Buck Bantam knives: "Knock-out Punches for Lightweights" by Nutnfancy

Hot cars, cool guns, fancy knives are all great. But truth told I am a fan of high value, that is things that deliver high performance at a very reasonable cost. That's where my loyalties lie and hopefully that message comes through in most of my videos. Here I cover a perfect example of high value, seemingly high performance knives: The Buck Bantam Series. These knives possess many qualities that I like: lightweight, low cost, good steel, strong lockups, clips that hold tight, hollow grinding, comfy handles, and a choice of finishes (the Real Tree camo version looks awesome). Moreover, their 420HC steel is expertly hardened, cryogenically treated, and tempered making them, from many reports, outstanding edge-holders at this price point (they have Paul Bos heat treat according to Buck as well). Also they have a nice grind terminating in sharp, shallow angle edges that need no re-grinding. But all is not perfect in Buckland: the clip is pivot mounted and can't be switched, the smallest model (BBW) doesn't even have one (?!). They may not be the fastest deploying Zytel knives out there and you might get one with a stodgy, overly tight pivot pin (like one example I show of the smallest BBW model; second one was fine). But these Bantams remain excellent high value EDC, hunting, or lightweight tactical choices...even if you have more money!///////Update Jan 2011: Pink camo versions issued, all made in the USA/////
Nutnfancy Likability Scale (price considered):
Bantam BHW (largest): 8 of 10
Bantam BLW (mid size): 8 of 10
Bantam BBW (smallest): 4 of 10 (needs clip, pivot screw being tight slows deployment greatly in SOME BBWs)
UPDATE 9/08: I sent my BBW to Buck for a replacement for a smoother deploying one (the other BBW I have deploys smoothly!). The response was this from "Debbie": "This is how this knife is made. It is not suppose to be a one handed opening." What?! Sounds made up. Nevertheless BBW model downrated in NLS.

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Science & Technology

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[KittyaThuaa110]

lol I just wanna have fun with you

[albertafishermen]

Hey I got the mid sized one I skinned a deer with it :) it's a really good knife for the money

[shazdee]

These and similar just got banned from import into Australia, customs has declared any knife that can be opened one handed is a flick knife. WTF? So now what used to sell here for $30 is now being pushed for $120+ until stocks dry up. Then it's back to the old timer type knives. sigh.

[wallacj117]

I have had the bhw the biggest of the family and.that knife has been through hell and back. And still does great it would eaven cut sod on the job and still cuts great and sharpens well and believe me that sod will ruin a knife fast don't hesitate on this knife it rocks

[honstant]

I have obvious front to back and side to side movement on my BHW. Not bad enough to affect the performance but its annoying.

[dexterlexter123]

i have a select model and my side to side movement is like a lot

[DBCdestroyers]

@PaiRaiUno I have the same exact problem as you. I got the BLW and it opens like a mother. I can't adjust it so thats a downside. That being said I don't regret my purchase. Its a $15 knife. I will still use it. I would love one handed deployment but I can live with opening it out. The blade shape is amazing for me. Hopefully it losens up over the years.

[PaiRaiUno]

got myself the blw,and dude!the handle feels like it's gonna break when you grab onto it! the balance is horrible, heavyish blade, superlight handle, the lockback squeaks and the blade has only one washer and has much up and down play.even without liner lock the blade centering is completely off,and the pivot point can't be adjusted.the handle is slippery too.sorry nutn, but that knife is a FAIL for me.I'll throw it into an emergency pack or sth, hopefully never to be used.money NOT well spent!

[xSkye629x]

Um so are the prices with or without shiping? To me the ones u mentioned sounded like without as it would be hella cheap otherwise. I got the medium one for $25 at a local store (price up I think due to the economy and I had them do some custom etchings on the handle, my initials in fancy letters haha)

[powerhousephg]

not sure why you can't thumb it open without flicking the wrist. i have the same knife and it's no problem for me.

[SuperUltra64]

I have a few of these, and they are great. The only thing that I don't like is that they can't take much torsion (they can easily be broken with just hand pressure), which does limit their usefulness to me. I know it is a trade-off between weight and strength, but I just find that for my needs, I tend to favor strength over light weight. But for those times when I want light weight, these are a pretty good option.