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Pros: Blade Sharpness, Ease of Opening, Handle Feel, Handle Material, Lock Ease of Use, Lock Type, Overall Quality, Pocket Clip, Weight
Cons: None
Great budget knife
Giving this one 5* because I can’t find anything to knock it for. Everything you need to know about it is clearly stated in the specs. First, yes, it’s made in China, like many of Buck’s other budget offerings. If that’s a problem for you, then just DON’T BUY IT. Next, the knife itself. The stainless handle feels solid and cleanly finished. The chamfered edges make it very comfortable in the hand. There’s enough contour to the handle shape that it provides plenty of grip for any kind of cutting task. The opening action is incredibly smooth, it almost feels like it’s on bearings - as smooth as any of mine that are much more expensive, and actually easier than my CRK’s. Locks up tight with zero wobble in any direction. The button lock is very easy to operate, and the blade falls just enough to need a little nudge to close all the way, so it won’t accidentally drop on fingers - exactly how I like it. The blade shape is also one of my favorites - modified clip point, where the tip is about the same distance between the spine and the edge, making it perfect for the kind of cutting I do. Onto the elephant in the room: the 7CR17 blade steel. I knew it wasn’t a super steel when I bought it, but most of the reviews I’ve read say it’s a decent enough budget blade material. I don’t abuse my knives, so I expect it will be just fine. I trust Buck’s composition and heat treat requirements, and I’ve yet to have any of their blades fail me. Overall it’s a very solid feeling, smooth operating budget knife that’s slated to get a lot of pocket time.
