New U.S.A. made Bantam

Plumberdv

Plumberdv

Joined
Sep 26, 2008
Messages
8,160
I just got a couple of the camo #284 Bantams. This is a small one, 2 5/8" blade, about 6 1/4" overall open. It looks pretty cool, but the handle is really rough on the edges on each side of the blade recess. If I were going to keep them for my own use, I'd be using some sandpaper or something to smooth them some.

The blade is pretty stiff to open and I can't open it all the way with the thumb stud in one motion (maybe just my lack of technique). It may loosen up with use. It does have great snap both direction. The blade locks up solid as a rock and is perfectly centered when closed.

I like the blade shape and it's as sharp as just about any other Buck that I've bought with the exception of maybe the S30V Vantages, etc. I think it will make a great little entry level user, especially for those with small hands and budget.

I have to commend Buck for bringing these back to the U.S.A. :thumbup:

Bantam284a.jpg


Bantam284b.jpg
 
knarfeng- it's a transition period for this knife, they are bringing it back to the US, so some imports are still in the pipe and the paperwork is lacking at times.

Plumb- thanks for the info! Bit bummed that they have some issues but good to see that US versions are now out there. I'll buy one just to support the US version!
 
Ohen, it should be one or the other. This says it is both. And this is the Buck home website, not some vendor's.

Data: either it is accurate, or it is useless.
 
knarfeng said:
Nice.
Congrats.

http://www.buckknives.com/index.cfm?event=product.detail&productID=3093
Buck needs to update their web page for the Bantam.
The Bantam page shows the American Flag, which means it is US made. But the text says "imported".

OOPS.
Click to expand...

Thanks, but I'm not sure that congratulations are in order. I'm not all that impressed with them. I might have been better advised to get the Bucklite Max mediums. These are for the Scouts, so before I get anymore, I'll wait and compare them to the Lites I have coming.
 
Dave, you mentioned the Bucklite Max Medium, I got one this week off the bay. I am impressed with the knife. It has become my daily carry. Very light and everything fits well. Looking at getting the large now.
 
I like the new USA bantam very much. My wife got me a 285, which is 2nd to largest Bantam for Easter. I agree it was extremely stiff at 1st but some Hoppes gun oil in the pivot made it absolutely perfect, 1 hand smooth open.:thumbup: I liked the china version fine,other than being chinese, from the word go.000 I dont want to diminish the Bucklites but I feel they are pretty much the same knife now, with a little diffent handle shape. Choose fairly as you will cuz I doubt there is need for both in the product line. If I had to choose between the 2, I'd go Bantam, the frame seems a little more streamlined.
 
The orange Max's may be the way to go with Scouts. I have a pair that I set back for my Boys when they get old enough. Will make it easier to find if they lose them and may make them a bit more safety conscience (not betting on that part though!)
 
imafritz said:
I like the new USA bantam very much. My wife got me a 285, which is 2nd to largest Bantam for Easter. I agree it was extremely stiff at 1st but some Hoppes gun oil in the pivot made it absolutely perfect, 1 hand smooth open.:thumbup: I liked the china version fine,other than being chinese, from the word go.000 I dont want to diminish the Bucklites but I feel they are pretty much the same knife now, with a little diffent handle shape. Choose fairly as you will cuz I doubt there is need for both in the product line. If I had to choose between the 2, I'd go Bantam, the frame seems a little more streamlined.
Click to expand...

I'll try some oil on them and see how they work. For the kids, stiffer might be better. I'm not sure that having a knife that just flips open real easy would be the greatest thing for a younger first time knife owner.
 
ohen cepel said:
The orange Max's may be the way to go with Scouts. I have a pair that I set back for my Boys when they get old enough. Will make it easier to find if they lose them and may make them a bit more safety conscience (not betting on that part though!)
Click to expand...

That's a thought also. My friend who works with the Scouts says his 12 year old son lost the first two knives he was given.
 
Last week A soldier had one like that,but it was an import.Man,I wish I had a N I B Vantage to hand him.Gonna get some soon.
 
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