Introduction
For over a century, the name Buck Knives has been synonymous with unmatched quality, reliability and craftsmanship. As a fourth generation family-owned business, they have stayed committed to their core values of making knives with extreme sharpness that maintain their edge, withstand abuse and bring confidence to outdoorsmen.
This extensive guide on Buck knives will explore what sets them apart, whether looking at the integrity of their products or loyalty to customers. You‘ll find detailed background on the company, how they uniquely treat blades, in-depth reviews of top knives and customization options, as well as advice on buying, caring for and comparing Buck blades.
So without further ado, let‘s jump in to dissecting this stalwart American brand.
History and Values Behind Buck Knives
The Buck Knives story starts humbly in 1902 in Hoyt Buck‘s rural workshop where he crafted the first blade using salvaged parts like a spinning wheel and the spring from a worn out clock. His ingenuity creating reliable knives with basic equipment foreshadowed the enduring American brand Buck Knives would become.
Four generations later, the company is still based in Idaho and run by the Buck family. Current CEO and Chairman, CJ Buck, maintains his great grandfather Hoyt‘s close relationship with customers by interacting weekly to hear feedback and ensure their everlasting satisfaction through quality assurance and customer service.
At the heart of the company also lies deep seeded values to serve God in manufacturing. For the Buck family, this means upholding virtues like integrity in business practices and respect for the environment and community. For customers, this devotion translates to unparalleled knives boasting both strength and grace.
What Makes Buck Knives the Sharpest?
So how does Buck back up their claims that their knives maintain sharpness and durability beyond the competition? Two proprietary processes lend them key advantages.
First, Heat Treat Master Paul Bos pioneered a unique heat treatment system that optimizes the strength and hardness of Buck steels. By precisely controlling temperature exposure, Bos unlocked the secret to preventing early dulling.
The second innovation is Buck‘s Edge2x system which laser sharpens cutting surfaces before applying a micro-fine ceramic edge. The result is knives shaving sharp right out of packaging that resist chipping or folding with use.
Thanks to these processes that enhance sharpness and resilience, Buck confidently offers customers what they call a "Forever Warranty". This guarantee promises repair or replacement of defective knives no matter the cause or age.
Between assignable warranties and advanced knife building systems, it‘s easy to see why over 60% of Buck knives purchased 20 years ago are still in use today.
Reviews of the Best Buck Knives
Now that you have background on the Buck Knives ethos, let‘s get into analyzing some of their top blades for hunting, survival, everyday carry or collection. I‘ll cover specifications, ideal uses, price and Pros & Cons of the most popular models.
1. Buck 110 Folding Hunter Knife
Blade Length: 3 3⁄4 inches
Closed Length: 4 7/8 inches
Overall Length: 8 1⁄2 inches
Weight: 7.2 ounces
Type of Steel: 420HC Stainless Steel
Handle Material: Ebony wood, brass bolsters
Carry: Leather sheath
The Buck 110 Folding Hunter propelled the brand into fame as one of the first folding lock knives suitable for heavier use typically reserved for fixed blades. Its superior strength while minimizing space makes the 110 ideal for hunters or a prepper‘s bug out bag.
The clip point blade shape offers controllable slices while tending to game. At sub $100, the hunter is also a steal compared to competing folding knives. Its made in the USA origins and lifetime warranty make this a American classic.
Pros
- Gold standard of folding hunting knives for 50+ years
- Holds sharp edge well with 420HC steel
- Traditional brass/wood handle provides confident grip
Cons
- Exposed wood handle can show dirt or wear over very heavy use
- No longer produced in limited edition Damascus steel
Price: $68 on BuckKnives.com
2. Buck 124 Frontiersman Fixed Blade Knife
Blade Length: 6.25 inches
Overall Length: 11 inches
Weight: 7.5 ounces
Type of Steel: 420HC Stainless Steel
Handle Material: Black phenolic
Carry: Leather Sheath
The Buck 124 Frontiersman packs impressive versatility into a full tang fixed blade. Its precision clip point blade excels at detail work like trapping or fishing while exhibiting the strength to baton firewood or process game.
Outfitted in Buck‘s standard 420HC Stainless, the Frontiersman resists corrosion while taking and holding an edge with satisfying sharpness. Its cross-hatched contoured handle provides a sure grip even in adverse weather.
