Buck 336/337 Paaradigm

[mbjannusch]

Well, I was looking through a new copy of knives Illustrated and saw a review of the Paradigm 336/337. This knife looks a though it may have something to offer. It comes with up graded steal, model 336 with 13C26 Sandivik SS and the 337 with S30V SS. The handles are G10 for the 37 and Micarta for the 36. This sounds nice.

During the Gathering(knife Show) in Las Vegas I recently attended, I saw a few assisted knifes wearing the same deployment/locking mechanism. Is that common? Is it common place to utilize design as specific as a bolster lock that belong to someone else? Do these designs get pattened? If so, who's design is it? Did Buck engineers come up with this or was this design given to them by someone else?

What are the problems with this knife. I faintly recall some conversation on the kinfe. There were issues that needed to be addressed. Does anybody know how well the springs hold up?

I ask alot of questions because if I spend $150.00-180.00 on a knife, I don't want an expensive headache.

Does the knife weigh up to the price tag? I don't know.:thumbupr:thumbdn:

 

[imafritz]

Well, I was looking through a new copy of knives Illustrated and saw a review of the Paradigm 336/337. This knife looks a though it may have something to offer. It comes with up graded steal, model 336 with 13C26 Sandivik SS and the 337 with S30V SS. The handles are G10 for the 37 and Micarta for the 36. This sounds nice.

During the Gathering(knife Show) in Las Vegas I recently attended, I saw a few assisted knifes wearing the same deployment/locking mechanism. Is that common? Is it common place to utilize design as specific as a bolster lock that belong to someone else? Do these designs get pattened? If so, who's design is it? Did Buck engineers come up with this or was this design given to them by someone else?

What are the problems with this knife. I faintly recall some conversation on the kinfe. There were issues that needed to be addressed. Does anybody know how well the springs hold up?

I ask alot of questions because if I spend $150.00-180.00 on a knife, I don't want an expensive headache.

Does the knife weigh up to the price tag? I don't know.:thumbupr:thumbdn:

ASAP technology is Buck design and patented. The 2 stage lock release and spring action, maybe not the mode of lock, I dont know on that. They say that the bolster lock is stronger than the lock used in the Tempest, Rush and Sirus-there is a thread concerning that somewhere here.

I love my 336 for what its worth.

 

[K-Lastima]

I have both, very strong springs in these models. The blade still deploys and locks up from the halfway open in any position.
My biggest beef with these, is the bolster lock/unlock interfering with the flipper.
IMO it is a sturdy well built gimmick knife, with premium steel that performs well under normal circumstances.

 

[tom19176]

First look on ebay for much better prices from good dealers. Second they are well made for sure, and yes the bolster does hinder the flipper release.

 

[Plumberdv]

I guess I'm going to be the odd man out, but I've never found the bolster to hinder the use of the flipper in anyway. Even with the bolster pushed out to the opening position, there's still plenty of flipper out to activate it. In fact, even with the bolster out, theres still just as much flipper as there is on the Vantages.

Mine have all worked flawlessly since I've had them.

 

[imafritz]

No flipper problems here, it deploys at a breath and just the swipe across recloses the bolster and locks. I think its smooth as silk.

 

[jimmer_5]

Well, I was looking through a new copy of knives Illustrated and saw a review of the Paradigm 336/337. This knife looks a though it may have something to offer. It comes with up graded steal, model 336 with 13C26 Sandivik SS and the 337 with S30V SS. The handles are G10 for the 37 and Micarta for the 36. This sounds nice.

During the Gathering(knife Show) in Las Vegas I recently attended, I saw a few assisted knifes wearing the same deployment/locking mechanism. Is that common? Is it common place to utilize design as specific as a bolster lock that belong to someone else? Do these designs get pattened? If so, who's design is it? Did Buck engineers come up with this or was this design given to them by someone else?

What are the problems with this knife. I faintly recall some conversation on the kinfe. There were issues that needed to be addressed. Does anybody know how well the springs hold up?

I ask alot of questions because if I spend $150.00-180.00 on a knife, I don't want an expensive headache.

Does the knife weigh up to the price tag? I don't know.:thumbupr:thumbdn:

Mbjannusch -

I will do my best to answer your questions.

First off, this locking mechanism is an original design by Buck. It is patented, and I am not aware of any other assisted knives that operate this way. There may be others that have fixed bolsters and a liner lock, but the Paradigm features a unique rotating Bolster lock.

As this was a brand new, clean sheet mechanical design, Buck went through a number of revisions before the first production level knives were shipped. Perhaps these are the "problems" you heard about. Sometimes it is better to take a little longer and bring a solid product to market.

I would say this knife is well worth the price, and it can be had for substantially less than $150 - $180. I bought my "Avid" model on eBay for $83, and the "Pro" model can be found for as little as $99.

Finally, if you ever have a problem with the knife, send it back to Buck and they will repair or replace it. Their warrantee is one of the best in the business, and they will treat you right.

I hope this helps.

- Jim

 

[skyhorse]

I have a 337 and really like it.I waited 6 months to get it and was real happy to finally get one.The knife works great and for the life of me,just don't see how the flipper could be an issue.A broke in Vantage is just about as fast to deploy but the bolster lock on the Paradigm may be a little easier to close vs the liner lock on the Vantage.I own them both and their both great knives.I'm pretty sure you can find one online for less than $150.

 

[Plumberdv]

I have a 337 and really like it.I waited 6 months to get it and was real happy to finally get one.The knife works great and for the life of me,just don't see how the flipper could be an issue.A broke in Vantage is just about as fast to deploy but the bolster lock on the Paradigm may be a little easier to close vs the liner lock on the Vantage.I own them both and their both great knives.I'm pretty sure you can find one online for less than $150.

