Buck "Survival" Knife?

pinnah said:
I think strength of the lock mechanism (with respect to closing) is not the right question. Strength of the lock and pivot under hard cutting is the issue. I think it's hard to argue that the lock back mechanism is very strong in terms of hard cutting forces or that the flat peened pivot of a tradtional folder is very strong in terms of lateral forces.
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I know what you're saying, pinnah, but judging by the lock up on my '73 112, that was used extremely hard in my youth and still remains rock solid, I think the locks (on the 110 and 112) would hold up pretty good. I would be more concerned about the delicate tip, especially on the 110, in a "survival" situation.
 
Pinnah, wouldn't the screwed in pivot remove the 110 from the "traditional" classification to the "modern" classification?
The only knives I've ever had work loose on me were a couple Swindon Key Schrades.
 
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Here's a nice little endorsement. From Les Stroud's website, FAQs...


Q: If you could take only one fixed-blade knife into the bush with you, which would it be? (I have grown to love my ‘Cold Steel SRK’, and literally trust it with my life). Thanks, Les.

Les: I do still love my Buck knife – but I grind down the tip to make it less pointy. But I have been given a lot of knives over the while and enjoy them all.
 
afishhunter said:
Pinnah, wouldn't the screwed in pivot remove the 110 from the "traditional" classification to the "modern" classification?
The only knives I've ever had work loose on me were a couple Swenden Key Schrades.
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That's a great question.

I think it really depends on who's definition of "traditional" you use. The guidelines on the Bladeforums Traditional sub-forum allows for screwed pivots. The primary 2 rules there are: a) no thumb studs/holes and b) no pocket clips.

IMO, Jared from JAG Custom Knives has really pioneered where I would love to see production Buck 110s to go, or least as an option out of the Buck Custom shop.



More pictures here:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...-Titanium-Buck-110-with-Macassar-Ebony-by-JAG


As I said above, the Buck 110 is probably strong enough for most people in most situations. Any lock back I've used hard (Bucks, Schrades, several others) have developed both vertical and horizontal blade play. I've generated horizontal blade play on many slip joints too, including a large Sodbuster with a very large pivot.

In contrast, there are traditional and modern designs that I've used that seem to withstand both vertical and horizontal blade play much better - so from a design standpoint, it's very possible. One in particular is dirt cheap too, so it's definitely not a matter of production costs or material cost. It's entirely a design and engineering issue.

Don't take this wrong. My Bucks are my most beloved knives and no knife I own is dearer to my heart. But, my traditional lockbacks (110s, 112s, 500) are among my least carried knives since there are others that are lighter, more durable (in terms of blade play) and have more versatile blade grinds (I've come to vastly prefer flat over hollow). These considerations all come into particularly sharp focus when choosing a knife for a backcountry trip. I want light weight, durability and versatility.

There is nothing that I like about Cold Steel knives but I think their Triad lock design is a positive step in the right direction. And I can definitely live with a knife as drop dead gorgeous as Jared's knife above.

I would love it if they brought back the Ecolite series. Thinner scales (for better pocket carry). Full flat grind (for more versatility). Triad style stop pin (to withstand vertical play better). JAG style pivot screws (to withstand horizontal play better).
 
Thank you for the clarification. I thought BF Traditional excluded screw type pivots. I know some over there do. My CRKT "Slip Kiss" is not a traditional because of the screw pivot, even though it takes two hands to open, and does not have a clip.

Looks like Les is using Camillus knives now. At least that is what he is selling on his website.
I think I'll stick with my Bucks and CS Bushman and big bore blowgun.
 
Pinnah,

IMHO, Buck did try the screw thing years ago with the 186. It was an absolute failure for them cost wise, as the buyers could take it apart and could not get them back together. For a company like Buck their repair shop would have to hire twice the folks they have now just to put the returned screw knives back together, this is sad but true....lol.

jb4570
 
I'm choosing from my personal stash so it's the 119 for me. It can cut, chop, skin and filet. Holds an edge, easy to sharpen.

My Trailblazer deserves a mention. I'd have to try to sneak it in somehow.
 
