Buck Marketing Grumble

Zrexxer

Zrexxer

Joined
Oct 21, 2002
Messages
69
OK, I've been a BUCKer since about 1975, so this is kind of a minor quibble... but I have to wonder.

I think it's misleading that Buck markets its wood-handled knives like the 119 as "Cocabola." The handles on these knives are laminated birch. If you read the fine print in the product description, it even says "Laminated birchwood handle has the rich coloring of Cocobola." Actually... it has the rich (:rolleyes: ) coloring of dyed birch.

I used to be a furniture maker, and having worked with some real Cocobolo (i.e. Cocabola, there are regional spelling differences) and seen how beautiful, dense, and rich the real thing is - there's nothing that compares. I think it's strange that a company like Buck with a reputation for honesty would call their knives something they aren't.

Especially since my '75 model 110 actually has Macassar Ebony handles, so Buck DOES have a history of working in exotic woods!

~Z~
 
Very interesting point. I will bring this up to the marketing folks. By the way, have you ever seen one of the earlier 112's with segua (sp?) handles? It was used for a very short period of time in the early 70's.
Take care,
 
I agree that real Cocobolo is better looking, richer and more dense. But, it is also more expensive, more hazardous to work with, and is a lot more likely to shrink or crack on the handle. The laminated stuff is more stabil and makes more sense on the knife in this price range. Buck should, however, advertise the material as what it is.
 
I agree that laminates are more dimensionally stable and economical... but they're not Cocobolo! :D

Don't get me wrong, I don't think it SHOULD be Cocobolo... there's been enough deforestation of old growth tropical hardwoods. I just think as Danbo says, it oughta be called what 'tis.
 
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