Speculation Over: Feb. 2026 BOTM is a 104 in Cru-Wear

[cbach8tw]

The only thing it made me do was to think more about the regular 104, it was listed for about 150.00 so the BOTM is listed for 200.00. so it got me thinking, how good is Buck’s 5160?

 

[texpat]

^^^ 104 in 5160 (no FFG) is offered on the site, make it a clip point and offer different handle options and the kydex sheath option and i'm in for at least 2.

 

[Vaporstang]

I went ahead and ordered one. I also added a "regular" 104 leather sheath to the order. I could not resist, even though I already have several 104s.

[Edit:] Going fast - only 138 left.

 

[WheelingWV]

104 I think (hope) is the only thing that would make me open my wallet...

Good call!

 

[rival22]

I caved. I searched my posts and found 3 times where I was wishing for a 104 in cruwear.

I'm not crazy about the cerakote, the sheath doesn't do a lot for me, and I'm curious how the milled micarta looks in person. The middle swell in the handle is different than the regular 104 as well.

 

[mill428]

Good grief. I haven’t seen a BOTM that I had to have for a long time and then I place a couple orders with Buck and this happens. My only solace is that it’s cerakoted. Not a deal breaker but less desirable to me. But still, I would have pulled the trigger on this one. I like it. The scales are a nice touch.

 

[FranklinG]

That's a really nice looking 104! Unfortunately, I have three things holding me back:

1) The standard 104 is incredible
2) The 3v 104 is also incredible
3) I have a couple 104's that don't get used. See #1 and #2 above.

 

[timbits588]

I'm interested to feel the scales in hand, especially with the palm swell. I can't remember if the April 2025 BOTM had a palm swell. I'll have to dig it out and take a look.

I'm not a huge fan of cerakote, but since most of the 104's have some sort of blade coating and I really like the knife overall, it wasn't a deal breaker.

 

[Kirby Creek Mo]

The April 2025 104 BOTM does have the palm swell. I like it, makes it even more comfortable to use.

I have four 104s and this one is very hard to resist making it five.

 

[58 Special]

With a fairly new-found appreciation for the 104, I am in for one. Looks like 56 are remaining.

 

[Vaporstang]

The April 2025 104 BOTM does have the palm swell. I like it, makes it even more comfortable to use.

I have four 104s and this one is very hard to resist making it five.

I was in the same boat with already owning four. It was the Cru-Wear that did me in for making this my fifth.

 

[rival22]

I'm interested to feel the scales in hand, especially with the palm swell. I can't remember if the April 2025 BOTM had a palm swell. I'll have to dig it out and take a look.

I'm not a huge fan of cerakote, but since most of the 104's have some sort of blade coating and I really like the knife overall, it wasn't a deal breaker.

The cerakote was a turnoff to me, but I have the regular 5160 one, and really, the cerakote doesn't bother me on that.

Maybe I just dislike the idea of cerakote more than having it on an actual knife

 

[Your Name Goes Here]

22, get them while they're hot ! ! ! !

 

[Vaporstang]

Last call! 4 left.

 

[jbmonkey]

I changed my mind and grabbed one. wanted the swelled middle kinda a coke bottleish attempt handle shape. cruwear and new style sheath didnt hurt either.....

 

[Your Name Goes Here]

Gone. Not sure of the time.

Post pics when you get yours, really curious about the look of the handle in hand, thank you.

 

[Chase_ck]

Just in! The checkering on the micarta is a really nice touch. Wish it didn’t have a slight recurve, but overall I am really happy I pulled the trigger.
I couldn’t say no to cru-wear.

 

[jbmonkey]

got mine today. glad I ordered one. I like the recurve and the handle swell fits great in the hand....really great version of this knife model....

I dont love the setup for horizontal plastic sheath.....not my thing. but it fits tight and good quality

 

[Generalist]

Here's mine. I like it a lot. It's not perfect.

Some initial thoughts:

- The bevel is the most even of any Buck I've gotten for some time, and grind is even. Very good.
- The palm swell is comfy and the micarta feels grippy without being too grippy.
- The scales are proud of the spine/top of tang. You can see it some in my second photo. This limits thumb contact with about half of the jimping. The fit should be better on a $200 knife. I will fiddle with it later to see if it can be corrected by loosening the screws and adjusting the handle slab location.
-- Edit: after adjustment, it is improved.
- The knife/sheath fit is VERY tight. It seems to already be rubbing the cerakote finish in some spots.

 

[rival22]

Got mine today too, and VERY happy with it.

I love the 104 blade shape and the "regular" 5160 version has been my camp knife for a while now. My version of camping is car/tent camping, usually at somewhat rustic State Park type campgrounds. So, not crazy bushcrafting, basically breaking down kindling, minor camp tasks and food prep. The slicey hollow grind was great for that. The full flat grind is a little thicker behind the edge, but should work fine.

The handle is absolutely miles better on this BOTM. The mid swell is more comfortable in the hand than the somewhat blocky original, and the milling makes it much grippier than regular micarta, which was a little smooth for my liking.

I'm probably going to sell off my regular 104 to offset the cost of this new one a little.

Edit - Are the date codes on these 2023?