Buck Navigator - where can I get one?

G

gatch

Joined
Feb 24, 2005
Messages
264
Since seeing the Buck Navigator on the internet I have wanted one. I mean I really, really want one.

I understand from doing a search in this MB that it was never released:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=312698&highlight=navigator

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=298947&highlight=navigator

I called Buck and they confirmed this. I tired the links in the above threads plus a few that I found myself and no one has it. Those that advertised it on their web sites never had it and one even removed it immediately after I spoke with them.

But some people have been able to get hold of pre-release samples.

Can anyone tell me where I can get one of these? Any help would be greately appreciated.
 
gatch,
I've been pursuing the Buck Navigator for a couple of years now. As you already have learned, it was never released for production or distribution.

The question is: Why not? :confused:

Buck has always been rather short on the explanation for “why not.” I suspect that the whole Navigator fiasco is somewhat of an embarrassment for them. I haven't got it all figured out, but it seems that Buck was not going to produce the tool themselves. Instead, they subcontracted the job to someone else. The subcontractor’s prototypes were not up to Buck’s well-deserved and hard-earned reputation for quality, and for some reason they were unwilling or unable to improve. Buck pulled the plug on the whole project. End of story.

What seems so mind-boggling to me is how far along things progressed before they pulled the plug! I mean, the Navigator was listed for sale on DOZENS of web sites, and was advertised in several big-name sporting catalogs. I remember seeing a big layout in the Cabela’s book, advertising the Navigator and showing photos of the tool in all three colors. (black, blue, pink) I wouldn’t think it would be cheap (or good for Buck’s reputation with their distributors) to cancel a product so late in the game. But they did.

~Bob
 
gatch said:
How do you find the quality and can you see what were Buck so upset with that they canceled the production of it?
Click to expand...

YES and NO.

YES, I can see why Buck would not have wanted the tools I have out in the marketplace with the Buck name on them. The pivot on the knife blade is too wobbly, and the locking mechanism is a bit flimsy. The plier jaws themselves are a laminated steel construction - very strong - but the way they fold up into the handles isn't effortless; you have to "fiddle" with them to get things folded up correctly. However......

NO, I can't see why any of these minor problems could not have been easily overcame and production resumed. One day or two in the R&D lab and everything would have been solved; Full steam ahead!

But no, they instead cancelled the whole Navigator project. Certainly not for mechanical or engineering reasons. I'm thinking somehow there must have been some politics or legalities involved. No other explanation makes sense.
~Bob
 
lonediver said:
gatch , are you another unconfessed " collector " ? :D
Click to expand...

Well I never really thought about it, but I do have more pocket multi-tools that I can carry in my pocket(s) at any one time - so I guess I am. :)

I am selective about what I collect, I don't have to have everything, just what I like.

I am really into the mini/micro tools such as those by Swiss+Tech and SeberTech as well as the smaller SAK's and Leatherman Squirt.

I really like the funtionality and design of the Buck Navigator tool - it looks flat and I think the idea of the clip. I am not really a knife person, but I am eyeing the Buck Revolution-XT. I have the Buck Metro. In fact, I like all of the Buck/Whittaker Collaboration pieces.

That's why I really what to get hold of a Navigator.
 
gatch ~ sorry bud, but I can't help you. Wish I could. Here's a picture of the three colors.

Picture008.jpg
 
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