Buck Knives 55 Pocket Knife Overview

Backside Line

The Buck Knives 55 is a timeless pocket knife that blends heritage design with on a regular basis practicality. Its compact measurement, sharp clip-point blade, and sturdy lockback mechanism make it a basic, dependable EDC blade. We examined the 55 on day by day chores, resembling opening packaging, slicing cordage, and lightweight whittling round camp. The real ebony deal with and brass bolsters give it a degree of expertise hardly ever seen at this value level, particularly for a U.S.-made knife.

Worth-wise, the 55 is made for these looking for conventional styling and long-lasting efficiency. It’s not designed for heavy-duty prying or speedy one-handed deployment, and it’s somewhat simpler to lose because it lacks a pocket clip. However when you admire a fantastically constructed, minimalist folder, it’s exhausting to beat. 

Try our information to the perfect pocket knives for different top-performing choices throughout totally different classes and value factors.

How We Examined

We examined the Buck Knives 55 over a number of weeks in northern Minnesota, utilizing it for tenting, paddling, climbing, and on a regular basis duties. It dealt with chores resembling making s’mores sticks, slicing rope, trimming paracord, reducing open packaging, and making ready path snacks. The knife noticed constant use in each backcountry and around-the-house settings to evaluate sturdiness, sharpness, and reliability.

Construct High quality

The Buck Knives 55 craftsmanship delivers noticeable consideration to element for its measurement and value level. From the second we unboxed it, the polished brass bolsters and real Crelicam ebony wooden scales stood out for his or her high quality and seamless transitions. There are not any noticeable gaps or imperfections within the match, and the blade sits completely centered when the machine is closed.

Over a number of weeks of testing in northern Minnesota, the 55 constantly held up towards day by day put on, together with some drops from our pockets. The hand-finished particulars and clean lockback operation are reassuring, and even after publicity to filth and moisture, the knife maintains its tight tolerance.

Blade Retention & Stability

For a knife this measurement and magnificence, the Buck 55’s blade retention is great. Out of the field, the two.4-inch 420HC chrome steel clip-point blade was shaving sharp. By way of repeated use of reducing cords, carving marshmallow sticks, opening packaging, and slicing cheese at camp, the sting maintained a pointy, controllable really feel.

Even after a weekend of fixed use in damp circumstances, it simply reduce via rope and whittled tinder with out dulling. Making use of lateral stress throughout testing revealed no side-to-side play, and the lockback mechanism stored the blade firmly secured throughout all duties. The 420HC metal, paired with Buck’s famend warmth remedy, provides a pleasant mixture of edge retention and simple sharpening, which we admire for its versatility in on a regular basis use or out within the discipline.

Ergonomics & Grip

The Buck 55 has a safe grip regardless of its small measurement. That mentioned, testers with small palms most popular this knife, whereas people with bigger palms would possibly discover the three.4-inch deal with too small. Regardless, the contoured form and rounded edges make it nice to carry. Throughout our check outings, it felt pure to carve sticks and did nicely, even slicing via thick cardboard.

The polished wooden and brass deal with turn out to be somewhat slick in moist circumstances, however the conventional deal with form allowed us to take care of management with cautious grip placement. Not like many fashionable knives, there’s no aggressive texturing or finger grooves.

Corrosion Resistance

In our corrosion discipline exams, the 420HC metal and warmth remedy confirmed no drastic indicators of corrosion or pitting, even after a 24-hour saltwater mist check. And through tenting journeys in humid, lakeside circumstances, the blade retained its end. With continued publicity and use in these settings, upkeep will likely be obligatory to take care of look and high quality, however this must be minimal.

The brass bolsters, though lovely, started to develop a light-weight patina as a consequence of dealing with and publicity to the outside. This can be a pure attribute that many customers discover provides allure to the design.

Locking Mechanism

The lockback mechanism on the Buck 55 is considered one of its most reassuring options. TThe blade by no means fails to lock into place with an audible snap. Disengaging the lock is a button-like system situated on the backbone of the knife, which requires minimal stress, and we by no means discovered it cumbersome.

Even after publicity to sand, grit, and moisture, the lock had no points; nonetheless, holding the locking space clear will enhance its efficiency. Its central backbone placement is intuitive and retains fingers clear from the blade’s path when closing. In comparison with body and liner locks in equally priced knives, the Buck 55’s lockback feels safer and longer lasting.

Weight

At simply 1.9 ounces, the Buck 55 strikes an excellent steadiness between sturdiness and excessive portability. It does are inclined to disappear in jean pockets or backpack pouch,es however nonetheless feels substantial sufficient to deal with most day by day duties.

On the path, it’s a straightforward carry, and its weight by no means seems like a compromise.

Ought to You Purchase the Buck Knives 55 Pocket Knife?

The Buck Knives 55 is a wonderful selection for anybody on the lookout for smooth, conventional craftsmanship in a compact bundle. It’s well-suited for individuals who worth U.S.-made sturdiness and a knife that appears nearly as good because it performs. 

The 55 shines in mild to reasonable day by day duties, resembling slicing cordage, whittling sticks, or opening packages, however it has its limitations. Its smaller measurement and understated look are good for workplace settings or journey in areas with stricter blade legal guidelines.

These looking for a bigger, extra fashionable tactical or utility knife for heavy-duty use might discover it limiting. Worth-wise, The 55 delivers long-term price due to its heirloom high quality and lifelong guarantee. It’s a knife you need to be capable of depend upon for years and one you’ll probably need to go down.

What Different Pocket Knives Ought to You Take into account?

Should you’re drawn to the compact, conventional design of the Buck 55, you’ll discover extra nice choices in our information to the greatest pocket knives. Listed here are a number of different standout fashions price contemplating:

Benchmade Bugout 535 Overview: For many who love the Buck 55’s simplicity however need one thing extra fashionable and ultralight, the Benchmade Bugout 535 is a good choice. It has a drop-point blade with wonderful edge retention and a reversible deep-carry clip. Its grippy, textured deal with and ambidextrous lock make it dependable for each city and path use. Whereas it’s not constructed for heavy-duty jobs, it excels for hikers, backpackers, and anybody looking for a barely noticeable pocket presence.

CRKT Squid Overview: Should you admire the Buck 55’s compact measurement however want a extra tactical really feel, the CRKT Squid is a worthy consideration. This small knife continues to be comparatively small however has a bit burlier of a really feel and provides extra versatility. It’s nonetheless solely well-suited for mild to reasonable reducing duties however comes at an excellent value.

Gerber Paralite Overview: The Gerber Paralite is an inexpensive, slim different for individuals who prioritize portability. Its blade is straightforward to take care of and performs nicely for on a regular basis duties. The twin thumb studs and body lock present fast, one-handed operation, which is extra purposeful than the Buck55 two-handed deployment. Should you’re on the lookout for a light-weight, budget-friendly pocket knife that slips simply into your denims or backpack, the Paralite is a sensible selection.