Intro.
To date there have been no less than 15 Sprint Models, 4 have been discontinued. Of the 11 there are 4 select models, 3 classic models, 3 Ops models & 1 called Copper Sprint. Now there is this new Ops model which is a Jade color so this makes 16 current Sprint models available. Of these 16 models the steel ranges from 420 stainless to CPMS30V to CPMS45VN.
Specs.
- Blade Shape: Drop Point
- Blade Steel: CPM S30V
- Blade Coating: Black Cerakote
- Blade Length: 3 1/8″ (7.9 cm)
- Weight: 3.55 oz
- Handle Material: Natural G10
- Carry System: Tip Up Deep Carry Pocket Clip
- Locking Mechanism: Flipper0
- Country Of Origin: USA
Blade.
It has a black Cerakote drop point blade with a little dip in the spine making it recognizable as a Sprint model. At 7.6 cm it’s a bit small for me and I hate Cerakote blades but it does lend itself to better corrosion resistance and wear.
Blade Steel:
This model is made from CPM S30V. Made by Crucible Steel it’s a budget steel but one that’s pretty rare in that it’s made for cutlery. Having said that plenty of known manufacturers use it like Spyderco, Benchmade, Chris Reeve, Cold Steel, Kershaw and of course Buck use it. There are plenty more who use it but just know it’s a steel made for making knives. It takes an edge very well but the compromise is that edge retention isn’t quite so good.
Weight.
Seeing as it’s a small knife it’s very light at 3.55 oz, you hardly know you have it in your pocket.
Handle Material.
Good old G-10 prevails. It’s one of these slightly opaque Jade colors, I don’t really like it but looks striking up against the black blade. You can’t really go wrong with G-10, it’s hard wearing and will probably outlast the blade!
Pocket Clip.
Apart from being a deep carry the only thing worth mentioning with the pocket clip (and the pivot pin and the screws) is that that it’s also black in color, assume it’s Cerakote and nice to have them matching the carry clip.
Locking Mechanism.
Another liner lock mechanism, arguably the most popular locking system placed on knives. Depending on the quality of the build will determine how effective the liner lock is. After a fair bit of wear they can become ‘unlocked’, watch out for that on your old knives!
Conclusion.
I am a big fan of Buck knives but this one doesn’t do much for me. I’m sure it has the build quality we know to trust from such a maker. It has ball bearings for a smooth operation flipper. You can do all the usual things with such a knife like one handed open and closing. The deep carry clip keeps the knife out of the way but in easy reach. I guess it is pretty unusual looking blade. It’s listed at just under US$120 on the Buck website.
If you love this little blade why note grab one for yourself direct from the Buck website.
If you are interested in spending around US$100 I’d go for something like this MKM knife with a way better Bohler M390 blade steel, and it’s under US$100!
As always, happy camping :0)