ArfinGreebly
Moderator Emeritus
In the [thread=764304]Buck RedPoint thread[/thread], I mentioned that, while I didn't have a RedPoint, I do have a FlashPoint LE (Buck 770).
Unhappily, I don't have access to my photos just now (phone died and is charging), but I'm pretty sure I can do a decent verbal description with the photos posted later.
Stock photo, Buck Knives store site:
The FlashPoint LE uses Buck's SafeSpin technology (the toothy wheel-like section at the heel of the blade) and a "SUR-Lock" mechanism (that's the spring-latched thumb slide on the side). The SUR-Lock keeps the knife closed and must be released to open the knife. The SafeSpin "toothy wheel" allows you to open this knife with gloves on -- and fairly thick gloves at that -- without getting your fingers (or gloves) near the cutting edge. There is also a finger tab on the back of the blade which you can use to flick the knife open without doing a wrist-twist if you prefer.
The blade is smooth but non-reflective. Evidently they've coated it with some kind of titanium powder. The blade steel is 420HC. It comes pretty darn sharp, so play nice.
Unlike some of Buck's other new designs, the pocket clip on this knife can't be switched to the other side. The reason is pretty plain: the thumb latch is on the other side from the clip. And, I should probably mention that the placement of that thumb latch makes this knife right-hand-friendly. Yes, you can use it left-handed, and I have, but then you're using your index finger or middle finger to release the latch. The clip can, of course, be removed.
At the butt end of the knife there is a carabiner clip which can double as a bottle opener. I've tested it and, yes, it will open a bottle. It's also handy for hanging from a belt loop or from a ring or loop on a pack or bag. Again, carabiner can be opened with gloves on.
When using the pocket clip, the knife carries tip-down. When using the carabiner the knife is tip-up.
The build is solid. No wiggle. Lockup is tight. Yes, the knife is one of their imports, but they have the QC really down with these.
Paradoxically, the pivot is smooth as glass, almost frictionless. This means I can unlatch the lock with my thumb and gently flick (kind of a "twist" motion really) and the knife opens right up. With a bit of timing I can release the latch just as it finishes opening and it looks for all the world like I have a spring-assisted knife.
Nope. Apart from the spring in the thumb latch, there is no spring in this knife. It's a free-pivoting blade without any bias to open it or close it.
This means -- once again, with gloves -- that you can flick it closed just as easily as you flicked it open.
The blade profile is kinda interesting, sort of a drop point variation on an otherwise spearpoint blade.
There's a nice finger or thumb rest groove formed by that finger tab and the groove that it completes when the blade is open. Provides a comforting grip if you have to use it inverted. I have medium hands, and the handle shape is just fine with them.
The carabiner does not interfere with your grip; it mostly just stays out of the way.
The back of the blade has some (what do you call those, thumb grooves?) notches at the base of the blade, providing a traction rest for your thumb when bearing down on the work.
The handle is aluminum, so not as light as the nylon stuff, but not annoyingly heavy either.
The first two inches of blade from the handle is straight -- good for whittling in close -- and the blade curves modestly as it approaches the tip. The blade is hollow ground with high shoulders, and the final bevel is at 15 degrees per side (30 deg inclusive).
Mine will slice tomatoes. I've made salads with it. I smile when I use it.
The knife was designed for outdoor/recreation use, like hiking or climbing, with a nod to the needs of cold weather tool handling.
I ordered two when I got mine, and now that the price has gone up a bit, I wish I had ordered four or five. Not to sell, mind you, but because there's a trend out there in the manufacturing world: once I decide I really like something, it is either discontinued (like the Buck TNT) or priced out of my reach.
If you shop around you can still get them for under $40. Mine were $35 last year. The MSRP is $67. I have some other pieces I "need" but I will be getting more of these. Never know when I may need to outfit one of my kids, and I'm kinda the family knife guy.
Buy early, buy often.
