Buck 679 BuckLite Max Large Knife

During the last year I've conducted a bushcraft knife field test including 15 different robust knives. You can see the test by clicking HERE. One of the test knives was the Buck 679 BuckLite Max Large Knife.

History
Even if it's the classic hunting knives from the 60's (the Buck 110 Folding Hunter and the Buck 119 Special) that's most recognized among people; The Buck Knife company history reaches back to as long as the year 1899 when the founder Hoyt H. Buck 10 years old started his training as a blacksmith in Kansas USA. In 1902 the young Mr. Buck invents his own method of forging his blades to a higher capacity. Business took off and in 1949 when the well known knife maker Hoyt passes his son Al Buck continues his fathers legacy up until it was passed on again to Al's son Chuck Buck in 1991. Since then Chuck and his son CJ Buck together with Paul Bos have been keeping the family business going. From the start Buck's knife blades was made from stainless 440C steel, in 1981 this was replaced by the 425M steel and since 1991 the Buck blades comes in the well known stainless 420HC steel.

The 679 BuckLite Max Large Knife
This knife is an excellent hunting knife with it's nice rubber grip and easy cleaned sheath. But the 679 is also a pretty decent bushcraft knife. The full tang offer a strong yet slim handle and the stainless hollow grind drop point blade offer a sturdy 2,8 m thick and 99 mm long blade. The knife is offered in two colors; black and orange, with or without a gut hook. The black polyester sheath isn't the most beautiful but it gets the job done. To bad the sheath don't come with a drainage hole.

Praiseworthy All Round Knife
The Buck 679 is a hunting knife that works pretty good in most tasks; fishing, tactical (preferably with a custom sheath) and bushcraft. And all of this for a reasonable price. I got this knife on a sale for 200 SEK. Regarding my bushcraft knife field test; the Buck 679 ended up at 15th place even though the thin and short blade are features I really like. The reason for this result is the asymmetric shape of the knife that works great for taking care of game, but is hard to get used to when whittling. I also really like the smaller sibling; the Buck 673 BuckLite Max Small Knife for when out hunting. A smaller 20 mm shorter version of the Large.

During my bushcraft knife test Buck Knives launched a new interesting product; the Buck 863 Selkirk Knife; a pure bushcraft knife that I'm looking forward testing in the near future. I Like the Buck 679 therefor it hurts me a bit to see it last in my bushcraft knife field test. But all 15 test knives were great and someone has to come last. I'm Looking forward to continue bushcrafting with this slick knife, especially while hunting and fishing.

Specs
Manufacturer: Buck Knives Inc, based in Idaho USA
Model: 679 BuckLite Max Large Knife
Blade material: Stainless 420HC steel, 58 HRC
Blade length: 99 mm
Blade thickness: 2,8 mm
Blade width: 30,4 mm
Edge profile: Hollow grind with a primar bevel of 30° angle
Knife length: 218 mm
Handle material: Black Alcryn MPR (rubber)
Handle thickness: 15,9 mm
Sheath material: Black Polyester
Sheath weight: 37 g
Knife weight: 118 g
Total weight (knife and sheath): 155 g
Price: 435 SEK (Sweden 2015)

Welcome to Jonas Vildmark Bushcraftcenter, we offer classes in  Bushcraft - Survival - Jägarexamen and Motorsågskörkort.

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Buck 110 Folding Hunter

When I say the word "folding knife" the picture that pops up in your head is probably the one of the Buck 110 Folding Hunter. In 1963 Buck creates a robust lock back folder of a design that made it the classic it is today. Together with it's siblings the 110 has become one of the world's most bought folders. This year the Buck 110 Folding Hunter celebrates it's 50 year anniversary and this I want to salute by writing this article.

History
Although it's these folders from the 60's that are Buck's most well known products the history of the company goes back to 1899 when the founder Hoyt H. Buck as a 10 year old becomes a blacksmith apprentice in Kansas USA. In 1902 the young Mr. Buck invents his own method of forging his knife blades giving them a more durable edge making his knife making bloom. In 1949 the talented knife maker Hoyt passes away leaving the business to his son Al Buck that continues the knife making until 1991. Since then Al's son Chuck Buck and his son CJ Buck have passed on the family legacy together with Paul Bos that is Buck's current CEO.

On April 18th 1963 Buck's Board decides on developing a robust lock back folder for hunting use. The year after that the company introduces the knife model 110 Folding Hunter and the success is a fact. There had been robust folders on the market prior to the 110 but Buck was the first to refine the design of the knife and also add a leather holster for convenient carry. The knife attracted not only hunters, also farmers and other craftsmen started to carry this elegant and practical tool in their every day hard work. Initially the 110 was equipped with a 440C stainless steel but in 1981 this steel was replaced by the 425M and since 1991 Buck has used the well known stainless steel 440HC as their standard blade steel. Of course this year's 50 year anniversary is celebrated with an anniversary model.

