Some questions on the 55

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OzarkCreekWalker

Joined
Jul 25, 2011
Messages
521
One of the knives that I have been checking out lately has been the 55. I've always loved the 110 and 112 but they are too heavy to edc for me. So I have a couple questions.

Can it be opened with one hand or does it need two? It's not a big deal as I already edc a two hand knife but I'm curious.

How does the blade size compare to the main blade on the 301 stockman? I have a 301 now but I'd love to carry something with some nice brass.

Any thoughts on the knife in general? Size shouldn't be a concern as i don't carry big knives at all.

Thanks
 
I have a 55, it is a sweet knife. I also have a Solitaire 302, which I assume is the same length as the main 301 blade. Mine measures 2 7/8 inches. The 55 is 2 3/8 inches long. One could "probably" open a 55 with one hand, I did it just to see. One could also probably need a stitch or two and leak blood all over the house, pissing off their significant other. My 55 is not my current EDC, but it could easily be. I toted it to a benefit dinner just this weekend because I wanted something sleek, sturdy and classic. It slips into the "coin pocket" on a pair of jeans very nicely. I have a funny feeling that if you pick one up for yourself, you're going to fall in love with it, especially if "size" is not a concern. I have one squirreled away, just in case I ever lose this one. I gutted a few wild brook trout with mine this fall, it seemed perfect. Does nice work on an apple as well.
 
Hi OCW,

The 55 is a nice little knife. It's the same size as the 503, the 55 has a clip point and the 503 has a drop point.

Here is a BCCI issued 55
IMG_6191.jpg

Here is the same 55 with a 111 for size (111 is the same size as the 110)
IMG_6194.jpg

Here is the 55 with a 503
IMG_1700.jpg

jb4570
 
Oie!!! Such terrific cutlery, beautiful to behold, displayed and photographed so well, so early in the morning over here on the left coast, gonna be a great day. WOW. Thank you kindly jb. Small is beautiful. :)
 
Sorry, Walker, I don't have a 301. But here's another pair for comparison.

Best, Haebbie

Buck111und55mitKlinge.jpg
 
I have an old Schrade of similar size and proportions and it's my nicest carrying knife. For me, it's about the overall thinness of the knife.

I can one hand open most folding lockers but it relies on me having my thigh with me at the time. Luckily, I'm pretty attached to my legs, so I can usually pull it off safely.

I hold the closed knife between my thumb and fingers with the pivot towards my palm and I pinch the back of the blade to start it open. If I have to, I press the knife against my thigh as I do this in order to get good purchase on the blade. Holding the spine of the blade between my thumb and first finger, I push down with my middle finger to open the knife a scooch more. Still holding the knife by the blade (and keeping fingers well away from the handle's groove!!!) I swipe the lower bolster against my thigh to open the knife to the locked position.

Two variations on this....

Another way to do this is to keep the knife your pocket with the pivot end up. Reach in your pocket and pinch the back of the blade as described above. As you begin to pull the knife out of your pocket, catch the bottom bolster against the edge of your pocket and push the blade forward to open.

Lastly (and not one I recommend for long knife life), pinch the blade as described above and while holding it tightly, give a quick solid downward snap of the wrist. The weight of the handle combined with a confident snap of the wrist should open it up fully. Note, don't complain to me if this mucks up your knife though.
 
top to bottom: 303...55...301

carries un-noticed in dress pants...great for cutting steaks in a restaurant...using in polite society etc...Love Mine :):):)


IMG_1503.jpg
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Thanks for the replies and pictures guys. I'm gonna have to pick one of these up, they look too good not to have one :thumbup:
 
OzarkCreekWalker said:
Thanks for the replies and pictures guys. I'm gonna have to pick one of these up, they look too good not to have one :thumbup:
Click to expand...

+1 they are a very nice looking knife. I'm happy that you like a small size knife, as this on is small. I'd say it's about 25% the size of a 110. post some photo's and let us know how you like it when you have your 55 in hand!
jb4570
 
I said I was going to get a 55 but at the last minute decided to get the 501 instead. The tip on the 55 looked a little delicate
The reason I wanted a knife like this instead of the slippies I usually carry is because I noticed I only really used the main blade on my stockmans and jacks. I wanted stainless because it will exposed to a lot of water (look at my name) and it will be used A LOT as a food knife on trips. I don't care much for locks but I really like Buck. The 302 Solitaire doesn't have a lock but isn't as cool as this knife.
Please enjoy this really crappy picture... :D
buck501.jpg

I like it a lot so far, I think it likes me too because it got bit pretty bad by it. :eek:

Here's what I don't like
- It's a little stiff to unlock when open. The only other lockback knife that I have is a 110, other than that it's all slipjoints, so it'll take some getting used to.
- A couple fit and finish flaws such as uneven grinds, not a big deal

Here's what I do like
- The size. It's perfect. Not too big, not too small, just right. For comparison it has about the same blade length as the main clip on the 301.
- The look. It's very classic, professional, slim, and gentleman-like - just how I want my pocket knife to be.
- The slimness. Very comfortable in the pocket, it was obviously made to be a pocket knife- not a sheath knife. It's heavy enough so that i know it is there but slim enough so that I don't mind it.
- The blade shape. I think I have found the absolute perfect blade shape. It's a narrower drop point, so that it functions like a clip but has the strength and friendlier look of a drop point.

Thanks for reading this ramble
 
Hi OCW,

Congratulations on getting your first 501, it's a sweet knife.

Thanks for the photo's
jb4570
 
Nice looking blade! I had one back in high school but it got stolen. :-( Some day I might have to get a custom shop 501. Those look righteous.
 
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