Initial Impressions of Both New Buck Paklite Series Knives.

[Diomedes Industries]

Buck recently released two new knives in a series called Paklite. The Skinner and the Caper.

They are sub 20 dollar knives - so on a lark I ordered both. I have been looking for a decent knife that can go in my BOB - and I thought these may do the trick.

First the Skinner:

Blade: 2 7/8" skinner blade
Steel: 420HC
OAL: 6 5/8" overall
Weight: 2.5 oz.
Blade Width" A little over 1/8th

The handle on the Skinner is wider than the caper and fits in my hand (size L gloves) much better. It is not comfortable by any means, as it is skeletonized to the maximum, but it is passable for short term use.

The blade has a little recurve to it, took an edge very well, and was very sharp out of the box. I simply put a 20 degree bevel on it, to match the factory bevel, and went out back to work. It was a tough little bugger, and took the abuse that I gave it. It made fuzz sticks decently, it carved just fine and even battoned decently (although there is very little to baton). I even beat the knife at the tip with the baton with no show of wear.

I think this knife would make a great neck knife or back up knife as it is a small package.

Caper:

Blade: 2 1/2" modified caping blade
Blade Steel: 420HC
Length: 6 3/4" overall
Weight: 1.1 oz.

This blade is a little smaller, the handle is a little longer, but not as wide as the skinner, and thus for my hands it was very hard to get used to. It cut fine, but either the profile or simply the handle made it a little more crude to get used to than the Skinner. This one, for me, would be the ultimate neck knife for those that simply need a blade on them and like neckers - however - it would take a handle wrap to be able to use with much regularity.

I do plan on wrapping them with 550 and giving them a test after that is done.

Sheath:

I wanted to hate this sheath, as it is nylon and VERY inexpensive - but I must say, for the price point, it is very good. It has a plastic insert that makes putting the blade back very easy, it seems very rubust, and rides just fine on the hip.

I would replace it were I to make it an EDC - but I make sheaths - so no surprise there.

Overall:

I think these are worth every penny. I think it would be tough to find a better more inexpensive knife that delivers more than this knife for its kind.

I think Buck has done a great job of making this knife and making it in the USA.

TF

 

[6shooter]

Those are definitely some cool looking little blades, thanks for the review. The handles look pretty well thought out for what they are, though I do agree that the skinner looks more comfortable.

 

[mtnfolk mike]

very cool TF.. i was checking these out today online, and was debating on getting one, or possibly the new CRKT Doug Ritter mk1.. they're definately worth checking out for the price...

 

[Iboschi]

Thanks for the review. I would have dismissed these out of hand if not for your post. Price point is sweet!

 

[moonwilson]

That skinner would be a heck of a lot nicer without the recurve. Ugh. I guess they wanted to avoid making an Izula knockoff, but what a waste. Thanks for the pics and review!

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

That skinner would be a heck of a lot nicer without the recurve. Ugh. I guess they wanted to avoid making an Izula knockoff, but what a waste. Thanks for the pics and review!

Agreed. I think it's a great concept, but if they had tweaked the design just a little it would have been more of a success. As it is I think I'll pass on these.

 

[Foilist]

I checked these out in my favorite local outfitter shop the other day. If I were to get one, I think I'd opt for the caper.