Spitfire initial observations

2TONYB

2TONYB

Joined
Sep 21, 2005
Messages
2,667
There have been a couple of requests for my thoughts on the new Spitfire. So, here they are.
Blade edge - sharp (I don't think I've ever received a dull Buck)
Blade Grind - even
Blade shape - a bit of a recurve, not too dramatic
Blade centered - not perfect, but not bad. Not a lot of room to be off.
Finish - all around nice, but the edges of the aluminum frame could have been sanded a bit. They are a little unnecessarily sharp on all sides.
Opening/closing - smooth. Though the Buck hole (?) is no Spydie hole.
Lock up - most notable issue. The blade seems to lock up solid, but...in the open locked position, with moderate force applied, there is some movement in the lock that allows the blade to "move back" a noticeable amount. Very little, but noticeable. I'm curious to see if this becomes a common theme with this model. There is no side play.
Pocket clip - I've not carried it too much. Just in and out of the pocket a few times. My initial thoughts are positive. Though I do like a deeper carry like the Vantage.
I've not used the knife very much. So I don't have much more. Decent knife for the money.
$36 shipped to my door.
Working tonight, I'll try to add a few more pics tomorrow.
Here it is resting on my new Eberlestock X1 (damn nice pack!).

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Tony, you da man! Thanks so much for doing this. Buck looks like it has a solid offering here.

Due to the recurved blade, I think I'll pass. Otherwise I'd be all over this. I understand Buck wanted to jazz up its product line, and they offer plenty of straight blades already.
 
Thanks for the review Tony. Looking forward to getting the orange and green models. Ok, who am I kidding. I'll probably have all three when it's all said and done. I too prefer a deep carry. From the looks of the hole spacing it might carry a little deeper if you went tip down instead of tip up. I prefer tip up and it might not make that much difference but it looks like you might get another 3/8" or so further into your pocket that way.
 
2TONYB said:
Lock up - most notable issue. The blade seems to lock up solid, but...in the open locked position, with moderate force applied, there is some movement in the lock that allows the blade to "move back" a noticeable amount. Very little, but noticeable. I'm curious to see if this becomes a common theme with this model.
Click to expand...


Me too. Bummer. I was just about to pull the trigger on this knife for a gift for a friend. I've had 3 recent Bucks with the same exact issue you describe. That's buggy.
 
Received all three Spitfires yesterday, plain edge orange, gray and green. All have centered blades, well done profiles, sharp out of the box and smooth actions. They all lock solid with no blade play. I've carrying the orange one since I got home last night and I'm liking it. Fits my large size hand well. The only thing I don't like so far is the clip. It's tight, really tight, at least on my blue jeans. On a pair of slacks it might not be. It seems to be loosening up a bit and if not I'll take it off and tweak it a bit to open it up.

Overall they are slick looking and a nice design. The thumbhole isn't quite as easy to use as the round hole on a Spydie but it works fine. The back lock unlocks very smoothly but I don't think there will be a problem with unlocking it accidentally. Kind of like orange but the green with orange back spacer is really sharp looking (pun intended). Having said that, the grey model comes off a little more dressy than the other two. Might make that one my Sunday knife. If you haven't checked these out you really should. I like'em!!
 
Thanks for the impressions Bad.
I have been thinking of getting one of these to test drive...
 
I just bought the gray one, I couldn't pass it up for $26 dollars. I really don't like the recurve but it is slight and maybe it won't bother me too much, we'll see...
 
I think I like it. Impressed with the predrilled holes for clip mounting options.
From past experience on the 179, I would use some blue locktit on the screws.
A tight clip is good. I have had other brand knives where the clip gets loose. None of the Buck clips I have, have ever sprung.:thumbup:
 
I've carried mine the past few days. Tight lock up open, no blade play. I have to press the lock bar almost all the way down into the frame to release the blade. The grind is even, and sharp. The jibbing on the frame is grippy, first knife I've owned with that feature. The pocket clip is stout(you won't loose this one on any wild ride), and is raised near the screws, to accomodate the seam on a blue jean pocket, like that too. I've tied a piece of leather rawhide and knotted it through the lanyard hole. Makes it easier to snatch up out of my pocket. Endless carry options, tip-up or tip-down, right or left handed. Cool knife for under $35
 
Just got mine home and my first observations are as follows. The blade is centered and grind is even. THe pocket clip is tight and needed to be tweeked to fit in my jeans. The handle fits nice in my hand and feel good. The blade hole isn't shaped in a configuration that allows you to manipulate the blade open easily, it's hard to open with one hand. The recurve doesn't bother me as much as I thought it would, but the blade wasn't sharp, not ever a good working edge. I'm use to Buck knives coming from the factory hair popping sharp. That was the biggest disappointment. I'm still not sure of the recurve but so far I will carry it for another day.
 
I have used my green spitfire now as my work edc for about three months. So I figured I would give a viewpoint of how the knife performs over time. Fist off I bought this knife because it was a u.s. made Buck and very inexpensive. I don't abuse my knives but sometimes they are exposed to harsh conditions, so for work carry i try not to spend to much. With that said this knife has held up well overall, it is lightweight the action is ok at best, but it the steel it extremely easy to sharpen (which is good cause it doesn't hold an edge for long). The few things I don't like are the recurve any that pocket clip. I know I will never lose the knife when clipped to my pocket but getting it off the pocket intentially is sometimes difficult. Anyway bottom line it a great inexpensive American made knife that if you should lose it or abuse it you won't feel bad about it
 
2TONYB said:
Opening/closing - smooth.
Lock up - most notable issue. The blade seems to lock up solid, but...in the open locked position, with moderate force applied, there is some movement in the lock that allows the blade to "move back" a noticeable amount. Very little, but noticeable. I'm curious to see if this becomes a common theme with this model. There is no side play.

IMG_0182_zps320ecd69.jpg
Click to expand...


I just got mine in two days ago. I was hesitant to post, so I cooled off first. I paid 33.95 for mine, a bargain for the materials and design elements. It's the same exact knife as Tony's pictured, MFg date 03-14-13.
Initial observations were very pleasing. Feels great in hand, slim, extremely comfortable, and a perfect weight, feeling solid yet comfortable to carry. Ergonomics and aesthetics are a home run in my book.

Blade play: Side to side this knife is solid as a rock, made a few test cuts on some leather on my bench ,( this knife came sharp, as usual from Buck)and I could feel the blade and lockbar move as one. It is locked well, but the whole blade, lock, and pivot screw assembly move in the recess holes for the pivot screws. I can visibly detect the screws floating within their recess holes of the frame. I can see the backside of the lockbar move in the opposite direction as the tip with only light pressure applied to the blade.

I haven't taken a bit to the screws, nor will I. I believe the mating surfaces between the pivot screw heads and the recess holes in the frame are the culprit.

I loved the looks of this knife from first sighting it, fit and finish otherwise are exceptional for a knife in this price range. Presently for me and my sample of one, its a no go at this time. I will see if my vendor will go through and hand pick a model for me though, I don't want to give up on this one just yet...
 
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