New 2017 Bucks--Pictures, Descriptions,...and Some Disappointment

revnewk

revnewk

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In case you have not seen them yet, Buck Knives has released their new 2017 model specs to Knife Center for pre-order. Here is the link: https://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/...&c=&locktype=&style=&min_blade=0&max_blade=50

I was directed to this link by the the Knife News post and commentary on Buck's 2017 offerings. Here is the link: http://knifenews.com/buck-new-for-2017-knives/

I was sad to read this paragraph in the Knife News post: "2016 was a down year for the 114-year-old company. According to data compiled by SSI Data, which tracks the sales of guns, ammunition, accessories, and knives across multiple channels, Buck saw a 10-20% drop in dollar sales over the last 12-months."

Buck is my number one favorite Knife company. Benchmade is my second favorite, but ultimately my loyalties lie with Buck. No third favorite company.

But I am disappointed over a few observations regarding the new 2017 offerings:

  • There are no new offerings in the USA-made 300 series. There hasn't been for several years now.
  • There are no new offerings in the popular Vantage and Vantage Force series. As a matter of fact, the inventories on most Vantage variations seem to be dwindling.
  • Continued import presence in the economy edc models.

I hope that their gamble on 110 variations will pay off in 2017, but I have my doubts.

Please take the above observations as my own personal opinions about a company I love. I have been looking forward to the new 2017 models.

I just don't see anything that interests me.
 
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I'm decently interested in the Marksman with S90V. Not too bad a price on it, either, considering what you get.
 
I must be overlooking something. I counted 4 of the 36 preorder models as being imports. Not sure 11% equates to a "heavy" import presence.
 
Badhammer, you are correct. I have amended my original post to reflect the regular import presence in the economy edc models. Thanks for the fact check.
 
I think that a lot of people are more knife and steel savvy today than in the past. While I hope Buck continues to offer its basic black 100 and 300 series in 420HC or something better, offering better steels and better knife designs would be the right way to go. Some of the new offerings look like what they are, cheap Chinese made truck stop knives (even the expensive Buck 982 Legacy Collection Jeff Legerton Brazen Bowie!). They need a new design team. They need a Sal or Demko.

I would like to add that with the renewed interest in traditional knives that has happened over the last decade, it boggles the mind that Buck has largely ignored this emerging market.
 
Interested in the straight razor as that's how I shave. Wonder how it stands up to my German made razors.

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I'll be buying a 110 Auto.. I've loved Bucks since I was a child. The 110,119 and 120 were status symbols where I'm from when I was kid.
 
This will be my year to order a custom 110, something I've put off awhile as I pondered what I want. As Buck is one of only two major American traditional pocketknife makers left, I also want to see them remain successful. Unfortunately they can only sell what people want to buy. OH
 
I'll probably get the fixed blade 110, the Selkirk, and the Graduate. The 110 has been one of my favorites for decades. I have the Selkirk and have thought a small version would be nice. And I work in an office and have to work with a 2.5" blade length restriction, so the Graduate would likely be a good choice for that.
 
The Auto 110 looks interesting and I might get the fixed blade version, but honestly I'd have been more excited about seeing a 110 (or 112) with thumb studs and a pocket clip.
 
Old Hunter said:
This will be my year to order a custom 110, something I've put off awhile as I pondered what I want. As Buck is one of only two major American traditional pocketknife makers left, I also want to see them remain successful. Unfortunately they can only sell what people want to buy. OH
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Thankfully there are several that are smaller than giant Buck and Case that make good traditionals. Still, my heart always yearns for Buck.
 
The fixed 110 is an interesting novelty and I would definitely buy the 110 auto if it was legal where I live.

I hope Buck sales haven't fallen that significantly. I personally wouldn't consider a Spyderco or similar knife because I like the traditional look, but I can see why they would get into the more tactical-looking, Made In China knives to appeal to a different crowd. But if the quality isn't there the risk to their brand image is great.

I hope the custom knives boost sales and they focus on some "less-is-more" traditional knives that are made in U.S.A. I really like the Colleague and Scholar but I heard so many bad things about the quality that I'm not willing to spend the money on one.
 
Insipid Moniker said:
I'm decently interested in the Marksman with S90V. Not too bad a price on it, either, considering what you get.
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For what they are offering, it is probably priced a little below the market value. I'm glad buck is putting out at least one serious tactical offering.

I'm happy about the 110 auto, it's good that you can get one covered by Buck's warranty.

I am a little disappointed they are not offering the vantage in the same premium materials as the Marksman. A vantage in s35 would be killer.
 
revnewk said:
Well. If I gamble on a 2017 import, it will be the the Glacier (https://www.knifecenter.com/item/BU...r-folding-knife-plain-blade-black-g10-handles). I have the small folding Selkirk, and the fit/finish is actually excellent.

Still, I want more Vantage options. So much could still be developed in that line, both large and small. Even custom.
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If I'm honest, I don't carry tactical knives, but I still like to see Buck offer a well rounded line up, especially considering the market trend towards tactical. I don't think I will be getting any of the imported knives this year. Maybe a frontiersman or a Buck Punk.
 
I would like to see more variants, fewer models, 100% elimination of lock rock in their lockbacks.

I've yet to see an imported Buck that looks interesting. Seems like they're importing designs as well as knives.

110/112, 500 series, 100 series, Bantams, Bucklite Max, Vantage, Spitfires... These are all excellent designs. Just raise the bar on materials and QC.
 
pinnah said:
I've yet to see an imported Buck that looks interesting. Seems like they're importing designs as well as knives.
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I know what you mean, but I've been seeing great deals lately and am going to pick up a Buck 198 Mantis for under $10 and a Nobleman for $16 in a couple days (CDN $). I can't resist those prices and wouldn't mind a small EDC.
 
im looking forward to the auto 110 and the s90v marksman. many of these others dont do anything for me.
 
The Rival 1 & 2 look like Viele designs. Nice lines.

I like the 101 design, too.
 
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