Buck gen-5

[razorsdescent]

anyone have much experience iwth a gen5 from buck? whats the steel and what are the handle options? what is charcoal wood?

thanks for any help.

 

[Jake Bauer]

steel is cpm154 which is really good stuff, with the rosewood handle.

Steel is 420HC (lower edge retention that cpm154, but better corrosion resistance and ease of sharpening). With the Charcoal Birchwood.

http://www.buckknives.com/index.cfm?event=product.detail&productID=3148
http://www.buckknives.com/index.cfm?event=product.detail&productID=3136

 

[razorsdescent]

no one else?

 

[johnwaynesandw]

You might want to post in the Buck section.

John

 

[Stainz]

Here are the two released about a year ago. The aluminum guard/'charcoal' handle (stained birch)/420HC is my favorite. It came sharp as a razor - like most Bucks - and has stayed that way after some real use. I find it's 'slick' handle feels better than the checkering on the upgrade model. Additionally, it's horizontal carry nylon/kydex sheath I find much more useful than the prettier leather one that came with the upgrade model. The 'charcoal' model, 005GYS, runs $48-$60 mail order. I've used mine a bunch - great hiking knife. I've touched it up on a mouspad charged with metal polish - 20 seconds and back to a 'razor'!

The polished CPM154 blade on the 'upgrade' model - the 005RWS which runs $75-$90 mail order - is nicer, and the brass guard and rosewood handle are prettier, too. I think they ruined it with the checkering, although it no doubt makes it easier to hold on to when wet. The vertical friction-lock leather sheath is pretty - but the other one's sheath is more utilitarian. I haven't used my upgrade as much, so I haven't even honed it. I'm considering sanding away those raised checkering marks - and refinishing it.

This is the third time I've posted these pix lately - I hope they help someone. It is a handy sized knife. I would save my sheckles - buy the cheaper one - great blade/comfortable handle/adaptable sheath. I hope this helps.

Stainz

 

[Will Power]

I agree:thumbup:
The basic charcoal grey handled one is a very good buy,nicely made and has come in very useful indeed. Sharp and easy to touch up, I think more people should consider one.