186 question?

I heard from a couple of dealers at the time (1987) that Buck was getting too many returns on the model 186. The reason for the returns was explained to me as the difficulty of putting the knives back together. The directions that come with the 186 aren't very helpful IMO. When Buck reconfigured the knife as the 560 model, they couldn't easily rivet the rocker pivot because the clip would be in the way. This is my guess as to why they left the clip off the 560. If there is a better theory, I would like to hear it.
 
before buck anounced themove to idaho
they were selling out ht 560 for 35$ in the store
jest 6 mos after they sold out the prices started climbing
esp on the 186 ...
on the older full thickness 560's there are a few people that
will take them apart and convert them to screws and also
drill out the holes for you for modest fee...
this makes for a knife you can change out the blades on
and also if you send them to Bucks former Custom Knife Maker
Leroy Remer he can make a selector out of a 560 for you also.
 
All you need to make a take-apart 560 is a 5-40 helicoil kit. The best way to remove the stainless rivets is Firex spotting drill. The knives can also be held together with 2-56 screw sets. The Ti handles are easy to drill and tap for pocket clips. The thumbstuds are held on the blade with a set screw. A 5-40 counterbore helps if you use cap screws (fillister head). 5-40 stainless capscrews are available in 3/8', 1/2", 5/8", and 3/4" lengths. The hex recess uses the 3/32" Allen key. The 2-56 SS screws have a #6 Torx recess.
 
I carry one of these every day. It's a reverse clip custom made by Rick MacDonald PHROBIS Master Machiest.... I was lucky enough to have a BG-42 1/2 serrated in it. I use it for everything...

COMPARISON to normal 186
186andkids033.jpg
 
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I've pretty much thought those style thumb studs look like a gaudy wart on the blade . Bought some tried them and quickly removed them . Your taste my vary . DM
 
I've never held a 186 but a regular 110 doesn't even need a thumbstud to open one-handed...I just hold the blade and flick out the handle part. I assume it would probably work with a titanium handle even though it's lighter.
 
The thumb stud eliminates the need to regrasp the knife that arises when using the handle drop (shake down) method of opening. Question on the reverse clip: do you carry the knife in your right front pocket or outside your belt on the left side of your torso?
 
David Martin said:
I've pretty much thought those style thumb studs look like a gaudy wart on the blade . Bought some tried them and quickly removed them . Your taste my vary . DM
Click to expand...

I will take my wider than factory thumb stud (PHROBIS made) any day over a 110,560 or 186 without one.:rolleyes:
My taste is
I can open my knife with either hand.
No two hands needed to open.
No need to flick the blade open and wear down the rocker
ALSO I like my 10.5 inch bladed BuckMaster .
Like you say differant taste:D
 
tiguy7 said:
The thumb stud eliminates the need to regrasp the knife that arises when using the handle drop (shake down) method of opening. Question on the reverse clip: do you carry the knife in your right front pocket or outside your belt on the left side of your torso?
Click to expand...

My right front or rear pocket...
Heck I just used it to cut a Elk steak and asparagus seasoned with a smig of oregono /garlic that I had for a late lunch 10 minutes ago..;)
 
i always wanted to ask....

why is the pocketclip set up for lefthanded use? i assumed it was that way as an offhand tool, while holding another tool(firearm)in right hand.

im speaking of the original phrobis design.
 
My guess is that the original clip was designed to be used with a belt and also to be carried on the outside of the belt. It suited a right handed person if used in this fashion. When I carried my 186 this way, it kept getting knocked off the belt. Fortunately it made a loud clunk when it hit the floor.
 
dullblades again said:
i always wanted to ask....

why is the pocketclip set up for lefthanded use? i assumed it was that way as an offhand tool, while holding another tool(firearm)in right hand.

im speaking of the original phrobis design.
Click to expand...

This model 186 was set up that way for packs and to be used left handed with a thumb stud for one handed opening. YOU are RIGHT on tiguy7!


The guys at PHROBIS had a revolving door per say with US Navy SEAL's.. So the 186 was set up tactically from the start. By the way all of the origonal prototypes had thumb studs or as Rick MacDonald Master Machinest for all the Qual-A-Tec / PHROBIS Companys call them "thumb flicks". It was the attorneys the the BUCK Company uses said "NO Way" to be able to use/sell the thumb stud for the production 186 models. All this info is mostley from Harry Camphuysen VP of Qual A Tech AKA PHROBIS LTD, PHROBIS II and PHROBIS III. In my BuckMaster book I have a chapter on the knives that spawned out of the BuckMaster and the 186 was one of them. By the way the origonal name of the model 186 knife was Ti-Master....
 
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Eating garlic and packing a Buckmaster will keep evil spirits, zombies, and most everything else away.
 
I remember seeing the 186 in a brochure and had the local dealer order one in for me - paid ?114.00 back then. The first thing I did was order some stainless screws to replace the ugly black ones and get a short one to replace the long one for the ring stud. I used it as my daily knife and find it to be an easy one-hand opener. The only problem I found was once the tip got sharpened enough, the tip would be exposed when folded. I ordered new blades from the factory twice - the last time they told me it was discontinued but they had 3 blades they would sell me at half price! Of course I bought them, but now every blade has the exposed tip from excessive sharpening - I just havent gotten around to getting another blade. I never had any problems tearing it down, I loved the adjustability. I did find the spring would get bent at times, but pulling it out and straightening was all it took. I still have it! Russ
 
I had to go get my 186 out and handle it for a minute, maybe wear it to work tomorrow. I notice now it's got a 1988 560 blade on it - must have been one of the last few blades they sent me! Russ
 
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