When it comes to Buck Knives, there’s an unspoken promise of craftsmanship, durability, and reliability. The 040 Onset not only upholds this legacy but propels it into the modern age. With its robust design, high-performance materials, and thoughtful engineering, the Onset has quickly secured its place as a serious contender for anyone seeking an upgrade to their everyday carry.
First Impressions
Right out of the box, the Onset feels substantial without being unwieldy. At 4.9 ounces, it’s a pocket tank—solid, tough, and made for work. It isn’t overbuilt to the point of impracticality, but it’s certainly more durable than your standard pocket knife. A lot of that comes from the steel frame, which locks up the knife like a vault.
The G10 handle immediately stands out, offering a rugged yet refined texture that inspires confidence in grip. The arc of the handle shape makes it naturally ergonomic, and there’s more than enough room for a full grip, regardless of hand size. With minimal jimping on the spine and none elsewhere, the design feels clean and purpose-built. The flipper tab doubles as a finger guard—a nice touch, even if the overall shape doesn’t make it strictly necessary.
Whether you choose the O.D. Green Cerakote finish or the blacked-out version, the Onset has a military-inspired look. While this aesthetic works well, it would have been nice to see additional color options to inject more personality into the lineup.
Opening the blade via the flipper tab is buttery smooth, thanks to the ball-bearing pivot system. This is one of those knives you’ll find yourself opening and closing repeatedly, just for the sheer joy of it.
The Blade
The real star of the show is the S45VN steel. Pairing this premium steel with Buck’s renowned Paul Bos Heat Treat elevates the Onset to another level. S45VN is all about balance—it holds an edge exceptionally well, resists corrosion, and is surprisingly easy to maintain for a steel of its caliber.
The 3 3/8" drop-point blade with a full-flat grind is designed for versatility. From slicing through rope to peeling an apple, the blade performs with precision and ease. The Cerakote finish adds a layer of wear resistance, keeping the knife looking as sharp as it cuts, even after heavy use.
However, the blade stock and grind are notably thick, which can hinder performance on finer slicing tasks. While it’s still effective for EDC, this thickness leans more toward durability than cutting finesse. The downward-facing tip excels in detail work, and overall, the blade does a commendable job across a range of tasks.
Handle and Ergonomics
The handle is grippy and contoured for a comfortable hold during extended use. Unlike some blocky or overly aggressive designs, the Onset melts into your hand. The rugged texture offers excellent grip, though it might feel a bit rough for users accustomed to smoother handles.
The pocket clip is a nice touch. With its dual-anchor design and pillar construction, it accommodates a variety of pocket thicknesses with ease. The tension is spot on, and it doesn’t tear up pockets—something I greatly appreciate in an EDC knife.
Deployment and Lock
The Onset’s ball-bearing system and flipper tab make deployment consistent and smooth. With a crisp detent, the blade fires open reliably every time, with no failed attempts during my testing.
That said, deployment is limited to the flipper tab. While it keeps the design sleek and clean, I can’t help but wish for thumb studs as an additional option. This blade would absolutely fly open with them.
The framelock is robust and secure, though its tension is strong. While this contributes to the knife’s tank-like durability, disengaging the lock can be stiff. Additionally, the flipper tab can sometimes get in the way when closing the knife.
Performance
During testing, the Onset proved itself across various scenarios. It handled everyday tasks like opening packages and cutting cordage with ease. The blade’s sharpness and edge retention were particularly noticeable when tackling tougher materials like zip ties and thick cardboard.
Final Thoughts
The Buck 040 Onset is a testament to the evolution of EDC knives. With premium materials, stellar performance, and thoughtful design, it’s an easy recommendation for anyone looking to elevate their gear.
The Onset is built for work. It’s robust without being overbuilt and strikes a balance between durability and practicality. While its thick grind may not excel in all slicing tasks, its overall versatility and reliability make it a standout choice.
At its price point, the Onset offers serious value. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting your EDC journey, this knife deserves a spot in your rotation.
Pros:
Premium S45VN steel with Bos Heat Treat
Smooth ball-bearing deployment
Durable and grippy G10 handle
Cerakote finish adds style and protection
Made in the USA
Unique, versatile pocket clip
Cons:
Pocket clip is not ambidextrous
G10 handle might feel rough to some users
Thick blade grind limits slicing performance
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