ground bevel on the blade enables the user to sharpen the blade to a very sharp edge. The matte black finish helps to impede corrosion.

In addition, the 7″ length is long enough to serve effectively as a light chopping tool but is not so long as to preclude the user from also employing it effectively as a skinning knife.

In addition, I personally do not care for the large finger choil ground into the back of the blade because it places the starting point of the edge farther from the user’s hand which in turn, reduces leverage when carving with the knife.

Also, the use of 5160 alloy steel has both good and bad aspects. For instance, alloy steels exhibit higher strength, hardness and wear resistance than carbon steels. Thus, they are used in a wide range of industries. Therefore, 5160 alloy steel creates a knife with excellent edge retention that is also very tough so that it will resist chipping and breaking under hard use.

However, since alloy steels contain less than 4% chromium, they are not stainless steels (requires greater than 12.5% to qualify as a stainless steel.) Therefore, they do require extra care to prevent corrosion unless they are coated with a non-corrosive finish.

In addition, the shape of the handle does demonstrate considerable forethought concerning the ergonomics of the knife.

Although Buck does not list either the overall length of the knife or the length of the handle on their web site, the handle is designed such that the handle slabs can be easily removed so that the knife can be lashed to a stave to form a makeshift spear in the event that you find yourself threatened by predatory animals.

In addition, I do like the textured, black, linen Micarta handle slabs since Micarta is an extremely tough material that will not chip, split or crack under extreme duress. And not only is it impervious to changes in temperature, it is also waterproof and thus, it will not absorb moisture the way non-stabilized wood slabs will.

However, I am of two minds concerning the fact that the handle slabs are removable just like many of the more modern smaller knives. On one hand, removable slabs do allow the knife to be lashed to a stave for use as spear but, not having the handle slabs permanently affixed to the tang means that they can come loose on their own or be lost if purposely removed from the tang.

Last, I really like the design of the M.O.L.L.E. compatible nylon sheath since nylon is also an extremely tough material that is both waterproof and impervious to moisture absorption. And designing it such that it is M.O.L.L.E. compatible provides numerous different options for attaching the knife to your gear.

Consequently, I am very pleased with the overall design and construction of the Buck Hood/Thug (if not the price) and I would certainly feel like I was well equipped if I were carrying it in the field. But, with a hefty price tag, I feel like this knife priced in line compared to some others on the market. However, in all probability, it’s slightly more expensive due to the use of the unconventional 5160 alloy steel. But, if I were willing to spend that much on a hard use survival knife, this is an excellent option for anyone looking for a top grade quality hunting knife.
Click to expand...

5160 an unconventional steel?...it's found in high abundance in junk yards on automobiles.I get what you're saying on the performance but I'd hear this commentary if they went with 1095.Last I checked just about any cutlery grade of stainless steel costs more than 5160 or 1095...hence why knife companies charged more for stainless steel back when they had a tool steel and stainless steel knife line.
 
Frotier76 said:
Are these 'custom shop' sheaths or are these what they'll be doing for mass production also?I ask because these are custom shop knives...not regular production.

I do recall Buck putting their 100th anniversary on factory standard sheaths in 2002.
.
Click to expand...

Thats the regular production sheath. The 119s he shows are just 75 anniversary pieces not from the custom shop.

Makael said:
Not a fantasy knife for sure. But maybe what the knife is intended to be used for isnt your cup of tea. Not a hunting knife for sure.

Buck/Ron Hood “Thug” Knife Review


The Buck ‘Thug’ fixed blade survival knife was designed by Ron Hood. It features a 7” drop point blade made from 5160 high carbon steel (Rockwell Hardness unknown) coated with a matte black finish to prevent corrosion. The blade also features a deep, hollow ground, bevel combined with a thick spine making it very sharp but still impervious to shock generated by light chopping tasks.

In addition, the handle is built from linen Micarta and it incorporates Buck’s proprietary Shock Mitigation System (SMS) to alleviate shock and wasted energy when chopping. Plus, it has a large finger choil and a grooved section along the back of the spine to provide the user with more leverage and greater control when carving or performing other detailed carving activities.

Plus, it also features an exposed lanyard loop at the back of the handle. Lastly, the Buck “Thug” is supplied with a heavy duty M.O.L.L.E. compatible nylon sheath.

Although I am not personally a big fan of Buck knives, I have to admit that the Buck “Thug” is a well designed knife for the stated purpose of outdoor survival.

At 7″, the drop point blade is long enough to perform well as a general purpose knife. The hollow ground bevel on the blade enables the user to sharpen the blade to a very sharp edge. The matte black finish helps to impede corrosion.

In addition, the 7″ length is long enough to serve effectively as a light chopping tool but is not so long as to preclude the user from also employing it effectively as a skinning knife.

In addition, I personally do not care for the large finger choil ground into the back of the blade because it places the starting point of the edge farther from the user’s hand which in turn, reduces leverage when carving with the knife.