Siblings
Soon the siblings of the 110 started turning up. First out was the Buck 112 Ranger in 1969; a more compact version with a shorter blade The Buck 55 can be described as a miniature of the 110. If you're more into drop point blades I can recommend you take a look at the Buck 500 series. The 110 and 112 is also offered with a finger grooved handle (FG). Also a light weight version of the 110 and the 112 called EcoLite was in production between 2010-2013.

Since the launch of the 110 almost every knife maker has at least one folder in there catalogue inspired by the legendary Buck 110. Here you see some examples, from the left hand side; Chinese folder, anonymous copy, Cold Steel Mackinac Hunter, Valor Super Sport, Buck The 55, Buck 112 Ranger EcoLite, Buck 112 Ranger and Buck 110 Folding Hunter.

The Classic Design of the 110
Most of the knife's weight is situated in the brass handle equipped with stainless steel details and handle scales made of wood. Since 1994 the scales is made of laminated birch (Dymondwood) dyed to give the look of the wood used on the older knives; Makassar Ebony. The shape of the blade and the nail nick makes it easy to open the knife and the lock back mechanism locks the blade nice and tight when opened. The 94 mm long and 20,5 mm wide beautiful clip point blade is delivered with an excellent edge straight out of the box and it's a joy to let the knife work trough all kinds of material. When it comes to field dressing my game I personally prefer the shorter blade of the 112 Ranger, but when I need a good all round folder I gladly carry the 110 on my belt. As the Buck 110 Folding Hunter is a pretty heavy folder the well made 2,8 mm thick leather holster is perfect for carry. The black holster of my newest 110 has a 25 mm wide loop for the belt, but looking at my older holsters I notice that the loop is 5 mm wider.

Specs
Blade Material: Stainless steel 420HC, HRC 58
Blade Length: 94 mm
Blade Thickness: 3 mm
Knife Length: 125 mm / 218 mm
Handle Material: Brass, Stainless steel and birch
Handle Thickness: 15,4 mm
Knife Weight: 210 g
Holster Material: Leather
Total Weight: 269 g (knife and holster)
Price: 610 SEK (Sweden 2013)

Childhood Dream and Faithful Life Partner
The genuine history of the 110 and the reasonable price in combination with the knife's potential makes it no surprise that this often is the first own knife of many youngsters with adventurous dreams. For me I can admit that the 110 was the first folder able to convince me to "just" bring a folder to a big game hunt. And the range of Buck's old lock back models makes it easy to find a knife for each occasion.

Jonas Vildmark hereby gratefully wish the Buck 110 Folding Hunter Congratulations and a Happy 50 year anniversary! May you join me on my adventures for at least another 50 years.





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Buck 112 Ranger

After Buck's success with the 110 Folding Hunter back in 1964 it didn't take long it's siblings turner up. First out was the Buck 112 Ranger in 1969; a more compact version with a about 20 mm shorter blade and a updated shape of the front brass bolster. This particular knife is from 1994 and ended up in my hands after some help from a nice Danish couple.

Design
The chubby clip point blade of the 112 is made of Buck's well known stainless steel 420HC; a nice all round steel that has been the company's standard steel since 1993. I especially like the blade length that allows me to put my finger on the tip of the blade not to damage any intestine when field dressing my game.

The famous Buck lock back mechanism locks the blade nice and tight when opened. 1994 was the first year Buck started using laminated birch in their handle scales. The wood is colored darker to imitate the previous scale material used; Makassar Ebony. The handle scales is nicely fitted into the robust brass frame.

As this is a pretty heavy folder it comes with a black 2,8 mm thick leather holster with a 30 mm wide loop for attaching to the belt. A more pocket friendly version of the 112 you can find in the EcoLite version produced between the years 2010-2013. If you want a Ranger with finger grooves you should check out the Finger Grooved (FG) 112.

Specs
Blade Material: Stainless steel 420HC, HRC 58
Blade Length: 75 mm
Blade Thickness: 3 mm
Knife Length: 109 mm / 184 mm
Handle Material: Brass, stainless steel and birch
Handle Thickness: 15,6 mm
Knife Weight: 175 g
Holster Material: Leather
Total Weight: 237 g (knife and holster)
Price: 590 SEK (Sweden 2013)

Out Hunting
This particular knife was actually the first folder that made me to "only" bring a folder to a big game hunt. The fact that the Buck 112 Ranger is a price worthy and robust folder in combination with Buck's genuine history makes this a ultimate hunting folder according to me. At this moment the fluffy snow is slowly falling outside my cabin window and I'm looking forward to this weekends Hare hunt. And of course then my 112 Ranger get to tag along.




