bantam series

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Apr 11, 2017
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Morning folks,

I normally carry a 110 but sometimes wear overalls so I can't wear a belt sheath. I prefer the lock back knife to a liner lock type, eliminating the vantage. I used to carry a 484 but the clips were weak so I now have a orange camo 285 I carry. Outside of my 110, this is my favorite knife.

My question is...was the bantam series ever offered with upgraded steel? A s30v on these knives would be fabulous. I prefer the thumb stud and thermo grip to the spitfire type knifes so that's not an really an option.

Thanks, pete
 
Bantams are great knives. I love them all but especially the 286. The shape of the blade is great. I modify the top of the thumb studs with a criss-cross pattern using a file for better traction. I would love to see more steel options and scale materials too. It could be classic like the 110 with a little imagination. Maybe SK Blades will put it on the list.
 
dont know. never seen one upgraded other than colors and patterns of plastic scales. being a super afforable american made id assume upgraded steel wouldnt have happened, but then again i dont know.

i like the 286 the best. right size feel and cuts well. lightweight its a true winner for the 20 something bucks price tag. not sure id pay more for upgraded steel in this knife. have to think about it.
 
I will double check but thought the Bantam was being replaced. I might have it wrong.
 
I bought a half dozen of the 286's from the Web specials page last year as Christmas presents for the band. .A USA Buck engraved with our bands name for well under $30.00 each and when I had one in hand I was impressed by how Buck could deliver such great knife at that price point. What really impressed me was the Sam's Club set of all 4 for under $30.00 !! The lesson I learned was to not judge a knife by it's price and this is not the first time Buck has delivered a great knife at a low price point. I really liked the Ecolite 112!
 
Yesterday I was harvesting trees for lumber and outdoor furniture. Hard work using a chainsaw and a chainsaw mill and needing leather gloves. Times like this require quick access to a knife for chores like pealing bark. I was able to open and close my 285 with heavy leather gloves on. Try doing that with a liner lock...
 
I thought I read that the Bantam series was an import until a few years ago when production was brought stateside. Correct me if I’m wrong, please.

I have four 285’s that see a little time in the rotation. I’d have one 285 of every color/design if I was that kind of collector.
 
I’ve only owned USA made Bantams. I have noticed that the ones with patterns (orange, camo, kryptek, etc) tend to have a more solid handle. The patterns are coated on with some sort of enamel that makes the plastic stiffer where as the plain black ones have more flex. Just an observation I wanted to share.

The 285 is my favorite. I avoided these knives for years thinking they were just cheap budget blades. After finally giving in to one (cost me $12) I was surprised at how good they felt in the hand. If Buck discontinues them I could see how the Rival series would probably replace them. I wish they would at least consider offering a Bantam in an upgraded steel and micarta scales before they do though.
 
I wish they would too.

This is just a guess but they've changed the name from Bantam and a number to letters like BBW. That may be the change.
 
My 8 year old bought a blaze 284 and I have to say that I am super impressed. Great knife for cheap.
 
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I bought one (I forget the number) on sale for $12. It lives in my large suitcase. When I fly somewhere it goes in checked luggage, when I arrive it goes in my pocket. If I ever forget it and check my bag for the return flight it will be seized at the security point (more likely discarded by me before I reach security). No big loss.
 
I bought one (I forget the number) on sale for $12. It lives in my large suitcase. When I fly somewhere it goes in checked luggage, when I arrive it goes in my pocket. If I ever forget it and check my bag for the return flight it will be seized at the security point (more likely discarded by me before I reach security). No big loss.
I do the same.
 
I only have the 283 from the bantam series which I definitely love better than my old 425, but I do have a bucklite max 482 which is only different than a bantam in looks and I absolutely love it. I carried it every single day for 2 years and found it to be an excellent knife for $20.

Based on my experience with this knife I'd not hesitate to buy a regular bantam if I liked the way their handle looked.
 
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