Table of Contents
About Buck Knives
It’s rare to mention Scream and The Dukes of Hazzard as evidence of a brand’s success. Then again, it’s rare for a brand to thrive for as long as Buck Knives has.
Buck Knives have been a staple in outdoorsman’s toolkits for over 100 years. Their blades are well-regarded for their pristine quality and the company is equally well-known for its close relationship with customers.
Dive into our Buck Knives review to see how the brand’s origins, products, and policies make them worthy of your hard-earned money.
Overview of Buck Knives
Buck Knives is a fourth-generation family business that Hoyt Buck created in Mountain Home, Idaho in 1902.
CJ Buck, the current Buck Knives Chairman and CEO keeps his family’s historically close relationship with customers alive. He still interacts with consumers on a weekly basis.
Hoyt Buck founded the company with Christian values in mind. He wanted to imbue each knife with God’s grace, and the company carries that dedication to craftsmanship to this day.
Buck Knives‘ special heat-treating system was developed by Paul Bos. Due to his ingenious system, the company’s knives claim to maintain their sharpness better than any other company on the market.
Furthermore, their knives are sharp from the second you open the box. You may be wondering where are Buck Knives made? A lot can change in 100 years, including the company’s warehouses. They now produce their knives in Buck Falls, Idaho.
The Buck Model 110 Folding Hunter Knife made the company famous in 1963 as they were one of the first folding knives strong enough for larger jobs. Talk about a legacy!
With all that said, this Buck Knives review will mosey over to the highlights of the company.
Highlights
- Offers personally designed and customizable knives
- Knives are guaranteed with a forever warranty
- Uses company-developed techniques to craft the sharpest knives possible
- The company boasts over 100 years of experience
- Present a knife sharpening service
Buck Knives’ main products are their knives, but the brand also sells apparel, knife sharpeners, and sheaths.
Buck Knives Review
This section of the Buck Knives review will cover the company’s best-selling knives as well as some of their customization options. Buckle up cowboy, you’re in for a treat.
All of the knives featured are covered under Buck Knives’ forever warranty. If you notice any defects in your purchase the company will replace or repair the blade, no questions asked. That’s how proud they are of their work.
Buck 110 Folding Hunter Knife Review
This is the knife that put Buck Knives on the map. It’s the reason people ask who makes Buck Knives. Coming in at $60, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better folding knife.
With a 3 ¾” 420HC stainless steel clip blade and a handle composed of ebony and brass the Buck 110 Folding Hunter Knife exudes excellence. It’s ideal for people who want a tough, capable knife without hauling out their large butcher’s ax.
What makes this such an intelligent knife is how easily it can be folded and stored away. A true leather black sheath comes with every Buck 110 Folding Hunter Knife as if you needed one more reason to flaunt your purchase.
Buck Knives offers personalized engraving for $9. The handle can be engraved with either one or two lines in either block or script letters.
Buck 119 Pro Knife Review
Let’s say you want something a bit bulkier. The Buck 119 Pro Knife is your ticket to smooth slicing. It’s a fixed knife, meaning it cannot be folded up. That’s a good thing because it harkens to the company’s history.
Originally, all Buck Knives were fixed knives. Purchasing one of these is like buying a little piece of history.
The 6” long S35VN steel clip blade costs $199. Sadly, the company does not offer engraving on the Buck 119 Pro Knife.
However, the micarta and aluminum handle aims to provide a great grip that should withstand all forms of inclement weather and damage. It won’t matter if you can’t engrave your name into this knife because you’ll be too busy grasping its expertly finished handle.
Buck 112 Ranger Knife Review
What distinguishes the Buck 112 Ranger Knife from the rest of the pack is its drop point blade. This blade type is best used for heavier tasks like cutting thick ropes.
The Buck 112 Ranger Knife originated as a smaller version of the Buck 110 Folding Hunter Knife. At only 3” it’s more convenient to carry around, but its blade type means this knife can still handle tougher jobs.
