Best Discontinued Buck Knives?

[DeSotoSky]

Smooth Bone handles. A BassPro exclusive. My BP never had them in stock, I heard about the BP/Cabelas merger, panicked and ordered them online. The next day they were no longer available on line. In store only and I suspect sold on clearance.

I’m glad I got the set wish they’d come out with more of them

They had a 102, I kept wishing for the 103 so I could have a Bone Twinset.

 

[eveled]

I agree a SmoothBone 103 would have been awesome!

I am done buying knives, but if they release any smooth bone models as a BOM I’m in!

A SB BP BOM!

 

[jbmonkey]

As a newcomer to collecting Buck knives, I'd like to know what people consider to be the best Buck knives that have been discontinued. And is there any way to know if a particular model is about to be discontinued? Thanks.

best depends on the collector. all over the map on that.


the catalog every year shows what's not being made anymore so you know its being discontinued and will be gone from dealers stock rather quickly..........

 

[Hickory n steel]

A few years back they used it for a Boone & Crocket labeled 300 series (301, 303, and 309. Sorry Hickory, no Lancer).

Man that really bursts my bubble.

 

[MT_Pokt]

A couple of my favorite old patterns. Like old cars though - bringing 'em back just wouldn't be the same.

 

[BuckShack]

175 Lightning Series HTA II (on top)

One hand opening and closing, locking blade, pocket clip, take down. Cutting edge at the time.

 

[Happy Hippo]

best depends on the collector. all over the map on that.


the catalog every year shows what's not being made anymore so you know its being discontinued and will be gone from dealers stock rather quickly..........

How does it indicate what isn't been made? I know for example, the Ranger 112 LT was discontinued but I do see that in the catalog. You mean dealer catalog?

 

[hunterjrg]

560
112 ecolite

 

[jbmonkey]

How does it indicate what isn't been made? I know for example, the Ranger 112 LT was discontinued but I do see that in the catalog. You mean dealer catalog?

year to year dealer catalog. for example 2021 dealer catalog had gcks....when dealer catalog 2022 came out no gck knives. so knew they were discontinued. bunch of us that liked them scrambled around to grab what was still out there.

 

[Sharp Steel]

The blue handle 119 Special from the Historical Collector's set.

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/119-special-historical-collectors-set.1537413/reply?quote=17657200

They can be found, but they're not cheap!

 

[mbkr]

The 302.

 

[Liberando]

The mighty 307 Wrangler. A true Buck workhorse.

 

[tiguy7]

Model 186 TitanView attachment 1986202View attachment 1986201

 

[bucksway]

I was a real fan of the 112 Ecolite..Light, different colors and perfect for safety award and advertising knives. It just feels great in your hand. And suddenly they were gone.

 

[pjsjr]

The 118, I thought the best, most versatile of Buck's fixed blade models. Keep in mind that the only thing constant is change.

 

[ohen cepel]

The Hoodlum and the US made Mayo collaboration knives were very good.

 

[Thaeris]

(1.) Vantage Force series pocket knives. I think they pulled these to push the relaunched Paradigm series. However, I love the stronger (and swedged!) blade profile, as well as the stronger handle construction. Thought about getting the normal 420HC version when it was available as a backup to my VFP, but the funds just weren't there at the time. The simplicity of its construction and its lack of springs (I find such things a bit spooky to stick into a pocket) were and are wonderful. A few pretentious dudes have complained about the Vantage, but for those who are not afraid to void the warranty by opening it up and cleaning it (it's only voided if you get caught! ) - and putting it back together correctly, of course - it's a delightful tool. I do think it might make a comeback one of these days, seeing as the "normal" Vantage is still available.

(2.) Ground Combat Knives. Pictures failed these. I did not want one initially, but after watching a few reviews and being under the threat of their sudden discontinuation, I jumped to get them. The spearpoint version is superior in my opinion. While not a perfect knife, it still an outstanding knife! Buck's tactical knives are not large in number on the market today, and I wonder if they'll ever make a comeback as a whole. If a new knife comes out with the lessons learned from the GCK, I am certain it will be a winner!

*edit*

(3.) Probably should tack this one on here, too - Buck Kalinga Pro. Probably one of the most beautiful knives I've ever seen or handled. Not really suited to anything other than processing meat and hide, it's limited by its specialization. But... for when that day comes that I go out into the field and harvest game... I don't think there's a better knife for the task. Its only shortcoming is that it lacks a leather patch covering the snap on the inside of the scabbard (It can do a number on the bloster / guard if you don't catch it in time!). On the bright side, it's something my local leather guy fixed last weekend, so that's that!

 

[Don W]

118

 

[David Nowlin]

Agree with all. That 184 is leaving a hole in my collecting heart. I’m all for seeing Buck bring it and a few other discontinued models back though wouldn’t it hurt the older collectables prices?

 

[David Nowlin]

Had to look it up. So many numbers!
694 Alpha Hunter.
Question. If Buck discontinues a model do they produce a replacement model?
Like this 694 AH did they make a design change and call it something else? Or decide it wasn’t selling well and another existing model offers the same job performance?
Like 105,117,118 variations. All basically the same so 105 survives whilst 117 & 118 are in the bin?