Import Slipjoints?

Can't go wrong with the imported Buck slippies. Same Buck design, same Buck "forever" warranty, and more often times, better quality then the domestic made ones. I heard from a bird that they are made at the same plant or factory as the Rough Riders, as well as some other brands, but I love the imported Bucks. Great quality, trust worthy and reliable, and for half the price.
 
I've had a couple Marbles brand Chinese imports that are decent for the money. They did a run a few years ago in some nice amber stag bone.

Jumbo Trapper, 4-1/2"
MarblesACSB.jpg


Hunter's Trapper, 3-7/8"
marbles3.jpg
 
I am sure I heard the word Buck in the distance.......I don't have a lot of experience in the import area. But, here is my opinion. I have two Buck imports I like more than than the other two I have, both available now and then at auction sites..........300Bucks/ch

This is the first import model, a tang stamped Buck 303 with 2004 date code. All of the 420HC blades are mirror polished. China is stamped on back of sheepsfoot. Scale is just a little fat in the middle, laminated wood. Model numbers were changed after this one to make imports a different series than U.S.A. made models.
BuckChina2.jpg


The other one is a two blade trapper model 372, date code stamped 2006. China stamped on reverse of secondary. Scale is jigged bone. Just a hair too red colored for my taste. As you can see both knives have brass liners. Finish on both is good.
BuckChina06.jpg
 
Last edited:
It seems in the last year or so, Buck has spec'd their import line to mostly use 420J2 steel rather than the 420HC or 440 they had used. They were wonderful before. However, this represents a significant downgrade, IMO. According to the website, the only one still listed as 420HC is the Deuce.
 
Only ever owned one, and it is a gift. Got a Kissing Crane mini trapper in my pocket right now. It's a damn nice knife. Basing that off one example, though.

Rough riders, I got a few. Hard to beat.
 
I just got a few Colt branded knives , I like the Rail Splitter the best, they seem to be a step up from RR.
 
Several slip joints and lockbacks sold under AG Russell's name are made in Japan. Some high quality stuff.
 
The new imported robert klaas kissing cranes are pretty good imo, I think the quality of these are noticeably better than rough riders though the price reflects that as they range in price from about 10-25 bucks.
 
JPD1998 said:
I just got a few Colt branded knives , I like the Rail Splitter the best, they seem to be a step up from RR.
Click to expand...

Agreed. :thumbup:

Stout, beefy, and very well made for the price. Feels substantial in the hand.

They cost a bit more than RR's but are well worth it.

IMG_0702.jpg


IMG_0707.jpg
 
Thomason said:
Several slip joints and lockbacks sold under AG Russell's name are made in Japan. Some high quality stuff.
Click to expand...

Technically true, but I think the OP is looking for inexpensive knives, not extremely expensive ones.;)
 
mnblade said:
Good imports? Boker and Victorinox. ;-)

-- Mark
Click to expand...

Absolutely:thumbup: Böker Germany carbon knives can be got for low money and they're good.

There are many fine French Traditional knives too if the OP wants to spend more.
 
"Worth owning" is kind of the key here. There are many fine makers both custom and production in other parts of the world. The RR you mentioned is "Worth owning" and is at the low end of the price spectrum. There are brands/makers in the middle and high points "Worth owning" as well.
 
I might get horse whipped for saying this. I have some of those colt under 20.00 slipjoints. Some of the best pocketknifes i have ever had. I dont know about the steel.
 
I agree. The Colts, on the whole seem sturdier than the RRs and mine hold an edge very well. Aesthetically they don't spin my wheel but are very well made.
 
Here's one of the three I just got, a three blade whittler. The other two, are just as nice.

DSC00988.jpg


DSC00992.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top