Buck Ops Boot Knife - Experiences?

[bikerector]

I'm strongly considering this as an EDC knife carried scout/horizontal style. Besides being pretty small for a fixed blade it seems like it hits many check marks for a good fixed knife. Cost might be a bit steep compared to other fixed blades that would be bigger but I just read up on some of the local laws and it turns out I have a 3" blade limit in the city I recently started working in which is kind of why I'm very interested in the blade. Information just seems very sparse compared the folders I've been picking up lately.

http://www.buckknives.com/product/buck-ops-boot-knife/0616BKS-B/

 

[mikeinct]

I like that size fixed blade..Do try to feel one up before you order it...That & consider an ankle holster for that unit...Mike in Ct

 

[bikerector]

I like that size fixed blade..Do try to feel one up before you order it...That & consider an ankle holster for that unit...Mike in Ct

It comes with an attachment for the ankle. The video on their website (linked) shows how versatile the mounting setups are for the sheath, at least in theory since I don't know anyone who's used it and the only things I've found on google are short first impressions.

I think these were the carry options that were advertised provided with the stock accessories:
Boot, ankle, arm, neck, horiztonal, vertical, molle or pack, and pocket. I can't remember if there was a crossdraw method as the horizontal carry uses a velcro strap around the main plastic sheath. I think the sheath is a real selling point for me, reminds me of action cams. They're nice to have but without a good way to mount/carry the user experience is really dulled.

Unfortunately, I don't know any shop around me that has one instock so fondling one may not be an option. Most shops around me that have a decent knife selection have a lot of folders but fixed blades are limited to hunting knives and rambo knives though the army surplus store has some combat knives but nothing from Buck. Now I'm wondering if I can work out something from a shop where I can order it with the option to not purchase if it doesn't feel good in hand.

This was probably the most informative youtube video but not much on the actual use and it doesn't seem like a follow-up vid was made.
https://youtu.be/ocKGaMCHOEA

 

[screened porch]

If you're in Michigan, I wonder if you can carry a fixed blade at all. I have the impression that any fixed blade with a point is a "dagger or dirk", carryable only if it's a hunting knife being used for that purpose.
I'm not offering legal advice, and I could be mistaken, but you might want to check the statutes.

 

[bikerector]

My understanding of the state's rules were more that it is all completely based around intent and that there's really not even length laws state-wise, it's based on the local ordinances. I've been digging through the legalities of it for the past couple weeks and there's a lot of conflicting interpretations of the law.

Using the definitions of dagger and dirk, a double-edged blade coming to a point designed primarily as a stabbing weapon, I can at the least plead ignorance if I get a wrong cop. This seemed to be the best interpretation I could find and it was backed up with some FAQ's where police officers responded. Ultimately, I think it's left to the officer's discretion and as long as I'm not being reckless I should be okay.

http://www.knifeup.com/michigan-knife-laws/

The laws are in the link and they really could be interpreted numerous way as there aren't good definitions for the blades. I haven't found anything to suggest a single edged fix blade would be considered a dirk, dagger, or stiletto.

Local ordinances are here. I pretty much assume I can't carry anything over 3" in a city, especially in the Detroit Metro area, and to carry even less in many city or county, not state, parks.
http://handgunlaw.us/documents/USKnife.pdf

Luckily there is a new knife law that is on the books to make the state code apply everywhere. It passed the senate last summer but it's been in the house ever since from what I've been able to find.

 

[jbmonkey]

i really like it except for its size, which isnt an issue for you as you stated. its tiny though and i find it less useful than it could be.

 

[screened porch]

Luckily there is a new knife law that is on the books to make the state code apply everywhere. It passed the senate last summer but it's been in the house ever since from what I've been able to find.

Let's hope that goes through.

 

[oregon]

Our good friends over at KnifeCenter have the knife for sale here for about $85 (I've easily found it available for delivery to a store found every where for a bargain price as well). I owned one for a short time, liked it, but lost it before I could use it in the field, unfortunately. I considered it a terrific EDC fixed blade candidate.

https://www.knifecenter.com/item/BU...knife-stonewash-tanto-blade-black-g10-handles

 

[bikerector]

I considered it a terrific EDC fixed blade candidate.

Would you mind elaborating on that more? What made it terrible? Is it the blade shape, size, etc.? If you were limited to a 3" blade would you still consider it as a terrible candidate?

I've also talked with BladeHQ and the comment they really wanted to point out was that the handle was pretty small. Might make a nice ladies knife or knife for someone with smaller hands but they didn't feel someone with larger hands would be able to really drive into cutting something. I'll have to contact knifecenter as well since BladeHQ and knifecenter are my go-to's for online knife stores.

