Buck 277 Alpha Folder - Is this normal?

AJR576

AJR576

Joined
Feb 15, 2014
Messages
773
I just received my Buck Alpha Folder (277 model with S30v blade and rosewood handles). Overall, the knife is nicely made and seems very robust. While the blade locks up very solid (with no play in any direction) when open, it seems to become a bit loose when nearly closed. With side pressure from the liner lock, the blade is actually pushed against the opposite liner when closing. When closed, I can move the blade fairly easily side to side. So my question...is this normal / by design or should I return / exchange it? Thanks.
 
If it makes you uneasy then send it in by all means. I have a 110 that has a similar issue but since it is a lock back and also, similar to your issue, locks open solidly I've never bothered to send it in.
 
I could send it in. I also know there are several here that own an Alpha Folder and I'm interested in seeing if they're experiencing the same thing with their knives before doing so. I'm thinking that it my be more by design and not necessarily a defect / issue.
 
Is the blade centered when closed?
If not, center it by tightening or loosening the pivot pin. A small amount moves the blade.
 
DesertChris said:
Is the blade centered when closed?
If not, center it by tightening or loosening the pivot pin. A small amount moves the blade.
Click to expand...

No but between the liner lock and much larger washer on the one/same side it looks like it would be impossible for it to be centered.
 
Hmmmm... the larger washer is supposed to be on the opposite side of the liner lock!
If you are handy, take out the pivot pin, blade and 2 washers.
Clean it up while apart, and reassemble with smaller washer on the liner lock side, and larger washer opposite.
 
Looking again at mine, if the large washer is on the lock side, that would cause huge problems!
The liner lock slips into the gap between the blade and liner, but the large washer would fill the gap......
The small washer leaves the space needed for the lock when the blade is closed.
 
DesertChris said:
Looking again at mine, if the large washer is on the lock side, that would cause huge problems!
The liner lock slips into the gap between the blade and liner, but the large washer would fill the gap......
The small washer leaves the space needed for the lock when the blade is closed.
Click to expand...

Sorry for any confusion. By "larger" I meant thicker. The liner lock operates properly.
 
Try tightening or loosening the pivot pin.
You will be surprised by how much the blade will move with a tiny bit of turning of the screw!
 
DesertChris said:
Try tightening or loosening the pivot pin.
You will be surprised by how much the blade will move with a tiny bit of turning of the screw!
Click to expand...

I agree , my Alpha hunter was very loose out of the box and just needed to be adjusted.
 
Thanks, guys. I will try adjusting it with the pivot pin. It's just a bit odd since the blade seems tight in all positions with the exception of when is almost all the way closed. At that point, it get loose and pushed (by the lock bar) against the liner. I'll play with it a bit and report back.
 
Adjust it with the blade closed, and center it.
if it is then too tight to open smoothly, loosen it back up just a tiny bit.
 
I spoke with Buck CS. Based on our conversation, they confirmed that something does not seem right with the knife. Since I just received it, I'm sending it back to the retailer for an exchange.
 
That will work too.
Buck does a great job of standing behind their products :)

I belt carry a 277 most of the time. It is one of my favorites :)
 
Just thought I would provide a quick update...I received my new 277 today and the fit / function is much better. The blade is not loose or rubbing the liner, it opens smooth as glass, and locks solid.

I forgot how heavy this thing is (been carrying my Spyderco) but it seems like it will last two lifetimes.

I'm very happy now.
 
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