Really Poor Bucklite Max Folder

O

OhShoot

Joined
Jan 23, 2011
Messages
504
Take this as constructive criticism, okay?

I mean, I have about 15 or so Bucks, carry a Stockman Delrin and Vantage Pro daily, grew up carrying a 110 and camping with a 119, etc. -- I love Buck knives, hence my participation herein from time to time.

So just for no particular reason I add the inexpensive Bucklite Max folder (486) to an eBay order. New, from good rep vendor there I've used in the past. I understand it's one of the cheapest models they make, at least for a US assembled one, and didn't expect to get something to ram through car hoods and baton walnut with or anything, didn't really expect Vantage level fit and finish either, but jeez -- the blade play, both horizontal and vertical is worse than many gas station knives. Actually tried to smack the pivot brads together some, ala a 110 bolster, no luck. Anyway, mailing it in today -- from reading here and there, surely this one ain't up to production snuff (I hope). Must say it's sharp as bejesus though. :)

Again, not a bash, just more of a report from surprised long time fan, sending it back as much as user feedback to Buck as anything.

- OS
 
I was thinking of buying a cheapo like that just to take apart and make custom scales for it.
Its the same blade as a 110 isnt it??
 
My Buckmax I had for a few days had the same things. Ridiculous blade play and the lockback was so weak I could flick the knife without even touching the studs. It actually opened in my pocket once, and after that I was more than done with it. If your replacement is still no better, I would say just grab a Bantam.
 
I dont have a Max version Bucklite, as I have kept to the older versions but I have always heard good about them from reliable folks here so I am very surprised. Though I agree with Cold Kill that the Bantam is a great knife for the money(have a 285 and a 286), I would send it back and have a proper knife sent to you as, based on prior compliments, you will like it.
 
Don't feel bad. I recently had to send two Squires back to Amazon because the knives they delivered had a lot of play in the blade - too much for my tastes. The third one arrived and was just as bad as the first two. I figure that's just the way Buck makes them, so I kept it. Some things Buck does good (fixed blades, large lockbacks like the 110), some things not so good. Funny, really. It's like one side of the factory isn't learning anything from the other.
 
scarysharp said:
I was thinking of buying a cheapo like that just to take apart and make custom scales for it.
Its the same blade as a 110 isnt it??
Click to expand...

No, little different shape, 3.5" instead of 3.75", thumbstuds, etc. Same 420HC though. (at least I guess it's the "same".)

Cold Kill said:
My Buckmax I had for a few days had the same things. ...
Click to expand...

Well, heck. If that really is the norm, they shouldn't be selling these for any price IMNSHO.

northingeasting said:
... Some things Buck does good (fixed blades, large lockbacks like the 110), some things not so good. Funny, really. It's like one side of the factory isn't learning anything from the other.
Click to expand...

Well, this is a "large" lockback after all, 3.5", handle actually longer than the 110 I think. I have the Ecolite 110, has all rivet construction like this Bucklite, and it locks up tight as Dick's hatband, so I don't really see why this one can't be at least close to that.

Well, we'll see -- it's in the mail. I just said if this knife is really "in spec", then just send it back, and so be it. Will report back whatever whenever.

- OS
 
My EDC has been a 486 for over 6 months. I have none of the problems mentioned. If I had a complaint it would be it is too tight. After use it is loose enough for using the thumbstud to open. I do keep it lubed up with Miltec-1 and that helps. I am very happy with mine.
 
Thanks for telling me. Was thinking about buying a Bucklite folder just now.

I guess it's better to stick with the "good" stuff that has at least a liner on the inside. It's way more reassuring.
 
I am sitting here with 10 Bucklite folders on my desk from a recent web special.

NONE of them have the problems mentioned above.

And each box has this card that talks about Bucks Forever Warranty.

And, they have the heavier duty cordura vertical/horizontal carry sheath.
 
Pack Rat said:
....And, they have the heavier duty cordura vertical/horizontal carry sheath.
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None of the Bucklite Max folding models come with sheath, as they all have pocket clips (and thumb studs). Maybe there is some difference in build quality between the Max models and the other "Bucklites". Actually there is only one "non Max" Bucklite folder still showing as current production onsite, the Bucklite III.

- OS
 
J Hubbard said:
Op, do happen to have the date from the UPC code on your one with the loose blade?
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Yeah, I guess ... I didn't send in box.

UPC shows 0 33753 10525 8

There's a date in that? I just did quick read on UPC and couldn't find how to translate for a date, thanks in advance.

- OS
 
J Hubbard said:
should be a date under the catalog # on the UPc label.
Thanks for checking for me
Click to expand...

Nope, other part of of label that is folded over the end just says:

"Bucklite Max
0486BKS-B
CAT. 3253"

And that's it, except for "U.S. MADE of U.S. and Import Parts" above UPC code on bigger part of label, standard Forever Warranty card inside.

EDIT: just looked at 10-11 more Buck boxes I still have: yeah, all seem to have a date under the UPC or Catalog Number, but not this one. Reckon somebody found it profitable to counterfeit a $15 knife, box and all? :)

- OS
 
Last edited:
It wouldn't be counterfeited. I'll have to get the label fixed up to have the date on it.
Thanks for checking for me.
We have gone through our inventroy and did not find anymore with loose blades..
 
J Hubbard said:
It wouldn't be counterfeited. I'll have to get the label fixed up to have the date on it.
Thanks for checking for me.
We have gone through our inventroy and did not find anymore with loose blades..
Click to expand...

Thanks for checking into things...

I see the knife arrived at your place today.
9101 1501 3471 1918 5718 70

My name is Mac. :)

No rush, I can fend and defend okay without it. :) :)

- OS
 
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Jeff, The no date under the UPC code may be a bigger problem than you might think. I have numerous still sealed clam packs that have no date under the code. A date would have been nice on these 2005 Idaho 110's. :)
 
Pack Rat said:
Jeff, The no date under the UPC code may be a bigger problem than you might think. I have numerous still sealed clam packs that have no date under the code. A date would have been nice on these 2005 Idaho 110's. :)
Click to expand...

Thanks PR.. I'll take a look.
 
I sent in a 426 that had similar problems at the end of August. The blade wobbled and the blade wouldn't stay folded very well. I don't remember what caused it. I think it may have loosened up when I was opening the chest cavity on a Texas whitetail.
That said, how long does it usually take to get a knife through the warranty shop? I'm going down to open the whitetail bow season this weekend and it would be nice to have it by then..

Wildbillw
Life Member 1341
 
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