The knife costs $64 and is a web-exclusive product. Engraving costs $9, and Buck Knives will engrave up to 2 lines in either block or script.
Like its predecessor, the Buck 110 Folding Hunter Knife’s handle is made of quality ebony and brass.
Buck 120 General Pro Knife Review
The Buck 120 General Pro Knife is another of the brand’s signature items. It was developed as a longer version of the Buck 119 Pro Knife, with the blade measuring 7 ⅜”.
Therefore, it shares many traits with the Buck 119 Pro Knife. It has an S35VN steel clip blade and a micarta handle shielded by aluminum.
However, the Buck 120 General Pro Knife’s greater length means it should be able to tackle jobs that require a bit more length. Think of sawing motions instead of tiny little cuts.
You can grab your own Buck 120 General Pro Knife for $209.
Buck 102 Woodsman Knife Review
Perhaps all this talk of extended length and variations has left you wanting something more traditional. That’s where the Buck 102 Woodsman Knife comes in. It’s a classic.
The Buck 102 Woodsman Knife is the most standard and trustworthy hunting knife Buck Knives offers. There are no superfluous frills or folding mechanisms. Just a well-made knife for a well-made wielder.
It brandishes a 4” stainless steel clip blade along with a phenolic handle. The smaller size better suits it for smaller hunting animals or fish that you’ll encounter in your escapades.
The Buck 102 Woodsman Knife sits at $70, with a $9 engraving option for up to 2 lines.
Buck 124 Frontiersman Knife Review
Imagine that the Buck 124 Frontiersman Knife carries the same no-nonsense attitude as the smaller Buck 102 Woodsman Knife, except with a longer 6 ¼” straight back bowie blade.
The blade type and the length turn this into a versatile and sturdy tool. It’s almost like the Swiss-Army knife of, well, knives, except that it can handle all situations by itself instead of needing loads of other tools to back it up.
Buck 124 Frontiersman Knife costs $175, and the standard engraving options (block or script, 1-2 lines of text, you know the drill) increase the price by $9.
Buck Custom Knife Review
Buck Knives provides you the opportunity to unleash your creative side with their Buck Custom Knife. You can customize any facet of their best-selling products like the blade type, the handle type, the engraving, and even the handle’s finish.
The only thing you can’t customize is the Buck Custom Knife’s length or weight. Those are specific to your selected model.
For blade types, you can choose from a serrated, drop point, or clip blade. Also up for personalization is the type of steel in your custom knife.
You can select either S30V steel or 420HC steel; the former can reach a sharpness of RC 60, but it’s more difficult to sharpen. The latter can reach RC 58 and is easier to sharpen yourself
Why stop there? Buck Knives allows you to pepper the handle with different finishes like water buffalo, oak, cherrywood, walnut, jig bone, and more. You could lose an entire afternoon making your perfect knife with the overwhelming amount of options
The base price for a Buck Custom Knife is $69, but modifications can cause the price to quickly add up.
Who Is Buck Knives For?
Buck Knives are phenomenal tools for any outdoorsman. Their hunting knives are great for smaller game while their other knives are good for forest foragers, nautical adventures, and hikers who want to be prepared for anything.
Many customers tout the knives’ versatility. Some use them for cooking, while others use them for household chores. Not only should cooks keep Buck Knives on their radar, but handymen should look more into the brand too.
Comparison: Buck Knives vs. Benchmade Knives
Now that you’ve gotten a better idea of what Buck Knives has to offer, this section will see if the brand cuts through an alternative.
Let’s compare Buck Knives to a similar company, Benchmade Knives.
- Buck Knives
- Knives are targeted toward outdoorsmen but can be outfitted to any profession or interest
- Their classic Buck 110 Folding Hunter Knife costs $60
- More customization options in regards to aesthetics
- Benchmade
- Line-up includes table knives and meat cleavers
- Their everyday best-selling knife, the 535 Bugout, is $155
- Fewer colors for customization
Benchmade knives are made with a culinary focus, but that includes the process of gathering and deboning fish. If you’re looking for a full knife set or you spend plenty of time in the kitchen then this Buck Knives review recommends checking out Benchmade.
