SAK vs. Buck 501 Squire

S

Spydiefan04

Joined
Jan 8, 2005
Messages
819
I posted on the Camillus forum about different Scout knives and was about ready to buy a SAK Soldier until I found out that Buck still makes the 501 Squire (I had thought that is was discontinued). I'd like to know the opinion of anyone that has used/carried both a SAK Soldier and Buck 501 Squire. I like the looks of the Buck blade better, pointier, plus, it locks. But the SAK has the bottle opener, any and all opinions welcome :) I'd especially like to know about the difference in edgeholding.
 
I don´t have the Buck 501 but I have the Buck 701, same steel and similarly profiled main blade (though the 701 doesn´t lock), I also have the SAK soldier (Wenger and Victorinox).

Not easy to compare the knives because of different style and blade geometry, the Buck is a single locking hollow ground pointy blade, the SAK is a multi bladed utility with a flat ground spear main blade.

My feeling is that steel composition is similar with the Buck probably tempered a bit harder, both are easy to sharpen with good corrosion resistance, will hold an edge fine but not like the more expensive modern super steels. For practical purposes I wouldn´t consider the difference in steel and would choose depending on style, do you want a locking blade ?, do you want the utility blades ?.

I carry both a SAK and a stockman, the stockman cuts and the SAK does other work like prying, scraping, opening cans, etc.

Luis
 
Those two are too different to really compare, it really depends on which features are more important to you. The Buck locks and has a better point, and is slimmer in the pocket, while the SAK has the other tools for utility. The Buck will probably hold an edge a little longer. Of course, you could upgrade on the 501. I have an older one I got in the 70s, 440C and micarta, and a newer Master Series, BG-42 and checkered green wood. That Master Series is a real cutting machine! Too bad they made so few.
 
I think that may be my problem, I know what I like in a EDC"tactical/modern", Spyderco Delica for heavier use there's the Buck 880SP :) . When it comes to a loose pocket carry, there are so many I like: SAK Soldier (fav of SAKS), Buck 501 and 503 (already have 503, its great), Case peanut, canoe, and large stockman (all with CV blades of course ;) ). I've bounced between wanting to buy a Queen D2 Canoe (bc Canoe is my fav. traditional pattern and Case doesn't make CV in anything but yellow or amber bone), SAK Soldier (thicker main blade than reg SAK), Spyderco Kiwi or SS Dragonfly (bc I like their bigger brothers so much), and Buck 501 or 503 (just great small lockbacks). I'm trying to get myself down to just ONE EDC "pocket" knife, but it's hard to do for someone that likes so many. Where I am during working hours a delica would prob not be well received, wouldn't dare show 'em my endura :D . Any opinions on any or all of the above options would be welcome. I'm really trying to only buy ONE to USE, I'm not going to quit collecting. :D
 
If you are asking for advice on how to limit to one EDC, you're asking in the wrong place. I have a hard enough time narrowing it down to two or three at a time. But since you asked...

If your primary concern is sheeple in the work environment, SAK is the best choice. They are widely accepted as tools rather than weapons. And Victorinox has very consistent quality. I bought a Vic soldier a while back for myself, but my son very quickly claimed it as his own. I like that pattern.

I always have a Queen stockman in my pocket, you wouldn't be disappointed with the canoe. The D2 takes more to sharpen, but once you get it there it will stay sharp for a while. Since canoe is your favorite pattern, you would do well with a Case canoe in amber bone and Cr-V. There are a number of makers who put out a good carbon steel canoe - I occasionally carry a Kissing Crane canoe, and it is the best edgeholder among all my plain carbon steel slipjoints. If you can't find a retailer that sells them, they show up on ebay occasionally. Another one to look at would be an Eye Brand canoe.

The Buck 501 is also a great package, I really like both of mine. I would not hesitate to recommend it.
 
I was about set to get a Queen D2 Canoe with cocobolo handles, and then found out that Case has started putting the Indian in the canoe etching on the main blade of their Amber Bone CV Canoe, like their older models, this complicates things. I will prob get either a Queen D2 or this new Case, I'll let you guys know in the end, I like the 501 but I've always been a Canoe fan at heart, I really appreciate all of the advice, makes me realize I miss carrying
Canoes, Buck 501s and 503s are still great though :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top