Buck Knives Pursuit Guthook Folding Knife Review

Let’s Talk About Buck Knives Pursuit Guthook Folding Knife

The Buck Knives Pursuit Guthook Folding Knife is designed as a practical hunting tool with the convenience of a folding blade. This knife, manufactured by Buck Knives, aims to provide a balanced design with the utility of a gut hook, all in a compact package.

I was looking for a reliable folding knife specifically designed for field dressing game. I needed something more compact than my usual fixed-blade hunting knife but still offered the essential gut hook feature for efficient processing in the field. Upon unboxing the Buck Knives Pursuit Guthook Folding Knife, I immediately noticed its lightweight construction. The green and black handle offered a secure grip, and the blade felt solid and well-made.

Compared to my older Gerber folding knife and a friend’s Benchmade hunting knife, the Buck Knives Pursuit Guthook Folding Knife stood out due to its dedicated gut hook and more affordable price point. The deciding factor was the specific focus on hunting functionality without sacrificing portability. I was excited to test it out during the upcoming deer season, hoping it would live up to Buck Knives’s reputation for quality.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Buck Knives Pursuit Guthook Folding Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Buck Knives Pursuit Guthook Folding Knife during a deer hunting trip in the Pennsylvania backcountry. The weather was damp and cold, with intermittent rain, providing challenging conditions for knife handling. The grooved handle design allowed for a secure grip, even with wet gloves.

The knife opened smoothly with the double-sided thumb stud, and the blade locked firmly into place. Using the gut hook to open the deer’s abdominal cavity was surprisingly easy and efficient, much quicker and cleaner than using the tip of a standard blade. There were no issues or unexpected problems encountered during its initial use.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of continuous use during the hunting season, the Buck Knives Pursuit Guthook Folding Knife has proven to be a reliable tool. It has held its edge well, requiring only minor touch-ups with a honing steel. The glass-reinforced nylon handle has shown no signs of wear, despite being exposed to mud, blood, and varying temperatures.

Cleaning the knife after each use is relatively simple, and the folding design allows for easy access to all parts of the blade and handle. Compared to my previous hunting knives, the Buck Knives Pursuit Guthook Folding Knife offers a better balance of portability, functionality, and ease of maintenance, exceeding my initial expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of Buck Knives Pursuit Guthook Folding Knife

Specifications

• Blade Length: 3.5 inches. This provides a good balance between cutting power and maneuverability for field dressing tasks.
• Closed Length: 5 inches. This compact size makes it easy to carry in a pocket or on a belt.
• Blade Material: 420HC Stainless Steel. This steel offers a good combination of corrosion resistance, edge retention, and ease of sharpening.
• Knife Application: Hunting, Folding Blade. Its design is specifically tailored for hunting tasks with the added benefit of being a folding knife.
• Overall Length: 8.5 inches. This offers sufficient reach for most game processing needs.
• Handle Finish: Satin. The satin finish provides a comfortable and secure grip.
• Blade Finish: Plain. The plain blade finish is practical and easy to clean.
• Sheath Material: Polyester. The sheath provides a safe and convenient way to carry the knife.
• Handle Color: Green/Black. This offers good visibility and a tactical aesthetic.
• Package Type: Box. The knife comes securely packaged in a box.

These specifications are important because they define the knife’s intended use and overall performance. The 420HC steel and ergonomic handle design ensure both durability and comfort in demanding outdoor conditions.

Performance & Functionality

The Buck Knives Pursuit Guthook Folding Knife performs its primary job of field dressing game exceptionally well. The gut hook is sharp and efficiently opens the abdominal cavity without damaging internal organs. The partially serrated blade is well-suited for cutting through tough hides and tissues.

The knife’s strengths lie in its specialized design and ease of carry, but the blade steel could be upgraded for even better edge retention. It meets and, in some ways, exceeds expectations for a hunting-specific folding knife in this price range.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is solid, with the glass-reinforced nylon handle providing a lightweight yet sturdy grip. The Buck Knives Pursuit Guthook Folding Knife feels comfortable in hand, even during extended use. The thumb stud allows for easy one-handed opening, and the blade locks securely.

There’s minimal learning curve; it’s a straightforward tool designed for ease of use. The grip is well-contoured and the materials feel durable in hand.

Durability & Maintenance

The Buck Knives Pursuit Guthook Folding Knife appears to be built to last, with durable materials and solid construction. The 420HC steel is corrosion-resistant, and the nylon handle is resistant to impacts and abrasions. Maintaining the knife is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and sharpening.

A few drops of oil on the pivot point keep the action smooth. The blade steel is easy to sharpen, ensuring it’s ready for repeated use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Buck Knives Pursuit Guthook Folding Knife comes with a polyester sheath and a ball chain attachment. There are no readily available customization options for the handle or blade. The knife is designed as a complete package, focusing on functionality over customizability.

The sheath is compatible with most standard belt loops. Buck Knives offers other sheaths and accessories separately that might be compatible.

Pros and Cons of Buck Knives Pursuit Guthook Folding Knife

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Who Should Buy Buck Knives Pursuit Guthook Folding Knife?

The Buck Knives Pursuit Guthook Folding Knife is perfect for hunters who prioritize portability and a dedicated gut hook for efficient field dressing. It’s also suitable for outdoorsmen needing a reliable folding knife for general camp tasks. Those who require a knife with superior edge retention or extensive customization options should consider other models.

A sharpening steel and some good quality gun oil would make a great pairing with this knife. Also consider a knife cleaning kit.

Conclusion on Buck Knives Pursuit Guthook Folding Knife

The Buck Knives Pursuit Guthook Folding Knife is a well-designed and functional tool that delivers on its promise of providing a compact and efficient hunting knife. The price of $79.99 is justified by the knife’s durability, specialized features, and overall performance. I would personally recommend it to any hunter seeking a reliable and portable gut hook knife.

It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to streamline their field dressing process and experience the quality craftsmanship Buck Knives is known for. Grab one and experience the difference a purpose-built tool can make in the field.