Buck Knives 285 Bantam BLW Folding Knife with Removable Clip

The media could not be loaded. As someone that uses a knife frequently throughout the day while working construction, I must say that this knife is one of my favorites! It’s a Buck, which means it’s made in the USA. Typically, you’d find yourself paying 2-3x the cost of this knife for one of comparable quality. The blade is shaving sharp right out of the box. There are some knife users that might argue that the blade is made out of low grade 420 stainless steel. However, that isn’t really a bad thing at this price point because this is a really affordable knife that you can be comfortable with abusing and still being able to put a razor sharp edge back on with little effort. The other thing that I like about the knife is the large pocket clip that keeps my knife in place no matter what position I’m in. The only thing that I’ve had a problem with is the thumb stud on the blade which seems to be a bit loose, I’m not sure if the stud is held together by friction or if it screws into itself, but I will figure that out and update my review if I’m able to tighten it. Finally, as you can see in the photos, this knife is quite a substantial size. I really like that this thing has some meat on its bones without weighing a ton, unlike the classic Buck 110. Overall, but this knife if you need a knife you can abuse and still depend on day in and day out, you will not regret it!

Nice sharp sturdy knife for the price, good steel and so far has stayed sharp. I am pleased with this Buck knife,

I now own two of these and for the money it is one of my favorites. The iconic Buck 110 will always be a favorite but in a blue collar factory setting I was always hanging the sheath on something while working on equipment. Ran across a display that had the 286 in it and knew I had to have it after holding it. The knife is very slim but thick enough to get a firm grip. Solid low profile pocket clip allows me to tuck it into front pocket easily and it stays out of the way until I need it. This knife really fills a lot of rolls for me like shelter building and general bushcraft tasks to cutting string, tape, and opening Amazon boxes. Although I haven't processed a deer with it I have no doubt it could get the job done. Best of all, it's made in the USA. Can't be beat for the money in my opinion. Get one and I think you or whomever you buy it for will be extremely happy with it.

I like this knife a lot and it fit well in my hand. Although I had intended to carry this as a EDC it’s a little too stiff (being a lock back) to easily open with one hand or quickly like you might need to do while holding something. Also this is a plastic handle which flexes with enough pressure it would probably break.Speaking of which there was another reviewer complaining about some sort of design flaw that made it unsafe almost cutting his hand or something? I don’t know what he was doing but that he needed to put that much pressure on it it’ll break. Suffice to say this knife IS NOT MADE FOR HEAVY PRESSURE. IT’S PLASTIC! (Except for the blade and lock). It’s also a hunting knife so it’s designed to skin/process game not batoning or huge amount of pressure.And on the note of it being made of plastic there’s a number of reviews that complain about the finish of the blade. IT’S A 30 DOLLAR KNIFE MADE IN THE US OF A, NOT CHINA, OR TAIWAN OR ANY WHERE ELSE. IN THE USA WE HAVE HIGHER COSTS OF LIVING AND HIGHER MINIMUM WAGES THAN MOST COUNTRIES LET ALONE EASTERN ASIA. IF BUCK WAS GOING TO MAKE IT “NICE” IT WOULD COST MORE BECAUSE THEY’D HAVE TO PUT ANOTHER PERSON, EMPLOYEE, ON POLISHING BRINGING UP THE PRICE!If you want a nice USA made knife don’t look at the 30 dollar budget knife! As is it is a manufacturing feat in my mind that they brought the cost so low! He’s how I believe the blade is made1) knife blanks churned out (however they do it)2) huge number of blanks are polished in a tumble polisher (I am going blank on the proper name) but this doesn’t give it a perfect polish3) assembly with handle and rivets4) Sharpening and packaging.So moving on from my rant of other reviews. This isn’t the nicest knife I’ve owned but it’ll get the job done and it’s razor sharp out of the box and it stays razor sharp for a long time due to the heat treatment (I’ve learned this from experience not it’s ads). It will last a long time provided that you know it’s limitations. It’s because of this knife’s little brother (bantam 284) that I understood the quality of Buck. Will it knock your socks off no.Do I suggest it not unless you like really large knives. If you want something that’s not a huge pocket hog get the bantam 285 or 284.

First off I do not like knives with assisted opening. It's unnecessary and dangerous. That said years ago I bought a Buck 110 knife from a local store mainly because it was American made and it was all wood and steel. What a piece of junk. The blade had movement right out of the box and it was heavy as heck. I returned it immediately. That said cheap Gerber paraframe knives have been my EDC since. I decided to give Buck a try again because I was looking for a step up. This Bantam 285 fits the bill. Excellent quality blade. Super sharp. Guys the plastic handle is what makes it lightweight and isn't a problem for me. My only complaint is the pocket clip is too darned tight. I had to loosen it up.

Great quality edge

Nothing impressive like a gleaming blade, ball bearing folding, or fancy inlaid handle. What is impressive is the sharp blade, good edge retention, light weight, sure grip, and comfortable ergonomics... all at a good price. Best yet, it's made in the USA. Not a great beauty to look at, but beautiful performance. Isn't that what a knife is all about?

Easy to open and the lock is solid. I like the size and the blade came very sharp which I did not expect especially at this price point.