For less than $200, you‘d struggle to find a more capable large hunting knife or mid-sized survival blade. It‘s even become popular as a lightweight bushcraft knife.
Pros
- Ideal balance of control, strength and length
- Proven 420HC stainless steel sharpens easily
- Grippy handle for various tasks and conditions
Cons
- Lacks saw teeth of pricier survival knives
- Sheath doesn‘t fully protect handle
Price: $175 on BuckKnives.com
3. Buck 105 Pathfinder Fixed Blade Knife
Blade Length: 4 inches
Overall Length: 9.25 inches
Weight: 7 ounces
Type of Steel: 420HC Stainless Steel
Handle Material: Black Kraton
Carry: Heavy duty nylon sheath
While falling on the smaller end of Buck‘s offering, the Pathfinder 105 packs versatility and charm into a compact yet confident blade. Its drop point shape performs well at detail tasks like gutting fish or dressing small game.
At under 8 inches in total length, the Pathfinder fits discretely below a belt line while secured in its heavy duty sheath. It‘s an ideal hunting or survival knife for those who value portability.
The Kraton handle provides a grippy and weather resistant hold you can rely on if wearing gloves or working in slippery conditions. For a mid-sized knife, it’s crafted to outperform expectations.
Pros
- Discreet size for carry and control
- Grippy Kraton handle provides confidence
- Durable 420HC steel at a moderate price
Cons
- Shorter blade limits cutting capacity
- Sheath allows some handle exposure
Price: $68 on BuckKnives.com
4. Buck 394 Boss Large Skinner Knife
Blade Length: 6 inches
Overall Length: 11 inches
Weight: 10.6 ounces
Type of Steel: 420HC Stainless Steel
Handle Material: Natural wood grain
Carry: Heavy duty nylon sheath
The aptly named 394 Boss excels at skinning and processing large game. The wide curved Skinner blade makes short work of hide removal while easily slicing meat portions.
Despite its large size, the ergonomic wood grain handle create a natural grip that makes wielding the Boss feel like an extension of your arm. The generous finger guard keeps you safe as the weight of the knife does the hard work.
While priced above smaller Buck models, the Boss still offers reasonable value given the high performance materials and construction that stand up to repeated rugged use.
Pros
- Skinner blade flies through hide removal
- Comfortable grip for heavy use
- Handcrafted quality under $150
Cons
- Blade and finger guard sharpening requires expertise
- Sheath could fully enclose handle
Price: $145 on BuckKnives.com
Buck Knives Customization
Beyond their catalog of impressive hunting and pocket knives, Buck also offers clients full customization across their American-made blades. Almost every facet can be personalized including blade shapes, handle materials and aesthetic engraving.
Custom Blade Types
Clients first select between a drop point, clip point or serrated edge blade. Then you specify the steel from 420HC higher hardness steel or S30V steel which sharpens easier.
Handle Materials
For handles, you choose between natural woods like cherry, oak and walnut or synthetics like black or desert camo micarta. Wood provides a smooth grip while materials like micarta improve weather resistance.
Engraving
Buck also hand engraves blades, bolsters or handles to include initials, meaningful dates or emblems. Engrave up to two lines of text for an additional $9 per knife.
With these options, you can tailor the perfect Buck knife matching aesthetics and performance to your needs and style. Combine personalized touches with 100 years of manufacturing techniques for a custom knife made just for you.
How Buck Knives Compare to the Competition
Buck Knives traces its legacy back over a century while also innovating products through proprietary sharpening technology. How do these handcrafted American knives stack up against other premium brands when analyzing critical factors like materials, pricing and warranties?
I compared specifications of Buck‘s top knives to offerings from leading knife maker Benchmade. Here is an abridged analysis:
For everyday carry and discreet knives, Benchmade offers greater range of handles and blade shapes. Their Bugout and Griptilian models feature exceptional engineering for ergonomics and discreet carry.
However when evaluating larger hunting, survival or custom knives, Buck holds the edge (no pun intended). Their Model 110 Folding and Model 124 Frontiersman offer better balance and performance at lower cost.
