How's the Spitfire holding up?

[JayC783]

When I got my 112 back from the spa, Buck included a 25% off coupon card. I didn't intend to use it at first, but like a siren, it keeps singing to me. If I could use it for the custom shop or a web special, I'd be all over it. Problem is, I'm not sure what I want. Imported knives are automatically out. I only want a USA Buck. I've been browsing the Buck website which is kind of a bad idea. I could spend a small fortune there. Anywho, I think I have settled on the Spitfire. It's either that or a new 112 to accompany my two dot 112. I'm kind of leaning towards the Spitfire, because I don't think I'll OCD over it like I do the brass on my 110 and 112.

All that rambling leads me to this. How is the Spitfire holding up since its introduction a few years ago? I read the forums and watched some YouTube videos on it. There's been a couple comments on YouTube where someone dropped it and they said it broke. Since it's YouTube, I know you have to take the comments with a big grain of salt. However, it looks like a great knife, and I'm finding myself drawn to the orange one. Has anyone beat the tar out of it? I want an EDC knife that I don't have to worry about it breaking. In reading the forums here, it seems the early Spitfires had issues. Have they for sure been rectified? For those that have the Spitfire, how do you use it and how is it holding up? Does the aluminum handle scratch easily? Thanks!

 

[ed_bltn]

I've carried one almost every day for a year. I use it every day I have it. It's held up fine. The silkscreened Buck logos on the handles are showing some distress, and the anodizing is worn off some of the edges of the handle, but otherwise it's good as new. It's nice knife in being a decent size without too much bulk in the pocket. I keep my change in the same pocket, and it's nice that the dimes don't migrate into it like they used to with the Vantage I used to carry. I'm happy with the Spitfire.

-Ed

 

[honestlyinsane]

So this mine when new. Date code is 2012 I bought this when they first came out. I have worn it in my Jean pocket just about everyday since. I work in a garage. I cut cardboard, wire ties and pull staples with it daily. I will add some pic of it now. Note I did break the blade prying something I should not have. So it now has a slimline blade. I have 3 spitfire and a slimline I like using this one because it has character.

 

[ed_bltn]

You use yours similarly to the way I use mine. Mine is straight edge, not serrated. I also use it everyday to cut the plastic clamshell container I get my lunch in. I've sharpened it on a diamond sharperner once, but I strop it on a piece of leather every few days. The blade is typical Buck: damn good.

-Ed

So this mine when new. Date code is 2012 I bought this when they first came out. I have worn it in my Jean pocket just about everyday since. I work in a garage. I cut cardboard, wire ties and pull staples with it daily. I will add some pic of it now. Note I did break the blade prying something I should not have. So it now has a slimline blade. I have 3 spitfire and a slimline I like using this one because it has character.

 

[honestlyinsane]

Here is a pic showing marks from abuse. I used it to hammer a roll pin in when I didn't have anything else near by.

Picture to show the original blade broken from misuse. Handle color had held up well.

 

[pinnah]

I've got a Slimline and can report on that.

On the positive side, I love the design. It's kicked my beloved 500 Duke out of my EDC rotation. The Slimline is lighter and I like the blade shape much better. More belly is more good. And I've grown to really love the mid lock design. So much easier to close one handed.

On negative side, I don't care the hump. I disliked it enough that I ground it off. Mine looks more like a Vantage blade now and is still easy to open without hurting my thumb on hard cuts. The other issue, and the issue these knives have a reputation for, is the lock rock. It was noticeable when new and in a few months, has increased a little bit. Time will tell.

I really, really like the knife but I would pay double for it if they could make it with zero lock rock.

 

[BuckShack]

I have an orange 722 spitfire from 2013. It's a great carry knife. It's a light weight, quick opening, and ergonomic. I prefer a thumb hole over a thumb stud for several reasons: it won't get caught on clothing, it's less likely for the thumb to slip off, it's probably less of a legal issue if assisted opening is a concern and the required blade shape to accommodate a thumb hole provides a solid place to put the thumb when in use. Buck should use this design on other knives.

My spitfire has some vertical blade play that is noticeable when you cut into something. Maybe this was fixed in later models. I dropped mine on cement on day 2 (of course) and it dinged the aluminum pretty easy. But it was just as easy to file it and smooth it back out.

 

[imafritz]

My nephew uses the orange version, carries as and edc and processes deer as a side job and uses it on every one(skinning, boning and all). He loves it. Probably did 30 or more whitetails with it this season alone.

 

[JayC783]

Thanks guys! I'm glad it holds up to your uses, especially hammering. I went ahead and ordered the orange, straight-edged one today. One thing I noticed about the Spitfire early on was how the handle looks like the 112. I really like the way the 112 feels, so I'm hoping the Spitfire feels similar.