Finally got a "Spitfire".

JD Mandrell

JD Mandrell

Joined
Apr 20, 2001
Messages
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Just have not been able to get down to the store in Kentucky I wanted to, but strolled into my local WalMart tonight, and lo and behold, they had in Green Spitfires.



With a few other knives for size.



"In hand" in the different gripping options.



Overall I like it, it does have the odd backwards movement when the blade is fully open, that many have talked about. I was able to examine all they had, since they were not busy and the counter guy is friend, and every single one had it. I noticed, that the entire pivot pin moves when you push backwards on the blade, it's almost like the holes in the scales for the pivot screw are to large????

Otherwise, there is no play in the blade in any other direction, and the lock does not seem compromised. Not sure it will ever effect actual use, so at a sub $30.00 price point, for a USA made knife, I still think it's a great value. (just wish they had the orange one) :)
 
Bear Claw Chris Lappe said:
Just have not been able to get down to the store in Kentucky I wanted to, but strolled into my local WalMart tonight, and lo and behold, they had in Green Spitfires.



With a few other knives for size.



"In hand" in the different gripping options.



Overall I like it, it does have the odd backwards movement when the blade is fully open, that many have talked about. I was able to examine all they had, since they were not busy and the counter guy is friend, and every single one had it. I noticed, that the entire pivot pin moves when you push backwards on the blade, it's almost like the holes in the scales for the pivot screw are to large????

Otherwise, there is no play in the blade in any other direction, and the lock does not seem compromised. Not sure it will ever effect actual use, so at a sub $30.00 price point, for a USA made knife, I still think it's a great value. (just wish they had the orange one) :)
Click to expand...


Thanks for posting the pics, I have been thinking of a green one myself, and may spring for it soon. Your pics just sealed the deal for sure.
 
I like the color (but like you would prefer orange) and the fact it is a plain edge. The blade play issue is an odd one. I'll have to check and see if my local Wal Mart has them.
Did WalMart change the knife selection around or did they just add this one?

Thanks for posting the pics!
 
Nice review Chris, after using mine a bit I found that I got used to that blade assembly movement. It's a pretty smooth one hander, and the slim profile makes it an easy one to carry. I trust the lock for what it's designed to do, hold the blade open for cutting.
 
kyhunt said:
So is the blade on the vantage series hard to open with the thumb hole?
Click to expand...

Not sure about everyone else, but for us southpaws it is, the liner lock blocks part of the thumb hole.

I found a way around the problem by putting small zip tie on it, making a thumb stud. :)

 
Quick question. I just bought one from Walmart, same color. I thought the model number was 722? Mine has a 721 model number.
 
TheGent said:
Quick question. I just bought one from Walmart, same color. I thought the model number was 722? Mine has a 721 model number.
Click to expand...

On the Buck website, all Spitfires have 722, but I just checked mine and it's a 721 like yours.

Weird??????
 
Got bored and slapped a zip tie on the Spitfire blade, like I did the Vantage, and a fairly quick opening blade is now REALLY fast! :)
 
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Bear Claw Chris Lappe said:
On the Buck website, all Spitfires have 722, but I just checked mine and it's a 721 like yours.

Weird??????
Click to expand...

I had the same problem until I double checked the original packaging of my 721. It appears it is not a "722 Spitfire", but ratherr a "721 Slimline". If you compare pics of the Spitfire and the Slimline, you'll notice clear differences in the blade profile. Also, the 722 has a false edge on the front top of the blade, while the 721's blade spine is flat.

To be honest I like the blade profile of the Slimline better.
 
cuad said:
I had the same problem until I double checked the original packaging of my 721. It appears it is not a "722 Spitfire", but ratherr a "721 Slimline". If you compare pics of the Spitfire and the Slimline, you'll notice clear differences in the blade profile. Also, the 722 has a false edge on the front top of the blade, while the 721's blade spine is flat.

To be honest I like the blade profile of the Slimline better.
Click to expand...

Danged if you aren't right, just got out the box for mine and it says "0721GRSWM-B" "Slimline (folder)"

Can't find them on the Buck website, but comparing it to "Spitfire" pics, mine also has the different grind.

Geez, Buck, what's the deal with to so similar folders??
 
I just bought the knife yesterday. My son was with me and he wanted me to buy the green one, but I decided on the orange one. I liked it so much that I went back today and bought the green one for him. He's elated with it!

For what it's worth, both knives are solid without any movement what so ever. Really happy with both.
 
I just ordered one in Gray and it should be here by Saturday. I only have a few Buck knives but for some reason this model really got my attention right away...looks like it will make a great EDC. I like the size and with the aluminum scales it'll slide easier out of my pockets when needed. I look forward to trying it out.
 
Maybe it's just me, but the Spitfire from Walmart looks a lot different from the original one I ordered for my wife. The one my wife owns has a much more squared off handle and the blade looks thinner/longer?
 
It is, these Walmart knives apparently are NOT "Spitfires", but a slightly different knife called the "Slimline".

Now that I've sat and looked them over, they have:

1. Different grind on the back of the blade.
2. Smaller, and virtually useless lanyard hole.
3. Slightly different shape to the handle.
4. 721 instead of 722 model number.
 
Anyone have a picture side by side? My curiosity has been sparked.
 
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