BucknBear Tactical Tanto Tracker Fixed Knife Review

First Impressions of BucknBear Tactical Tanto Tracker Fixed Knife

The BucknBear Tactical Tanto Tracker Fixed Knife is a sharp-looking tool that immediately grabs your attention. It boasts a classic Tanto blade style combined with a rustic maple burl handle, hinting at a blend of tactical functionality and outdoorsman aesthetics. The promise of full tang construction and a leather sheath adds to the allure, suggesting durability and practicality for field use.

As someone with years of experience using and evaluating outdoor gear, I’m always looking for tools that offer a balance of performance, reliability, and value. I was particularly interested in the BucknBear Tactical Tanto Tracker Fixed Knife because I needed a robust knife for general camp tasks and possibly some light bushcrafting. I hoped to find a blade that could withstand moderate abuse and maintain a decent edge.

Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the visual appeal of the maple burl handle. It gives the knife a unique character that separates it from the more sterile, all-black tactical knives on the market. The weight felt substantial but not overly heavy, suggesting a good balance between strength and maneuverability. The leather sheath, while not top-tier, seemed adequate for basic carry.

Compared to other similarly priced knives like the Schrade SCHF36 or the Morakniv Companion Heavy Duty, the BucknBear Tactical Tanto Tracker Fixed Knife stood out due to its distinctive aesthetic and the promise of a full tang construction. While the Schrade offers a more aggressive, survival-oriented design and the Morakniv is known for its exceptional edge retention, the BucknBear seemed to aim for a middle ground of versatility and visual appeal. I chose this BucknBear product because it piqued my interest for its style and overall build compared to other products I researched.

My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The knife certainly looked the part, but the real test would be how it performed in the field. I was excited to put it through its paces and see if it lived up to its tactical billing.

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Real-World Testing: Putting BucknBear Tactical Tanto Tracker Fixed Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the BucknBear Tactical Tanto Tracker Fixed Knife on a weekend camping trip in the local state forest. The tasks included preparing kindling, batoning small logs for firewood, food preparation, and general camp chores. I encountered both dry and slightly damp conditions during the trip.

The knife performed reasonably well for basic tasks like slicing vegetables and preparing tinder. However, when attempting to baton small logs, the blade felt a bit thin and prone to flexing. I was concerned about potentially damaging the blade with heavy use.

I found the handle to be comfortable for short periods, but after extended use, the lack of substantial contouring led to some hand fatigue. There were no immediately apparent issues after the first use, but the batoning experience raised concerns about the long-term durability of the blade.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use during various outdoor activities, the BucknBear Tactical Tanto Tracker Fixed Knife shows some signs of wear. The blade coating has started to scratch and fade in certain areas, especially near the tip. The edge retention is adequate for light tasks, but the knife requires frequent sharpening to maintain a useful edge for tougher jobs.

The maple burl handle has held up well, with no signs of cracking or splitting. I’ve cleaned and oiled the blade regularly to prevent rust, but some minor surface rust has appeared in a few spots, highlighting the limitations of the 440C stainless steel in humid conditions. Compared to my experiences with knives made from higher-end steels like CPM S30V or Elmax, the BucknBear Tactical Tanto Tracker Fixed Knife‘s performance is noticeably inferior in terms of edge retention and corrosion resistance.

Breaking Down the Features of BucknBear Tactical Tanto Tracker Fixed Knife

Specifications

The BucknBear Tactical Tanto Tracker Fixed Knife features a 440C stainless steel blade with full tang construction. The blade is 3/32 inch thick and 1 3/8 inch deep. The handle is made of maple burl wood with brass pins. The knife includes a leather sheath with a belt loop for horizontal carry.

The choice of 440C stainless steel offers a decent balance of hardness and corrosion resistance, making it suitable for general outdoor use. The full tang construction enhances the knife’s overall strength and durability, which is important for demanding tasks. The maple burl handle provides a comfortable grip and a unique aesthetic appeal. However, the relatively thin blade (3/32 inch) may limit its suitability for heavy-duty tasks such as batoning larger logs.

Performance & Functionality

The BucknBear Tactical Tanto Tracker Fixed Knife performs adequately for light to medium-duty tasks. It is capable of slicing, cutting, and preparing food with reasonable efficiency. The Tanto blade shape offers a strong tip for piercing, but the overall blade geometry is not ideal for tasks requiring deep cuts or prolonged use.

The knife’s strengths lie in its aesthetic appeal and its ability to handle basic camp chores. Its weaknesses include its relatively thin blade and the limited edge retention of the 440C steel. It meets the expectations for a general-purpose outdoor knife in its price range, but it does not exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The BucknBear Tactical Tanto Tracker Fixed Knife has a visually appealing design that combines tactical and traditional elements. The maple burl handle is comfortable to hold for short periods, but the lack of significant contouring may lead to hand fatigue during extended use. The full tang construction adds to the knife’s overall strength and durability.

The knife is relatively user-friendly, with a straightforward design that requires no significant learning curve. The leather sheath provides a secure and convenient way to carry the knife.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care and maintenance, the BucknBear Tactical Tanto Tracker Fixed Knife should last for several years of occasional use. The 440C stainless steel is relatively easy to sharpen, but it requires frequent attention to maintain a useful edge. Regular cleaning and oiling are essential to prevent rust and corrosion. The thin blade profile may be susceptible to damage if subjected to excessive force or abuse.

Accessories and Customization Options

The BucknBear Tactical Tanto Tracker Fixed Knife comes with a leather sheath with a belt loop for horizontal carry. There are limited customization options available for this particular knife model. Replacement sheaths and aftermarket handle scales may be available from third-party vendors, but compatibility is not guaranteed. The brass pins in the handle could potentially be replaced with decorative pins, but this would require some skill and experience in knife modification.

Pros and Cons of BucknBear Tactical Tanto Tracker Fixed Knife

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Who Should Buy BucknBear Tactical Tanto Tracker Fixed Knife?

The BucknBear Tactical Tanto Tracker Fixed Knife is perfect for casual campers, hikers, and outdoorsmen who appreciate a visually appealing and functional knife for light to medium-duty tasks. It’s suitable for individuals who prioritize aesthetics and are willing to perform regular maintenance to keep the blade in good condition. It would also be good for someone who is getting into collecting knives, but wants a unique design.

This product should be skipped by individuals who require a heavy-duty knife for demanding tasks such as batoning large logs or prolonged survival situations. It’s also not ideal for users who prioritize maximum edge retention and corrosion resistance.

A must-have accessory would be a quality sharpening stone or system to maintain the blade’s edge. A more durable sheath might also be a worthwhile investment for frequent users.

Conclusion on BucknBear Tactical Tanto Tracker Fixed Knife

The BucknBear Tactical Tanto Tracker Fixed Knife is a decent option for those seeking a visually appealing and functional knife for light to medium-duty outdoor tasks. Its unique maple burl handle and full tang construction set it apart from other knives in its price range. However, the limitations of the 440C steel and the relatively thin blade should be considered.

The price of $89.00 is reasonably justified for the knife’s features and overall quality. However, buyers should be aware of its limitations and be prepared to perform regular maintenance to keep it in good working condition.

I would cautiously recommend the BucknBear Tactical Tanto Tracker Fixed Knife to individuals who value aesthetics and need a general-purpose outdoor knife for light tasks. However, I would advise those seeking a heavy-duty, high-performance blade to consider other options. If you’re looking for a knife that looks good and can handle basic camp chores, the BucknBear might be a good fit. If performance is your top priority, you may want to explore alternatives.