Also, the use of 5160 alloy steel has both good and bad aspects. For instance, alloy steels exhibit higher strength, hardness and wear resistance than carbon steels. Thus, they are used in a wide range of industries. Therefore, 5160 alloy steel creates a knife with excellent edge retention that is also very tough so that it will resist chipping and breaking under hard use.

However, since alloy steels contain less than 4% chromium, they are not stainless steels (requires greater than 12.5% to qualify as a stainless steel.) Therefore, they do require extra care to prevent corrosion unless they are coated with a non-corrosive finish.

In addition, the shape of the handle does demonstrate considerable forethought concerning the ergonomics of the knife.

Although Buck does not list either the overall length of the knife or the length of the handle on their web site, the handle is designed such that the handle slabs can be easily removed so that the knife can be lashed to a stave to form a makeshift spear in the event that you find yourself threatened by predatory animals.

In addition, I do like the textured, black, linen Micarta handle slabs since Micarta is an extremely tough material that will not chip, split or crack under extreme duress. And not only is it impervious to changes in temperature, it is also waterproof and thus, it will not absorb moisture the way non-stabilized wood slabs will.

However, I am of two minds concerning the fact that the handle slabs are removable just like many of the more modern smaller knives. On one hand, removable slabs do allow the knife to be lashed to a stave for use as spear but, not having the handle slabs permanently affixed to the tang means that they can come loose on their own or be lost if purposely removed from the tang.

Last, I really like the design of the M.O.L.L.E. compatible nylon sheath since nylon is also an extremely tough material that is both waterproof and impervious to moisture absorption. And designing it such that it is M.O.L.L.E. compatible provides numerous different options for attaching the knife to your gear.

Consequently, I am very pleased with the overall design and construction of the Buck Hood/Thug (if not the price) and I would certainly feel like I was well equipped if I were carrying it in the field. But, with a hefty price tag, I feel like this knife priced in line compared to some others on the market. However, in all probability, it’s slightly more expensive due to the use of the unconventional 5160 alloy steel. But, if I were willing to spend that much on a hard use survival knife, this is an excellent option for anyone looking for a top grade quality hunting knife.
Click to expand...

I loved all the Ron Hood knives. I beat the crap out of my Thug, and a sharpen and a good clean b4 my buddy bought it and he said it looked brand new. What I didnt like was that damn nick on the spine of the Hoodlum. Lol
 
Brhowser87 said:
Thats the regular production sheath. The 119s he shows are just 75 anniversary pieces not from the custom shop.



I loved all the Ron Hood knives. I beat the crap out of my Thug, and a sharpen and a good clean b4 my buddy bought it and he said it looked brand new. What I didnt like was that damn nick on the spine of the Hoodlum. Lol
Click to expand...

Look at the reverse side on the grind...the etch says 'Custom Knife Shop';)
 
Buck is moving production of their sheaths to the usa. Standard issue, not a custom option.
Flag, USA made and model number. 110,112, 640, 119, 124, I think that's all of the sheaths I've seen made in USA so far. Not sure of how much inventory is left out in the market of the made in Mexico version.
 
Frotier76 said:
Look at the reverse side on the grind...the etch says 'Custom Knife Shop';)
Click to expand...

Sorry that was my fault for not clarifying. The knives themselves are custom shop the sheaths are not. Though they do have 75 anniversary 119s that are not custom shop (tthey look nothing like those) but their just the normal black with the handle inlay and tang stamp.
 
I prefer etched. Picked up a couple of fixed hunters and both are etched. One doesn't have a date code and you guessed it, that is the one I decided to use as a user.
I really think the 2019 Buck 110/112 is going to be as close to a perfect (none custom 110)they have ever made. I might need to stock up on them if they are going to get away from etching them in 2020.
Maybe Buck could compromise and designate certain models like the 110 as heritage models or something like that and leave the etching on these models? Wouldn't make everyone happy, but I don't know, maybe any model that has been in production since say 1980 or so would still be etched or come up with some other criteria.
 
jec88 are you saying you like the laser marking over the stamp?
 
jec88 said:
I prefer etched. Picked up a couple of fixed hunters and both are etched. One doesn't have a date code and you guessed it, that is the one I decided to use as a user.
I really think the 2019 Buck 110/112 is going to be as close to a perfect (none custom 110)they have ever made. I might need to stock up on them if they are going to get away from etching them in 2020.
Maybe Buck could compromise and designate certain models like the 110 as heritage models or something like that and leave the etching on these models? Wouldn't make everyone happy, but I don't know, maybe any model that has been in production since say 1980 or so would still be etched or come up with some other criteria.
Click to expand...

NO, I messed that up! I meant to say I prefer the Stamped!!!!
 
My only etched 110's are my SK Blades SFO Smoke Jumper and Gentleman.
All my standard production 110's are stamped.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top