Removing Buck Bantam 286 thumbstuds

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Jan 14, 2021
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How are the thumb studs on a Buck Bantam 286 attached?

I have one I want to sharpen and I considered sharpening it on my Hapstone but with the thumb studs. I can't get to the base of the blade.

I think I read here on the forum that most of the pieces are pressed in place, which means that the thumb studs probably don't simply unscrew.

I might just freehand sharpen this blade, I have some film abrasives I need to test for sharpening so maybe I'll try those Rather than using my hapstone fixed angle sharpener.

As an absolutely unrelated side note, I checked the angle on a goniometer And this knife came from the factory sharpened at about 14°. . This particular knife I had expected a larger angle from the factory.
 
And this knife came from the factory sharpened at about 14°. . This particular knife I had expected a larger angle from the factory.
"The edges are set at 13-16 deg per side
and must be 26-32 total. 15/15 (30 total) is a good target." quote Jeff Hubbard post #31 in this thread regarding the edge 2000...
 
"The edges are set at 13-16 deg per side
and must be 26-32 total. 15/15 (30 total) is a good target." quote Jeff Hubbard post #31 in this thread regarding the edge 2000...
Interesting, I an aware of edge 2000, I have a copy of the original text and images from the Web site back in the day. I still did not expect this knife to have such a small angle.
 
The thumb studs on the Bantam knives are indeed press-fit. I'm not aware of any factory Buck thumb studs that screw together, but I would prefer it. My guess is the press-fit ones reduce warranty claims due to missing studs.
 
The thumb studs on the Bantam knives are indeed press-fit. I'm not aware of any factory Buck thumb studs that screw together, but I would prefer it. My guess is the press-fit ones reduce warranty claims due to missing studs.
Ok, thanks. I was afraid of that. I am glad I saw another post on this forum talking about a press fit. I almost tried pliers.

You are probably right about the reason. Probably faster to assemble as well.
 
I assume that all of their studs press fit in place. Makes sense, that you would want to reuse the same parts when possible.

I was going to say that I never owned a 112. But I guess that I own a 112 Ranger Slim Pro Plus with S35VN; it has those same studs on it. Guess I never tried to sharpen that on my Hapstone.

My only concern with removing the thumb studs is that I use them when opening the blade and when they are removed, I assume they will not go back together the same well, or at least it will loosen over time.
 
I dont know how well or if the studs will work if re- installed. I removed the studs as a long term look on the 112 and as a functionable move on the 284. It opens better 2 handed.
 
I believe the soon to be released Range series have removable/replaceable thumb studs. Looks like they take a Torx bit.

If Buck is using those for the Range series then they have them in stock. If they also fit other Buck knives, maybe they could send you one. You could call Buck and ask.
 
I can't comment on whether they will re-press, once fully removed. I have, however, had two different model Bantam knives which I purchased used. They both had loose/wiggly studs, and they rattled a bit. A very careful squeeze with my bench vise (and some flat rubber to prevent marring) solved the issue on both. YMMV. Good luck.
 
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