Unexpected Matchup -- Case 2137 & Buck 444

[ArfinGreebly]

So, a little bit before Xmas, I attended the semi-annual Buck Knives Factory Sale and picked up a few trinkets.

In retrospect, I should have lobbied for more of the least expensive piece I found there.

Buck uses the factory sale to clearance overstock and discontinued pieces, as well as factory blems and plain old gratuitous price reductions.

I picked up a couple of nice pieces at reduced prices, cursed the state of my wallet and the absence of cash therein, which kept me from taking advantage of some really great buys ($100 knives for $20), and grabbed a few of the new BuckLite II model 444, which were going for $8.00, and which (though I didn't know it) were being discontinued in favor of the newer Buck 484.

I have since had the opportunity to handle the 484 and the 444 side-by-side.

While I appreciate the aesthetic style improvement in the handle, the rest of the "improvements" that turned the 444 into the 484 I can seriously do without. They added a thumb stud to a knife that's thinner and lighter than a Case Sob Buster Jr (actually, imagine the Case Mini Blackhorn in the same size as the sodbuster Jr. and you're real close), and they added a fixed (i.e. non-removable) pocket clip. The blade is a handy 2.75" long, which is certainly big enough to be useful (like the sodbuster Jr.) but not big enough for clips and studs.

Now, for perspective, pick up your Case Sod Buster Jr. and hold it beside your Case Mini Blackhorn, and mentally image the Blackhorn as being that size. Got that? Notice how it's not really big enough for a pocket clip? Notice how the thumb stud is just plain awkward in a knife that narrow and light? Yeah, now you've got it.

So, after having given away my gift quota of the Buck 444, I find that I have two left, and they won't be making any more. Well, crap.

The 444 is seriously handy, and the 484 is really not. Furthermore, the 444 lines up exactly alongside the Case 2137 sodbuster Jr. The blade profiles are different (the 444 is more pointy) and the Buck has a back lock, whereas the sodbuster has none.

In other words, the Buck 444 is basically a locking drop-in replacement for a sodbuster Jr. It's a little lighter, but still robust. Yes, the fit & finish and overall quality of the Case 2137 is noticeably better, but the Buck is very usable, very sharp, quite light, and adequate to tasks of that size.

I don't expect to be giving either of my remaining 444s away, and it's conceivable that I'll order another one -- even at the higher price -- from some online outlet before I'm done. I may acquire a Buck 484 just to mess with, cut off the clip and file down the studs, and then compare the result with the 444. Personally, I prefer the unadorned 444.

Unsurprisingly, usability trumps marketing once again.

 

[bikerdoc]

Just imagine how much money they would make if the listened to us knife guys instead of marketing types

 

[ArfinGreebly]

Couple of Pix

Doc, that's a sentiment with which I can heartily agree!



Just for the record, here's the difference between the two designs.

Here's the Buck #444:

And here's the Buck #484:

(The pocket clip is on the other side.)

 

[TimboKhan]

Buck is slowly coming back on my radar after a few years of what I felt to be mediocre efforts when compared against other manufacturers. Oh, the oldies and goodies were still goodies, but I just wasn't impressed with some of the newer designs.

That is changing. I am seriously geeked about the new TOPS/Buck collaboration, and I will own one. I am not a big "tactical" knife guy, but I do like a beefy knife that can take some abuse, and this collaboration looks awfully rugged to me. I posted on it earlier to exactly zero reaction, but here is the Knife Center blog: Clicky

Another knife Buck is doing that I rarely see comments on is the Paklite series. I bought my buddy the skinner because it was cheap, made in the USA and I thought he would like it. One I got my hands on it, I immediately ordered one for myself, and boy does Timmy likey. For the price, I don't see how they can be beat. Probably not as rugged as a Becker (which I also have), but for around 17 bucks, I feel they are one heck of a bargain. Also, really sharp straight from the factory. Read the Knife Center blog on these Here. I like them so much, I am debating buying another skinner, and by Marquarts Beard, I am going to get the caper as well. My only real complaint with them is that if you cord wrap the handle, the sheath no longer functions. That harshes my mellow a little bit, but only just a little.

 

[ArfinGreebly]

Paklite

As much as I like the shape and heft of the Paklite, with my impaired strong hand grip, I'd have to have a wrap at the very least.

I've been pleased with the Vantage series, which has a fairly flat handle. Any flatter, though, and I really don't have an adequate grip.

The TOPS/Buck collaboration is a real hunk. Too much for me, but for the right guy, that's a heck of a knife.