Just got new Buck Mayo TNT

MikeC

MikeC

Joined
Sep 16, 2005
Messages
1,364
Have had much more expensive knives 400+, got my new buck mayo tnt for $170.00 shipped to my door via fed ex from iradwoods.com and best part NO TAXES, nice.

I must say although it doesn't feel like much in my hand it is well made with quality components and after taking it apart and giving it the once over it is well thought out from a design stand point, with an exceptional tang for a folding knife. The relief cut for the lock is very thick, the blade is a good utility shape, is CPMS30V with Paul Bos heat treat, its a frame lock and has titanium handle slabs with titanium pocket clip.

The action is silky smooth, the lock is early and rock solid which I think is in part to the large amount of tang within the handle when the knife is in the open position. The tang is also notched with an extra support for the tang for added stability and strength.

My only complaints are the hole in the blade for the opener and the holes in the titanium handles. Why on earth would anyone put holes in a perfectly good blade and handle. Hey, bubba you know what that blade and them der handles need, some holes drill in them, yea, thats right some holes?

Anyway about to start hunting season and putting this thing through its paces so were going to see how well its made and how hard use it is in very short order.
 
My two favorite frame lock knives are my Buck Mayo's. You got a great knife there. I believe you will be pleased!:thumbup::D
 
I just got one last week myself and I have Striders Beggs Emersons ZT and much more expensive knives than my TNT. But for everyday carry in dress slacks and suits this is the bees knees. I agree with all the positives you mentioned and I like the holes too, enjoy your knife you just got a keeper.
 
MikeC said:
My only complaints are the hole in the blade for the opener and the holes in the titanium handles. Why on earth would anyone put holes in a perfectly good blade and handle.Hey, bubba you know what that blade and them der handles need, some holes drill in them, yea, thats right some holes?
Click to expand...
I can live with the opening hole in the blade.
But I'll have to agree with you, I don't like the holes in the handle's either.
 
Holes in the handle are kind of a Tom Mayo signature. I love my Waimea, the TNT's little brother. Wonderful little edc and one of my sharpest folders.
 
I know the holes are his calling card, I just don't personally care for them. I also thought about the Waimea but it seemed a little small for my intended use as an edc user. I'm glad I didn't get the Waimea now that I have this one in hand as it literally the perfect overall length both blade and handle. I'm just taken aback by how well thought out it is, the overall design is just really GOOD and the overall quality and at that price, it is for those reasons I can overlook the holes in the handle business.

I guess its just that I find it rare these days with any products not just knives to be pleasantly surprised with something and this knife has done just that for me. Maybe its just me because I wasn't expecting much and since my expectations where so low to begin with it just seems that much better. I still think its a well designed knife with good to very good quality materials and workmanship.
 
The holes aren't kind of a signature, it is his signature. They also lighten the handle alot which is why it doesn't feel like much in your hand. You can tell a Tom Mayo knife just by a quick glance because of the tell tale holes. You also kind of need that hole in the blade so you can open it one handed.

I love my Buck/Mayo TNT. I actually used to have a few, but have since had to sell all but one. The only negative for me is the fact that there is no tip up carry option.
 
Good choice. The 172 is one of my favorite knives. Probably my favorite is that size, weight range. (Maybe a tie with the mini Socom Elite) I really like the hollow grind on and thin edge on the TNT. Didn't mind the holes, but would like tip up carry as an option. Hard to fiind any real fault with it though.
 
The Buck TNT is a wonderful knife. I have bought and eventually given away three of them to friends and such. I keep coming back to it. Most recently i got another and sent it to STR to have the horns diminished and the handle edges smoothed a bit. The horn stuff just makes the knife that much more sweet, in my opinion, but its the handle edges thing that makes a huge difference. STR didn't really do all that much to them, at least it doesn't look like it, but man! It feels so much softer and natural in the hand now. Below is the thread of the pics he took of my TNT.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=677263

I absolutely love my new TNT. No way will this guy ever be given away.
 
I dig it jpsmith. I always felt that the knife would feel alot better in hand with those horns smoothed off the spine of the handle. Did you happen to get a tip up clip installed? I'd like to see how this mod looks.
 
No, i kept it tip down. I don't mind that. Whenever i finally get myself a custom Mayo by the man himself, i may get it tip up if the option is offered. I dunno yet.
 
I've only recently become aware of this knife and I really like it. You've got a keeper.
 
I've handled new and used TNTs - nice knife - holds up well. The used one was $185 + s/t! I really like Bucks, but there was something about the BM 635/630 mini/Skirmish design. Oh yeah, my wife gave me the mini-Skirmish for our tenth anniversary last Spring. I had already found a LNIB Skirmish and was awaiting it when I got the mini. Next came a Kershaw JYDII in Ti/SG-2 - then, mid summer, some birthday moola brought a new BM 760BK LTi home. Madness for Ti framelocks. I thought my desire for the 172 was over - Ti framelock hunger satiated - then another Buck 172 TNT thread. Now, I'm on a quest...

I am a knife-slut! Fickle...

Seriously, the 172 is a nice knife. I know a Sebenza is nice - but the TNT felt better in my hand. I didn't notice the horns while fondling it at the dealer's. I'll bet they would get old in extended use. Nice knife, as is.

Stainz
 
I have an Umnumzaan.

I have a TNT, the CF version.

I prefer, and carry, the TNT.

For EDC, it is simply a better knife.
 
Stainz are anyone else interested you can go to www.irawwood.com or www.irawoods.com, as I"m not sure on spelling and order it NIB with no sales tax and no shipping for $171.00 bucks. The list price is $179.99 but their running a online coupon special that knocks off another 5% so the total price is actual $171.00. That price is ridonculous, in fact I"m going get another right now before these things disappear.
 
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