501 as a working knife

Rsmith_77

Rsmith_77

Joined
Jun 4, 2010
Messages
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Started a new job last month in a warehouse. Lots of knife work, cutting pallet ties, opening boxes, cutting wrap etc etc
probably not HARD use for a knife (i refuse to use my knife to cut carpet or shingles, we have box cutters for that) but they definitely get used pretty good.

Currently I am using a vintage (ie American made) Old Timer 123OT and it works really well. But I am getting a little concerned that on a couple of occasions the blade seems to want to close on me (i know, probably bad technique on my part rather than a problem with the knife). SO I have been considering some sort of locking knife. Stainless is probably a good idea seeing how much I sweat and have to clean rust of my knife :D

So, been doing some considering and looking around and I am thinking the 501 might be a good choice. Small enough to not scare customers when I pull it out to cut something, but big enough for my hand and to get the job done (3 3/4" handles i believe).

So, what do you Buck folks think? is the 501 enough knife for this kind of work? Or should i consider something else (not really interested in a 110, to heavy and i dont think I want to carry a belt pouch although I suppose the 112 might be something to consider). Another choice I am considering is the Vantage Avid, the smaller version. But I am leaning towards something a little more traditional like the 501..

anyways, enlighten me with your experiences
 
I've edc'd the 501 for 20yrs and it's my favorite, and it get's regular use.
 
Rsmith, Welcome. Something the size of the Vantage seems about right to me. Plus, it comes with a pocket clip. DM
 
The 501 is a nice solid folder . I really believe it will handle the chores that you mentioned easily . I say go for it and good choice . :thumbup:
Jim
 
well, i went by walmart (had to check) and bass pro shop. No 501 :(
bass pro shop had the vantages (small and large) and i got to play with them a little, the small is actually a bit smaller than i expected, perhaps too small for my hand

isnt the vantage small the same size as the 501 (3 3/4" closed)?

might have to rethink this somewhat
 
If the small Vantage is too small feeling for you then I'd suspect you'd feel the same about the 501. Below are a couple of pictures to give you an idea of their size comparisons. You might want to consider the 112 or one of the Bucklites in that size.

Vantage501comp.jpg


112501comp.jpg
 
Or you might want to look at Buck's Web Specials page on their site...they still have some Odyssey's...I used one of those daily in a warehouse environment for about 10 years...hint...spend 50$ and shipping is free;)
 
The handles are the same length, the blade is 2.75" on the 501 and 2.625" on the small vantage.
Though they aren't produced the only other traditional ones would be the 500 and the 532.
For what your doing though a 484 (same size as 501) or the 482 is a bit larger and I think both of these normally have a clip which would be more convenient if your pulling it out real frequently.

The 501 is plenty of knife to handle most task.
 
The 501 is a sweet little blade that would be just fine...I also do a lot of box cutting and opening up bundled rolls of steel..A lot of material comes wrapped up in plastic and tyied with those thick plastic ties..My job provides utility blades for free and I hate beating up my every day carry blade at work...My utility knife actually carries 10-15 spare blades in the handle as well..I guess its not as cool as using a Buck but it was cheap and I have no feelings for it like I do my Bucks,lol.
 
You can also go to the Buck website and order a custom 501 with S30v blade and a multiple of choices on the handle. I've been contemplating this just to try the S30V steel.
 
I have 2 501s w/ S30V in my edc rotation. It's not a 110, but you'll never notice a 501 on your belt.
Plumberdv.... I liked your old 501, it was a good cutter....that thing has travelled around the country, it came to me from Texas
 
I have 3 or 4 Buck 442's that I use for everyday work. Drop point SS blade, plastic grip, belt clip, same size as Buck 112 (the blades can be interchanged) and still fairly cheap on eBay. :D
 
I think the 501 is a fine choice. I find my knives in that size range carry very easily and look small enough to be less disturbing to people. There's a good reason why lockers like the 501 are referred to as "gentlemen's knives".

However, I also find that a relatively small size by the ruler makes for a very big difference in feel in the hand as you move up from the 2.8" blade of knives like the 501 and knives with 3" blades like the 482, 500 and 112. I find the Buck knives in this size range to be very pocketable - much more so than, say, a 110. They are bit big for public use in the suburbs but not "oh my gosh" scary. I don't have a picture handy showing the 3" bladed knifes next to a 501 sized knive, but here are 3 mentioned above next to a 110 to give you some perspective.


Buck Folders by Pinnah, on Flickr

Of these, the 500 carries the nicest, despite its weight. Something about the roundness of the bolsters and the thinness of the handle. You can find them used regularly. I disagree about pocket clips. I find non-clipped knives to be more convenient, but this is definitely a matter of taste.

One knife I don't have that you may look at is the Buck Ecolite 112 (aka the Paperstone Ranger). Buck is dumping them on the Web Specials page for only $20 and that is a steal. They are much lighter than the 500 and traditional 112 but look a whole lot nicer than than the Bucklites (which are tough users, but let's be honest, are stone cold ugly).

One thing I'd like to hear from folks is how well the slightly thicker blades of the 110s and 112s do with constant box cutting. I don't do much of it but when I do, I find my knives with thinner blades slice easier.

Last thing... you might want to read through the current thread on steels.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...Buck-high-end-super-steels-and-good-ol-420-HC

I find cardboard cutting to be among the hardest things on knife blades. I would save some money to get a decent sharpening system (I like the Lansky) and would think about a blade that can be touched up with a minimum of time. That may favor the basic 420HC, but again, this is a topic that generates disagreements.
 
well, i went a slightly different direction...
but it should still make this crowd fairly happy.

picked up a buck 301 with black delrin scales today. Pics to come, tomorrow i hope.

just following up and letting everyone know. I forgot how much i missed my 301 till i sold it to a friend, then i had to get another :D
 
Gosh.........I must say........things have come to a pretty pass when a 110 is considered a terrifyingly large knife.

:D

In a few years we'll all be apologizing for carrying fingernail clippers.
 
lol the 110 wasnt to large
it was too heavy for my taste :p

strangely there are alot of places to get a 110 at a good price, but the 112 costs ALOT more ...
 
I guess it was when you said this.....

I am thinking the 501 might be a good choice. Small enough to not scare customers when I pull it out to cut something.....
Click to expand...

;)

As far as those expensive 112s go.......All you have to do is join the BCCI and get a brand new one for $26.80 (and if you order some other stuff and get your order over $50.......shipping is free).

Try to beat that.

:p
 
lol i suppose thats a good point.
although i didnt mean the 110 would be to big (heck the boss carries a bear grylls folder which isnt much smaller)

but i guess i can see how you would get that from what i said.

no worries

hrmm join the bcci...curious and something to look into
 
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