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Range series

The Range has the blade mass to flick the knife open and closed quite effectively. The same can be done on the Mini, but the smaller blade mass requires a more violent flick.

Instead, my preferred method of closing the Mini is to pull the lock bar with my thumb and middle finger, and push the spine of the blade with my index finger.

What’s y’all’s favorite opening and closing methods for the Ranges?

https://flic.kr/p/2rruWPL
 
Culprit99, you are giving outstanding reviews of the Range series! Keep up the good work, bro!

My Range Pro (black) and Range Elite Mini (gray) arrived this past Tuesday. Been carrying them the past two days and grabbing them constantly for fidget therapy and for cutting anything. My thoughts so far:

Range Pro
- The GFN handle is amazing. The texture, the color, the toughness. Does not feel cheap at all. Not flimsy. Tough like the 112 Slim Selects. The clip/handle contact point is not destructive to my jeans or khakis. I wasn't sure I would like the two-piece construction on the spine, but I actually love it. Intentionally sharp seam, unlike the cheaper look of the BM Grip. (And I like the Grip too!)
- The pocket clip is strong and deep. Recessed screws are on-point. Personal preference: I wish the clip was black.
- The DNA is obviously (and wonderfully!) Vantage. With a spoonful of Grip influence.
- The 154CM blade is spectacular. Grind, markings, lines--everything. Satin finish is beautiful. Shaving sharp. Perfectly centered. Personal preference: I wish it was stonewashed.
- The action is outstanding. After a few drops of oil, it is a consistent and easy flip open and closed. Solid lock-up. No blade play.

Range Elite Mini
- The anodized aluminum handle is very sweet. Not slippery. The gray is exactly what I was hoping for--when time starts to take it's toll, the markings will take on the vintage/classic optic. Handsome and sharp seam on the spine.
- The pocket clip is from the Vantage line--the best deep-carry pocket clip on the market for many years now. I am glad the clip is black.
- The DNA is Vantage, but slimmer and flatter.
- The Magnacut blade is stellar. Grind, markings, lines--everything. Satin finish is beautiful. Shaving sharp. Perfectly centered. Personal preference: I wish it was stonewashed. I would have been content with S30V or 154CM. Magnacut is the current craze, but it also adds $50-100 to a knife.
- The action is outstanding. It dangles freely when I hold back the axis-lock. Solid lock-up. No blade play.


Well-done, Buck Knives! I'm so glad that this new series has gone away from ball bearings and back to bushings. The introduction of the Range Series as an expansion of the Buck history and product line is a tremendous advancement. I look forward to other knives that will sport an axis-lock, both old (e.g. Spitfire, Sprint, 112, etc.) and new. Like Culprit99, I especially look forward to micarta and wood handles as well.


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I'd be happy if Buck sorta followed what Kershaw did with the Bel Air. They did different colors of aluminum, but then did a micarta version with a new clip point blade.

A Range with a 112-type blade shape and micarta would be a home run for me.

Culprit99 said:
Again, the camera angles are deceptive. The closed length/handle of the Range is longer than the 112. But imagine the Ranges with that 112 blade shape (and pocket clip)! :)

View attachment 2968453

View attachment 2968454
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I only have experience with the axis/crossbar lock in knives from Benchmade and Hogue. How does the action of this Range series compare?
 
Alberta Ed said:
I think the Range line is going to challenge Benchmade's pricey Axis locks.
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If the build quality is there, with a nice smooth action, that will be the case. When you compare the roughly equivalent models (Aluminum handles with good steel - vs the 940/945 and polymer handles with 154 CM or CPM-154 - vs the Barrage and Taggedout) the Range series is a good amount less expensive.
 
mbkr said:
Then it'll just get to the wrong place faster :rolleyes:
At least its still in play and you know where its at. I dread the ambiguous "in transit" which means "We don't quite know where its at, but we're pretty sure it'll turn up eventually."

Good luck 🤞
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You're closer than you think.. last 4 shipments involving FedEx .. 2 arrived on time , 1 was delivered 5 miles from our house.(FedEx wouldn't go get it) that took us 3 days to find . Now the 'on the way' knife. It's now in Olathe ,Ks.
 
I bought the full size Pro in grey today at the factory store. I love it.

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A few notes:

I'd intended to buy green, but the grey was striking in person and swayed me.

I handled 6 total before picking this one.

Some pivots were tighter than others. The one I picked was among the smoother/looser. Presumably all could be adjusted and all will loosen up over time. Right now it's a bit tighter than I would like, but loose enough to open and close easily with a flick. It will not open with just gravity yet.

Blade centering was not perfect on any. 4 of 6 contacted one side of the handle when closed. I dont think this is much of a practical issue; the blade should not get scratched by contact with the plastic (or FRN or whatever) and even those that contacted still opened/closed easily with no noticeable friction from the contact. The one I picked was the best centered. Pictured below. It does not contact the handle but is not perfectly centered. If I'm honest, this was a little bit of a bummer; this issue plagued the Vantage and I'd hoped it had been resolved with the Range.

1000019689.jpg

Grinds and bevels were quite good. Mine's bevels are not exactly equal on both sides, but close enough to not bother me and far better than I could ever do by hand.

The handle texturing is really grippy. It will be interesting to see whether it eats pockets over time. Handle shape is fantastic and fits the hand well.

The design is really well executed. I love the blade length and shape, the pocket clip, the 154CM steel choice, and the handle. It's a winner, and I may buy the green sometime in the future just for fun.
 
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