Buck 500 Series, one hand opening?

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DudeoftheDesert

Joined
Jan 18, 2015
Messages
33
I have received a whole bunch of helpful info on this site for the past couple of years just by searching it, but have a couple of questions that I have not found by searching the old posts:

1. I really like the Buck 500 series (Duke, Squire, Prince, Knight) and recently bought a 503 Prince. Great little folder ( and I do mean "little".) It's just too small for much more than a Sunday knife. I am looking to get a slightly larger one, and would like one that is deployable with one hand, meaning to pinch the blade with the thumb and forefinger of one hand and open it by pushing down on the knife with middle finger. I can do this with the Prince, but it is awkward because so little of the blade protrudes when it is closed that it is a little awkward to get a grip on. I don't need a lightening like deployment, just a folder that can be opened in this way in a more fluid, efficient manner. So I would welcome any comments from any Duke or Squire owners that can open their knives in this way, is it do-able, is it comfortable?

2. Next question, same knives: I enjoy tinkering and modifying folders. I would like to remove the factory scales and replace them with fancy bocote, rosewood, etc., or something else stashed in my scrap wood box, as I have done this several times on other knives. If I can find a knife with appropriate size scales, I want to inlay a Mercury dime with the year I was born into the replacement scale at the widest part, somewhere where there is enough width, near the bolster. But will it fit? I have a dime size forstner bit (18mm), but can only estimate from the specs and photos on the 500 Duke and 501 Squire that if it fits without any edges (of dime) hanging off, it will be close. My guess, from expanding the knife photos on my computer screen to the actual size, is that the Squire (my preference) will not fit, but the Duke will be close enough to drill into the scale without the edges hanging off. Anyone care to lay a dime on your knife and give me a guestimate? (BTW, I'm not bothered by drilling into the scale pins because I intend to epoxy the replacement scales without pins.)

As always, your advice is much appreciated. THX
Dude of the Desert
 
I'm thinking you will get more answers in the Buck Forum...

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1- I can open the 501 Squire with one hand as you mentioned. For my hand size, it's very easy. Also I've had this knife for many years and it's as smooth as butter. I can do it with the 500 Duke as well, but for me, it takes a little more coordination. I've only had it about a year and it's not quite as smooth...yet.

2- A dime will fit the 500 Duke, just barely. It will not on the 501 Squire.
 
Hi Desert Dude, I can easily open both my 501's and 500's by pinching the blade as described and using my middle finger to start them open. Another method that works well for both is to pinch the blade and give a little handle drop flick, they both pop open with authority.
The 501 is a great size for gentleman's EDC, and the 500 goes great in jeans pocket carry. As to the modding question, I'd recommend the 500 for that, there just isn't enough room on the 501 to accommodate the dime in my opinion. Good luck!
 
Hi Desert. I would center my effort toward replacing handles on the Duke and not bother with thumb studs as the blades are not wide. DM
 
The Buck 500 would still be too small, I think, because if you inlaid the dime, there would be some seriously thin wood top and bottom. I think that is a recipe for disaster. I have an even better idea...get a 500, replace the scales and let David Martin's wife engrave the blade for you with the year of your birth and some embellishments. She I seem to remember she also does scrimshaw so you could use ivory and she could scrimshaw the handle with your birth year. She does amazing work.
 
Well, I got exactly what I expected, quick, reliable info on my questions. I ordered a Squire yesterday, and intend to do just a scale replacement. I may, just for the heck of it, someday, get a Duke, replace the scales, and try milling the dime diameter down a fraction on a lathe, just to where the year still shows, and see if it will fit,
still leaving enough "meat" around it for support.
Thanks to all who answered, you are a very helpful bunch. And DocT, yes I have admired Mrs Martin's scrimshaw work. What an artist she is! The Dude abides.
 
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