T.R.
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Does anyone have experience with this fixed blade knife?
TR
TR
Buck Selkirk knife
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I've handled them and consider them to be an excellent design and well made.
danez71
Member
I have the Selkirk 4" #853 small version.
The #856 is the 4 5/8" large version.
I'm mixed but ok with the injection molded sheath. It's a nice enough knife that it almost begs to have a leather sheath but the included one is better for all weather and haS 2 position vertical or horizontal optons if you care.
My only gripe is China but it's a nice knife and I can not complain about the quality at all.
I've considered getting the large version which also is thicker stock material.
If I wanted similar but USA I'd look at the Vanguard. Similar shape. Different grind but it's more typical of Buck. 2 different grip options. Brass accents. 4.25" Leather sheath.
The #856 is the 4 5/8" large version.
I'm mixed but ok with the injection molded sheath. It's a nice enough knife that it almost begs to have a leather sheath but the included one is better for all weather and haS 2 position vertical or horizontal optons if you care.
My only gripe is China but it's a nice knife and I can not complain about the quality at all.
I've considered getting the large version which also is thicker stock material.
If I wanted similar but USA I'd look at the Vanguard. Similar shape. Different grind but it's more typical of Buck. 2 different grip options. Brass accents. 4.25" Leather sheath.
I have the large Selkirk and like it a lot. It's a great compromise between the sharpened crowbar survival knives and a classic drop point hunter. I was disappointed to find that it was made in China--Buck was not very forthcoming on that aspect of it--but it is well made in any event and I like the grind and fit. It is my pack knife to back up my HD folder when I am after deer. A narrow Mora does most of the field dressing.
rabid wombat
Member
Buck says “imported”, at the bottom of the “Overview”…you can see the origin for each knife…I thought all Buck were US made…learn something new each day.
Separately, I have the Vanguard and really enjoy it.
https://www.buckknives.com/product/853-small-selkirk-knife/0853BRS-B/
https://www.buckknives.com/search?q=Vanguard
My Selkirk would have probably been about 2014 vintage, so ad copy has likely changed in the interim. At one point, IIRC Buck sent almost all its manufacturing overseas. After the move from California, it started making more knives in the US and many of them are made here now but not all. If you will look at Buck's history from its website, you may not see a reference to this offshore outsourcing. https://www.buckknives.com/about/history/
rabid wombat
Member
Thank you!
Buck is no different than other manufactures. Most all of them offer differing quality knives at different price points made in different countries. With the cheapest usually from China.
Spyderco and Kershaw both do this a lot. Both of those companies will offer very similar styled knives at different prices
Made in China, $32
Amazon.com: Spyderco Byrd Cara Cara 2 Lightweight Folding Knife with 3.75" Stainless Steel Blade and Black Non-Slip FRN Handle - PlainEdge - BY03PBK2: Sports & Outdoors
Made in Japan, $87
Amazon.com : Spyderco Endura 4 Lightweight Signature Folder Knife with 3.80" VG-10 Steel Blade and FRN Handle - PlainEdge - C10PBK : Hunting Knives : Sports & Outdoors
Made in USA, $260
Amazon.com : Spyderco Military Model, G-10 Handle, Black Blade, Plain C36GPBK : Hunting Folding Knives : Sports & Outdoors
I have all 3.
Other than the steel used in the blade and the shape of the hole the $32 Chinese made knife is every bit as good as the $87 Japanese knife. The steel is a little better at $87, but other than that they are equals. The $260 USA made knife isn't a direct copy, there are other differences including better steel, better grip material and a different locking system. But the overall size and blade shape are similar.
Spyderco and Kershaw both do this a lot. Both of those companies will offer very similar styled knives at different prices
Made in China, $32
Amazon.com: Spyderco Byrd Cara Cara 2 Lightweight Folding Knife with 3.75" Stainless Steel Blade and Black Non-Slip FRN Handle - PlainEdge - BY03PBK2: Sports & Outdoors
Made in Japan, $87
Amazon.com : Spyderco Endura 4 Lightweight Signature Folder Knife with 3.80" VG-10 Steel Blade and FRN Handle - PlainEdge - C10PBK : Hunting Knives : Sports & Outdoors
Made in USA, $260
Amazon.com : Spyderco Military Model, G-10 Handle, Black Blade, Plain C36GPBK : Hunting Folding Knives : Sports & Outdoors
I have all 3.
Other than the steel used in the blade and the shape of the hole the $32 Chinese made knife is every bit as good as the $87 Japanese knife. The steel is a little better at $87, but other than that they are equals. The $260 USA made knife isn't a direct copy, there are other differences including better steel, better grip material and a different locking system. But the overall size and blade shape are similar.
I was not critical of Buck for going offshore, nor did I indicate the Chinese version was inferior. Buck had built its reputation on, among other things, "proudly made in the USA" and all of a sudden it wasn't, and that fact was not clearly noted. I believe the Selkirk is better made than the Vanguard. I do want all pertinent information when making a purchase, and quick look at the current Amazon description does not disclose the origin until you read questions and user reviews.
danez71
Member
Why/How so? Lol.... help me feel better abouty choice.
Im still considering adding the Selkirk large or the Vanguard so any light you can shed is appreciated.
I currently have the Selkirk small.
The grind, blade shape, and handle material and design were factors that made me opt for Selkirk. Check out blade forums' discussion for pros and cons. https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/buck-selkirk-v-s-buck-vanguard.1415752/ Neither is without warts. I vastly prefer the Becker BK16 for heavy work.
danez71
Member
Thanks. I've seen that before but rereading it help.
Hmmmm, maybe my Buck Compadre already fills the Vanguard role and possibly even better with BOS 5160, the scales, and I like how like balance with the full tang.
The Selkirk large is looking like a better choice for me instead of the Vangaurd. Hard to make another china pick though.
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