Buck Knives – Bantam Bhw Review

Let’s Dive into Buck Knives – Bantam Bhw

The Buck Knives – Bantam Bhw is the largest folding knife in the Bantam line, crafted by the legendary Buck Knives. It’s a mid-lockback design built for everyday carry and a variety of outdoor tasks. I was looking for a lightweight, durable knife that wouldn’t break the bank, and something I could depend on for both daily tasks and the occasional weekend camping trip.

When I first unboxed the Bantam Bhw, I was immediately struck by how lightweight it felt. The injection-molded handle felt solid, and the Mossy Oak Orange Blaze Camo was eye-catching without being overly flashy. The blade opened smoothly and locked securely, giving me a good first impression of the build quality.

I considered a few other options before settling on the Buck Knives – Bantam Bhw. I looked at the Kershaw Blur, known for its assisted opening, and the CRKT Pilar, praised for its robust design, but I ultimately chose the Bantam Bhw for its balance of affordability, lightweight design, and the trusted Buck Knives name. The other knives seemed either overly tactical or more expensive for similar functionality. My first impression was positive; I was excited to see how it would perform in the field.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Buck Knives – Bantam Bhw to the Test

First Use Experience

I first took the Buck Knives – Bantam Bhw on a weekend camping trip in the Appalachian Mountains. I used it for various tasks, including food preparation, cutting rope for setting up my tent, and whittling some kindling for the campfire. It performed admirably in all these tasks, providing a comfortable grip and a sharp blade that held its edge reasonably well.

While the weather was mostly dry, I did encounter some light rain. The textured handle provided a secure grip even when wet, which was a pleasant surprise. I also appreciated how easy it was to open the blade with one hand, even with gloves on. There were no major issues, but I did notice that the lockback mechanism was a bit stiff at first.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Buck Knives – Bantam Bhw has held up remarkably well. I’ve carried it almost daily, using it for everything from opening packages to more demanding tasks like cutting zip ties and stripping wires. The blade has retained its sharpness adequately, only requiring occasional touch-ups with a sharpening stone.

There are some minor signs of wear and tear, mostly consisting of scratches on the blade and handle. The lockback mechanism has smoothed out with use, making it easier to operate. Maintaining the knife is simple; I just clean it with a damp cloth and apply a bit of oil to the blade pivot occasionally. It outperforms other budget-friendly knives I’ve used in the past, particularly in terms of edge retention and overall durability.

Breaking Down the Features of Buck Knives – Bantam Bhw

Specifications

• Blade Length: 3.63 inches. This is a versatile size, large enough for most tasks but not so large as to be unwieldy for pocket carry.
• Closed Length: 5.125 inches. It sits comfortably in the pocket without taking up too much space.
• Blade Material: 420HC. This is Buck Knives’ standard steel, offering a good balance of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening.
• Knife Application: Folding Blade. The folding design makes it easy and safe to carry.
• Included Accessories: Pocket Clip. The pocket clip allows for convenient and secure carry.
• Blade Shape: Drop Point. The drop point blade is versatile for slicing, piercing, and general utility work.
• Handle Material: Injection Molded. This makes the handle lightweight and durable.
• Blade Finish: Trumbled. The tumbled finish helps to hide scratches and wear.
• Handle Color: Mossy Oak Orange Blaze Camo. This makes the knife highly visible.
• Weight: 3.2 oz. This makes it lightweight and comfortable to carry all day.
• Opening Method: One-handed Opening. It’s easily deployable with one hand.
• Color: Mossy Oak Orange Blaze Camo. It provides good visibility in outdoor settings.

These specifications make the Buck Knives – Bantam Bhw a practical and reliable tool for everyday carry and outdoor adventures. The 420HC steel provides a good balance of performance and ease of maintenance. The lightweight design ensures that it won’t weigh you down.

Performance & Functionality

The Buck Knives – Bantam Bhw performs well in a variety of tasks. The blade is sharp enough for most cutting needs, and the drop point shape is versatile for different applications. The textured handle provides a secure grip, even in wet conditions.

The knife’s main strength is its balance of affordability and functionality. It is a reliable tool that gets the job done without breaking the bank. One weakness is that the 420HC steel might require more frequent sharpening compared to higher-end steels. It meets expectations for a budget-friendly EDC knife.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Buck Knives – Bantam Bhw is surprisingly good for its price point. The injection-molded handle feels solid and durable, and the blade is well-centered. The knife weighs just 3.2 ounces, making it comfortable to carry in a pocket or on a belt.

The ergonomics are generally good. The handle is comfortable to hold, and the textured surface provides a secure grip. The lockback mechanism is easy to operate with one hand, although it might be a bit stiff at first. There’s a slight learning curve to getting used to the lockback mechanism if you’re not familiar with it.

Durability & Maintenance

The Buck Knives – Bantam Bhw is built to last with reasonable care. The 420HC steel is relatively easy to sharpen and is resistant to corrosion. The injection-molded handle is durable and can withstand everyday wear and tear.

Maintaining the knife is straightforward. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth and occasional oiling of the blade pivot are all that’s needed. With proper care, it should provide years of reliable service.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Buck Knives – Bantam Bhw comes with a pocket clip for convenient carry. There aren’t many official accessories or customization options offered directly by Buck Knives. However, you might be able to find aftermarket handle scales or lanyards to personalize your knife.

The Bantam Bhw is compatible with most standard pocket clips, so replacing the existing clip is also an option. You can easily add a lanyard for improved grip and ease of retrieval from your pocket.

Pros and Cons of Buck Knives – Bantam Bhw

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Who Should Buy Buck Knives – Bantam Bhw?

The Buck Knives – Bantam Bhw is perfect for:

• Casual Campers: It’s a great all-around knife for basic tasks around the campsite.
• Everyday Carry (EDC) Users: The lightweight design and durable construction make it ideal for everyday tasks.
• Budget-Conscious Buyers: It offers excellent value for the price.

Who should skip this product?

• Those who require premium blade steel for extreme edge retention.
• Users who prefer assisted-opening or automatic knives.

A must-have accessory is a sharpening stone for maintaining the blade’s edge. A lanyard can also be helpful for improved grip and retrieval.

Conclusion on Buck Knives – Bantam Bhw

The Buck Knives – Bantam Bhw is a solid, reliable, and affordable EDC knife. It’s not the flashiest or most high-tech knife on the market, but it gets the job done without breaking the bank. It’s a fantastic option for anyone looking for a dependable everyday carry knife.

The price is definitely justified, considering the quality of materials and construction. I would personally recommend the Buck Knives – Bantam Bhw to anyone looking for a budget-friendly and reliable knife for everyday carry and light outdoor tasks. Go ahead and add the Buck Knives – Bantam Bhw to your collection; you won’t be disappointed.