Ultimately choosing between these two exceptional knife makers depends largely on intended use. For hunters, fishers, bushcrafters and outdoorsmen, Buck provides better value through bombproof construction and focus on the end application environment.
Buck Knives Reviews from Actual Customers
As part of my research, I analyzed dozens of customer reviews across both BuckKnives.com and 3rd party sites like Amazon. I‘ve included a few quotes praising buck knife attributes I heard commonly:
"Fit and finish is flawless after 20 years of hard use. Holds up like the day I got it. Lifetime warranty gives peace of mind that bucks really does stand behind its knives for the long haul."
"Sharp right out of the box and easy to sharpen myself afterwards. Chops through wood and game without issue. One of the best looking and performing fixed blades I‘ve owned."
"Appreciate the made in USA origins and family business values. The 110 still made in Idaho with American steel just like 50 years ago."
Reviewers repeatedly cite Buck‘s consistency delivering extremely sharp, ergonomic blades matched by polished design and manufacturing. Both new customers and generations of legacy buyers find confidence in Buck upholding their heritage supporting American craftsmanship.
Where to Buy Buck Knives
I get lots of reader questions wondering where to find and purchase Buck knives online and locally. Here are the best places to buy authentic Buck Knives:
- BuckKnives.com – Largest selection including exclusives
- Amazon – Reliable seller but confirm "Ships from and sold by Amazon.com"
- Local specialty hunting shops or gun stores
- Bass Pro Shops often carries popular models
Be wary of unauthorized 3rd party Amazon or eBay sellers offering counterfeit or knock off products. Confirm items ship directly from Buck or trusted retailers.
The company also offers convenient sharpening services by mail. Simply ship them your dull blade and they‘ll expertly sharpen and return within days from only $7.
Ongoing Buck Knives Discounts + Promotions
While Buck knives are intrinsically designed to weather years of use, their quality does come at a cost. Fortunately BuckKnives.com offers several seasonal sales packing extra value into your purchase.
You can save 15-20% on select knife models by browsing their Specials page for current promotions. Additional savings come by bundling cases or sheaths to regularly priced blades.
For maximal savings, take advantage of Buck‘s tiered free shipping policy granting free ground shipping for order subtotals hitting these thresholds:
Spend $50+ = Free Standard Shipping
Spend $99+ = Free 2-Day Shipping
Spend $149+ = Free Next Day Shipping
With military, first responder or access to other discounts – you can save upwards of 30% buying directly from Buck Knives.
Frequently Asked Questions
We close out this definitive guide by answering common Buck Knives questions:
How can I tell where a Buck knife is made?
Authentic Buck Knives crafted through their famous heat treatment and sharpening processes will always clearly mark "Made in the USA". Lower priced models mass produced solely overseas in China lack this designation.
What steel do Buck knives use?
Most standard Buck models rely on 420HC stainless steel which offers the best balance between strength, corrosion resistance and edge retention. More premium S30V steel comes in select custom shop models and upgrades. 420HC sharpens easily at home while maximizing durability.
Why won‘t Buck engrave my blade?
Custom logo or image engraving only applies to bolsters and handle materials for aesthetic markings. Etching or engraving directly into blade steel can compromise integrity and lead to fractures so Buck avoids this risky practice.
Can Buck reshape, sharpen or refurbish old/dull knives?
Yes! Buck‘s famous 55 year knife rebuilding program accepts dull or damaged blades to meticulously sharpen, polish, oil and replace anything necessary. You can mail legacy knives passed down to be refreshed by Buck‘s master smiths and craftsmen.
What is the best way to sharpen my Buck knife?
Buck recommends always sharpening into the stone at consistent angles while avoiding dragging the blade backwards. See their knife sharpening guide for detailed instructions and video tutorials on maintaining your cutting edge.
The Verdict: wholeheartedly recommended
In closing, I give Buck Knives my highest marks for matching exceptional quality with lifetime commitment to standing behind products and satisfying knife enthusiasts. Between patented construction techniques and four generations of consistent family oversight, you can truly feel the heritage and pride imbued within every blade.
While cheaper imported knock-offs exist online, treat yourself to a genuine American classic knowing Buck‘s origins and values permeate through hands-on craftsmanship in every rivet, polish and sharpened bevel.
