Thoughts on improved Selkirk

19-3ben

19-3ben

Joined
Jul 27, 2015
Messages
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I have been thinking about the Selkirk recently. It seems like a really nicely designed, well thought out knife. Granted, readers should take this whole post with a big gray of salt, since I've never seen or held one in real life. But its features and design do seem practical and like it would make a good survival/buchcraft/camping type knife.

There are a couple things though where I have to wonder if an improved version could be offered. Numero uno, of course, being that it could be made in USA. Sure it'll increase the cost, but if other companies like Kabar and OKC can offer similar knives in the $70-90 price point, I'm sure Buck could do the same. I'd also love a version in Buck's 5160 carbon steel. I mean, Buck has the stuff on hand, and Bos can heat treat it with the best of them. A nice forgiving steel like that seems like a no brainer on a knife like this.
I'd also love to see a premium version in S30V.

Other thoughts?

I hope mods watch this thread and take notes. I'd love to see some ideas come true here.

Again, I know that with no direct experience with the knife, my thoughts are worth every penny you're paying for them. But there are some generally applicable principles here that just make sense.
 
I'm thrilled that Buck is making a knife like the Selkirk. But it looks generic to my eyes, as if their Chinese sub-contractor has a spare design just laying around. Rather uninspiring to me.

What I would like to see is a bushcraft style knife in the classic 100 series. What I would like is a convex ground blade sort of like the current Selkirk or perhaps more like a Bark River Bravo or Bushcrafter.

For a handle, I would like an exact replica of the Mora Companion, only done in the classic Buck 100 Phenolic, with the guard and bird's head pommel. While the Companion is cheap and cheap looking, the handle is the most comfortable I've ever used.

I really don't need exposed tang construction on a sub-5" blade. I may baton with it, but not hard enough to threaten a full length hidden tang.

If I'm going to carry an ugly woods knife, I'll just stick with the Mora. I don't see the value in paying more for the uninspiring looking Selkirk. But woods knife that's a "real" Buck... Oh yeah.
 
I prefer the US made Vanguard. Excellent knife. I have one in Dymondwood or Rubber.
 
As for moderators, I am thinking you are meaning Mr. Buck and Mr. Howser. I would estimate I have no influence in model changes or factory considerations as I am a collector outsider. I have hinted for a new jigged bone 300 series for years. And now believe if I want one will just have to make it myself. As you view history, changes have to fit into the way the assembly process is set up and the same will be with your ideas, it would have to fit within the current equipment use and parts assembly process. However, a change in blade steel is more possible now than ever before as the machinery and blanking process was revamped and this has been shown by the use of carbon steel in several models. For what's it worth.......
300
 
I have been eyeballing one for a while. I like most everything about the Selkirk except for the made in China part. I wonder will I be getting actual 420HC or is really just a chinese XCrXMoV equivalent? I would be more apt to purchase the Selkirk if it was made in the USA. Just my 2 cents.
 
I think the spider web on the pommel is what really killed it for me. A simple waffle, or check would have been sufficient. But a spider web??? That, and I'd rather it be USA made with carbon steel rather than stainless. :barf:
 
MT_Pokt said:
I think the spider web on the pommel is what really killed it for me. A simple waffle, or check would have been sufficient. But a spider web??? That, and I'd rather it be USA made with carbon steel rather than stainless. :barf:
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Spider Web? First I have heard of this. Anyone have a picture?
 
black phenolic and a birds head pommel would fix the spider web problem. I don't need an exposed tang.

Bring it to Idaho.
 
Not that it matters to me as I'm not in the market for one, but — what's with the sloped pommel? (Spiderweb? Don't care.) But why is it at an angle to the blade axis? Can't whack on the pommel that way...?!?
 
AreBeeBee said:
Not that it matters to me as I'm not in the market for one, but — what's with the sloped pommel? (Spiderweb? Don't care.) But why is it at an angle to the blade axis? Can't whack on the pommel that way...?!?
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Excellent point. Hitting things at an angle is never going to work as well as straight on.
 
19-3ben said:
Excellent point. Hitting things at an angle is never going to work as well as straight on.
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If you take the knife in your Hand you'll see the pommel lies flush with your side of the Hand. The angle ensures the correct use of the pommel as a hammer in your Hand. The spiderweb on the pommes prevents to slide off from the hammered object.

Haebbie
 
Honestlt, I'd buy it just the way it is if it were US made. Maybe that's silly, but I can't stand to see China on a blade I paid 70 or 80 bucks for. There's just too many nice US made blades in that price range.

