Buck Knives 658 Pursuit Pro Small Drop Point Knife Review

Let’s Talk About Buck Knives 658 Pursuit Pro Small Drop Point Knife

The Buck Knives 658 Pursuit Pro Small Drop Point Knife is a testament to Buck Knives’ commitment to quality, functionality, and user-focused design in the realm of hunting knives. This isn’t just another blade; it’s a meticulously crafted tool, blending a highly visible, sure-grip handle with the renowned edge retention of S35VN steel, promising exceptional performance in the field. It’s a knife designed to be an extension of your hand, built to withstand the rigors of the hunt, and easy to maintain when back home.

My search for the perfect hunting knife has been a long one, often fraught with compromises. I needed a blade that held an edge, was comfortable for extended use during skinning, and wouldn’t break the bank – the Buck Knives 658 Pursuit Pro Small Drop Point Knife seemed to fit the bill perfectly.

Upon unboxing, the immediate impression was one of quality and thoughtful design. The black and orange Versaflex handle provided a secure and comfortable grip, while the satin finish on the S35VN steel blade exuded a sense of rugged elegance. The knife felt perfectly balanced in my hand, with a satisfying weight that inspired confidence.

Compared to my old Gerber Gator and a more recent Benchmade Saddle Mountain Skinner, the Buck Knives 658 Pursuit Pro Small Drop Point Knife offered a superior steel quality and a more ergonomic handle. While the Gerber prioritized a very aggressive grip and the Benchmade, a premium price tag, the Buck Knives 658 Pursuit Pro Small Drop Point Knife appeared to hit the sweet spot between performance and value. Initial impressions were definitely exciting; this felt like a knife I could rely on.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Buck Knives 658 Pursuit Pro Small Drop Point Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Buck Knives 658 Pursuit Pro Small Drop Point Knife was on a late-season deer hunt in the rugged terrain of the Colorado Rockies. The conditions were challenging, with intermittent snow and temperatures hovering just above freezing. I field-dressed and skinned a mature whitetail buck with the knife and was immediately impressed by its performance.

The S35VN steel held its edge exceptionally well, even after working through thick hide and bone. The drop point blade shape proved ideal for skinning, minimizing the risk of accidentally puncturing the internal organs. The Versaflex handle offered a secure grip, even with wet and bloody hands, ensuring precise control throughout the process. There were no unexpected issues; this knife performed flawlessly right out of the box.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use on multiple hunting trips and various outdoor tasks, the Buck Knives 658 Pursuit Pro Small Drop Point Knife has proven to be remarkably durable and reliable. There are no signs of significant wear and tear on the blade or handle. The edge retention remains excellent, requiring only occasional touch-ups with a ceramic honing rod.

Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward. A quick wash with soap and water, followed by a light coating of oil on the blade, is all it takes to keep the knife in top condition. Compared to my previous hunting knives, the Buck Knives 658 Pursuit Pro Small Drop Point Knife significantly outperforms them in terms of edge retention, comfort, and overall durability. It has exceeded my expectations in every way.

Breaking Down the Features of Buck Knives 658 Pursuit Pro Small Drop Point Knife

Specifications

The Buck Knives 658 Pursuit Pro Small Drop Point Knife boasts impressive specifications that contribute to its overall performance:

• Blade Length: 3.75 inches (9.5 cm). This offers a perfect balance of control and cutting power, ideal for skinning and other hunting tasks.
• Overall Length: 7.375 inches (18.7 cm). The compact size makes it easy to carry and maneuver in tight spaces.
• Blade Shape: Drop Point. This minimizes accidental punctures during skinning and offers versatility for general work.
• Blade Material: S35VN Steel. The steel offers exceptional edge retention, ease of resharpening, ductility, hardness, toughness, and corrosion resistance.
• Handle Material: Versaflex. This provides a secure, comfortable, and highly visible grip.
• Weight: 3.3 oz (93.6 g). Lightweight design reduces hand fatigue during extended use.
• Sheath Material: Heavy Duty Polyester. The sheath is durable and provides secure carry with a belt loop.

These specifications combine to create a knife that is both capable and comfortable to use.

Performance & Functionality

The Buck Knives 658 Pursuit Pro Small Drop Point Knife excels in its primary function: processing game. The blade’s sharp edge and ergonomic handle make skinning and field dressing efficient and effortless. The drop point design offers excellent control, minimizing the risk of accidental damage to valuable meat.

The knife’s only weakness might be its size for larger game. While perfectly adequate for deer and similar-sized animals, it might feel slightly small for tackling larger game like elk or moose. Overall, the performance of this knife far exceeds my expectations for a knife in this price range.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Buck Knives 658 Pursuit Pro Small Drop Point Knife is clearly driven by functionality. The Versaflex handle is contoured to fit comfortably in the hand, providing a secure grip even in wet conditions. The orange accents make the knife easy to spot, preventing accidental loss in the field.

The knife has a full tang that runs the length of the handle which gives the knife a continuous structure resulting in a strong, reliable knife, perfect for heavy-duty task. There is no learning curve; the knife feels intuitive and comfortable from the first use.

Durability & Maintenance

The S35VN steel blade and robust construction suggest that the Buck Knives 658 Pursuit Pro Small Drop Point Knife is built to last. With proper care, this knife should provide years of reliable service. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and sharpening.

Buck’s Forever Warranty is a testament to the company’s confidence in the quality of its products.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Buck Knives 658 Pursuit Pro Small Drop Point Knife comes with a durable nylon sheath, equipped with a belt loop for convenient carry. Aftermarket customization options are limited, as the knife is a fixed-blade design with an integral handle. However, the knife is compatible with various aftermarket sharpening systems and blade maintenance products.

Pros and Cons of Buck Knives 658 Pursuit Pro Small Drop Point Knife

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Who Should Buy Buck Knives 658 Pursuit Pro Small Drop Point Knife?

The Buck Knives 658 Pursuit Pro Small Drop Point Knife is perfect for hunters seeking a reliable, high-performance knife for processing game. It’s also well-suited for backpackers and campers who need a versatile and durable cutting tool.

Those processing very large game regularly, or those wanting extensive customization options, should skip this product. A high-quality sharpening system is a must-have accessory.

Conclusion on Buck Knives 658 Pursuit Pro Small Drop Point Knife

The Buck Knives 658 Pursuit Pro Small Drop Point Knife is a standout performer in its class. The value proposition is excellent; you get a high-quality S35VN steel blade and a comfortable, ergonomic handle at a price that won’t break the bank.

I would highly recommend the Buck Knives 658 Pursuit Pro Small Drop Point Knife to any hunter or outdoor enthusiast seeking a reliable and capable tool. If you are in the market for a new hunting knife, consider the Buck Knives 658 Pursuit Pro Small Drop Point Knife and experience the difference that quality and thoughtful design can make.