Alternatively, if you’re interested in a versatile, durable, and personalized knife, there’s no better option than Buck Knives.
Either way, you’ll be in good hands. It’s like choosing which of your children is your favorite; you love them both, just for slightly different reasons!
Buck Knives Reviews: What Do Customers Think?
What better place to look at how customers feel about the brand than on their website. Our Buck Knives review team combed through piles of customer reviews to find the most informative and illustrative customer testimonials. You can thank us later.
On the whole, many Buck Knives purchasers were satisfied.
Look at this 5/5-star review on the Buck 110 Folding Hunter Knife for proof. This customer loved how dependable the knife proved to be:
“The knife was very well made with a nice finish on all parts. The 110 Hunter is my favorite style folding knife and being made in the USA is a big plus! The high quality and solid feel of the Buck 110 gives me confidence it will be there to do whatever job I need it for.”
Another happy reviewer praises the Buck 110 Folding Hunter Knife’s durability. He also enjoyed that the knife was made on United States soil:
“The 110 is excellent. I’ve used one daily for a couple of decades of farm use including bale wrap and it really holds up…it definitely is built to last and hard use just like the one I use every day.”
The brand’s Buck 199 Pro Knife boasts similarly high reviews. One customer loved their purchase, citing the product’s versatility as a major benefit:
“I’m thrilled with this knife. To say it’s a classic is to state the obvious…but it is! And in S35VN it’s a total winner. I’ve used this knife for food prep and fire-making and it has worked great. A chef’s steel brings back the very sharp edge nicely.”
Alright, just one last review from the Buck Knives website, this time about the Buck 112 Ranger Knife:
“The first knife I remember owning was a Buck from my grandparents and I still have it to this day. I just added the Ranger 112 to my collection and it is my new go-to knife. I don’t know why I waited so long. I have the drop point blade and it is amazing. I would rate it higher if I could.”
Let’s pop over to another source of customer input, Amazon. There, the Buck Knives 120 General Pro Fixed Blade Hunting Knife has a 5/5 star average on 2 reviews.
Our favorite of these reviews goes on about the product’s stellar feel, finish, and toughness:
“Finished perfectly with no flaws, it holds the edge as well as advertised. It’s a 5-star value, the sheath is excellent, the grip feels good, I like the s35vn steel for it because it’s 20% tougher than s30v steel and bucks 420 hc standard steel of which my new 119 is and has proven more than tough enough, 5 stars all the way.”
Take note that Buck Knives holds a less impressive average on TrustPilot. There, customers rated the company 3.3/5 stars based on 2 reviews.
The negative reviews wrote that the brand’s quality has dipped over the years. However, the knives they purchased were not featured on the Buck Knives website and were made in China rather than Buck Knives’ Idaho plant.
We’re going to throw some numbers at you real quick. Here’s a quick tally of the brand’s best-selling knives:
- Buck 110 Folding Hunter Knife: 5/5 stars based on over 630 ratings
- Buck 199 Pro Knife: 5/5 stars based on 4 ratings
- Buck 112 Ranger Knife: 4.5/5 stars based on over 30 ratings
- Buck 120 General Pro Knife: 5/5 stars based on 3 ratings
- Buck 102 Woodsman Knife: 5/5 stars based on 95 ratings
- Buck 124 Frontiersman Knife: 5/5 stars based on 105 ratings
For many, Buck Knives are a staple that goes back generations. The company’s customers seemed to have been raised with the brand. They respect the brand’s longevity and the care Buck Knives puts into each of their products.
Are Buck Knives Worth It?
Buck Knives may be a trusted family business, but these ain’t your grandfather’s knives. They still hold up today, looking to conquer any task that requires cutting, slicing, dicing, or sawing.
