Buck 016 Lux Pro

The pro are out and on the auction sites. I was waiting for these to hit the market and when they did I snached one up. I was disappointed. The F/F was nice but I guess I was expecting something real cool. It is exactly like the chinese 327 Titanium coated Noblemen, but with a price tag three times as much. It feels exactly the same. In my opinion I have to give :thumbdn: Sorry
 
Updating my earlier first impressions:

I really like the size, shape and weight of the Lux (I have the Pro.)

I could do without the blade coating.

The flipper works well and the folder opens but doesn't close easily. I think this has to do with the shape of the frame lock -- it becomes more painful the more I use it. This is the main reason I don't carry this otherwise excellent folder.
 
I had the same problem with the open and close. Like I said the f/f was great, didn't care for the blade coating either but could buy a nobleman for a third of the cost. I dont care for the recurve in the blade. I didnt know how much I really didnt like the blade shape until I had it in hand. Thank goodness for a 100% money back garrantee...
 
In fairness, I'd note that the Lux is USA-made of top materials while the Nobleman is an import made from lower-end parts. I'm not dissing it, just saying.....

Re the Lux: I really don't understand why someone at Buck didn't notice how painful it is to close this otherwise excellent frame lock. On a good day it takes two hands -- and it still hurts.
 
I had the chance to aquire a NIB Lux Select for under $20 so I decided to give it a try before springing for the Pro and I'm glad that I did. The Lux will go on my list of least favorite Bucks. I know that it boils down to personal preference but I don't like the tip down carry and the small size. That being said, I love the large Vantage's but dislike the small ones, so if the Lux was larger (it's about the same size as the small Vantage) I might like it better.

The blade came perfectly centered but that was at the expense of easy opening. I found it very difficult, at least for me, to use either the flipper or thumb stud to open it with. I loosened the blade pivot nearly to the point of taking it out and although it loosened the action up a little making opening easier, the blade now is against the frame (barely touching) on one side. I'd be nervous about leaving it that way for fear that it would work it's way out.

On the plus side, the frame lock fully engages the base of the blade being just about the same thickness as the blade at that point. I don't see it ever failing.

So, this little guy is going into an assortment of new Bucks that I'm donating to the local 4-H Club for their fund raising auction this coming Sunday.
 
Last edited:
flash900
In fairness, I'd note that the Lux is USA-made of top materials while the Nobleman is an import made from lower-end parts. I'm not dissing it, just saying.....

Re the Lux: I really don't understand why someone at Buck didn't notice how painful it is to close this otherwise excellent frame lock. On a good day it takes two hands -- and it still hurts.
Click to expand...


The lock arm has been improved. Any Lux models from here on out will be much easier to close.
 
I once thought that the off shore produced Bucks were of lesser quality, but after seeing, holding and subsequently purchasing a few I now know better. The fit and finish and over all quality are a match to any of the US produced knives. For instance the off shore produced 300 series come with several handle options that the US produced models dont come with. I know all china made Buck knives cant match the US knives but the several I have seen are of sound quality and a knife that I would buy again. I never thought I'd say that but, its true. One day all BUcks will be back in the USA, but till then I support Buck knives decission to send some models off shore.
 
Kind of seems like some of Buck's liner/frame-lock centering/ease-of-opening issues would be resolved if they set the tension on the springs a little lower.
 
heng em said:
The lock arm has been improved. Any Lux models from here on out will be much easier to close.
Click to expand...

On my Lux Pro, the problem seems to be the SHAPE of the lock arm. Specifically, the indentation where your thumb fits. Ouch!
 
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