501 Custom: Elk or Buckeye Burlwood

V

VTer

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I seem to have misplaced my 501 EDC and I’m looking to order a new one from the custom shop. I’m torn between the buckeye burlwood and elk scales. In particular, I’m wondering how each material will look on a smaller handle; is it big enough to show off the character of each material.

I’d really appreciate any pictures you might have showing each material, and I’d welcome any opinions to guide my decision. Thanks!
 
The only reason I (STILL) haven't ordered a 501 in buckeye burl is that I want to upgrade the steel. Buck has done dealer exclusives in s35vn and cpm154 - I would be happy with either one of those.
Yes, I know they offer s30v...but, while I'm sure they do it well, I'd prefer the ones mentioned above.
 
VTer said:
That is gorgeous. If I could be sure I’d get one as fine as that, I’d order it right now.
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Thank you. I don't think I've seen Buck's burl that hasn't looked really nice. I'm sure yours would turn out every bit as nice as mine...
 
wonderboy1377s said:
I can’t speak to elk on the 501 specifically, but the elk out of the custom shop has massive variability. The two knives below were made pretty close to each other, so keep that in mind.

View attachment 1586815
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They're both very nice, but I can tell you which one I like better. I really like the shallow finger grooves though. I've gotten a couple with some really deep and close together grooves which I didn't like at all.
 
haven't seen a bad burlwood yet. got a handful of 110s and 112 with it. all different, but all good to my eye.

elk, I read someone here said you can ask Buck for more bark or less if that's your thing. I prefer more bark. if ya want bark I'd try asking before committing and being disappointed.
 
Yeah, I’m very close to doing the same but with S30V. The variability of the elk is troubling. I would not be at all satisfied with scales like on that top knife. On the other hand, both of those burlwood handles are beautiful.
 
You’re right, both are nice. I do love the look of the burlwood, though, and the images in here give me more confidence that the 501 can show off the character of the the wood. Looking through images here and online I only saw one Squire that I thought had disappointing burlwood scales, and even those weren’t bad—just a little too uniform for my tastes.
 
Congrats on your choice -- should be a great looking Buck!

For the record, here's a 501 in Elk/S30V that I got from the Custom Shop a few months ago:

CVkbG9w.jpg
 
JW225 said:
Congrats on your choice -- should be a great looking Buck!

For the record, here's a 501 in Elk/S30V that I got from the Custom Shop a few months ago:

CVkbG9w.jpg
Click to expand...
That is lovely as well. It was a hard decision!
 
Another vote for Buckeye Burl... this is my 119 custom that arrived a few weeks ago. I also labored making a decision between Elk and Buckeye Burl, and it wasn't until I saw a custom 119 Buckeye Burl posted in the Sunday Picture Show, that I made up my mind on what to get.

I'm now looking at ordering, strike that , after posting I asked myself "what are you waiting for? You have enough credit card cash rewards points to redeem and fully pay for the knife". So I put my order in today for a 110 S30V drop point with Nickel bolsters and Buckeye Burl to accompany my 119. With any luck, in 8 weeks or so, it was be here in time for my Birthday in August :p

I think you'll be pleased with what you ordered, can't wait to see pics after you get it.

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