FYI - Don't feel too bad about buying your Buck from an online or brick-and-mortar retailer, you're not going to hurt their feelings.
Why?
Simply put, these retailers are Buck's biggest customers. As a result; Buck is going to fill their stocking orders first. These retailers could buy hundreds or thousands of knives from Buck in a single order. Especially true for "new" models; it could be quite a while before there is enough surplus inventory after these wholesale distributor orders that they will show up as available on Buck's site.
Additionally, unless your a BCCI member, first responder or military; you're going to spend more on a knife directly from Buck than you would a retailer.
Why?
Simple; Buck as the manufacturer does not want to compete with her retailers and jeopardize their bulk stocking orders.
So... it's actually better for you to purchase your Buck knives from other retailers. That will help keep interest high and those retailers buying more Buck inventory which keeps the wheels turning at Buck and keeps them coming up with new products to keep the demand high.
Of course; all of this is my personal hypothesis having experience in manufacturing and wholesale distribution.