KNIFE COLLECTOR FROM THE NORTHWOODS

 I honestly had no idea that GLOCK made knives, but that the manufacture of the knife actually preceded the manufacture of the well-known gun.  Stumbling upon it on Amazon I was attracted by the combination of the price point (it is very affordable!), and that it was military issue - and made in Austria!  Given its affordability I thought that this might give me a field knife that I could carry into the woods without concern about marring a collection piece. Designed for the Austrian military, this is a no-nonsense knife designed with a soldier in mind.  The Model 81, as opposed to the 78, adds a saw back which makes it even more suited for survival work.  Any number of videos online will demonstrate the knife in action, and overall it seems to pass the test of durability.  It has a blade made of spring steel with a hardness rating of 55 and is Phosphate treated.  In terms of overall size and weight it matches my Cold Steel SRK.  

 Like CHASE knives, BUCK also has a system of markings/symbols on their blades to let you know the year of their manufacture.  For those interested, see the chart below from the BUCK website.  I looked at my meager collection of four knives and was quickly able to date them. It confirms that at least one of my knives qualifies as "vintage" since it is 34 years old.  I'll have to wait another 12 years for my Nobleman to be vintage.

When I open the browser on my iPad, they often inundate me with a list of articles they think might interest me.  The algorithms they use with AI are rather interesting.  The figure out from your browsing history just what you are looking at most of the time.  The other night I saw an article notifying me that Walmart had a sale on a small BUCK folder for $11.08.  Normal retail is closer to $25.  When I got to my local Walmart there was no sign of a sale and the price was marked at about $3 more than this.  Not a deal-breaker, but I know enough to ask before I settle.  Knife collecting isn't just about how many knives you acquire, but whether you can get them for reasonable prices.  Well, I asked if there might be a price match since the quoted sale was registering elsewhere.  In the end it did qualify, but more than that the 'team lead' knocked off two more dollars because the box was opened.  Now my little $25 knife was close to $9....

I suppose I got pulled in when I saw the "#1 Bestseller" on Amazon: A very little EDC knife with a carabiner, sporting an intriguing Karambit blade.  It is now advertised for $9.99, but at the time it was marked down to $7.99.  FUNBRO, admittedly, is an off-brand.  But what did I have to lose?  They do not tell you much about the blade's steel, save that it is a "high-quality steel".  All told, it feels like a quality piece of equipment.  The blade opens and locks into place with a liner lock, and while at first it was a bit difficult to close, I quickly learned to 'choke up' on the liner lock closer to the blade with my fingertip.  It is advertised mainly as a box cutter, and that is probably what it excels at.  But the blade is sharp, and while it is only 1.34 inches long, it certainly would be useful for more than this.  As a simple EDC it would do the job for most small, routine 'around-the-house' needs.  I am interested, as I have i...