Anybody heard anything about the Buck Essential?

Spoonrobot · **on:** October 03, 2008, 02:00:18 AM

This one sure sneaked up on me. Hadn't heard or seen anything until I saw it on the Knifecenter page.

Link

Quote

Buck continues to create innovative one-hand multi-tools with the X-Tract Essential™. Based on the current X-Tract (models 730, 731 and 732), the Essential™ is a streamlined version of the 730, meant to be a lighter, more convenient daily tool. The tool features the Buck 3" drop point blade, a Philips and flathead screwdriver, large spring-loaded scissors and a pocket clip. The slimmer profile and lighter weight make it handy to carry around for on-the-spot tasks.

Seems to be following the Leatherman knife line with enough of a twist to be interesting.

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #1 on:** October 03, 2008, 02:09:54 AM

Nope, that's a new one on me. It really just looks like an XTract with a clip... now where did I hear that concept before....

Def

I'm Still Bison · **Reply #2 on:** October 03, 2008, 02:11:44 AM

Looks like it went on Knifecenter's blog only yesterday.I'm reminded of a Super Tinker with an inline Philips.At $30.00 their price is reasonable.

Freudian Frog · **Reply #3 on:** October 03, 2008, 02:13:12 AM

No... more... PLIERS?!

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

This may be what I've been looking for to accompany a multitool.

J-sews · **Reply #4 on:** October 03, 2008, 02:53:06 AM

Good catch Spoon, that's a new one to me.

Looks like they simply removed the plier tool from the FIN model. Well, except that they moved the scissor from the opposite side as the knife blade to the same side as the knife blade.

gadgetman7 · **Reply #5 on:** October 04, 2008, 03:05:31 AM

I ordered one. Should get it next week. I'll let you know what I think.

J-sews · **Reply #6 on:** October 04, 2008, 03:26:01 AM

Quote from: gadgetman7 on October 04, 2008, 03:05:31 AM

I ordered one. Should get it next week. I'll let you know what I think.

Surely they don't have them in stock ALREADY?!!!

Sea Monster · **Reply #7 on:** October 04, 2008, 05:00:34 AM

I know they're just modern & strangely designed SAKs (some someone tell me how a sliding screwdriver is more sensible than one based on a simple backspring/slipjoint design?)
but I just can't bring myself to get into Leatherman/Buck multi-knives (yet), I don't know what it is, I just don't trust them!

Maybe they're all just a big Go-fast (with all them bumps and holes) for me.

Anyway, I'd be thrilled so read some reviews (with pics of course) from anyone who has either - and would love a comparison from someone who has both (LM & Buck - or any other brand producing these things)

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #8 on:** October 05, 2008, 11:12:42 PM

I'd love to see how well it compares to the LM knives too...

Def

Sea Monster · **Reply #9 on:** October 05, 2008, 11:22:16 PM

What's all this about Def vs X-tract anyway?

max6166 · **Reply #10 on:** October 05, 2008, 11:24:08 PM

Quote from: Nomad on October 04, 2008, 05:00:34 AM

I know they're just modern & strangely designed SAKs (some someone tell me how a sliding screwdriver is more sensible than one based on a simple backspring/slipjoint design?)

I *think* the sliding drivers are an answer to SAK's center-mounted backside tools. This allows them to offer inline drivers without adding another backspring.

joebw · **Reply #11 on:** October 06, 2008, 12:58:36 AM

Hi,

Got a chance to handle the X-Tract Essential yesterday. Scissors are the biggest that I've seen on any multi. The design of the clip looks good and I expect to see clips added to the other X-Tract models as they have been to other Buck products. Yes, mine in black, blue and platinum are on order.

Cheers to all - Joe

J-sews · **Reply #12 on:** October 06, 2008, 01:35:38 AM

Quote from: joebw on October 06, 2008, 12:58:36 AM

Hi,

Got a chance to handle the X-Tract Essential yesterday. Scissors are the biggest that I've seen on any multi. The design of the clip looks good and I expect to see clips added to the other X-Tract models as they have been to other Buck products. Yes, mine in black, blue and platinum are on order.

Cheers to all - Joe

Thanks Joe! So they really do have them available already eh?? That is stunning. I guess I've gotten used to waiting months (Leatherman) or YEARS (SOG) between product announcement and product availability.

If nothing else, kudos to Buck for having product ready when its supposed to be!

Sea Monster · **Reply #13 on:** October 06, 2008, 02:15:48 AM

Quote

Thanks Joe! So they really do have them available already eh?? That is stunning. I guess I've gotten used to waiting months (Leatherman) or YEARS (SOG) between product announcement and product availability.

If nothing else, kudos to Buck for having product ready when its supposed to be!

