Description:
The Buck 285 Bantam BLW is slightly larger than the BBW. Easy handling and lightweight, the Bantam BLW features a pocket clip for tip-down carry. The Bantam is built with durable 420HC blade steel and a stylish polymer handle with a textured surface for a sure grip. It locks open for safety and closes using a mid-lockback design. The contoured handle makes this knife easy and safe to use for daily cutting.
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I've owned this knife for probably 10 years, and it's the only cheap knife that keeps showing up in my regular carry rotation. Out of the 100+ folders I own, this is the one that outperforms its price tag the most. Another reviewer said "you can get something better." Nope, not at this price! For half the cost of a Rat 2, you get better steel and it's made in the USA. It's no fidget toy - it's a stiff lockback made for actual work. And it is solid...probably the sturdiest under-$100 folder I own. And unlike those pricier knifes, I'd have no qualms about batoning wood, or even using a tent stake mallet to drive/chop with it. I'm honestly surprised that this model isn't more well known. Perhaps the quality isn't consistent and I just got lucky. One noticeable flaw is that it is assembled with pins, so it's not easily adjustable. That would be a problem if you got one that's not as solidly built as mine - most people aren't going to bother trying to fix it. Anyway, if this were a $30+ knife made somewhere else I'd give it 3 or 4 stars. But you really can't come close to this quality in a USA made knife at this cost. Don't take my word for it...scroll up, type in "made in usa" and sort by price ;)
My brother owns this knife, it's a piece of crap. The pivot is loose as hell and can't be tightened. The thumb stud is now loose and cannot be tightened. The pocket clip is falling off. I tried to open her up and the screw stripped like it was made of tin or something. The steel is better than most other blades you'll find at this price. Bos 420HC is better than 8cr series. but this knife is shoddy and is falling apart after some regular wear after 2 years.