Bucklite Max folder

E

EagleIH

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Dec 5, 2009
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I've been looking at these for an EDC. The medium folder seems about the right size for my hand. Does anyone have any experience with these? Thanks.
 
I think they are pretty nice for what they are. I have the larger sized one so I'm not familiar with the medium. But if you want a 1 hand opening knife with a pocket clip that is the size of a 110 Hunter, you would probably like it.
If you compare it to the old Bucklites from the 1980's and 1990's, it's a different knife. If you want something compareable to the old Bucklites, without the thumbstud and pocket clip, take a look at the ecolites 110 and 112. They remind me of the old Bucklits, with the added bonus of a partial liner.
 
I thinke the Bucklite Max line is a pretty good value. However, keep in mind you are getting a $20 knife so don't be upset if the fit and finish isn't what you see on something like the Vantage Pro series.

They cut very well, the 420HC steel is a very good all-purpose utility steel. The size of the blade and handle fit me well, though the handle feels sheap to me and not the most sturdy but not abnormal for a knife in this price range. For most people's EDC purposes it will be perfectly fine if you just want a basic knife that cuts great, sharpens easy, doesn't cost much so you're not worried about losing it. Now, if this is something you might use for work where you will be cutting a lot of boxes or might need a stronger built knife you might want to look at other Buck knives.

I have this knife and am perfectly happy with my purchase of it. I keep one on my bigout bag and one my winter suvival kit in my car. I EDC'd it for a month just to see how I like it, it peformed well for the price range.
 
For 20$ its arguably the best modern folder you can buy. The only problem ive had with my large is the thumb stud came loose. Still rock solid lockup though.
 
Bucklite Max 486ORSBC, two of em:







I carried one, not shown, for many months until I caught the clip on a seatbelt and sprung it badly. Since the clips are pinned I set it aside. I am so hard on my EDCs that I've already come close to snapping off the clip on my Marksman 830 twice in the few weeks I've owned it.

I noticed, in taking these photos, that one had some brown spots on the blade where the grind removed material. I polished, steel polish, some of it off but I can still see it with my naked eye. Under a 16X loupe, pre-polish, it looked like crystals the same color as the Boone and Crockett Club etch. I cannot feel anything with my finger or fingernail.

I really like this blade shape. The orange color is kinda pinkish to some eyes.
 
I really like the Bucklight Max Folder's blade shape.and thumstuds!

I had a medium size one for a couple days, but it was destined to join forces with a 112 :)



I also had a small one, and it was destined to join up with a 501 :)



 
Dc, that 112 is nice... I like the F/G's on that 501... Who did the work on them...

Oregon, nice pics of your orange max's...
 
I noticed that the orange handled BuckLite Max knives, seem to be gone from the Buck website, except for the small folder.

Are they being discontinued?
 
jobasha11 said:
For 20$ its arguably the best modern folder you can buy. The only problem ive had with my large is the thumb stud came loose. Still rock solid lockup though.
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If the thumbstud is loose, and you didn't lose it, just put some loctite in the female side, and put it back together
Then use a peening hammer to tap it back tight.
 
Bear Claw Chris Lappe said:
I noticed that the orange handled BuckLite Max knives, seem to be gone from the Buck website, except for the small folder.

Are they being discontinued?
Click to expand...

I bought a handful of the large orange Bucklite Max knives years ago on closeout from a online hardware store $20/each. I just looked around and don't see this knife for sale anywhere. Looks like it is disco to me.
 
Found em. 2010 mfg and it is now 2014 so, if I have this figured right, it has been a while. I find something I like and I at least think about getting a duplicate for down the road. Tastes change and folder designs change about as fast as crap thru a goose. These are in perfect shape. No spots, rust, crust or dust. I've kept them hidden and I've kept them safe. Real wealth. The good stuff.

 
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EagleIH said:
I've been looking at these for an EDC. The medium folder seems about the right size for my hand. Does anyone have any experience with these? Thanks.
Click to expand...

Depends on you intended use.

IMO, the medium size is nicer than the large as an EDC knife. Very easy to carry and a very nice handle shape and, to my eyes, the blade is more pleasing.

If you push the knife really hard, don't be surprised if the joint opens up on you. It's made of plastic and has no liner. As Buck's warranty department noted to me, it's something rather inherent in the design due to the material choice. Buck has more durable knives at a higher price point and other manufacturers have more durable knives that sell for less (but won't have the modern features of thumb studs or pocket clips).

In the end, I think its a very easy knife to live with, so long as you don't push the tach past the red line.
 
I always wanted to try one of these.
Smoky Mt Knifeworks has them also.
rolf
 
I wouldn't worry too much about them becoming loose. I have 2 1983-1984 of the original Bucklite 422's and one 1987 Bucklite 426 and all have zero blade play and not loose in any way. The 426, if you put it up close to your ear when you click it open, the loudness of the snap will literally hurt your ear and make it ring it locks up so tight.
One of the 422's I picked up off the net and I still haven't been able to get all the grit out. Every weekend I spray it out with wd40 and it's getting cleaner slowly but surely, but I don't think it was ever babied by the previous owner and it still has perfect lockup and tighteness.
 
True! ^
I just got my Orange 422 out and in my pocket. I dunt know if I want the Max, now. The 422 is SO nice.
rolf
 
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