An open letter to Buck

[155440]

I feel similarly, all though I think it's perfectly acceptable that some Buck knives are made in china in order to market to a different demographic. Their Chinese made knives are really quite good for the price you pay. I dunno, it's really hard not to be biased when comparing (because that is what your comparing) an american icon like the 110 or 119 to whatever overseas blade Buck is producing.

Out of the 20 something knives I own, 2 are from China, 2 are from Switzerland, 4 are from France, and the rest are american made. There is something awesome about opening that custom shop box and part of that is knowing that it was someone a couple of states over put together the knife.

 

[pinnah]

I no longer believe that Pacific rim production is a requirement for financial success for compaies like Buck and have come to believe that the discussion shifts focus away from other important issues such as design, brand management and production.

Companies like Mora (Sweden), Opinel (France) and Victorinox (Switzerland) show us that it's possible to be a successful global brand with entirely domestic production.

Design issues: Buck is known for outdoor fixed blades for inventing the modern lockback. But as companies like Bark River, ESEE and Ontario/Becker demonstrate, there's been a significant shift in tastes in fixed blades towards full flat (and to a lesser extent, scandi/sabre/convex) blade grinds. Cold Steel has improved on (and really improved on) the lock back design with the Triad stop pin and others have improved on the lock back by using more robust (and often adjustable) pivots. These are all design decisions and they have nothing to do with off shore production.

Brand Management: I think Buck is starting to do a better job here shedding extraneous models. But a Buck should look like a Buck, just like a Victorinox looks like a Victorinox or a Becker looks like a Becker or a GEC looks like a GEC. Buck has several core lines like the 110/112/113 family, and the 500, 300 and 100 series and it's frustrating to watch as it appears that the designs are somewhat frozen in the 70s and that Buck hasn't figured a way to keep the distinct Buck aesthetic of these lines (which is central to keeping a brand image strong) while allowing the lines to evolve to meet new customer interests. Putting the Selkirk blade in teh 100 series handle would have been an example of that. I also don't understand the move to do off shore variants of the 300 series slip joints. When quality slipjoints are mentioned, the Buck name is mentioned less often and it seems to me this is what happens when you dillute the brand image by competing with Taylor (Schrade) and Rough Rider. I'm not against seeing Buck diversify into new lines. But it seems scatter shot. I want to see more diversity of options but greater visual consistency within the lines. The 110/112 line needs more options like slim line frames, bear head options, full flat grind options, drop point options. The move towards more choice in the custom shop is a great step in the right direction.

Production: Here, I simply don't buy that off shore is the only way to compete. This is the lesson of Mora, Opinel and Victorinox. To complete you need continually improving tooling and QC (and maybe nationalized health care to free up capital to make those improvements?). The recent Spitfire is an example of this. It's been hammered in reviews for it's sloppy blade play and lock up (and exactly my experience with the Walmart version). It's not enough for us to say, "send it to Buck, they'll take care of you." We should be to say, "buy a Buck and you won't have a problem." Victorinox produces knives at the same price point as Buck and they make them in Switzerland and they're QC is at the top of the game. Ford turned things around when they commited to making quality "job #1" and I would love to see Buck do the same thing.

None of this has to do with the supposed realities that demand off shore production. My sense is that if Buck could up their game in their USA made lines, they wouldn't need off shore made knives.

NOTE: I'm not againt Buck having some off shore lines. But to protect their brand, I wish they would brand them differently, like Boker did with their Boker+ line. Lines that I wouldn't mine seeing moved or kept off shore are the recreational knives (e.g. Redpoint) and the tactical knives. I see both of those lines as "add ons" that are different from Buck's core identity.

 

[kyhunt]

I think you might be on to something with them branding them differently. Case did the same thing a couple of years ago. They started producing some overseas but didn't put the Case name on them. I don't remember what they branded it.

 

[afishhunter]

In my opinion, regardless of where it was made, if it says "BUCK" on the tang, it is a Buck, and covered by the same "Forever" warranty.
To me, it is no different than when BUCK had Schrade and later, Camillus make the 300 series knives. Buck was in on every step of the design and construction, and felt good enough to give them the same guarantee as they did the in-house made knives.

I own but 3 Buck knives; 2 made in the USA; a 110 Folding Hunter, and a 301 Stockman, with the signature black handle. My 3rd Buck is a 389 Canoe, made in China. All three are my EDC. The stockman and canoe live in my right front pocket, the 110 in a sheath, on my belt.

If Buck ever decides to make the canoe in-house, great! I might even buy one. But, regardless, I am not going to worry about it, since the 389 I have is a great knife.

 

[gedlicks]

A few years back USA knife companies were dropping like flies many of which have been around since the early 20th century. Buck made it through those hard times and most likely learned something from it. In my opinion if Buck has to have a line of knives that run in a price range that they cannot compete in otherwise and it makes them a stronger, healthier company than why should we want otherwise. They still make most of their knives here in the US and do not keep their overseas knives a secret so we don't know the difference. They are clearly marked in their catalog and their website as made either in the US or overseas. Not their fault if other sellers do not make it known when they are selling them. Would we rather them stick to only US production and fall off the map if the economy falls off a bit more. Most of these companies run on such as small profit percentage they cannot stay afloat if business drops even by 10%. We should not be faulting Buck for doing what they need to do to stay a strong company. What would we all think if they went to all US production and closed their door in a few years.

Pretty hard to buy that new Buck knife than.

 

[LostViking]

Hello everyone,

Thanks for all your input.

I wanted to let this thread run its course independently, without steering it in a specific direction.
The results were mixed. And that makes sense. Everyone has different wants and needs.

I was somewhat disappointed no comments were made by the Buck folks, or the mods. But perhaps my timing was off. Lot going on with Buck and of course Blade. Or maybe it is best this can of worms is left unopened.

I figure it has run long enough. I just wanted to sincerely thank all who did comment. It allowed me a better view of life outside of my own perspective.

LV,