I enjoy getting more data points on a new production knife that I have on order but haven't handled and only seen images of. Hopefully some of you found this thread a convenient place to learn that Buck has a new model folding pocket knife coming out in 2014 as that was my intention.
Production cutlery in general comes to the end user in a range of quality: Bad, good and great (IMHO, and please leave our friend, formerly from S. Africa, out of this). Anyone reading this please allow me take the risk before you buy. If there are issues then you will know from me. On the other hand, this looks like a knife I've wanted for a long time from a manufacturer I respect and at a price not above my pay grade. If it proves to be a great EDC in my hands then you will hear that from me as well.
I relish seeing others stretch their legs as much as I enjoy seeing myself try to extend my reach. I set out to climb Electric Peak, Gallatin Range of the Rockies (think Yellowstone) took a novel route and got within 50-100 ft of the summit which couldn't be reached from there and ran out of time and energy for the traditional route (G. Bear on a Elk carcus in the area so no overnight outback camping without 6 in the party and it was just my seven year old son and myself and the attempt began in the dark and ended in the dark). Failed. Yes I did. However, it was a high point in my life w/o bagging the summit. One of my favorite memories. Reach for the stars and you may find you get what you need. Go Buck go.