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Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Finish, Materials, Overall Quality, Weight
Cons: Handle Material, Sheath/Scabbard
Bucks Alpha Guide 4.5" in 420HC Needs Mods (IMO)
I have the Buck Pursuit with S35VN (orange handle) and I wanted a similar size blade with the tougher (though less edge-retaining) 420HC. The Pursuit model in 420 steel has the green handle, which is okay, but the green is tougher to find if dropped in some wildland locations. (Yeah, I expect some unexpected things to happen out there!) I elected to purchase this Alpha Guide Select, 4.5" model with orange scales and 420HC. I can fit either knife into the same sheath I made, which gives me options when I'm in the Cascade wilderness areas. Unlike the Pursuit model, the Alpha Guide model needs grip-associated tweaking when received, and I'm not alone with this observation. I had to take the Dremel tool and (slowly to avoid overheating the steel) trim the forward finger (index finger) indent to eliminate a "hot spot" and blister maker by grinding the steel until it was nearly to the orange scale. Other mods made were personal preferences. Both the Pursuit and the Alpha Guide required careful modification to gain a squared "spine" for ferro rod and other scraping duties. Not everyone needs that feature, but those who do should be ready to modify either model after receipt. Squaring the pommel of the Alpha Guide for scraping duties was relatively easy, if you need that functionality. Once the above mods were done, the Alpha Guide in 420HC made a great option and addition to my kit, but as mentioned, only the grip modification is one that I would consider essential. The grip design needs reconsideration by Buck, and again, I'm not alone with that observation. Knife Center has all the Buck models mentioned above. If I cannot find a woodland tool, sheath, or sharpening tool locally, then Knife Center is my "Go To" source. I've made MANY purchases from them over the years. I recommend Knife Center highly to other outdoor folks and working folks. They have most of what we need, always at a competitive price, and the customer service is outstanding, in my opinion. If you come to the Knife Center website to evaluate options, I highly recommend any of these models I've mentioned here, though some tweaks were needed for each model to match the functionality I need as a woods runner. Your call on which mod you need.