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Here's my opinion on the Bantam (vs Bucklite Max): For starters, we're talking about the small model 284 "BBW" Bantam with a 2.75" blade, not the 283 Nano (a keychain knife, 3" overall closed with 1 7/8" blade). The Bantam is high quality knife, but has a few drawbacks. Get the Bucklite max....UNLESS you are only considering the small size. We got the small Bantam for our 8yr old (birthday present) & it's a nice knife - HOWEVER, not as nice as the medium size Bucklite Max I got for myself...really nice, the nicest knife I've ever owned (& I own many) - more on this in a minute. The small Bantam has no clip attached...& it's small, making it ideal for traditional pocket carry...but the blade is huge compared to the overall length of the knife closed. Buck performed some wizardry with the Bantam...hard to explain, but the 2.75" blade is effectively nearly as long as what you'd find on most knives with a 3" blade. The sharpened portion runs as close to the full length as possible, whereas other knives (Bucklite included) have more unsharpened metal towards the hinge. There's more to it than that...as I said, hard to explain. Basically, with the small Bantam you get a medium sized blade & a handle that's ideal for smaller hands. Ok, so here's what I don't like about the SMALL Bantam (medium & large assumed the same, but I don't know); The fit & overall design is inferior to the Bucklite Max. Finish is outstanding, but there's a big (& unnecessary) gap on either side of the blade when the knife is folded. That's not a deal breaker however, nor is the skeletonized inside surface of the handles, which surely doesn't save much weight & surely will collect dust, lint & crud! The Bucklite max is totally smooth inside (& out). The lock release located in the middle didn't impress me either...& the spring mechanism seems cheap compared to the Bucklite max (which is the same as previous Bucklite & regular brass end 112/110 models - good design there). Don't let this dissuade you though, the Bantam is still a nice knife. Regarding the medium & large Bantam; I researched these & they both have a clip attached - BUT, it's not a pocket clip in the way the Bucklite Max has one. The med/Lg Bantam's have a clip that's positioned much lower than the clip on the Bucklite Max, which is best suited for belt carry, as the knife will sit well out of one's pocket. The Bantam clip is removable, whereas the Bucklite Max clip is not. The Bantam clip appears to be painted ferrous metal, which will wear & rust (I saw this in used eBay listings) & the Bucklite Max clip is stainless steel (permanently affixed, also very sturdy). All three Bucklite Max sizes have a clip, which it's important to note, it mounted right at the end, keeping protrusion from ones pocket to an absolute minimum. The clips on the Bantam (med/Lg) are also on the opposite end, located by the hinge...which seems to lend itself to belt carry. I LOVE my medium Bucklite Max...honestly the best knife I've ever handled - mirror finish on the blade & tight as a drum while opening effortlessly. It's a bit large for anyone under age 10 & fwiw, a 3" blade is the max legal length in some states, also, bigger isn't necessarily better (although I do plan on buying a large size for camping). The small Bucklite Max appears to have a blade that's less symmetrical with the handle compared to the med & Lg sizes...but perhaps it just doesn't photograph well, I've never seen one in person. LASTLY: Beware USA made vs China!!!! Buck screwed up & decided to produce the early runs of the Bantam (also possibly Bucklite Max, but I don't think so) in CHINA :(. The quality said to be the same, but ugg, China, no thanks...USA please. Check the fine print & ask questions. The blade will be marked where the knife was made. One minor thing I noticed is the "BUCK" &/or "USA" stampings vary ...some have B U C K stamped where you can see it with the blade closed (which I prefer) & some have all stampings at the base towards the hinge. Prices are all over the place, so shop around. I paid $15 shipped for the small Bantam (available closer to $13, but those places were further away & I was in a rush). The meduim Bucklite Max can be had around $20 shipped. I can't comment on other sizes, but figure on $16/$22/$29 with some looking, more of less. Do spend some time researching the Buck model designation nomenclature. There's both numbers & letters for each model...bbw, blw, 285, 286, ect - totally confusing Buck! Can't resist saying one more thing: Dear Buck, WHY didn't you provide the info above on your website? It took me a LOT of research to glean this info, but it should be easier. I'm sure others will be helped by it.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
I am a CA resident. There are a number of restrictions here for carrying pocket knives. I was looking for something light weight, locking blade, thin, thumb assisted, and less than a 3 inch blade. I found everything I was expecting and beyond. I was concerned at first about the plastic, but it's stiff. I don't even notice it in my pocket.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
I was pleasantly surprised when I received this knife. It is a nice size for an every day carry knife. Don't expect to chop firewood with it, but it should be more than adequate for most folks. I also like to fact that the Knife utilizes a back lock that is very positive but easy to operate. It is a bit tight opening, but expect it to wear in with time. It does not have a pocket clip, but it's small size serves well as a pocket knife.Overall it is a lot for the money.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Unfortunately I lost my favorite Buck pocket knife recently (still hoping it will show up..). It was a very unique design with a triangular blade and plastic handle. Very light and a very sharp point and no belly on the blade. But, I found a similar one that fits the bill for me. It is now my every day carry knife. Works great... its light, one hand opening and very sharp. What more could you ask for. My first criteria for an every day carry knife is that I don't know I'm carrying it. If I can feel it in my pocket, its either too big or too heavy. Just wished it had that triangular blade and sharp tip that my old one had.... :-(
Verified purchase: No
Great little knife! Sturdy,sharpens easily and holds an edge nicely! Opens and closes easily! Perfect for carrying in my pocket! Not too bulky! And at a good price! Just what I was looking for! I highly recommend it!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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