Buck Knives X-tract - Outdoor Gear Review
Monday, September 10, 2007
Multi-use knives are generally considered an essential gear item for any outdoor enthusiast. Few outdoor enthusiasts doubt the convenience of a compact folding knife coupled with the most useful tools for a particular activity. With such a selection available for so many activities, it is hard to choose which tool for which sport.
In a gear category filled with feature-laden but ultimately flimsy tools, the Buck X-Tract is a breath of fresh air. This knife provides simplicity, ergonomics, and durability; a lanyard, bottle/can opener, combination locking blade, philips and flathead screwdrivers, locking pliers and wire cutters, that is all. The difference is in how easy each tool is to access, and how heavily the knife is built.
The fit and feel of the X-Tract is impressive. The knife fits well in the hand and all tools are very easily deployed one handedly; a considerable advantage over pretty much every other multi-tool on the market. The blade lives up to Buck’s well earned status for quality. The unique sliding design of the screwdriver tools is quite possible the best feature of this tool. Because the screwdrivers slide back and forth on a track rather than rotate outwards on a hinge, the torque they can tolerate is much greater than that of the typical flimsy tang found on other tools.
We put durability and ergonomics to the test with this knife, taking it on a multi-day camping trip in Vancouver Island, in addition to several other day trips. The tool handled all challenges beautifully, and the blade was unfazed by cutting through hardwood, rope, food items, and even cured epoxy. All tools could be opened and operated wearing gloves.
- Very durable.
- All tools can be deployed and operated one-handedly
- Blade has both sharp and serrated edges.
- Buck Quality
- Very heavy and somewhat bulky.
- Clearly designed for right-handed use.
- Triangular lanyard loop abrades is awkward and abrasive if knife is not transported in sheath (sheath included).
After using this knife for several weeks, I found myself feeling more secure knowing it was in my bag or on my person. When I needed a pair of pliers to fix a stray tarp flapping in the wind, and when I needed those pliers fast, I was practically ecstatic that this knife was tucked into my jacket pocket and that I could open and use the pliers despite wearing gloves and having cold, wet hands. This knife is a keeper and judging by its durable construction, I look forward to years of reliable service.
Read more knife reviews and compare prices at the Trails.com outdoor gear and equipment store.
