Underrated Bucks

Hickory n steel

Hickory n steel

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Are there any models you feel don't make as much of an appearance here, or any you seem to appreciate on a different level than most here ?

The first for me would have to be the 305 lancer.

I suppose it certainly has it's fair share of fans, but carrying it with confidence as a sole pocket knife like I often do doesn't seem that common of a practice.

Next is the 160 Smidgen.


When I was looking to acquire one many had me second guessing my decision and honestly I can't recall ever seeing anyone else post a carry picture of the 160, but I got the knife and absolutely love it.
Like my beloved 305 theres little I've needed a knife for that it couldn't handle, again like the 305 you're not gonna white knuckle it and cut through tough materials but the blade is nice and thin and cuts extremely well.

Theres also the 524 alumni.

They're nice looking and very thin too, I'd expect to see them more but I get the feeling most people probably buy them as a gift for their wife or something.
I'm probably way off base on that assumption though.
 
any of the modern models. very few of us that seem to like or show the current catalog items.
 
jbmonkey said:
any of the modern models. very few of us that seem to like or show the current catalog items.
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I simply prefer traditional knives these days, but the first modern of any quality that I truly loved was the 482.
As far as modern folders goes it abruptly ended my knife journey and stayed in my pocket for 2 years till I got the bug again and realized there was nowhere else to go but traditional and eventually never look back.

With that being said and how good of a modern folder I believe Buck can make, they're simply not what I picture when I think of Buck knives.
 
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Hickory n steel said:
I simply prefer traditional knives these days, but the first modern of any quality that I truly loved was the 482.
As far as modern folders goes it abruptly ended my knife journey and stayed in my pocket for 2 years till I got the bug again and realized there was nowhere else to go but traditional and eventually never look back.

With that being said and how good of a modern folder I believe Buck can make, they're simply not what I picture when I think of Buck knives.
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it's not an argument of good or bad or better or worse, at all by me here. ya asked about underrated and undershown Buck's and I posted the modern Bucks are underrated and undershown here for the most part, and they are.

if ya change the title to say underrated traditional knives than id have different answers.
 
jbmonkey said:
it's not an argument of good or bad or better or worse, at all by me here. ya asked about underrated and undershown Buck's and I posted the modern Bucks are underrated and undershown here for the most part, and they are.

if ya change the title to say underrated traditional knives than id have different answers.
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Oh no I fully understand and wasn't arguing either, I was just giving a potential reason they might be underrated.

When I had a reason to frequent GKD they definitely seemed underrated or downright overlooked completely, and I couldn't understand why because I certainly loved the one I had.
Dug it out and gave it to my dad a couple months back and he loves it now.
 
You have impressed me with the regular carry of the 305 Lancer. I gave the only one I had away as a gift to a young man about 6 months before they were discontinued. No worry, I’ll find another, the hunt is part of the fun. I never picked up a Smidgen, but they always struck me as the perfect trout/fly vest knife. I do have a gold Alumni that I rotate as a Sunday/Church knife.
NQUSBP8.jpg
 
The 110 or 112 slims. Either pro or standard. The thin profile and removable pocket clip make these one of the best knives Buck offers. I like the pocket clip carry but taking the clip off and slipping the thin knife into your pocket works also. The knife literally disappears.20200610_193359.jpg 16104274865166840272371963912214.jpg 1610427521326168350295857447852.jpg 16104275487764733267928073475825.jpg
 
Another Smidgen vote.. :thumbsup: I keep one in my Tacomas console.. Seems when I need something sharp and I am in the truck this is what I grab.. Used it yesterday as a matter of fact and was thinking how handy it is.. :D
John
 
Wildcat said:
i carry my smidgen daily around my neck on a bead chain. another model they need to bring back into production.
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I was worried it would fall out so I don't think I tried it, but maybe I should.
I've mostly just carried it in my pocket when I don't plan on going into town much.
 
so far the little button provides great retention. i even wear it to the gym. all the jumping and bouncing and it stays put.

you can tighten it up by heating the tab with a heat gun and bend it up.
 
Wildcat said:
so far the little button provides great retention. i even wear it to the gym. all the jumping and bouncing and it stays put.

you can tighten it up by heating the tab with a heat gun and bend it up.
Click to expand...
Good to know.
I'm not too big on the factory sheath anyway though, so I'd just make a leather sheath where the knife hangs tip down.
 
I gotta throw the 705 pony on the list, this mustang series counterpart to the 305 I love so much is a wonderful little knife.

I just got it yesterday, and it started to win me over right away.
For those who find the 305 too dainty to hold onto, the 705 may be just enough better to work out for those people.
 
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