Would I like a 500 Duke?

J

jec88

Joined
Mar 6, 2012
Messages
833
I'm a fan of the 112 Ranger as well as the bucklite 422.
My wife wanted to know what I wanted for Christmas, and I'm trying to decide between a finger grooved 112 and the 500.
I have an older .112. Ranger, (which I really LOVE but the blade is worn down pretty good) and a newer regular 112 as well as a couple of 422's and an ecolite 112.........................I don't have a finger grooved ranger. Nor do I have any of the 500 series. I don't consider myself a collector, I'm just always looking for the perfect edc knife(though I'm getting a pretty big collection). I always envision that eventually, I'm going to find that perfect knife and 20 years from now I'm going to pull out of my pocket that gnarly old pocketworn knife that looks worn down like an old cowboys pistol. :D
I'd just like some opinions of the 500 Duke. I've kind of overlooked it. What is the history of these knives? Looks like it would make a great hunting knife with the drop blade, but from digging on the web, people seem to regard it as more of a gentleman folder?? I've also read on one place that it was introduced in the 1960's, but another site said it was introduced in the 1980's. Anyone have experience using this as a hunting knife?
If I like a Ranger, and don't have a 500 should I like it? Or would I be better off with a fg ranger.
Thanks
 
Think of the 500 as a slimmer, trimmer Ranger with a drop point blade. If you want a drop point blade it's the way to go. If you shop for a pre 1999 knife it will have stainless bolsters instead of nickel silver. Speaking from observation and not expeience, the slim smooth shape of the 500 will make a slippery hold if used as a field knife.
 
One can read all sorts of untruths about knives and knife history on the internet. The Duke was brought out in 1978 and I've skinned a coyote and fox plus many birds with my 500 and didn't notice I was losing control at any time. It has a better blade shape for these tasks. For deer or hogs (larger game) I would prefer a 110 drop point, just me. There are others that have posted here that they have field dressed a deer using their 112 and didn't have any issues with that size knife. So, I guess it depends on taste. DM
 
jec, Welcome. In rereading your post and giving it more thought... The 112 FG has a very safe and nice handle feel if you can live with the blade shape. Which apparently you already like. I lean more toward a drop point shape. I think either could fit your desires. DM
 
I am crazy about the 500, it is a great user knife because it cuts so well, it is a Gentleman's knife as well because of the handsome look of it. The new 500 Duke's have high polished stainless Bolsters per a prior discussion here, not nickel silver, they look great. I made a statement a little while back that I would not sell the (2) 500 Duke's I have back to Buck for double what I paid for them. I promise you will not be sorry if you get one.

I have but one issue with Buck on the 500, it is not on the customs page of the 500 series on their website, I want one with cherry slabs and S30V blade, and a few other choices as well. I would buy multiple custom 500 Dukes tomorrow if I could.
 
Yes Rick, I sort of scratched my head at this discussion as well. Because I recalled that lengthy discussion we had about it's frame a short while back and Joe Houser offered some data. Anyway I think as you do concerning the Duke. For comparison, here's my model 500 with canvas micarta slabs and S30V blade offered from the Heritage Series. For the past 2yrs. I've used the two lower knives on many tasks and have no issues with either one. DM
 
I've looked at these online and they seem super sweet. I have yet to get my hands on one.
 
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