Buck Custom Shop - better fit and finish?

K

Kostik

Joined
Feb 9, 2016
Messages
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I like the Buck Custom Shop offerings and the way their web site is set up. Very enticing to make "your own" Buck. I'm thinking of having them make a 110 customized the way I like it. What I'm wondering is: do Custom Shop knives get any more or better individual attention in terms of fit and finish? I.e., no tool marks, blade alignment/play, lock mechanism, fit of scales, body and tang, etc. I only have one Buck - a perfect pre-'86 Model 120, which is absolutely gorgeous and looks like a handmade knife - but I know that attention to detail isn't the same now as it was 43-40 years ago. Hence the question: if it comes out of the Custom Shop, can I expect it to be perfect?
 
I have a couple, my most recent is a 119... it's well made, but I have regular production 119's that are made equally well too.

In my opinion, I think the main benefit of the Custom Shop is in choosing materials, and then they are custom assembled.

I currently have a 110 on order from the Custom Shop, with nickel bolsters and Buckeye Burl scales to pair with the 119 below.

My recent custom shop 119:

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And a recent 119 Pro production knife:

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I believe the workmanship between them is comparable in fit and finish.
 
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@cacquino: Gorgeous 119s. That Buckeye Burlwood looks amazing on the big fixed blade. I like Burlwood and Ironwood both. Check out the picture in this thread:

My customized Bucks are here... :D ♡

I'm amazed at the beauty of this Buckeye Burlwood, and the Ironwood is practically glowing, it is so amazing. S30v for the first time too :):thumbsup: I just wanted to share; I am so excited to have these incredible knives finally in hand! ^_^ I hope you all are having a lovely day :] ♡ ~...
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I might just have to get one of each. Not sure whether I want the brass rivets or not.
 
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My vote... no rivets, not when you're going with a fancy wood, I ordered mine without rivets.

I hope my 110 ends up looking as good as the one in the thread. I think you'll be pleased with whatever you go with from the Custom Shop, and if something is not right in fit and finish, Buck will make it right.
 
In my experience, the Custom Shop Knives definitely have better finish. The fit seems about the same but possibly a little better.

The 505 on the top is from the Custom Shop and the 505 on the bottom is a standard model. I don't know how clearly it can be seen in my photo as there's a lot of shadows going on but the Custom Shop 505 has a polished frame and the standard 505 has a satin frame. That's not something that you can specify in your Custom Shop order. They just make them that way.
IMG_5997.JPG
IMG_5998.JPG

All of these are also from the Custom Shop and they all have polished frames.
IMG_5280.JPG
 
My personal experience has not found that there is any difference between the fit and finish of the production models and the custom shop.

There are good ones and bad ones in each category. You never know what you will get until you get it.

I expect a premium product representing the premium price paid in the Custom Shop, but I am not finding this to be the case. However, you get to specify the limited choices options going into your knife.
 
You shouldn't have to, but if you do get it and it's not as it should be you can send it back and they will fix it. At the premium price paid you shouldn't have to do this, but nobody's perfect i suppose.
 
There's lots of options if you want a Custom built 110..and folks who will make it. Some price there work reasonably and some high. Bucks price is not bad and you can get some nice engraving too.
 
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