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Buck 55

The 55 is one of Buck's smallest folders. The 55 is a family member of the famous lock back knife series from the 60's. After the hit of the Buck 110 Folding Hunter back in 1964 it didn't take long before it's siblings turned up. The 55:an is a mini version of the 110 but with a different shape of the wooden handle scales. This little folder fits most pockets and are a great gentlemen's EDC. This knife actually served as my Christmas Knife this year.

Buck 110 Folding Hunter and Buck The 55

Design
The 55:an weigh only a quarter of it's big brother the 110 and has about a 30 mm shorter blade that locks in with Buck's famous lock back mechanism. My earlier 110's and 112's all lock in nice and tight when opened, therefore I got a bit puzzled that this 55 wasn't as tight strait out of the box. But after been in contact with Buck they kindly offered me a new knife trough their lifetime warranty.

The nice and sharp clip point blade of the 55 is made of the stainless steel 420HC that Buck has been using as their standard steel since 1993. The handle is made of brass, stainless steel details and scales of laminated birch dyed to imitate Ebony.

Specs
Blade Material: Stainless steel 420HC, HRC 58
Blade Length: 59 mm
Blade Thickness: 2 mm
Knife Length: 87 mm / 146 mm
Handle Material: Brass, stainless steel and birch
Handle Thickness: 8,3 mm
Knife Weight: 55 g
Price: 530 SEK (Sweden 2013)

A Every Day Faithful Companion
The 55 is a very nice little folder which fits in the category I like to call the Little Jeans Pocket (LJP); knives small enough to fit in that small pocket just above the big right hand jeans pocket. If you're interested in a drop point version of the 55; I recommend you to check out the Buck 500 series.

I can recommend you a visit to Lamnia to check out more Buck and other stuff.

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Buck 112 Ranger EcoLite

EcoLite is the name of Buck's more modern versions of the classics from the 60's; 110 Folding Hunter and 112 Ranger. The EcoLite knive's handles are made of the light weight material PaperStone instead of brass and wood. EcoLite was offered in two colors; Grass Green and Plum Red, and was in production between the years 2010-2013. My knife is a red Buck 112 Ranger EcoLite from 2011. After falling in love with my 1994 classic Buck 112 Ranger I got curious and ordered it's light weight sibling. I wanted a more pocket friendly folder than the heavy classic and the EcoLite turned out to be a perfect full-size EDC.

Design
The 112's chubby clip point blade is made of Buck's well known stainless steel 420HC that has been their standard steel since 1993. I think the weight balance between handle and blade is a bit better on the EcoLite version than on the classic 112 that has a almost twice as heavy handle than the EcoLite. The chape of the handle is a bit updated on the EcoLite and a Buck logo is added to the handles left side.
The knife's lock back mechanism is nice and tight and works smoothly.

Just as the classic 112 the EcoLite comes with a sheath. But instead of the black leather sheath the EcoLite is delivered with a stuffed black Cordura sheath that can be attached to the belt either horizontal or vertical. One advantage of the EcoLite version compared to the heavier classic is that it's more comfortable to carry in the pocket without a sheath. I like this especially when I'm also moving in urban environments.

Specs
Blade Material: Stainless steel 420HC HRC 58
Blade Length: 75 mm
Blade Thickness: 3 mm
Knife Length: 109 mm / 183 mm
Handle Material: PaperStone and stainless steel
Handle Thickness: 15,3 mm
Knife Weight: 94 g
Holster Material: Stuffed Cordura (synthetic)
Total Weight: 115 g (knife with sheath)
Price: 450 SEK (Sweden 2013)

A Favorite
I'd like to categorize the classic brass 112 as a ultimate hunting folder. Of course the EcoLite 112 also is excellent when taking care of game, but for me this is a ultimate full size EDC for days outside the woods when I need a some what bigger folder. I recognize that the green version seems to be the most popular, but I prefer this red less tactical looking color to my EDC. The Buck 112 Ranger EcoLite is a no fuzz practical and good looking folder delivering high quality at a good price.





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Buck General 120

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This is in my opinion one of the most beautiful clip point blades ever produced. This classic also got smaller siblings in the Special 119, Pathfinder 105 and the Woodsman 102 . The Buck General feels light when you pick it up. I would have preferred a bit more weight in the blade. The original Buck General is not manufactured anymore but a tribute knife called Boone and Crocket can be found at Buck. I'm glad I found this knife for a reasonable prize on the used market. Today the old Generals are highly attractive on the collectors market.

Knife length: 305 mm
Knife weight: 241 g
Blade: Clip point
Blade material: Stainless steel 420 HC
Blade length: 191 mm
Blade width: 29 mm
Blade thickness: 4,5 mm
Edge: Straight plain
Handle: Finger grooved with guard and butt of aluminum
Handle material: Black phenolic and metal
Handle length: 114 mm
Sheath: One push button lock and one leg strap
Sheath material: Black leather
Sheath length: 360 mm
Sheath weight: 178 g
Total length (knife in sheath): 360 mm
Total weight (knife and sheath): 418 g

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