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

I like the grips.
The steel probably isn't for me and while I've admired the 104 I don't really have much use for one.
Still this is a damn good looking knife and I know somebody is gonna come here looking for one in a few years.
 
rival22 said:
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.

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Edit - Are the date codes on these 2023?
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Yep, mine is 2023. Hmm...

Has there been a previous 104 CruWear model, or has Buck been sitting on these blades for 3 years waiting for the right opportunity for a limited run with them?
 
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Hickory n steel said:
I like the grips.
The steel probably isn't for me and while I've admired the 104 I don't really have much use for one.
Still this is a damn good looking knife and I know somebody is gonna come here looking for one in a few years.
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you might actually like the steel. look up history on Vasco wear......you'll see interesting history of this steel and how it came to be. .
 
jbmonkey said:
you might actually like the steel. look up history on Vasco wear......you'll see interesting history of this steel and how it came to be. .
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Possibly, but I'll probably never encounter this particular steel again anyways.
Maybe one day something will happen that makes me want to try some of this new stuff, but lately I've been looking further and further back in time with my knife acquisition.
 
Hickory n steel said:
Possibly, but I'll probably never encounter this particular steel again anyways.
Maybe one day something will happen that makes me want to try some of this new stuff, but lately I've been looking further and further back in time with my knife acquisition.
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it isn't a new steel though.....but i get youre not interested in it......
 
According to Larrin, CruWear isn't a new steel. From his KnifeSteelNerds site (summarized, hopefully accurately):

CruWear is a 32 year old steel based closely on a variant of a 62 year old hot forge die steel, which has been used in knife production for nearly 50 years (Vasco Wear).
 
Generalist said:
According to Larrin, CruWear isn't a new steel. From his KnifeSteelNerds site (summarized, hopefully accurately):

CruWear is a 32 year old steel based closely on a variant of a 62 year old hot forge die steel, which has been used in knife production for nearly 50 years (Vasco Wear).
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Cruwear, Z Wear, and Micromelt PD#1 are all powder steel versions of the old Vasco Wear (each made by different companies). Really good, all around tool steels that are tough, and have pretty good edge retention and pretty stainless as far as tool steels go.

Spyderco has had success with all three versions. I have an Endela with PD#1 that has taken a fair bit of abuse. The 104 seems like a perfect model to use this steel. Maybe not quite as tough as 3V, but still very tough and should hold an edge a little longer.
 
Hickory n steel said:
I don't know anything about it and had never heard of it before, I just assumed it was like all the new stuff that I ignore.
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new is a debatable term in steels used in knives, but I get what youre saying...I think you'll enjoy the Vasco wear and its history evolving eventually into cruwear. Dr. Larrin has done a nice write up on it.
 
So is the kydex sheath is set up for horizontal carry as it is?
What is everyone thoughts on the kydex sheath?
Buck isn't really known for them.

I always sorta liked the regular Buck 104 sheath. Tho the slip sheath from the SK knives is my favorite.
 
Vaporstang said:
Arrived last week! The paracord is actually dark green, which looks good in person. I also ordered an extra 104 leather sheath at the same time.

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I just ordered a regular sheath for mine too.

The kydex would be good for keeping it in my truck, where it will be a lot, but to me, the regular one is much better to actually carry it.
 
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