Yeah, I just found them for $98 (Pro) and $83 (Avid).:thumbup:

 

[skyhorse]

Come to think of it,I can't recall seeing any used ones for sale on ebay.That's a good indicator folks are hanging on to them.By the way,outstanding photos Plumberdv!

 

[Flatlander1963]

My biggest beef with these, is the bolster lock/unlock interfering with the flipper.

IMO it is a sturdy well built gimmick knife

I'm going disagree with both of these comments. The bolster does not inhibit the flipper in any way whatsoever.

The knife is a legitimate design and calling it a gimmick knife is only an effort to degrade a quality and innovative lock design even when done in a tongue and cheek manner. No disrespect to Lastima of course just a difference of opinion.

I gave on to my Dad who is 70 and he absolutely loves it. I love mine and carry it all the time. I highly recommend this knife.

 

[jimmer_5]

I have both, very strong springs in these models. The blade still deploys and locks up from the halfway open in any position.
My biggest beef with these, is the bolster lock/unlock interfering with the flipper.
IMO it is a sturdy well built gimmick knife, with premium steel that performs well under normal circumstances.

K-Lastima -

I can understand your concern with the bolster interfering with the flipper - it is one of those things that makes a lot more sense when you hold the knife in your hand.

When you pull back on the flipper, your finger slides down the edge of the bolster and snaps it closed. It sounds a bit different, but it works remarkably well. The bolster has a light spring load on it, so it snaps out of the way easily. If you get a chance to play with one of these I think you will find that it is not really a hinderance at all.

- Jim

 

[Bill Keys]

My 2 cent opinion, which is about all it's worth usually; I am not a fan of assisted opening knives in general, meaning they are fine, many people like them and I am glad they do. I just never had the urge to carry one. The Paradigm however is the exception! I think this is one of the classiest, most user friendly knives in a long time. I carry a model 055 in my pocket and have for many years; last year I also began carrying the small Vantage model 140 (a bit customized) becasue it impressed me greatly.
The Paradigm combines the sleekness of the Vantage with a truly unique and functional opening and lock mechanism. Both of these products are fantastic, a couple of the best new products we have had in years- and that's a big compliment since I worked in and managed the New Products Group for 20 years (including the Rush and Sirus introductions).
The Paradigm is truly a great knife.

Bill Keys
Director of Manufacturing and Engineering
Buck Knives, Inc

 

[Plumberdv]

K-Lastima -

I can understand your concern with the bolster interfering with the flipper - it is one of those things that makes a lot more sense when you hold the knife in your hand.

When you pull back on the flipper, your finger slides down the edge of the bolster and snaps it closed. It sounds a bit different, but it works remarkably well. The bolster has a light spring load on it, so it snaps out of the way easily. If you get a chance to play with one of these I think you will find that it is not really a hinderance at all.

- Jim

As long as I don't keep my thumb in the way, the bolster snaps right back into the locked postion as soon as the knife opens. There's no need to manually close the lock if it's done right I've found. Try it.

Oops, I just tried a couple of experiments and found out that indeed, my flipper finger was closing the lock and I just didn't realize it. Sorry. It happens so easily, I thought it was doing it by itself!

 

[imafritz]

As long as I don't keep my thumb in the way, the bolster snaps right back into the locked postion as soon as the knife opens. There's no need to manually close the lock if it's done right I've found. Try it.

Oops, I just tried a couple of experiments and found out that indeed, my flipper finger was closing the lock and I just didn't realize it. Sorry. It happens so easily, I thought it was doing it by itself!

See, I think this is a good thing, I want to hit the flipper and have it deploy and while I drag my flipper finger away, it closes the lock. Which is exactly what happens in almost all cases and when it doesnt, the force of the deployment spring is strong enough to have vibration from the bladet hitting its finish position to drop the bolster lock into place. The only complaint I have, if you can call it a complaint is that my left pocket is my knife carry pocket so if I want to open it I have to contort my left wrist and use my ring finger to open the lock or move it to my right hand. I wish it was an ambidextrous opener, but I can live with it. I could always switch pockets, but I have been carrying my keys in my right pocket for 30 years and I dont know if I could break the habit.

 

[jimmer_5]

See, I think this is a good thing, I want to hit the flipper and have it deploy and while I drag my flipper finger away, it closes the lock. Which is exactly what happens in almost all cases and when it doesnt, the force of the deployment spring is strong enough to have vibration from the bladet hitting its finish position to drop the bolster lock into place. The only complaint I have, if you can call it a complaint is that my left pocket is my knife carry pocket so if I want to open it I have to contort my left wrist and use my ring finger to open the lock or move it to my right hand. I wish it was an ambidextrous opener, but I can live with it. I could always switch pockets, but I have been carrying my keys in my right pocket for 30 years and I dont know if I could break the habit.

Imafritz - I am left-handed as well, and I have gotten to the point where I can operate the knife comfortably with my left hand. What I so is, I pull the knife out of my pocket (with the clip reversed for LH carry) and hold it with the tips of my four fingers. I then use my index finger to snap open the bolster, move it to the flipper, and open the knife.

When I hold it, I am using the pads of the fingers from the tip to the first joint (I hope this makes sense), so I actually have a pretty good grip on the knife. Once you get the hang of it, it actually feels pretty natural.

- Jim

 

[K-Lastima]

I am sorry if the word "gimmick" offended anyone here.

But I am a basic FB knife person. But they are not practical for EDC, so I buy folders.

AO"s are the latest craze in the knife industry.

 

[ohen cepel]

Just picked a Pro up yesterday at a local shop. $130 out the door, which I know is high but I like to support the local dealers. Plus, I had fingered so many things would have felt bad not buying something.

I really like it! Not sure it will replace the Vantage in my pocket but I think it's a lot of knife for the money.