Our Buck Knives review praises the brand’s personal touch and their lifetime warranty, along with the sharpness, versatility, and durability of their knives.
Buck Knives Promotions & Discounts
Buck Knives offers a discount on certain products through their web specials page. These discounts are always changing so make sure to check the page often for new specials.
They also offer free shipping for US orders that exceed $99.
Where to Buy Buck Knives
Before you even think of looking up “where to buy Buck Knives,” read through this section.
Of course, you can purchase them through the Buck Knives website, buckknives.com. Alternately, you can buy them through the online retailer Knifecenter.com
Check the online store locator on the Buck Knives website for information on distributors near you.
FAQ
Where are Buck Knives made?
There’s some confusion over the question, “where are Buck Knives made?”
All of the knives featured in this Buck Knives review are made in the company warehouse in Buck Falls, Idaho. However, this answer may not satisfy your inquisitive mind, and you might continue by asking, “Okay, Mr. HonestBrandReviews. Where are Buck Knives made today?”
A minority of the brand’s products are made in China, but we did not feature any of those knives. It’s these Chinese-made knives that are available on Amazon and have sadly garnered the company some ill-will.
Those knives don’t represent Buck Knives’ pinnacle output, which was highlighted in this Buck Knives review.
Who makes Buck Creek Knives?
You’re probably wondering who makes Buck Creek Knives, and we’ve got the answer for you. The knives are made by engineers in the company’s warehouse in Buck Falls, Idaho.
Is Buck Knives a family-owned business?
Buck Knives is a family business that’s been running for four generations. It’s remained strong for over a century!
The current owner, CJ Buck, still taps into customer communication avenues every week so he can speak directly with clients.
Who sells Buck Knives?
If you’re trying to figure out who sells this brand’s products, then this Buck Knives review has the answer for you. Here’s a rundown of places to purchase Buck Knives:
- Through their website, buckknives.com
- Local retailers like Sail Outdoors
- More retailers can be found through the store locator on the brand’s website
- Amazon also sells Buck Knives, but these are not the same knives that are made in the Buck Knives warehouse in Buck Falls, Idaho
Why does Buck Knives use stainless steel?
The company uses stainless steel because it’s the most versatile steel. Since many of their knives are custom-made Buck Knives selects steel because it can be molded to each customer’s specifics.
Why are Buck Knives famous for holding their edge?
Buck Knives hold their edge because they are designed to do so from the outset. This begins with knowing which steel to use.
After being treated to the correct amount of heat, Buck Knives uses their patented Edge2x Technology to finish the blade. This ensures that your knife should hold its edge as dearly as you hold onto your first high school football varsity jacket.
How do I sharpen my Buck Knives?
There’s an entire knife sharpening section on Buck Knives website that goes in-depth into the knife sharpening process.
It boils down to Al Buck’s knife sharpening philosophy: “Always cut into the stone, never drag your knife edge back over the stone, and always maintain your angle.”
If manually sharpening the knives seems like too much work you can mail your knife to the brand. They will sharpen it for $7 plus the shipping cost.
What is Buck Knives’ Shipping Policy?
Buck Knives typically ships their products within 2 days. Their engraved knives take an extra 3 days to ship, and custom knives take 8 weeks from order confirmation to shipment.
Buck Knives does not provide expedited shipping for custom knives. Thankfully, they ship to the United States and Canada. What’s even better is that you can nab free priority shipping if you’re within the US and your order totals more than $99.
What is Buck Knives’ Return Policy?
This Buck Knives review found that the company does not offer returns for custom knife orders.
That being said, they do provide returns if you ship them your product in its original packaging and attach a note notifying which product you’d like in exchange.
You must address your return package to BKI at 660 S. Lochsa Street, Post Falls, ID, 83854.
How to Contact Buck Knives
If you have any more questions, you can reach Buck Knives through a few avenues:
- Call 800-362-2825 x3
- Contact them through email at [email protected]
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