What I want from Buck

D

DocT

Joined
Mar 25, 2012
Messages
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I would love to see Buck make a knife the size of the 112, with a mid back lock, much lighter weight, solid G10 scales with no liners, large pivot, using CTS-XHP or S90V steel. Tall order? No, I think this is right down Buck's alley. I want a drop point blade, but a clip point is also good.
 
I think that's an avenue Buck would be willing to go down. Sounds like a good idea. Not a fan of bigger drop points though.
 
I think I'd like to see more knives the size of the 112 in general from Buck. A little heavier than a bantam or ecolite so you can feel it in your hand a little more. That 3 inch blade is a great size though...
 
DocT said:
I would love to see Buck make a knife the size of the 112, with a mid back lock, much lighter weight, solid G10 scales with no liners, large pivot, using CTS-XHP or S90V steel. Tall order? No, I think this is right down Buck's alley. I want a drop point blade, but a clip point is also good.
Click to expand...

Why no liners?

I had a Bucklite Max 482 for a bit...
Trail Stuff by Pinnah, on Flickr

It developed horrible amounts of vertical blade play in about a year's time. In an email exchange with the folks at Buck, I was told that linerless knives (of that time - the Bucklite Max and the Bantam) just aren't as durable as ones with liners (at that time, the Ecolite and 110/112 and 500 series). I'm not 100% convinced though as my Ecolite 112 developed significant amounts of vertical play in about the same amount of time.

I'm not sure that liners => weight, if weight is the issue. My experience this summer carrying a large Case Sodbuster has demonstrated that to me in spades. It has liners, a very robust pivot and, by virtue of no bolsters and light, derlin? scales, very light. It's almost the same size as a 110 but infinitely easier to carry in my front pocket.

The Buck that sees the most pocket time for me is the 500 Duke. Mine is an older one with Micarta scales.
Untitled by Pinnah, on Flickr

It's not a light knife but I've found that thin frame compensates for weight. That is, I can tolerate a heavy thin knife better than a light fat knife. The 500 carried much, much better in my pocket than my Ecolite 112 did - this despite the fact that the Ecolite was so much lighter.

Lastly, I personally don't want to see different frame styles in terms of their profiles. I think the 110, 112 and 500 frames are perfect in their side profiles just the way they are. I just want the 110 and 112 to be thinner (as in Sodbuster thin) and lighter (as in Sodbuster light) and with more durable pivots.

To my mind, this means bolsterless design (like the Bucklite Max and Ecolite series), thinner frames (like the Bucklite and 500 series) and burlier pivots (like <no carrier>
 
Uhhhhh....I think I just described a duke 500 in my previous post. Duh. Forgive me guys, I've never come across a 500 to physically handle so it slipped my mind when I just said I would like a lighter 112 with the same dang blade length. My bad....
 
JD Bear, you shouldn't feel bad. It's only recently back in regular production and not in the custom shop. It's a really wonderful knife, imo.
 
I think we may have discussed the 500 before pinnah. I would like to get one, but I would also like to save for a custom 112 and 110. Not sure what to do first.
 
The Ecolite was a step in the right direction but the pivot and materials could be better. G10 does not need a liner (though I am okay if it has one) if the knife is set up properly. Cold Steel's Mini Recon 1 is the size of a 112 but is so strong it is unbelievable. It has no liners. The blades do not work loose under hard use. I would prefer the 112 profile, however. Buck can do this.
 
DocT said:
The Ecolite was a step in the right direction but the pivot and materials could be better. G10 does not need a liner (though I am okay if it has one) if the knife is set up properly. Cold Steel's Mini Recon 1 is the size of a 112 but is so strong it is unbelievable. It has no liners. The blades do not work loose under hard use. I would prefer the 112 profile, however. Buck can do this.
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DocT,

What would you think about the Bucklite Max series done in G10 instead of the grippy, comfortable but cheap feeling plastic nylon?

BU482BKSn.jpg



I'm considering a locking folder to replace my Opinel in my backpacking kit. I've tried the Bucklite Max before, twice, and they just aren't durable enough. The experience was enough to convince me of the necessity of liners, but I'm open to the thought that G10 is tough enough. I've also tried the aluminum framed Slimline (the Walmart version of the Spitfire) and my experience there was consistent with the forum and YouTube reviews - it wobbled like a Weeble in both directions.
 
Come back with the old thinner 110 frame with g10 scales and a choice of s30v or 20cv. They would sell well if they didn't price gouge.
 
pinnah said:
DocT,

What would you think about the Bucklite Max series done in G10 instead of the grippy, comfortable but cheap feeling plastic nylon?

BU482BKSn.jpg



I'm considering a locking folder to replace my Opinel in my backpacking kit. I've tried the Bucklite Max before, twice, and they just aren't durable enough. The experience was enough to convince me of the necessity of liners, but I'm open to the thought that G10 is tough enough. I've also tried the aluminum framed Slimline (the Walmart version of the Spitfire) and my experience there was consistent with the forum and YouTube reviews - it wobbled like a Weeble in both directions.
Click to expand...

I think they need to redesign the pivot area (maybe the tang, too) so that the G10 would not be taking the stress, but rather steel would be doing so. In this cutaway you can see how the pivot is in the blade and supported by steel, while the G10 scales offer plenty of strength but light weight.
Tri-ad.jpg


I normally like liners, however, and have been vocal about it. However, with some knives they are not necessary.
 
I would like a Buck spec clamp type sharpener like the Gatco or Lansky that would match the factory edge on a 110.
 
Nothing against Buck -- I've got a lot of 'em and like them all -- but I just got a knife like you described: Cold Steel American Lawman, CTS-XHP steel, linerless G-10 grips, mid lock back.
 
Yes, CS makes several knives like that. Buck is certainly up to the task if anybody is.
 
Ya know what I'd like to see from Buck... I'd love a 124 in 5160.

Mind. Blown.
 
I'd like a CKS 500 Duke with heritage walnut scales and an S30V blade.
 
DocT said:
I think they need to redesign the pivot area (maybe the tang, too) so that the G10 would not be taking the stress, but rather steel would be doing so. In this cutaway you can see how the pivot is in the blade and supported by steel, while the G10 scales offer plenty of strength but light weight.
Tri-ad.jpg


I normally like liners, however, and have been vocal about it. However, with some knives they are not necessary.
Click to expand...


I'm intrigued with the triad style lock and it would be intereting if Buck were to use it, or some variation of it. As I understand it, the primary reason for "lock rock" with a traditional lock back is how the blade tang forces the lock bar up under hard cutting. Second reason is that this can cause the lock bar pivot pin and blade pivot to loosen up. I think the triad helps with the first 2 issues, but not the latter.

Hopefully the disappearance of the Ecolite means that Buck is working on a replacement. WE can hope.
 
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