Buck/Strider quality???

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glocker199

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Mar 14, 2005
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I was thinking of buying a Buck/Strider 889 as an affordable every day carry knife I can use for work. I don't want to use my Microtechs for cutting boxes, straps, etc. and the 889 looks like a pretty robust knife. My primary concern is that the blade is 420. My other folders are 154CM, S30V, AUS8, 440C etc. Most 420 blades I've seen had poor edge holding properties.
 
I've got an 889 and like it a lot. i've had no complaints with the 420 however you will have to touch it up more than if it was made out of a hooky dooky steel. for the price i'm very satisfied. later,ahgar
 
Bucks blades are 420HC its not the same as 420.
Bucks are also heat treated and hold a great edge! I LOVE MINE!!
IF you want to pay more I believe they make the 882 with ATS-34 (154CM).
I never had a reason to buy the hooky dooky steel :D
I love my Plain Jane 420HC! For the money I could NEVER complain!!!!
Good luck with your purchase!
Jim

This is from "The Edge" Bucks spring 2006 newsletter
You always lose something to gain something! It just depends what you want in a knife! I dont want mine to rust. I can resharpen it once in awhile :D
Jim
 
yes the 420hc is a good steel
and all of bucks heat treeting is supervised by BOS i belive.
and he is one of the best!
 
I got the 882 in ATS34 with G10 in my pocket right now. Love the knife. It opens with authority and is the most solid feeling folder I have. It is a hunk of a knife in the pocket though.
 
I have an 882 in ATS 34. I gotta tell ya, if I were buying again I'd prefer the 420HC. ATS 34 is harder for me to sharpen up once it gets to needing it and I've never had a problem with Buck's standard steel in the 30 years that I've been carrying one.

A 112 used to be my EDC years ago in the mountains of West Virginia. It got dropped, submerged in water, subjected to all kinds of strains, and was still in good enough shape to make me feel guilty when I switched to a lighter weight folder with a newer steel.

I don't use my Strider much because I don't like liner locks, but I have used it enough to need to spend time with the Edge Pro and it still takes some doing for me to get it sharp again.

I don't think that you'll have any problem with the 420HC.
 
I have an 887SBT Police Advocate with 420HC - it's my diggin' and pryin' knife when I'm doing yardwork, I even cut stuff with it once in a while:) - otherwise, it's in my Fatboy as one of my heavy duty backups. Thing is built like a tank:D Very easy to get an edge back on it. Surprisingly good value for the money.

- gord
 
I too have an 882 in ATS-34 and will agree that it is a heavy duty knife. I was lucky enough to get it during the last Buck factory sale ( and I'm patiently waiting for a new sales list ...hint..hint).

If you want a good working knife then you will not be disappointed , I think the shape of the blade would probably make it a good skinning knife too.

I also like that the knife can be held from the back of the blade ( at least for my purposes) putting very little pressure on the lock.

I'm more impressed with the design each time I use it...
 
Buck_110 said:
JPD1998:

You could use the 882 as an axe, and that still would not put ANY pressure on the lock. The stop pin on this model takes the load. The only way that pressure would be applied to the lock on this model would be if pressure(stress) were to be applied to the spine of the blade.
Click to expand...

Sorry... my goof. I have an 881SP in ATS 34, not an 882.

Buck_110... do you know if the liner lock design in the 881 is the same as in the 882 where the stop pin takes the load with the blade open? Spine pressure is not a problem for the ways that I use a knife. I'm not even sure how one would use a knife and put enough pressure on the blade spine to bend or disengage a decent liner lock. The 881 might get more carry time for heavier duty stuff if I had more confidence in the lock.
 
Buck_110 said:
JPD1998:

You could use the 882 as an axe, and that still would not put ANY pressure on the lock. The stop pin on this model takes the load. The only way that pressure would be applied to the lock on this model would be if pressure(stress) were to be applied to the spine of the blade.
Click to expand...

It certainly looks like it could be used as an ax. I just like that you can choke up on the blade and use it almost like a fixed blade skinning knife. I want to use it during hunting season.

It's a very nice design, it took me a while to appreciate it.
If the G10 model that is put together with screws ever goes on sale I might pick up another one.
 
chickentrax said:
Buck sends out a newsletter??? :confused:

How do you get on the mailing list???
Click to expand...

I didnt...
My Dad is a salesman at at local sporting goods store.
Its one of the "perks" :D
Jim
 
Buck_110 said:
dalefuller:

The information regarding the whole stop pin deal is the same for the 881 as well. As a matter of fact, this is true for any liner lock or frame lock where a blade stop pin is present.
Click to expand...

Thanks... I took my 881 out the other day and had a closer look. It does seem like a good solid lockup when it's open and I really like the knife. A Buck 112 was my first carry and Buck is still a favorite brand of mine when I'm giving gifts, so I'm happy to haul one around sometimes.
 
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