Buck is the leading manufacturer of hunting knives and pocket knives in the United States. In addition, the brand produces everyday carry knives, tactical knives, fishing knives, and camping knives.
Founded by Hoyt Buck in Kansas in 1902, the company is now run by CJ Buck, the fifth generation of the family. Today, the factory is located in Post Falls, Idaho, USA.
The brand is especially renowned for the quality of its blades. While most are crafted from 420HC and S30V steels, their performance stands out due to unique heat treatments.
Paul Bos is responsible for these treatments. His extensive experience allows him to achieve the best results from each steel in terms of edge retention, hardness, and ductility. Paul’s formula seems simple: the blades are heated in a furnace to over 1,000°C, then rapidly frozen below -100°C in a nitrogen bath, and finally tempered with a second bake at 500°C. The result is unique blades with outstanding edge retention and the right hardness, certified by CATRA machines. The company is so proud that they added Bos’s name to the steels.
After extensive testing, Buck concluded that hand sharpening achieves better results than machine sharpening. That’s why every blade is still sharpened by hand. In the factory, only certified operators perform this, with each blade passing through two different people for two separate processes.
The unique heat treatments and attention to detail in hand-sharpening and finishing are the foundation of the brand’s Edge2X™ technology. This results in a longer-lasting edge, easier sharpening, and ultimately, a blade you can rely on.
“Forever means forever.” This was the founder’s philosophy and it still defines Buck Knives today, which is why all Buck knives and pocket knives come with a lifetime warranty.
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