Buck Knives 656 Pursuit Pro Large Drop Point Knife Review

Let’s Talk About Buck Knives 656 Pursuit Pro Large Drop Point Knife

The Buck Knives 656 Pursuit Pro Large Drop Point Knife is a purpose-built tool designed for the serious hunter. Manufactured by Buck Knives, a company synonymous with American knifemaking tradition, this knife boasts a high-end S35VN steel blade, a comfortable and grippy Versaflex handle, and a full-tang construction for maximum durability. With its drop point blade shape, it’s poised to be a versatile companion in the field.

My journey to finding the Buck Knives 656 Pursuit Pro Large Drop Point Knife began with a recurring frustration. I needed a reliable hunting knife that could hold an edge through an entire deer processing session, without needing constant touch-ups. I’d been using knives with softer steels, and frankly, they were letting me down, requiring frequent sharpening and lacking the toughness for some of the more demanding tasks.

Upon unboxing the Buck Knives 656 Pursuit Pro Large Drop Point Knife, I was immediately struck by its solid feel and ergonomic design. The orange accents on the black handle are not only visually appealing but also enhance visibility in low-light conditions – a thoughtful touch. The knife feels perfectly balanced in hand, and the textured Versaflex handle provides an exceptional grip, even when wet.

I considered the Benchmade Altitude and the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 before settling on the Buck Knives 656 Pursuit Pro Large Drop Point Knife. The Benchmade, while incredibly lightweight, felt a bit too delicate for heavy-duty tasks, and the Spyderco, though a fantastic EDC blade, lacked the specialized design for hunting that the Buck offered. The Buck Knives 656 Pursuit Pro Large Drop Point Knife seemed to strike the perfect balance of durability, edge retention, and specialized design.

My first impression was one of excitement tempered with a healthy dose of skepticism. I was excited to finally have a knife with S35VN steel, known for its superior edge retention and ease of sharpening, but I was also eager to see if it could truly live up to the hype in the demanding conditions of a hunting trip. Would it be the game-changer I was hoping for, or just another knife destined for the drawer of unused gear?

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Real-World Testing: Putting Buck Knives 656 Pursuit Pro Large Drop Point Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the Buck Knives 656 Pursuit Pro Large Drop Point Knife came during a whitetail deer hunt in the rugged terrain of the Pennsylvania mountains. The weather was typical for late fall – damp and chilly, with temperatures hovering around freezing. This provided a challenging environment to gauge the knife’s performance in less-than-ideal conditions.

The Buck Knives 656 Pursuit Pro Large Drop Point Knife proved to be remarkably easy to use right out of the box. The factory edge was razor-sharp, allowing for effortless skinning and field dressing of the deer. The drop point blade shape provided excellent control, minimizing the risk of accidental punctures, and the contoured handle offered a secure and comfortable grip, even with gloved hands.

There were no significant issues encountered during the first use, but one small surprise was the slight difficulty in re-sheathing the knife with one hand. The heavy-duty nylon sheath, while durable, required a bit of finessing to ensure the knife was securely locked in place. This is something I adjusted to over time, and is a trade-off I’m happy to make considering the sheath’s robustness.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Buck Knives 656 Pursuit Pro Large Drop Point Knife has proven to be an incredibly reliable and durable tool. It’s been used for everything from processing game to preparing firewood, and it has consistently performed beyond expectations.

Despite the demanding tasks, the knife has shown minimal signs of wear and tear. The S35VN steel blade has held its edge exceptionally well, requiring only occasional stropping to maintain its razor-sharpness. The Versaflex handle has also held up admirably, showing no signs of cracking or degradation.

Maintenance of the Buck Knives 656 Pursuit Pro Large Drop Point Knife is straightforward. After each use, I simply wash the blade with warm soapy water, dry it thoroughly, and apply a thin coat of mineral oil to prevent corrosion. The nylon sheath is also easy to clean – a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient.

Compared to my previous experiences with knives using lower-quality steels, the Buck Knives 656 Pursuit Pro Large Drop Point Knife has been a revelation. The superior edge retention, durability, and ergonomic design have significantly improved my efficiency and comfort in the field. It truly outperforms anything else I’ve used in this price range.

