Will I love a Marksman?

[Makael]

I do have a Marksman and for myself working the lock mechanism in combination with the free pivot is best done with two hands. I have spent some time trying to close my Marksman with one hand and I might do so were I to be wearing cut proof gloves level 5 or higher.

The lock mechanism also has shown itself to be fragile, in my limited experience. Although a very nicely made knife, I do on occasion have something to say. I do try to do so in an appropriate context. That you don't care for what I have to say does not make me a troll.

You said don't drop it. Referring to that old argument that sparked my hard test. Thats a troll statment and you know it. No matter how many pictures I took of throwing the knfe 50ft down the road or Grinding it into the sidewalk under the front tire of my f250. it didn't matter to you. U continued to bash. I can't believe your still crying about one handed opening and closing. It's natural with that knife. You must be the only person that can't do it in their sleep. So you continue to knock the entire design even though there are tons of documented results of the strength of the G and G lock design.

You went on a rant about the problem with Bucks liner locks, your track record so far shows just a bunch of buck bashing when you look back at your input.

Here is the pics again of trying to destroy the marksman. It didn't fail.
I decided to purposely dispose and destroy the Buck Marksman. I started by dropping the knife.


No damage and worked fine. So I decided to try tossing it.My son wanted a try so he threw the knife about 50 ft down the road. Lol


My neighbor wandered over and wanted a turn at trying to destroy the knife. Brett took about 3 side throws. Similar to how you would skip a rock across water.


We have this large rock in our yard. Perfect target. Roughly 15 to 20 ft. 3 times.


Rock dropping 4 drops from aprox 48 inches

Continued.......
Couldnt break it on the rock so we decided to throw it at the fence half a dozen times.


Knife was pretty rough. I decided to put it under the wheel of my Ford F250 on the concrete and turn the steering wheel full lock left then full lock right. The pocket clip gave it up on this test. Notice the mark in the sidewalk.



The damn kept working after the concrete grind. I back up and put it under the wheel again in the gravel and did the full lock grind left and right. In the rocks.


I thought it had finally gave it up. But nope. lol


Here it is after all that.

 

[Makael]

I have a marksman in my car. I drive 50k miles a year. I flip that thing thousands of times. Open and closed. It's a great knife. It's unique, it works flawlessly after all of the action I've put it through.

Some articles.
Buck Marksman – Final Thoughts
The novelty of the Marksman is what made me buy it. The knife definitely has some novel features to it, and it doesn’t disappoint in that respect. But at the end of the day what impresses me most about the Marksman is that it’s actually a really good knife. The strap lock is unique, and I love how the blade deploys. The knife is also lightweight, tough, and functional. The materials are all high quality and it’s nicely put together – especially at the price point and considering that it is USA made. It carries well, cuts cleanly, and is a lot of fun to open and close. The Marksman has really grown on me. I would go so far as to say this is one of my favorite designs in 2014. I am glad I gave it a chance.

With all of that said I realize that this knife isn’t for everyone. The futuristic design is bound to polarize people, and the strap lock and it’s sharp edges could be a deal killer as well. But if you are in the market for something different and like a good user blade, then the Buck Marksman should definitely be on your radar. I liked it so much it earned a spot on my recommended EDC knives page

 

[Makael]

Conclusion
The Marksman is an innovative, interesting, and fun to use knife. It’s all USA Made, and it’s quite good in terms of its size and weight. The steel is excellent, and it cuts like a demon thanks to a pronounced hollow grind. This is NOT just a gimmick. This is a really solid blade and one that is very competitive in the market right now. I am not the only reviewer to like the Marksman–Dan loved it to

OVERVIEW
When Buck designed the Marksman™, the features definitely deliver one of the strongest locking blades available for tactical operatives. Utilizing the locking mechanism developed by Grant and Gavin Hawk, the new SLS (Strong Lock System) is one of the strongest locking mechanisms on the market. The SLS, once deployed, offers the strength of a fixed blade.

An innovative ball bearing pivot system allows for quick and easy opening by simply sliding one finger along the strap. Fully opening the blade securely engages the SLS. With a hefty blade of 154CM steel and a solid aluminum handle, the Marksman™ is designed for heavy tactical operations.