I feel like I really want this knife to work out because of the limited 3" fixed blade options but it might be something I have to pass on. I was looking at the pinkerton brevis neck knife originally but the sheath didn't seem super useful. I tend to favor a flat belly since I cut more cardboard than I probably should for forming boxes for ease of use or display and pressing into the cardboard in a hammer grip favors a flat bellow IMO. I actually really liked a plain edge hawkbill for this but it became a pain to keep sharp.

Thanks everyone for the opinions so far

 

[Wallace Mutt]

Its a nice little knife. The blade is thick and stout and while the handle is short; the combination of thumb guard, finger grooves for index and ring finger make it pretty comfortable for 3 finger grip. You may be able to get 4 fingers if you choke up a bit. The sheath does a great job at giving all those carry options and is very comfortable inside the waistband. The velcro seems like it will hold up to daily use for the other mounting options, but I can't say for sure since I've only carried it inside waistband and horizontal on belt. Overall I'd give it a 4.5 out of 5 for the short handle. Very stealthy knife.

 

[bikerector]

Thanks for the pics Wallace!

 

[oregon]

Would you mind elaborating on that more? What made it terrible? Is it the blade shape, size, etc.? If you were limited to a 3" blade would you still consider it as a terrible candidate?

I've also talked with BladeHQ and the comment they really wanted to point out was that the handle was pretty small. Might make a nice ladies knife or knife for someone with smaller hands but they didn't feel someone with larger hands would be able to really drive into cutting something. I'll have to contact knifecenter as well since BladeHQ and knifecenter are my go-to's for online knife stores.

I feel like I really want this knife to work out because of the limited 3" fixed blade options but it might be something I have to pass on. I was looking at the pinkerton brevis neck knife originally but the sheath didn't seem super useful. I tend to favor a flat belly since I cut more cardboard than I probably should for forming boxes for ease of use or display and pressing into the cardboard in a hammer grip favors a flat bellow IMO. I actually really liked a plain edge hawkbill for this but it became a pain to keep sharp.

Thanks everyone for the opinions so far

I loved it but lost it before I ever got a chance to use it. Wish I still had it.

 

[bikerector]

I loved it but lost it before I ever got a chance to use it. Wish I still had it.

Wow, somehow I misread "terrific" and thought it was "terrible". Thanks for the response and I'm a little embarrassed about reading that wrong.

 

[ThePeacent]

Wow, somehow I misread "terrific" and thought it was "terrible". Thanks for the response and I'm a little embarrassed about reading that wrong.

If you are still open to options, I can recommend all these which are less expensive and excellent time proven designs:

Spyderco ARK for a ultra thin, scalpel like blade, unnoticeable, rust proof, excellent slicer, light duty ($60)
CRKT Minimalist for a dependable, easy to sharpen and durable blade, very lightweight, great ergos, many shapes to choose from and really low profile ($20)
ESEE Izula for a tougher, thicker and stronger carbon steel knife, heavier and stouter, more like a sharp prybar ($50)
Cold Steel Spike series, wicked slashers with scary sharp grinds, corrosion resistant steel that gets scary sharp so easily and very secure grip, combined with a great sheath, for belt carry or neck hanging. Many shapes ($20)
and a much overlooked mini knife, the Timberline Mini Pitbull, a Lightfoot design with extremely nice blade shape and handle, tough thick blade, but stabby and nice cutter, forgiving simple steel and versatile sheath, much talked about in previous years here at BF ($20)

 

[Halfneck]

Really liked the look of this one, but when I handled one at BLADE the ergonomics were all wrong in my hand.

 

[Switchblade_renegade]

try a gryphon m-10! perfect little bootknife. if you can find a terzuola/seki japan one they are even nicer!!

 

[bikerector]

try a gryphon m-10! perfect little bootknife. if you can find a terzuola/seki japan one they are even nicer!!

Thanks for the recommendation but the current city ordnance where I work limits me to 3" blade within the city limits. I feel like there are a lot of neck knives in the fixed 3" and under but I want something that can be belt carried with a strong preference to horizontal for better concealment under an untucked shirt.

 

[Wallace Mutt]

I would assume the buck ops costs that much more is because of the sheath. Looks like its going for an okay price from that big river site.

 

[bikerector]

Thanks for the recommendations. The Esse izula was a strong contender but ultimately I am willing to pay a little more for the added stain resistance as the buck would likely go on runs and/or bicycle rides with me, especially long trail rides/runs.

The sheath is really big a selling point for me vs the neck knives.

Edit: Just noticed they make a 440c izula for about the same cost as the buck ops

 

[bikerector]

Merry Christmas to me from the wife!

How I normally grip a knife for opening boxes and packaging (what I use a knife for most often outside of the kitchen)

The blade is thicker than I was imagining which is nice. It's also my first tanto blade, my brother swears by them. I wear a size large glove for a size reference.