Buck 500 vs 501

gull wing

gull wing

Joined
May 4, 2002
Messages
2,536
Would anyone please post a pic of these side by side, can't decide. The Duke may be too big???
I had an old 501 years ago and lost it. Still have the old box, when they were called the Esquire.
 
John, thanks for giving him this comparison photo. Who put a front finger groove on the 501? DM
 
Thanks for the comparison pictures. It appears the 500 is much thicker than the 501, but then the stag makes it difficult to tell if the factory ones are.

Very nice scale modifications.
 
IMHO, 500 is much beefier and solid feeling than the 501. I always prefer the larger knife though.
 
Not as nice looking as JB"S, but here is a pic with all same handle material for comparison

 
I personally love the 500 for the size. It acts as my pocket able 110 when I travel or go somewhere where the length might catch me trouble. The 501 acts more like a front pocket knife on my shirt.
 
Kim, soo good to see you visit us. For me the 500 is real fine minimum knife to carry. It can do most of my cutting in a office or indoors setting. Mostly I just cut up a apple or a cardboard box. And like Kim said, without anyone becoming uneasy. Feels good in the hand and I like the blade shape. That said, I sharpen more 501's. So, a lot of folks purchase them. Plus, Buck offers the 501 in their custom shop. So, you can get it dressed up with upgrade steel. DM
 
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I have both. I carry the 500 in jeans and the 501 in dress pants and khakis. They're both great knives.
 
gull wing, I lost a 501 too, years ago. It was one of my first knives. I was not the same until I replaced it.

The jump in width and weight between the 501 and the 500 is noticeable when compared to the others in the series. It has a little extra. I would characterize the 501 as agile and the 500 as a stout.



 
Here's one of mine I been using for a while. The 500 which is my favorite gives you more weight and handle while the 501 gives you all most as much blade in a thinner lighter package. I now have the 500, 501 and 503 and to me the 501 seems different like it is it's own knife from the series. The 503 is more just like a true baby 500 with the same blade belly and all just quite a bit smaller.
 
When that 501 gets in your hand you'll be reacquainted with how sweet a knife it is and little cutting bastard to boot!
 
I wish the Buck Custom Shop would introduce a 500. I'd definitely sprimg for one in walnut and S30V to match my 501.
 
David Martin said:
Kim, soo good to see you visit us. For me the 500 is real fine minimum knife to carry. It can do most of my cutting in a office or indoors setting. Mostly I just cut up a apple of a cardboard box. And like Kim said, without anyone becoming uneasy. Feels good in the hand and I like the blade shape. That said, I sharpen more 501's. So, a lot of folks purchase them. Plus, Buck offers the 501 in their custom shop. So, you can get it dressed up with upgrade steel. DM
Click to expand...

Agreed. The 500 fits my hand and pocket well enough without looking threatening enough. Getting ready to head overseas and decided on this model to bring with me to not offend the locals.

Also, I agree about Buck opening the 500 to the custom shop again.
 
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