SK Blades email

When David passed I sent an email to a few key people at Buck about a small run of something they have in house that’s been collecting dust. All proceeds go to Mrs Martin. I thought some 301 with Micarta or anything to be honest would work and call it the DM model.

I didn’t get a response but didn’t really expect one. I did expect that they post in the notification thread of Dave’s passing. At least a sorry for your loss.

David put on a display of Buck knives for years at the local shows and supported BCCI. Even moderated this forum for a bit. Did not ask for anything in return.

Buck wasn’t always like this but has become the company we see today which is why among other reasons I won’t visit the factory.
Profits come from good solid business decisions that benefit both the company and customers. Sales follow.
great idear. what would be cool is if they made a 103 with leather handle and kinda between a straight back and skinner blade shape like David made himself. for fundraising for David's family and to honor his love and lifetime of being a Buck user, collector and fan.

for those who have never seen it...thread on it and picture of Davids i edited to show only this knife below.....


20210819_004248.jpg
 
great idear. what would be cool is if they made a 103 with leather handle and kinda between a straight back and skinner blade shape like David made himself. for fundraising for David's family and to honor his love and lifetime of being a Buck user, collector and fan.

for those who have never seen it...thread on it and picture of Davids i edited to show only this knife below.....


View attachment 1622999
Omg, that would of been awesome to do. Easy enough to grind a 103 and stack some leather.
 
As a younger guy who has only been collecting Buck for a decade or more (carrying/using far longer, obviously), it’s really disheartening to see and read these things. I know it’s not the end-all-be-all, but still. You folks are what I consider the backbone of Buck Knives. This forum has given more knowledge, friendship, and knives, than any other Buck related place I’ve visited. Having Houser and Hubbard one message away was always a privilege. Getting the inside scoop. Having, or feeling like we have, some say in things in general. Also the way Buck always took care of their customers. The prices. The spa. I could go on and on. My point is, even I’ve noticed the changes recently. I can’t imagine how you guys feel who have been doing this for thirty, forty years. And Mike’s comment about David really hit me in a unique way. I do agree after all he represented, all the shows, and all the knowledge shared, could have at least thrown out a “I’m sorry for the loss” or a “rest in peace.” It just is really starting to feel more Fortune 500ish than Family-ish. Corporate over customer. Profit over people. SK is a great example of that. You’re not supposed to squish the little guy in favor of profit when you’re already making billions. What kind of message does that send to the rest of the customer base, and all the other little guys that worked so hard not for money, but for the love of Buck Knives.

ETA: to me, it’s starting to feel like they’re drifting toward the gerber-ish, ozark trail-y vibe.
 
I'm disappointed that SK is no more. When I first learned about them, I was in the midst of a two-year unemployment nightmare. I saw a few items on their site that really appealed to me, but I wasn't able to purchase anything at that time. Now it's too late!
 
We witnessed a golden age. I think it’s gone now. All good things come to an end.

With Bucks lack of participation here and their recent corporate decisions coupled with David’s passing. I predict this forum will dry up and turn to dust.
 
Going out on a limb, but age, impending retirement(s) and no heir apparent leads us here. Who knows how the future leadership will take things. Vaguely similar to the situation over at Cold Steel, which is also a bummer, for some of us.
 
I know everyone has their own vision of what they want for their life, but no one in the family wants to carry on the legacy.
 
119 years was a good run. But all good things come to an end eventually. It’s seeming less and less like the Buck family, more and more like “Buck Corporate Inc” these days. They’re banking on the fact that most people who shop at Walmart and Dicks won’t notice the changes, and will still buy the product. The issue I have, and what’s turning me away, is that they’re more than willing to sacrifice 30, 40, 50 year customers, lots of small companies that sold exclusives, and the tried and true “made in USA” because we’ve all seen the beginnings of the shift to Chinese mfg. Yes there will always be USA Buck Knives, but wow do they have quite a few overseas these days. I don’t see that changing anytime soon. It’s hard to support a company that doesn’t support all the people, and all the small companies (like SK and others) that made Buck who they are. Most of you folks have done dozens of shows, traveled thousands of miles, spent tens of thousands of dollars. Out of love for Buck. No profit. No incentive. Just love for Buck Knives and their amazing history. And in the end… over 100 years later… it feels like it means little to nothing to whoever is in charge these days. :(
 
Buck will continually evolve as a company..I always admired Chuck Buck because even to his final days he was involved in the company business and decision's made at the top. CJ cares deeply about the Legacy Buck represents. My take is not to be too quick to judge where Buck as a company is going now. I think only time will tell and I'm sure CJ has a vision and a plan for his passing and/or retirement. I'm taking a deep breath and trusting it will be ok in the end. I was talking to CJ and Chuck at the Blade Show a dozen years ago and I told them I figured just the Buck name and reputation plus goodwill of it's huge customer base was worth 600 million dollars and I was glad they hadn't sold out. They exchanged a look..I'm hoping the changes to come dosen't impact Bucks reputation.
 
Buck will continually evolve as a company..I always admired Chuck Buck because even to his final days he was involved in the company business and decision's made at the top. CJ cares deeply about the Legacy Buck represents. My take is not to be too quick to judge where Buck as a company is going now. I think only time will tell and I'm sure CJ has a vision and a plan for his passing and/or retirement. I'm taking a deep breath and trusting it will be ok in the end. I was talking to CJ and Chuck at the Blade Show a dozen years ago and I told them I figured just the Buck name and reputation plus goodwill of it's huge customer base was worth 600 million dollars and I was glad they hadn't sold out. They exchanged a look..I'm hoping the changes to come dosen't impact Bucks reputation.
There’s change for sure already. Not sure where it’s headed. Quick to Judge? Since DM’s passing I’m probably judging faster than I used to. Doesn’t matter the position or status a person holds when the end comes. It’s how you carried yourself during your time: Dave’s was above most. And the loss should of been recognized. This is the reputation that’s taking place.
 
They are getting terrible reviews by employees. Which you have to take with a grain of salt. But they are all saying things like. Not like it used be, steady decline last few years, no raises anymore, no more bonuses, no longer feels like family. Took away free Turkey at thanksgiving Etc.
 
They are getting terrible reviews by employees. Which you have to take with a grain of salt. But they are all saying things like. Not like it used be, steady decline last few years, no raises anymore, no more bonuses, no longer feels like family. Took away free Turkey at thanksgiving Etc.

I noticed that awhile back too. The things that really stood out to me were the removal of so many perks and benefits.
 
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