It can't be any good if there's no hype, last minute design alternations, and factory-to-warehouse shipping delays.

I'm Still Bison · **Reply #14 on:** October 06, 2008, 02:25:03 AM

Quote from: Nomad on October 06, 2008, 02:15:48 AM

Quote
Thanks Joe! So they really do have them available already eh?? That is stunning. I guess I've gotten used to waiting months (Leatherman) or YEARS (SOG) between product announcement and product availability.

If nothing else, kudos to Buck for having product ready when its supposed to be!

It can't be any good if there's no hype, last minute design alternations, and factory-to-warehouse shipping delays.

I think Buck learned a lesson about premature hyping and bally-hooing with the Navigator

J-sews · **Reply #15 on:** October 06, 2008, 03:02:43 AM

Quote from: Bison56 on October 06, 2008, 02:25:03 AM

Quote from: Nomad on October 06, 2008, 02:15:48 AM
Quote
Thanks Joe! So they really do have them available already eh?? That is stunning. I guess I've gotten used to waiting months (Leatherman) or YEARS (SOG) between product announcement and product availability.

If nothing else, kudos to Buck for having product ready when its supposed to be!

It can't be any good if there's no hype, last minute design alternations, and factory-to-warehouse shipping delays.

I think Buck learned a lesson about premature hyping and bally-hooing with the Navigator

Hah! Great point!

NutSAK · **Reply #16 on:** October 06, 2008, 03:20:37 AM

That looks like a nice tool. I'd be interested in hearing how well the phillips works. The short reach and offset make it look a bit awkward.

David Bowen · **Reply #17 on:** October 07, 2008, 10:54:03 PM

Got this from my Buck Rep:

Hi!... and thanks for your query!
New one on me, too! We knew it was coming. But not cleared for announcement, and in fact we didn't even have details here. Not sure what transpired, but as soon as we get answers, we'll give you the full story. And you're right, this should be a very popular addition to Buck's overall X-Tract family of multi-tools. Thanks again!
--Tom

Tsquare · **Reply #18 on:** November 01, 2008, 09:17:03 PM

Just curious if gadgetman7 got the new essential?

Nikos · **Reply #19 on:** November 02, 2008, 12:01:21 AM

All of the X-Tract variations are described in the relevant patent.

Nikos · **Reply #20 on:** November 02, 2008, 12:22:29 AM

Quote from: Nomad on October 04, 2008, 05:00:34 AM

someone tell me how a sliding screwdriver is more sensible than one based on a simple backspring/slipjoint design?

Apart from the lack of a backspring, the sliding design seems to be sturdier: (i) the screwdriver implement has a square footprint, thus creating less torque on its axis than classic designs, and (ii) there is no pivot to bear the strain. Plus, it's a locking implement. Even if it fails on you (which has not yet happened to me so far in the past 6 months I'm quasi-edc'ing my X-Tract), it will slide inwards instead of closing on your fingers.

gadgetman7 · **Reply #21 on:** November 10, 2008, 06:02:30 AM

Sorry I haven't posted sooner I've been out of town. I did get the new Essential. I've carried it for several days and overall am pleased with it. The blade is a good style for general use and is long enough for most things. It's also about 3" so it's safe to carry most places. The steel is 420HC I think, but it has held an edge well. It came from the factory pretty sharp but a few strokes on a Spyderco Sharpmaker and it was perfect.

The scissors are LARGE and deploy with one hand. They are largest I've seen on any multitool. The scissors work well but the top handle (?) that you push down on is rather thin and can be uncomfortable when cutting thick or sturdy material. It does cut well but one problem that I have noticed is that the spring may slip past the top handle catch and you have to reposition it.

The screwdrivers work well. I was concerned that they wouldn't be long enough but so far that hasn't been a problem. The drivers lock into place and I have unsuccessfully tried to make them fail. The only issue is that there is only one size of flat blade. So far this hasn't been a problem but it might be an issue eventually.

The weight is not bad at 4.4 ounces and the pocket clip works well, letting the knife ride low in your pocket. The handle is plastic with steel liners but it feels sturdy and grips well when wet. Fit and finish is good.

Overall a good tool. I would compare it to a Supertinker. The Buck doesn't have the small blade, the awl, the hook, and the can opener. (And of course the tweezers and toothpick.) It does however have locking tools and a better large blade. It's a good tool for the money. If Buck would fix the scissors it would make a great carry with just the Essentials. (Sorry couldn't resist.)

Smitty44 · **Reply #22 on:** November 10, 2008, 06:14:47 AM

Thanks gadgetman7,looks like a good backup for the LM Kick.

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Anybody heard anything about the Buck Essential?

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