501 in my hands

gull wing

gull wing

Joined
May 4, 2002
Messages
2,536
Got this beauty in today. It's just the right size and weight. The finish is perfect, and a blade shape I love. I could carry this knife.

There is one thing I have a question on. Is the following a "Warranty Issue":
The blade parks off center. It does not rub the liners, it's just distracting...........or am I spoiled by $100 - $400 knives?



 
Here is a picture of my favorite 4 501's. I carry the one on the left almost every day for the better part of a year now(Thanks Stumps) It is clearly the most centered of the bunch, but they all lock up tight and it does not bother me if in the closed position a 501 is off centered, For a knife to carry and use in the $40-50 range. I wouldn't worry about it, but to each his own. I do love the 501 and have my eye on a few more, but what's new



The 2 that are close to centered



The 2 that are not, one is serialized 000, nice handles, on both.....:D:D





I do like the 501:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
 
Funny this came up today - I usually carry slipjoints in my pocket or a lockback in a belt sheath. Today I decided to pocket carry a lockback and pulled out my old 501 Esquire. I just checked, the blade sits dead center in the blade well. OH

Buck_501_1_.jpg
 
I personally don't consider a blade not being centered as a warranty issue unless the edge is hitting and being dulled and then only on a new, unused knife. After all, if we measure finely enough, even though it may look like it very almost no blade on any knife is "perfectly" centered. That being said I doubt Buck would charge you to fix it though it may never be perfect.
 
The 501 is my favorite. However I don't see how a little off center could be considered a warranty issue.
 
You can return most things in a certain number of days regardless of warranty.

That's more than a little off center. I would send it back.
 
Old Hunter said:
Funny this came up today - I usually carry slipjoints in my pocket or a lockback in a belt sheath. Today I decided to pocket carry a lockback and pulled out my old 501 Esquire. I just checked, the blade sits dead center in the blade well. OH

Buck_501_1_.jpg
Click to expand...

That's a beauty. I think I need to pick up an old Esquire to match my Duke. Love that red micarta. Does it have stainless steel bolsters?
 
Yes, the old English script stamped 500 models had a stainless frame. The one above is a 1977 to 81 model as the stamp changed after that. The prior 501's (it came out in 1975) had an exposed rocker rivet. So, now you can date those. DM
 
Thank you David, I just learned something new about my 501. VT, that knife still has terrific lock-up - no movement at all - very well made. OH
 
Hey gang, just got a 501 back from Buck and I was wondering if anyone has seen a decent leather holster or sheath for this model? I like holsters that ride low so the knife dosen't bump around if I am wearing a backpack. I see some vintage ones on Ebay and wonder if their leather is any better than the modern versions?
 
Old Hunter, a very fine 501. That was the knife I lost back in the day.:( Yes, the linen Micarta is beautiful.
 
Keep it, use it, and if the centering does not ding the blade, don't send it back. My 2¢.

Zieg
 
Badhamer, thanks for the tip. I just noticed this. The blade edge has a flat spot on it where it is slamming on the spring when I close it:(
Too Idaho we go.
 
Thanks Gull Wing, I like the Micarta handle look too. If your blade is getting a flat spot from hitting the spring it does need factory fixing. OH
 
takoma77 said:
Hey gang, just got a 501 back from Buck and I was wondering if anyone has seen a decent leather holster or sheath for this model? I like holsters that ride low so the knife dosen't bump around if I am wearing a backpack. I see some vintage ones on Ebay and wonder if their leather is any better than the modern versions?
Click to expand...

I have an older one with the English script, but not micarta, and it came with a Buck sheath and it is open on the top, no flap. It says Buck on it, and it won't rattle around in the sheath. Once you push the knife in all the way, it kind of locks in place. So if you search for a vintage 501 sheath, they are out there.
 
If that was meant for me, I can take a pic tonight and post it tomorrow? Sorry you might have been meaning the uncentered knife?
 
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jec88 said:
I have an older one with the English script, but not micarta, and it came with a Buck sheath and it is open on the top, no flap. It says Buck on it, and it won't rattle around in the sheath. Once you push the knife in all the way, it kind of locks in place. So if you search for a vintage 501 sheath, they are out there.
Click to expand...

Thanks! Just ordered one. That flap on the new ones just adds so much height that it sticks out from under a shirt.
 
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