Buck Thug

Reviewed 04/02/2014 by Miika

-Price Paid: $100.00
-Used for Outdoor/Survival
-Owned for Less than 1 Month

Comments:

I really hoped this would be the knife to end the search for replacing Cold Steel SRK but..

I like the knife having certain size weight ratio which Thug misses about 70grams. Even the blade is full tang it's not actually full steel under the handle but more like a skeleton. This was probably done to cut down the weight but because of that the knife loses a lot of cutting/hacking power. The good thing about the skeleton style is that you can easily replace the micarta handle with paracord lacing. Also reduced weight on the back moves the balance right at the choil point which makes the knife usable for finer work.

Handle provides a good grip whether it was pouring rain or dry. The so called 'shock absorber' (thin red cardboard - like layer) is not really doing anything (like it's not on TOPS knives either) but it gives the knife sexier look.

I like the MOLLE compatible sheath even if the blade rattles around a bit (was easily fixed). The idea of having a small pouch on the sheath gives you the opportunity to carry a fire starter and a small sharpener with you. The sheath comes with some paracord wrapped around so this set is pretty complete survival knife.

... But still my search continues =)

Reviewed 11/20/2013 by Aaron

-Price Paid: $115.00
-Used for Outdoor/Survival
-Owned for 6 months

Comments:

The BUCK THUG is the big brother of the BUCK REAPER. The 5160 steel blade of the THUG is a better steel then the 420HC of the REAPER. The THUG is a great chopper and can carve really well. The handle is not very ergonomic compared to the REAPER or the TOPS KNIVES D.A.R.T. This would make a good blade for the outdoors if you like the blade shape. If you really like the modified kukri shaped blade and you don't mind spending over $100, skip the THUG and go with the TOPS KNIVES D.A.R.T.