I'm keen on Buck these days. I have the 309, 340, and now a 444. I figured I needed a lockback in there. I got it used off the popular auction site.
Some thoughts about the design: the weight is wonderful at 1-1/4 oz. It can be a neck knife if desired. The 444 is a good looking, clean design. I wish it was still made so I coulda bought a new one. Blade to handle length ratio is not great, but since it's so light, it doesn't matter. The handle feels very comfortable, though Valox is not as strong as glass reinforced plastic. Opening with one hand is easy, though not a quick snap in a tactical sense.
About my particular knife: It's butter knife dull. Parts of the blade were sanded to remove blemishes, so finish is uneven. This did not show up on the showcase photos. The backspring has good snap, but there is some up/down and left right play on the blade. The blade rubs the handle when opening and closing, making it awkward. Knife required a good cleaning with hairs and dirt inside the handle. This will be the last used knife I buy in a while.
Questions:
1. Should I peen the pivot pin to eliminate side-to-side play?
2. Should I sand the inside of the handle for smoother opening?
3. Deleted, cause I found the answer.
Thanks for your help!
Some thoughts about the design: the weight is wonderful at 1-1/4 oz. It can be a neck knife if desired. The 444 is a good looking, clean design. I wish it was still made so I coulda bought a new one. Blade to handle length ratio is not great, but since it's so light, it doesn't matter. The handle feels very comfortable, though Valox is not as strong as glass reinforced plastic. Opening with one hand is easy, though not a quick snap in a tactical sense.
About my particular knife: It's butter knife dull. Parts of the blade were sanded to remove blemishes, so finish is uneven. This did not show up on the showcase photos. The backspring has good snap, but there is some up/down and left right play on the blade. The blade rubs the handle when opening and closing, making it awkward. Knife required a good cleaning with hairs and dirt inside the handle. This will be the last used knife I buy in a while.
Questions:
1. Should I peen the pivot pin to eliminate side-to-side play?
2. Should I sand the inside of the handle for smoother opening?
3. Deleted, cause I found the answer.
Thanks for your help!
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