Buck 278BKG FLD Alpha Hunter

Seems like I buy Buck knifes in pairs and by that I mean if a model is made with a standard blade as well as a knife of the same model except with a gut hook I usually end up buying both knifes for my collection. If this particular model Alpha Hunter with gut hook works as well in the field as it's bother with the standard drop blade then I'll be thrilled with it. This folding Alpha Hunter ( Buck 278BKG) was kind of hard to find so when I did I wasted no time in buying it. As with most Buck knifes the fit, finish and pride in craftsmanship was excellent and the blade was very sharp out of the box. The gut hook was also wicked sharp and cut smoothly through paper with no effort at all. We'll see how well it'll perform on the up and coming Wyoming Antelope and Mule Deer season. I'm sure it will work as well as it's 279BKS-B Alpha Hunter brother that I used last year on a Mule Deer hunt. The blade on my newest addition can be used to open up the animals cavity using either the drop blade or the gut hook so it will give me the option. The sheath that came with the knife is a heavy duty nylon just like it's brethren knife. The sheath will allow for at least a 2" wide belt to carry it. The rubber scales used on the handle are very comfortable and your hand won't slide down onto the blade when wet with blood or other types of liquid. It has a hole at the rear of the frame for a lanyard for those who use a lanyard. I think I've covered just about everything that's important to me but if you have additional questions just get in touch with me through Amazon. Just remember, "You Can't Beat A Buck".

Solid, good looking, well made knife.I wish I would have bought one when you could still get it with a rosewood handle.

Can't really rate it. It was a gift for my Grand-Daughter & we won't know until next fall, Deer season...

I originally bought this knife just over a year ago so I'd have something to throw in the backpack that I take to the blind with me. It feels very solid with the rubberized handle and seemed like it would be perfect for cleaning/quartering a deer. I also opted for the model with the guthook since they can be very convenient when opening up an animal and removing the skin as well (although I realize that's a matter of opinion).Unfortunately, the reality of this knife has not lived up to expectations and I'm now trying to decide whether I should just throw it away (since I'll never use it again) or keep it in my pile of junk knives (since I hate to throw things away when they cost too much...).Here are the problems I've run into with this knife:1) I always carry a Benchmade pocket knife with an Axis lock so I'd forgotten that not all locking mechanisms are completely safe. That is, unfortunately, the case with the locking liner on this knife. Honestly, I've never had a locking liner that closed so easily by accident - any kind of hacking will unlock the liner (like breaking up ice or trying to hack through a bone). I know many people may say 'you shouldn't do that with a knife' - but I think we should be able to trust our folding knives not to cut our fingers off in pretty much any situation.2) The steel on this knife is very soft (420HC). As a result, it is easy to sharpen but only holds an edge for a short time. Personally, I'd prefer something at least a bit harder so I don't have to resharpen it 6 times per animal.Since I've gotten this knife I truly have tried to like it. I've started gutting/skinning every deer with it - but I've always ended up finishing with whichever pocket knife I happen to be carrying (which are all far superior to this Buck knife when it comes to cleaning and quartering). Yesterday, I actually had it close on my pinky finger - and that's the first time I was glad it doesn't hold an edge very well. :)I know some people really do prefer a knife that is easier to sharpen instead of a knife that will hold an edge. If that's you, then go for one of the fixed blade Buck knives in this family - they will probably be exactly what you're looking for. Other than those people, I can't think of a single group that I would recommend this knife to.

This knife is great, the reasons:1. They have no issues letting you know that God is their savior, and has a note inside the box.2. The Rubber grips are great for grasping and your hands wont slip if wet from water, sweat, etc, the wood or the camo grips are much more slicker.3. The knife is very solid, no slop or play from opening to closing.4. Has a good locking mech that you must push over with your thumb to close.5. The Hook part is very sharp and can have an edge from both sides of the knife, most knives only one side is sharpened.6. Made in the USA7. Its a BUCK!Update Review 11-21-2012 Have used this knife to Gut 3 deer, have to let you know the knife works like a charm, unzips the deer in a hurry, the grip is great even with deer goo all over you and the knife, Very sturdy, and has maintained an edge without any issue!the price I paid was 51.XX from amazon with prime member free shipping, everywhere else price has been over 75.00 not counting tax.Go buy this knife now!

This replaced one that I had broke the tip off of and then the thumb tips had fallen off. The blade is made of a different metal but I put a knife thru quite a rigorous workout so time will tell how long it lasts for me. My last one lasted 2 years before I broke the knife tip and then another 3 years before the thumb tips fell off.