Collection: Buck

Buck Knives in South Africa

Buck has been making folding knives in the United States since 1902, and the range here reflects that history: conservative designs, solid lockups and handle materials chosen to last rather than to look current. These are working knives more than collector pieces, though several models carry materials that put them comfortably into gift territory. NeonSales carries 23 Buck products, from R747 for a Bantam BLW up to R1,824 for a rosewood Vantage.

What Buck products does NeonSales stock?

• Everyday folders: Bantam BLW, Nobleman in standard and carbon fibre, Haxby, Hi Line
• Vantage series: in standard and rosewood handles
• Spitfire and Mini Spitfire: aluminium-handled folders in black and orange
• Sprint Select: in black and green
• Pursuit folding: small and large, aimed at field dressing and outdoor use
• Selkirk: folding with micarta scales, and the fixed blade version
• Fixed blades: Skinner in ebony
• Bucklite Max: lightweight synthetic handled

Folder or fixed blade?

Handle materials, and what they cost you

Synthetic handles such as those on the Bantam and Bucklite are light, grippy when wet and the cheapest option, which makes them the sensible working choice. Aluminium, as on the Spitfire, is more rigid and slimmer in the pocket. Micarta on the Selkirk is layered composite that grips better as your hands get damp and is the usual choice for a field knife. Rosewood, ebony and carbon fibre are chosen for appearance, and they push the price up accordingly without changing how the knife cuts.

Reading the model codes

Buck listings carry a model number and a handle code, so a B722 BKS1 and a B722 ORS1 are the same Spitfire in black and orange respectively. If you know the model number you want, the letters after it tell you the handle and colour rather than a different knife.

Common questions

Which is the sensible first Buck? The Bantam BLW or a Nobleman. Both are proper Buck folders at the accessible end, and neither has materials you are paying extra for.

What is the difference between Selkirk folding and fixed? The same design philosophy in two formats. The fixed blade is stronger and easier to clean. The folder is easier to carry.

Are these knives sharpened ready to use? They arrive with a working factory edge. Expect to touch it up on a stone or a sharpener before serious use, as with any production knife.

Do the boxed versions differ? Boxed indicates gift packaging rather than a different knife, and it is worth checking the listing if the knife is a present.

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