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Buck Paradigm: "Looks Can Kill" by Nutnfancy

nutnfancy
Published on September 2, 2011
Category: Reviews
Duration: 22:09

This review focuses on the Buck Paradigm Pro and related Buck Vantage series knives, evaluating their design, materials, and philosophy of use. While acknowledging their aesthetic appeal and collectible value, the reviewer questions their suitability as serious tactical or defensive tools due to a slick handle and a complex, two-step deployment mechanism. The video highlights premium materials like S30V steel and polished G10, contrasting them with more budget-friendly options, and emphasizes Buck's commitment to US manufacturing and excellent customer service.

Tags

Buck Paradigm Pro
Buck Paradigm Avid
Buck Vantage Pro
Buck Vantage Select
S30V Steel
420 HC Steel
13C26 Steel
Knife Collectibility
Everyday Carry (EDC)
Tactical Knife
Knife Handle Materials
Shift Mechanism
Assisted Opening Knife
US-Made Knives

Quick Summary

The Buck Paradigm Pro is primarily a collectible knife, featuring a unique 'Shift' mechanism for its assisted blade deployment that requires a two-step process. While it uses premium S30V steel and has attractive G10 handles, its slickness and deployment complexity make it less suitable for tactical use compared to its collectible and EDC potential.

Chapters

  1. 00:03Introduction & Cleaning
  2. 00:20Old School Knife Review Intro
  3. 00:41Buck Cirrus Knives Overview
  4. 01:24Buck Knife Review History
  5. 02:12Buck Paradigm Pro Model Introduction
  6. 02:24Philosophy of Use: Tactical vs. Serious Knife
  7. 02:51Grip and Traction Issues
  8. 03:23Unique Shift Deployment Mechanism
  9. 04:14Demonstrating the Shift Mechanism
  10. 04:30Tactical Deployment Speed
  11. 05:15Other Ways Knives Bring Enjoyment
  12. 05:24Beautiful Handle Materials
  13. 05:34Buck Paradigm Pro G10 Handle
  14. 05:40Other Buck Handle Materials
  15. 05:54Buck Vantage Pro Diamondwood
  16. 06:15Buck Knife Popularity
  17. 06:30Philosophy of Use: Collectibility & Enjoyment
  18. 06:57Buck Paradigm/Avid Steel Options
  19. 07:17Buck Vantage Steel Lines
  20. 07:39Steel Rundown
  21. 07:42Collectibility vs. EDC
  22. 07:50Everyday Carry Preference
  23. 08:02Buck Vantage Select Small for EDC
  24. 08:14Paradigm Pro Size and Weight
  25. 08:22Weight from Shift Mechanism & Bolsters
  26. 08:28Bolster Design Preferences
  27. 08:47Deployment Purpose of Bolsters
  28. 08:56Collectibility and EDC Potential
  29. 09:07Weight for EDC
  30. 09:14Caveat: Tactical vs. Defensive Capabilities
  31. 09:30Size and Weight Comparison
  32. 09:36Blade Length Comparison
  33. 09:51Blade Variations
  34. 09:59Weight Comparison Recap
  35. 10:02Deployment Speed
  36. 10:15Closing and Opening Speed
  37. 10:19Defensive Use Caveats
  38. 10:22S30V Steel
  39. 10:28US-Made Knives
  40. 10:46Cutting Tests
  41. 10:53S30V Steel Performance
  42. 11:01Buck Hoodlum Comparison
  43. 11:095160 Steel Performance
  44. 11:21S30V Edge Retention
  45. 11:30Cardboard Test Harshness
  46. 11:47Good News: Sharpening
  47. 11:53CPM S30V Steel Details
  48. 12:03Edge After Cardboard Test
  49. 12:09Edge Pro Apex Sharpening
  50. 12:16Sharpening Results
  51. 12:30Post-Cardboard Test Stabbing
  52. 12:43Stoked About Sharpening
  53. 12:51CPM S30V Edge Quality
  54. 13:07Keen Edge and Stainless Resistance
  55. 13:10S30V Consistency
  56. 13:13S30V vs. Other Steels
  57. 13:28Steel Blade Shape
  58. 13:34Tip Thickness
  59. 13:45Lock Up and Strength
  60. 13:48Vantage Line Lock Up
  61. 13:56Blade Centering Issues
  62. 14:01Vantage Select Small Centering
  63. 14:15Buck Customer Service
  64. 14:28Blade Centering Issues Potential
  65. 14:35Vantage Pro Centering Tweak
  66. 14:43Paradigm Centering
  67. 14:56Lock Up Out of Box
  68. 15:02Stop Pin/Bar
  69. 15:07Lock Up Strength
  70. 15:10Handle Material Recap
  71. 15:13Polished G10
  72. 15:17Stainless Steel Bolsters
  73. 15:20Bolster Finish
  74. 15:25Wear Resistance of Finish
  75. 15:34Wear on Polished Bolsters
  76. 15:43Knife Wears Well
  77. 15:45Ergonomics
  78. 15:51Comfort for EDC
  79. 15:54Tactical Use Ergonomics
  80. 15:57Traction Issues
  81. 15:59Gimping
  82. 16:01Hand Size vs. Handle Size
  83. 16:06Grip Preference
  84. 16:09Pocket Clip
  85. 16:12Pocket Clip Design Praise
  86. 16:18Pocket Clip Security
  87. 16:23Pocket Clip Screws
  88. 16:27Handle Construction
  89. 16:28Pillar Construction
  90. 16:29Flow Through Design
  91. 16:31Mud/Blood/Guts Flow
  92. 16:35Clip Polishing
  93. 16:40Carry Orientation
  94. 16:42Tip Up Carry
  95. 16:44Left Handed Use
  96. 16:52Right Handed Orientation
  97. 16:56Ergonomics Summary
  98. 17:05Durability
  99. 17:07Paradigm Durability
  100. 17:12Forever Warranty
  101. 17:19S30V Steel Durability
  102. 17:24Steel Options Discussion
  103. 17:31Other Good Steels
  104. 17:43Tougher to Go Wrong with Steels
  105. 17:48Durability Recap
  106. 17:49Tip Strength
  107. 17:56Value
  108. 17:59S30V Steel Pricing
  109. 18:03Avid Model Pricing
  110. 18:08Paradigm Avid Price
  111. 18:13Paradigm Pro Price
  112. 18:16S30V Pricing Justification
  113. 18:25S30V Price Across Brands
  114. 18:33Vantage Pro Pricing Mention
  115. 18:51Value Proposition
  116. 18:53Options Discussion
  117. 18:54Carry Weight and Price
  118. 19:04Philosophy of Use Comparison
  119. 19:15Spyderco G10 Police
  120. 19:21Spyderco G10 Police Specs
  121. 19:31Vantage Select EDC
  122. 19:37Tactical Blade Recommendation
  123. 19:41Benchmade McHenry Williams 710
  124. 19:51Benchmade 710 Weight
  125. 19:56Benchmade 710 Price
  126. 19:59Benchmade 710 Plain Jane
  127. 20:02Sharpening Benchmade 710
  128. 20:08Sharp Knives Joy
  129. 20:11Benchmade 710 Recap
  130. 20:13Price Category Comparison
  131. 20:18Cold Steel American Lawman
  132. 20:23Cold Steel Knife Designs
  133. 20:31Cold Steel AK-47 Steel
  134. 20:36Affordable Steel
  135. 20:39Traction Plan
  136. 20:41High Traction G10
  137. 20:45Other Blade Considerations
  138. 20:49Coolness Factor
  139. 20:54Unique Deployment Fun
  140. 20:57Shift Mechanism Fun
  141. 21:03Heavy Side for EDC
  142. 21:08Mostly Collectible
  143. 21:10Gorgeous Handle Material
  144. 21:12Fit and Finish
  145. 21:14Adjusting Centering
  146. 21:18Lock Tying
  147. 21:21Blade Finish Quality
  148. 21:25Select Line Finish
  149. 21:27Small Select Comparison
  150. 21:28Grind Marks
  151. 21:31Grinding Wheel Work
  152. 21:34Blade Grind Attractiveness
  153. 21:36Superior Finish
  154. 21:38S30V Blade Steel
  155. 21:41Not a Tactical Blade
  156. 21:44Gorgeous Collectible
  157. 21:46Great EDC Knife
  158. 21:49Worth the Money
  159. 21:52Made in the USA
  160. 21:55Support US Knife Makers
  161. 21:57Buck Knives Appreciation
  162. 22:01Buck Paradigm Pro/Avid Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main philosophies of use for the Buck Paradigm Pro?

