Back in 1902, Hoyt Buck was a young blacksmith apprentice in Kansas who was seeking a better way to temper the steel used in knife blades. A tempered blade will hold a sharp edge for a longer period of use and ultimately produce a knife that will have a longer life. Hoyt’s unique approach resulted in the first Buck Knife. Many years had past, and though Hoyt continued to make knives using his tempering technique and worn-out files as the basis of his blades, it was not until 1947 that the modern Buck Knives company was born. That year Hoyt and his son, Al, moved to San Diego to start the company named H.H. Buck & Son.
Many years of innovation have occurred since the modern day Buck Knives company was born. In 1964, Al Buck revolutionized the knife industry with the Model 110 Folding Hunter. The folding “lockblade” knife made Buck a leader.
httpv://youtu.be/7BY1NGZjpbE
KXLY4’s Kjerstin Ramsing spent the morning at Buck Knives a couple of years ago
Buck Knives is no longer in San Diego, but they still are family owned – currently the fourth generation. To stay competitive, some of their knives are manufactured overseas, but they do still make a fair number of their knives in America from their home in Post Falls, Idaho. Buck has even brought back some of the manufacturing from Asia as noted in the video.
Most of the American made knives are a little more expensive, but all Buck knives are made to last. Every knife that Buck sells are cover by their ‘Forever Warranty’.
The Buck Knives Forever Warranty is pretty much what it says. A Buck Knife is built to last. But if for some reason, your Buck is defective due to materials or workmanship, you can return it to us for repair. No matter where you bought it.
We will repair your knife, including parts, labor and or replacement with a new knife at our discretion. Keep in mind, repair is not always possible or practical. We will replace your knife with the same or one that is comparable if your knife is no longer available. Please note if your knife has sentimental value when you send the knife to us.
On a personal note, when I mountain bike, hike, snowshoe or just about any outdoor activity I actually carry a Buck Rush knife. You just never know what types of mechanical problems or other issues will be encountered, especially in the Rocky Mountains. It is best to be prepared. The Rush is a one-hand deployed, spring assisted-opening knife. A safety lock prevents the blade from accidentally opening. This small knife is lightweight through the use of its skeleton frame handle and comes with a convenient belt clip – all features which make this an ideal knife to throw in my CamelBak. I have been carrying this knife for a couple of years now and it has not let me down. Of course it is a model that is made in America.
If you happen to be passing through Post Falls, Idaho, Buck Knives does offer factory tours Monday through Thursday. The tours last about 45 minutes and closed shoes must be worn. More information can be found at the Plant Tours link on Buck’s website.
Sure, you can buy a could of cheap knives for the price of one Buck knife, but that is all they will be – throw away knives. If you want a knife that you could probably pass on to your child, make a point to checkout Buck Knives.