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Okay, you know the rules. Please turn in your Trailblazer to me immediately. :cheerful:
 
TAH, I read the article you linked - the author really said a mouthful with this line about the Buck 119, "...you may not find a better model on the market right now." He may just be right! OH
 
Old Hunter, what's interesting is, with the exception of the Smith & Wesson, all the other knives are well over $100. The fact that the 119 is in the same list as the Fällkniven A1 is quite a compliment, because the A1 is one heck of a knife.


Latest tally...

060 Hoodlum - 3
065 Punk - 2
070 Thug - 3
102 Woodsman - 1
103 Skinner - 1
104 Campadre Camp Knife - 1
105 Pathfinder - 1
106 Hatchet – 1
108 Campadre Froe - 1
110 Folding Hunter - 7
119 Special - 3
120 General - 2
124 Frontiersman – 6
184 Buckmaster - 2
192 Vanguard - 1
317 Trailblazer– 1
486 Bucklite Max Folder - 1
495 Ergo Hunter - 1
620 Reaper – 3
639 Fieldmate – 1
651 Nighthawk – 1
863 Selkirk - 1
888 Buck/Strider – 2
SwissBuck - 2 (Posthumous votes for Harvey Manning and Colin Fletcher based on their years of experience and published contributions to backcountry travel) :)
 
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jb4570 said:
Pinnah,

IMHO, Buck did try the screw thing years ago with the 186. It was an absolute failure for them cost wise, as the buyers could take it apart and could not get them back together. For a company like Buck their repair shop would have to hire twice the folks they have now just to put the returned screw knives back together, this is sad but true....lol.

jb4570
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jb4570,

I find this surprising on several accounts. I would think that Buck wouldn't or shouldn't warranty disassembled knives. I can have any of my 110s or 112s taken down in short order and would be horrified if the reason they have to ship production out of the country was in order to pay for knuckleheads like me who tear apart knives but can't put them back together. Many companies are using larger screwed pivots and seem to manage that issue. Lastly, Buck is currently using scewed pivots on the Spitfire/Slimline knives.

Not my picture:
zklp75sl.jpg


Retailer picture:
k2-_c2c758f5-4180-497e-a283-249ab82fe00d.v1.jpg



If Buck could sort out the vertical play issues that have been widely reported on these knives, that would make a decent backcountry folder.

Speaking of warranty voids, I wonder if I could add a "triad" style stop pin to that knife.... Hmm....
 
I dunno ... those just don't look like a Buck to me ... I think I'll stick with my tried and proven 110. It may weigh a "few" ounces more than those modern things, but if 7 ounces (more or less) is "too heavy" to use ... may I suggest a membership to the gym?
 
No one has casted a vote for a few days, so for now, it appears the 110 Folding Hunter is the "Buck Survival Knife" winner. :applause:

The 110 wasn’t my first choice, but it is an amazing knife nevertheless, so...if you can’t beat’em, join’em. :D :thumbup:


IMG_7713_zpsz4cxnlao.jpg
 
Is it too late to bring back this thread? I humbly cast my vote for the Buck "Punk" survival knife! I'm very impressed by the 5160 steel and the Ron Hood design. Love the finger choil for detailed work, and the sheath is pretty good! (I ended up making a custom Kydex sheath for it though).
DSC_9124_e_16x9_zps72wfl5zf.jpg
 
Nope, not too late at all. I enjoyed this thread and besides that, it's my thread and I can do whatever I want. :D Thanks for voting! :thumbup:

060 Hoodlum - 3
065 Punk - 3
070 Thug - 3
102 Woodsman - 1
103 Skinner - 1
104 Campadre Camp Knife - 1
105 Pathfinder - 1
106 Hatchet – 1
108 Campadre Froe - 1
110 Folding Hunter - 7
119 Special - 3
120 General - 2
124 Frontiersman – 6
184 Buckmaster - 2
192 Vanguard - 1
317 Trailblazer– 1
486 Bucklite Max Folder - 1
495 Ergo Hunter - 1
620 Reaper – 3
639 Fieldmate – 1
651 Nighthawk – 1
863 Selkirk - 1
888 Buck/Strider – 2
SwissBuck - 2 (Posthumous votes for Harvey Manning and Colin Fletcher based on their years of experience and published contributions to backcountry travel)
 
Here's my slightly modded Buck 119, it's a solid Survival knife. I straightened the clip for a stronger point and removed part of the guard to allow easier use.

IMG_3552.jpg
 
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