The Buck Paradigm Pro is primarily considered a collectible knife due to its aesthetic appeal and unique features. While it can serve as an EDC (Everyday Carry) knife, its slick handle and complex deployment mechanism make it less ideal for serious tactical or defensive roles, according to the reviewer.

What steel is used in the Buck Paradigm Pro and how does it perform?

The Buck Paradigm Pro features S30V stainless steel, which is a premium option. It performs well, taking a very fine edge, but did dull during extensive cardboard cutting tests, indicating good but not miraculous edge retention.

What is the unique 'Shift' mechanism on the Buck Paradigm Pro?

The 'Shift' mechanism on the Buck Paradigm Pro is a two-step deployment system. It requires the user to slide the bolster counter-clockwise before engaging the flipper to deploy the assisted blade, differentiating it from knives with traditional thumb studs.

Is the Buck Paradigm Pro suitable for tactical use?

The reviewer suggests the Buck Paradigm Pro is not ideal for tactical use due to its slick handle lacking traction and the two-step deployment mechanism, which can be problematic under stress. These factors raise concerns about grip security and rapid deployment.

What are the advantages of the Buck Paradigm Pro's handle and pocket clip?

The Paradigm Pro boasts gorgeous polished G10 handle scales and stippled stainless steel bolsters that resist wear. The pocket clip is highly praised for its deep carry design, strength, secure attachment, and tip-up carry capability, with reversibility for left-handed users.

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