I have had the charcoal handled/Al fg/420HC blade/nylon horizontal sheathed Buck Gen5, the 005GY, for several months. It is quite nice - maybe all one would need for a 'woods walker' or day hike. Overnite, and I'd want something perhaps more substantial - my BR Fox River, for example. I really can't fault the little Buck 'skinner' - it's just size bias. Sure, I fared quite well camping with nothing more than a SAK... what'd I know? Now I am 'enlightened'... I need a proper 'bushcraft' knife. Not so sure.
Yesterday AM found me perusing KnifeWorks site... yep, the Buck 005RWS Gen5 was still on their upcoming '08 goodies. A call to them (888 number) revealed it had just come in. I had never ordered from them before - so I tried. The nice lady said Monday or Tuesday by UPS. WRONG! It was on my door step 27hr later - that's right, one day 3hr after ordering it - it was here - by UPS! That beats DLT Trading in MI last week... 2 days minus an hour for Priority Mail. Folks are setting bad precedences here.
Okay, this thing is neat - forget my problems with checkered grips - these were well done. Beautiful fit - and what a polished 154CM blade - razor sharp. Nice brass guard - just a well executed/balanced knife. The forefinger groove is just enough for a good handhold, too. Nicely done - and tight - leather sheath. This may be THE new woods walking knife here. I was quite happy with the earlier 420HC version - I am elated with this one. The earlier one's horizontal carry nylon sheath may see some more use, too.
Note the differences:
Stainz
Yesterday AM found me perusing KnifeWorks site... yep, the Buck 005RWS Gen5 was still on their upcoming '08 goodies. A call to them (888 number) revealed it had just come in. I had never ordered from them before - so I tried. The nice lady said Monday or Tuesday by UPS. WRONG! It was on my door step 27hr later - that's right, one day 3hr after ordering it - it was here - by UPS! That beats DLT Trading in MI last week... 2 days minus an hour for Priority Mail. Folks are setting bad precedences here.
Okay, this thing is neat - forget my problems with checkered grips - these were well done. Beautiful fit - and what a polished 154CM blade - razor sharp. Nice brass guard - just a well executed/balanced knife. The forefinger groove is just enough for a good handhold, too. Nicely done - and tight - leather sheath. This may be THE new woods walking knife here. I was quite happy with the earlier 420HC version - I am elated with this one. The earlier one's horizontal carry nylon sheath may see some more use, too.
Note the differences:
Stainz
