Folding Alpha Hunter

J

Jeff#103

Joined
Oct 17, 2007
Messages
330
Just acquired an Alpha Hunter folder in 154cm Bos steel, in a trade (no gut hook). Nice solid knife, but the liner lock seems to be made of kinda' thin material. How well do they hold up? Anybody use one as their primary hunting/field dressing knife? I'd like to read your comments on this knife.

Thanks.
Jeff
 
Jeff, I'm sort of suprised at this, if the model 277 were built any stronger it would be a fixed blade . I've used it on many camping chores and cutting items around the house and haven't noticed any problems . My girls have helped me process deer using one and thought it worked great . They carry this model a lot more than me and have used it for years . My youngest saved her money and bought one of the early models when Buck first used ATS-34 steel in 2004 . (This model was brought out in 2002 .) She has used this one and a 2003 model for years now and has not told me, Dad I just broke it ... Why don't you take it for a test drive and use it some and see how it handles . DM
 
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Lots of great info here, guys. Thanks so much! Always been a fixed-blade guy, for hunting. Lately, tho, I've been stashing it in my pack, rather than on my belt. I think I can warm up to a folder on my belt, where a knife belongs.

Jeff
 
You can find a lot of reviews on youtube. I think most that has been said on this forum has been positive. I have limited knowledge because I only have three (two rubber and one wood) and only used one of the rubber ones for daily use. That was until someone at work complained about it.
 
My wife and I both have them for hunting. Its my favorite "large" folder. Never any issues with them. The lock is plenty strong if the knife is used like it was designed to be... ;) I have a few different models so one certain knife doesnt see extensive use, but no issues in probably 7 years. You cant go wrong with the alpha series! :D
 
I have the Cabelas AG Alpha Folder and it's my favorite folder. The liner lock works flawlessly with absolutely no play in the blade. Being a Mechanical Engineer, I'm sure Buck engineered the liner thickness to an optimal balance of performace and strength. To thick and it would not work properly.

Never heard of a Buck liner lock failure due to lack of strength.
 
postfallsidaho said:
The lock is plenty strong if the knife is used like it was designed to be...

That says it all. I get the impression from what I read in knife forums, that people mis-use their knives for all kinds of purposes that other tools would be better suited for, then complain when there's a failure. Gotta wonder why some want to know if a knife will stand up to batoning. I want (and expect) my knife to cut, slice, etc. If I'm hunting in the 'big woods', and want to be able to secure fire and shelter building materials, I strap my Gerber Backpaxe onto my daypack - only weighs about 1 lb., and much more suited for the task.

Thanks for all the replies.
Jeff
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Jeff#103 said:
I want (and expect) my knife to cut, slice, etc. If I'm hunting in the 'big woods', and want to be able to secure fire and shelter building materials, I strap my Gerber Backpaxe onto my daypack - only weighs about 1 lb., and much more suited for the task.

Thanks for all the replies.
Jeff
Click to expand...

:thumbup: You will really like that alpha I think! Its a well designed and quality built knife!
 
Jeff, I've noticed that too in knife reviews . People miss use the knife pushing it to failure then complain and write about it when it does . Not thinking this exposes themselves . If they had used it like it was meant to be it would have lasted two lifetimes . DM
 
David Martin said:
Jeff, I've noticed that too in knife reviews . People miss use the knife pushing it to failure then complain and write about it when it does . Not thinking this exposes themselves . If they had used it like it was meant to be it would have lasted two lifetimes . DM
Click to expand...

Amen to that, David! As for the Folding Alpha Hunter, it is one of the best knives that I own and I am counting knives 2 or 3 times it's price.
 
With reviews such as these, that Alpha folder is looking better all the time!;)

Thanks Again.
Jeff
 
Rather than start a new thread, i thought i would revive this one. Although i have about 30 Buck knives, mostly folders in the 300 series, i'm not really a Buck collector so my knowledge here is limited.
I just bought a Buck 277T (2003) which seller says has 154CM steel, with it's sheath, new, unused for $34. There's plenty of Buck collectors so usually the unused Buck knives get bid up appropriately on ebay.
Here's the only pic. 154CM is not marked on the blade.

KGrHqUOKjsE25h4yObSBNzfi8psqw_3.jpg


I assume a big folder like this with this higher end steel is worth considerably more than what i paid. Did i just get lucky here, or is this an inexpensive Buck with their regular steel (420 HC ?) ?
thanks for helping me out.
roland
 
rprocter, Have no concerns. I have that model and the steel is marked on the other side of the blade. All looks correct for yours to have 154CM steel even the sheath looks correct. Those with 420 steel have different handle material and a different sheath. Yes, you did get a very good buy.
That model usually sells NEW for twice the price you paid (70-80$) . Plus, it looks like you got just the knife and sheath (in good shape barely used) not the box and paperwork. Which will increase the price. So, if your not collecting these don't worry you got a good deal. When you get it let us know what you think. It is a very smooth opening folder. DM
 
Thanks Dave. I will post back when i have it in hand. May be a couple of weeks as my trips to the USA P.O. that i use for shipping are only once every 2 weeks.
roland
 
As Dave said, the steel type is on the other side of the blade. It is a great knife and locks up tight. Got mine on one of those deals on the bay they say not to do. I got an email after I bid on one for an offer to sell me one in a box for $50 shipping included. I do also have two 279s, one I picked up for $26 that needed work, it turned into an EDC until I was told not to carry it to work any more.
 
I've got 5 Alpha Hunters, 3 277's with ATS34 & 1 with 12c27m SANDVIK and 1 279 with 420 that is my EDC. I couldn't believe it when considering the weight of the knife, I can't tell it's on my belt.
 
I would have guessed that a big knife like this with a higher end steel and well made sheath would have sold at a higher price than the $70-$80 quoted by Dave. i.e., i thought i was getting an incredibly good deal instead of just a good deal. But it's a Buck so it's an incredibly good deal anyway. i'm into Traditionals but i am looking forward to getting this Folding Alpha Hunter.
Is the primary grind on this thin like a slicer or a bit more stout, all purpose ? And did you need to work on the edge a bit on arrival, or did Buck send these out with a truly sharp edge ?
Hope this doesn't convert me into a Buck collector. I don't have space for anymore knives than i already have. (~ 5000, my habit is severe, eh ?)
thanks guys, i do appreciate the help and know that there is a great deal of Buck expertise and knowledge among members of this forum.
roland
 
I just looked on BUCKs website and they list the 279 at $84 and the 277 at 114 so it looks like you got a heck of a deal.
 
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