Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I originally bought this knife just over a year ago so I'd have something to throw in the backpack that I take to the blind with me. It feels very solid with the rubberized handle and seemed like it would be perfect for cleaning/quartering a deer. I also opted for the model with the guthook since they can be very convenient when opening up an animal and removing the skin as well (although I realize that's a matter of opinion).
Unfortunately, the reality of this knife has not lived up to expectations and I'm now trying to decide whether I should just throw it away (since I'll never use it again) or keep it in my pile of junk knives (since I hate to throw things away when they cost too much...).
Here are the problems I've run into with this knife:
1) I always carry a Benchmade pocket knife with an Axis lock so I'd forgotten that not all locking mechanisms are completely safe. That is, unfortunately, the case with the locking liner on this knife. Honestly, I've never had a locking liner that closed so easily by accident - any kind of hacking will unlock the liner (like breaking up ice or trying to hack through a bone). I know many people may say 'you shouldn't do that with a knife' - but I think we should be able to trust our folding knives not to cut our fingers off in pretty much any situation.
2) The steel on this knife is very soft (420HC). As a result, it is easy to sharpen but only holds an edge for a short time. Personally, I'd prefer something at least a bit harder so I don't have to resharpen it 6 times per animal.Since I've gotten this knife I truly have tried to like it. I've started gutting/skinning every deer with it - but I've always ended up finishing with whichever pocket knife I happen to be carrying (which are all far superior to this Buck knife when it comes to cleaning and quartering). Yesterday, I actually had it close on my pinky finger - and that's the first time I was glad it doesn't hold an edge very well. :)
I know some people really do prefer a knife that is easier to sharpen instead of a knife that will hold an edge. If that's you, then go for one of the fixed blade Buck knives in this family - they will probably be exactly what you're looking for. Other than those people, I can't think of a single group that I would recommend this knife too.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Buck 278 Folding Alpha Hunter, Rubber Handle with Guthook, Liner Lock Folding Hunter
Buck Knives 278BK Folding Alpha Hunter TM is the evolution of Buck's venerable 110 Folding Hunter, one of the most copied knives in the knife industry. The Folding Alpha Hunter is solid, smooth and feels like it was made for your hand. It is the companion to the fixed blade Alpha Hunters, offering a liner locking folding version of this popular design. The Alpha Hunter features a 3-1/2" drop point 420HC stainless steel blade with a gut hook, and is 5" long closed. It weighs 8 oz, and comes with ruberized handles that leave the border of the handle exposed, and sport grip ridges along the top of the rear frame for an extra sure grip. The Folding Alpha Hunter comes with a fitted heavy duty black nylon sheath, and as with all Buck Knives, features Buck's 4-Ever Unconditional Lifetime Warranty.
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