Breaking Down the Features of Buck Knives 656 Pursuit Pro Large Drop Point Knife

Specifications

• Blade Length: 4.5 inches – This provides ample cutting surface for most hunting tasks without being unwieldy.
• Overall Length: 8.625 inches – This offers a good balance between control and reach.
• Blade Shape: Drop Point – A versatile shape, ideal for skinning due to its controlled point.
• Blade Material: S35VN Steel – Buck’s choice of S35VN offers a great balance of edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance.
• Serrated: Plain – A plain edge is more versatile for general cutting and easier to sharpen.
• Knife Application: Hunting – This knife is specifically designed with the needs of hunters in mind.
• Included Accessories: Sheath – A durable nylon sheath is included for safe carry and storage.
• Handle Material: Versaflex – Versaflex provides a secure and comfortable grip, even in wet conditions.
• Blade Finish: Satin – A satin finish reduces glare and provides some corrosion resistance.
• Handle Color: Black/Orange – The high-visibility orange accents enhance safety.
• Blade Thickness: 0.14 inches – The thickness provides strength and rigidity for demanding tasks.
• Handle Finish: Glass-Filled Nylon – The glass-filled nylon underlay provides a robust and durable base for the Versaflex overmold.
• Sheath Material: Heavy Duty Polyester – Built to withstand the rigors of field use.
• Weight: 6.4 oz – Lightweight enough for comfortable carry, yet substantial enough for demanding tasks.
• Hand: Ambidextrous – Suitable for both right- and left-handed users.

These specifications contribute directly to the knife’s overall performance and user experience. The S35VN steel ensures excellent edge retention, while the drop point blade shape and ergonomic handle enhance control and comfort. The included sheath provides a safe and convenient way to carry the knife in the field.

Performance & Functionality

The Buck Knives 656 Pursuit Pro Large Drop Point Knife excels at its intended job: processing game. Its razor-sharp S35VN steel blade makes quick work of skinning, gutting, and quartering animals, while its ergonomic handle provides a secure and comfortable grip, even during extended use.

The knife’s greatest strength is its edge retention. The S35VN steel holds its edge remarkably well, requiring only occasional stropping to maintain its sharpness. One potential weakness is the sheath, which can be a bit difficult to re-sheath with one hand, especially when wearing gloves.

The Buck Knives 656 Pursuit Pro Large Drop Point Knife exceeds expectations. It delivers a level of performance and durability that is typically found in knives costing significantly more. It’s a true workhorse that can handle even the most demanding tasks with ease.

Design & Ergonomics

The Buck Knives 656 Pursuit Pro Large Drop Point Knife features a well-thought-out design that prioritizes functionality and comfort. The combination of S35VN steel, Versaflex handle, and full-tang construction results in a knife that is both durable and comfortable to use.

The knife feels perfectly balanced in hand, and the contoured handle provides a secure and comfortable grip, even when wet. There is no significant learning curve associated with using the Buck Knives 656 Pursuit Pro Large Drop Point Knife. It’s intuitive to use, even for those with limited experience with hunting knives.

Durability & Maintenance

The Buck Knives 656 Pursuit Pro Large Drop Point Knife is built to last. Its full-tang construction and high-quality materials ensure that it can withstand the rigors of field use for years to come. Backed by Buck’s “Forever Warranty” it will truly last a lifetime.

Maintenance is straightforward. Simply wash the blade with warm soapy water, dry it thoroughly, and apply a thin coat of mineral oil to prevent corrosion. The nylon sheath is also easy to clean.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Buck Knives 656 Pursuit Pro Large Drop Point Knife comes with a heavy-duty nylon sheath. While there are no direct Buck Knives customization options for the 656 Pursuit Pro Large Drop Point Knife, the knife is compatible with many aftermarket sheaths and sharpening systems.

Popular accessories include diamond sharpening stones and leather strops, which can be used to maintain the blade’s razor-sharpness. There are several aftermarket sheath options that will allow for customization.

Pros and Cons of Buck Knives 656 Pursuit Pro Large Drop Point Knife

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Who Should Buy Buck Knives 656 Pursuit Pro Large Drop Point Knife?

The Buck Knives 656 Pursuit Pro Large Drop Point Knife is perfect for hunters, experienced outdoorsmen, and anyone who needs a reliable and durable knife for demanding tasks. It is especially well-suited for those who prioritize edge retention, comfort, and overall value.

This knife may not be ideal for those who prefer smaller, more lightweight knives for everyday carry. Also, those who prefer more traditional handle materials may not appreciate the synthetic Versaflex handle.

A must-have accessory is a quality sharpening stone or strop. This will help maintain the blade’s razor-sharpness and ensure optimal performance in the field.

Conclusion on Buck Knives 656 Pursuit Pro Large Drop Point Knife

The Buck Knives 656 Pursuit Pro Large Drop Point Knife is a standout performer in its class. It offers an exceptional combination of edge retention, durability, and ergonomic design, all at a reasonable price.

The value proposition is excellent. You’re getting a knife with high-end steel and construction at a price point that’s hard to beat.

I would wholeheartedly recommend the Buck Knives 656 Pursuit Pro Large Drop Point Knife to anyone looking for a reliable and durable hunting knife. If you’re ready to step up your game in the field, grab the Buck Knives 656 Pursuit Pro Large Drop Point Knife and experience the difference!