Buck Knives Bantam BLW Folding Knife Review

Let’s Talk About Buck Knives Bantam BLW Folding Knife

The Buck Knives Bantam BLW Folding Knife is designed as an affordable, lightweight option for everyday carry and outdoor tasks. Manufactured by Buck Knives, this folding knife aims to deliver a blend of practicality and ease of use, wrapped in a stylish Mossy Oak Country Camo handle. This knife caught my eye with its promise of a reliable blade at a reasonable price, something I’m always searching for in my outdoor gear evaluations.

My primary need was a dependable, easily accessible folding knife for general camp chores, light trail maintenance, and quick cutting tasks during hunting trips. I was looking for something that wouldn’t weigh me down or break the bank, but still offer the cutting power I needed. The initial impression was positive; the camo pattern is appealing, and the knife feels surprisingly solid for its weight.

I was considering the Kershaw Blur and the CRKT Drifter as alternatives. However, the Buck Knives Bantam BLW Folding Knife stood out due to its classic drop point blade, the reassuring Buck Knives reputation, and the more budget-friendly price tag. I picked this knife because I needed an affordable, practical tool without sacrificing the basic quality expected from a reputable brand.

My initial excitement was tempered by a bit of skepticism about the “made in specialized factories of USA and imported parts” description. However, holding it in my hand, the knife felt well-made, and I was eager to see how it would perform in real-world situations. This blend of optimism and cautious anticipation made me keen to put this Buck Knives Bantam BLW Folding Knife through its paces.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Buck Knives Bantam BLW Folding Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Buck Knives Bantam BLW Folding Knife on a weekend camping trip in the Allegheny National Forest. This environment provided a variety of tasks from preparing kindling for the campfire to opening packages of food. The knife performed reasonably well in dry conditions, easily slicing through rope and cardboard.

However, I found the blade’s edge slightly lacking when trying to feather sticks for fire starting; it required more effort than my usual Mora knife. The thumb studs, while ambidextrous, felt a little stiff at first, requiring some breaking in before achieving truly easy one-handed opening. The initial use revealed no major flaws, but also highlighted areas where it could potentially improve.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Buck Knives Bantam BLW Folding Knife has proven to be a reliable, if not exceptional, tool. The blade’s edge retention is decent, requiring only occasional touch-ups with a honing steel to maintain sharpness. There are no significant signs of wear and tear on the handle, even after being subjected to rough handling and exposure to the elements.

Cleaning is straightforward; a quick wipe with a damp cloth and a drop of oil on the pivot point keeps it functioning smoothly. In comparison to my previous everyday carry knife, a Spyderco Tenacious, the Buck Knives Bantam BLW Folding Knife is lighter and easier to carry, but the blade steel is not quite as durable. While not groundbreaking, the Buck Knives Bantam BLW Folding Knife consistently performs its basic functions without any major issues.

Breaking Down the Features of Buck Knives Bantam BLW Folding Knife

Specifications

The Buck Knives Bantam BLW Folding Knife has a Blade Length of 3.13 inches, making it suitable for a range of tasks without being overly bulky. Its Closed Length is 4.375 inches, fitting comfortably in a pocket. The Blade Material is listed as Steel, lacking specific details but suggesting a standard stainless steel, offering a balance between corrosion resistance and ease of sharpening.

The knife is categorized under Knife Application as a Folding Blade, catering to those needing a portable and easily concealed cutting tool. The Included Accessories are a Pocket Clip, providing convenient carry options. The Blade Shape is a Drop Point, known for its versatility and strength, making it ideal for general use.

The Handle Material is Injection Molded, offering a lightweight yet durable grip. The Blade Finish is Trumbled, giving it a slightly worn look that helps conceal scratches. The Handle Color is Mossy Oak Country Camo, providing visual appeal for outdoor enthusiasts.

The knife weighs 2.4 oz, making it exceptionally lightweight for comfortable everyday carry. The Color is also listed as Mossy Oak Country Camo, matching the handle. These specifications translate to a knife that is easy to carry, versatile in use, and aesthetically pleasing to those who enjoy camouflage patterns.

Performance & Functionality

The Buck Knives Bantam BLW Folding Knife performs its basic cutting tasks adequately, providing sufficient sharpness for everyday use. The drop point blade is well-suited for slicing, piercing, and general utility work. However, the steel’s edge retention is not exceptional, requiring more frequent sharpening than premium steel blades.

The mid-lock back design is secure, preventing accidental closure during use, but can be a little stiff to disengage initially. The thumb studs allow for ambidextrous one-handed opening, but as mentioned earlier, they require some breaking in for smoother operation. Overall, the knife meets expectations for its price point, offering functional performance without excelling in any particular area.

Design & Ergonomics

The Buck Knives Bantam BLW Folding Knife features a lightweight design, thanks to its injection-molded handle. The Mossy Oak Country Camo pattern adds visual appeal, blending well with outdoor environments. The handle’s contoured shape provides a comfortable grip, even during extended use.

The knife’s overall weight of just 2.4 ounces makes it easy to carry in a pocket without feeling cumbersome. The pocket clip allows for convenient and secure carry, and it can be removed if preferred. The design is relatively user-friendly, with no significant learning curve for opening, closing, and using the knife.

Durability & Maintenance

The Buck Knives Bantam BLW Folding Knife is reasonably durable for its price range. The injection-molded handle is resistant to impacts and scratches, while the trumbled blade finish helps conceal minor wear. The knife’s steel, while not top-of-the-line, is corrosion-resistant and easy to sharpen.

Maintenance is straightforward; regular cleaning with a damp cloth and occasional lubrication of the pivot point are sufficient to keep it functioning smoothly. With proper care, the Buck Knives Bantam BLW Folding Knife should last for several years of regular use. However, it is unlikely to withstand the same level of abuse as higher-end knives with more robust materials and construction.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Buck Knives Bantam BLW Folding Knife comes with a stainless steel pocket clip. This clip can be easily removed or repositioned for tip-up or tip-down carry. Beyond the pocket clip, the Buck Knives Bantam BLW Folding Knife offers limited customization options.

The handle scales are not easily replaceable, and aftermarket parts are not readily available. However, users can personalize the knife by adding a lanyard to the lanyard hole. While the Buck Knives Bantam BLW Folding Knife isn’t highly customizable, its simplicity and affordability are part of its appeal.

Pros and Cons of Buck Knives Bantam BLW Folding Knife

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Who Should Buy Buck Knives Bantam BLW Folding Knife?

The Buck Knives Bantam BLW Folding Knife is perfect for casual campers, hikers, and anyone needing an affordable and reliable everyday carry knife. It’s also a great option for beginners who want a functional knife without a significant investment.

Those who demand premium blade steel, extensive customization options, or heavy-duty performance should skip this product. They might consider higher-end options like the Benchmade Bugout or Spyderco Paramilitary 2. A must-have accessory would be a sharpening steel to maintain the blade’s edge.

Conclusion on Buck Knives Bantam BLW Folding Knife

The Buck Knives Bantam BLW Folding Knife is a solid, affordable option for anyone needing a lightweight and reliable folding knife. While it doesn’t boast premium materials or cutting-edge features, it provides good value for the price. The blade’s steel might not hold an edge as long as more expensive knives, but it’s easy to sharpen and maintain.

The price is definitely justified given the utility and reliability you get. I would recommend it to those looking for a budget-friendly knife for everyday tasks and light outdoor use. If you need a dependable knife that won’t break the bank, the Buck Knives Bantam BLW Folding Knife is definitely worth considering.