Made in the USA

Outstanding Performance
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Hayden L.
09-26-2018
This knife with the G&G Hawk design is another masterpiece on their part. Lockup is as solid as you’ll find and the action is still very smooth. Has a unique opening and closing technique like a Spyderco Manix and once you get the hang of it, it’s fun to flip. Grippy anodization and lightweight really just are the icing on the cake on this guy.
A True Performer
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John C.
01-05-2018
One of the best Buck folders I've ever had! The Strong Lock System is unlike anything you'll ever use, but it isn't uncomfortable. And, after deploying and closing the knife repeatedly, I'm now able to work it lightning fast with one hand.

The 154CM blade is extremely sharp and rugged, like the rest of the knife. The aluminum handle is sturdy and feels great in the hand.

The only gripe I have with the Marksman is that the pivot screw comes loose after opening/closing for so long, which it can be tightened by hand. Also, I'm not sure what the deep pocket clip is made of, but mine seems to keep becoming bent, which it then loses its grip on my pocket, forcing me to take it off and bend it back to the correct angle and reattach it.

This knife is meant for hard-use, everyday carry. You'll be glad it's in your collection.
My favorite knife
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Benjamin P.
12-31-2017
This is by far one of the most functional knives I have owned. I have beaten this knife up pretty bad, but it keeps coming back for more. The lockup has remained solid as I have carried it for the past 3 years. The locking mechanism is also very fun and good for fidgeting with. I may buy a second one just in case I ever lose my current one.
Love this knife
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Kenneth E.
05-20-2017
Until you get it in your hands, you really won't appreciate just by photos and video reviews how fun this knife really is.
The ball bearing flipping action is FAST!

It may take some adjustment to set it where it is perfect for you, but it's not difficult.

I carried this knife for almost 2 years now. The lockup on it is really solid.
Be careful when taking it apart for cleaning. There are vids on facetube about how to do it.

I like this knife so much I bought 2 of the elite models they produced.

Now for the cons that some may or may not like.
Learning to close it one handed has a learning curve, however, it is easy once you get the hang of it. Just lift the lock back with your thumb using the gimped portion on the bar (it's what the gimping is for) then either let it fall closed, or swing it closed. The blade will swing free.

Another slight negative or positive, depending on your point of you, is the way the scales are milled and the placement of the clip in relation makes it really secure in pocket. It's not going to get pulled out by accident.

Also, the gimping on the lock bar doesn't play nice with a cellphone. So don't plan on keeping your phone in the same pocket or have it protected in some way.

If you're on the fence about buying this knife, don't be, buy it. It's made in the USA.
It's not a cookie cutter frame lock, lock back, or liner lock.

It is not only functional with good ergonomics, but unique and fun to flip.
Fantastic! Heck ya, Buck!
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Justin V.
06-29-2016
This is an absolutely fantastic knife. The design / locking system is not just different for the sake of being novelty, but actually an innovation that improves on issued with strength / accidental failure of liner and frame locks while still allowing very fast flipping and opening /closing action and much better ergonomics than something like the triad lock.
Its also able to be easily serviced / adjusted by the user!!!

Materials and construction are also top-notch. The blade is beautify hollow ground and hits the gold-locks zone both in thinness behind the edge and heat-treat to be strong enough for EDC and some pretty hard use, but thin enough to still be an excellent slicer.

There's not a shred of plastic on this knife and all of the steel and aluminum is beautifully machined and finished inside and out (I've had the knife fully disassembled once for cleaning).

I'm so glad that Buck finally just knocked one out of the park and are really one of the first companies to offer something like this knife in terms of design innovation, USA made and UNDER $100! This is a big metal middle finger to all those people who fed us BS excuses about how they had no choice but to make knives in China and Twain to meet this price point.

I've owned, daily carried, and beat the snot out of the 830 for about a year and aside from some honest looking wear on the black handle coating, it's as good as new. I've never before bought 2 of what's essentially the same knife, but I feel like its only a matter of time before I but the 831, if for no other reason than to support what Buck and the Hawks have accomplished with these knives.

 

[Makael]

Level 10 confidence in this design.