If we're dreaming though, my vote is for a 5160 blade (still drop point, flat ground) with the diamond like coating from the alaskan guide series. Add a dymondwood handle (preferably cherrywood or rosewood) and brass guard and pommel. Include a nice brown leather sheath, and I would buy one in a heartbeat. A 90 degree spine would be nice too if it's being billed as a bushcraft knife. I don't think this knife is really all that crazy since it's just a combination of options Buck already offers on other knives. It would be a premium bush knife and would look and feel a lot more like a Buck than the current Selkirk.

A second more budget friendly version would be nice as well and would fall in line with Buck's usual marketing program. I vote for uncoated 5160 or regular 420 with micarta or phenolic handle slabs and stainless guard and pommel. Aluminum trim is classic for Buck but it just scratches too easy for a bush knife. A black leather sheath would work for this version. The important thing is that the blade is still flat ground. They can lose the fire steal as far as I'm concerned. I'd rather provide my own. Look at other brands, very few premium bushcraft knives come with one.

I understand were Buck was going with the current design, but it's a market already full of other knives. Why not stand out from the other knives by offering a premium Bushcraft knife that is still true to the Buck family of products so that loyal Buck users and collectors have an option for a Bushcraft knife from their favorite company that feels and looks like a Buck knife.
 
Good points Deere.

But, Buck already makes what could be construed as "bushcraft" knives. The Hood and Compadre series might be Buck's "bushcraft" offerings, complete with coated carbon blades and great sheaths. The only thing missing is the hammer pommel, fire starter, and rape whistle.

I suppose those might be better knives to compare the "premium" bush knives to. Maybe the Selkirk is more for zombie survival?
 
MT_Pokt said:
Good points Deere.

But, Buck already makes what could be construed as "bushcraft" knives. The Hood and Compadre series might be Buck's "bushcraft" offerings, complete with coated carbon blades and great sheaths. The only thing missing is the hammer pommel, fire starter, and rape whistle.

I suppose those might be better knives to compare the "premium" bush knives to. Maybe the Selkirk is more for zombie survival?
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I think there room in Bucks line up for a few more bushcraft offerings. I think the knives that I described would appeal to a different user group than the Ron Hood knives. Besides, they offer relatively few bush knives compared to their rather large hunting knife line up. If there's room in the market for that many different hunting knives, I bet there's room for a few more purpose built bush knives.

I also think the current selkirk has its place and there's no reason to stop producing it if it's selling. It's good to have some competition for the Gerber BG collection.
 
Deere Man said:
A second more budget friendly version would be nice as well and would fall in line with Buck's usual marketing program. I vote for uncoated 5160 or regular 420 with micarta or phenolic handle slabs and stainless guard and pommel. Aluminum trim is classic for Buck but it just scratches too easy for a bush knife. A black leather sheath would work for this version. The important thing is that the blade is still flat ground. They can lose the fire steal as far as I'm concerned. I'd rather provide my own. Look at other brands, very few premium bushcraft knives come with one.
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Yes.

Basically, I want a 100 series version (or versions in different sizes) of the Bark River knives, like the Bravo or Aurora. Convex grind in 420HC. I could cope with 5160 too. I definitely do NOT need slap handles. I actually prefer hidden tang. Handle shape is more important to me. In that case, they should apply rigorous R&D[1] and just duplicate the Mora Companion handle. IMO, it's that good.

Another possibility would be for Buck to change/fix the grind on the Endeavor and Compadre knives and make them sabre or convex grinds. If I'm going to get a knife like that, I'm definitely going to baton with it. Just am.

But I really want a convex 4" bushcrafter in the 100 series.


[1] - The president of Diamond Brand tents was quoted as saying, "Our designs are a result of our R&D program. As in, Rip-off and Duplicate."
 
MT_Pokt said:
Good points Deere.

But, Buck already makes what could be construed as "bushcraft" knives. The Hood and Compadre series might be Buck's "bushcraft" offerings, complete with coated carbon blades and great sheaths. The only thing missing is the hammer pommel, fire starter, and rape whistle.

I suppose those might be better knives to compare the "premium" bush knives to. Maybe the Selkirk is more for zombie survival?
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MT,

IMO, the "bushcraft" style knife is best described by Mors Kochanski in his book "Bushcraft", which defined the term in its current use. A bushcraft knife is typically under 5" in blade length and has a minimal or no guard. The traditional Puuko is the classic bushcraft.

The Ron Hood Punk is probably closest out of that line but the grip won't work as well for reverse holds and draw cutting.

The handle on the Compadre is very close, as you suggest, as is the Endeavor. But both have hollow grinds. People can agree to disagree on the virtues of batonning wood, but it's a standard practice in bushcraft which is why (among other reasons) bushcraft knives tend to have convex or scandi grinds.

IMO, the Selkirk is the closest thing to a bushcraft knife that Buck makes and (I have to admit it) the imported status and the grip have been deal killers for me.
 
2nd thought...

Leave the Selkirk as is. Just offer it with an option for black scales and bring the production to the states.
 
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