The Buck PackLite Project
by DarylD
I found this Buck Paklite Skinner at Wally World and thought that I would take it for a spin. I am not a big fan of all metal, minimalist-designed knives, which is one reason I almost passed this knife up. I figured that for less than $20 I could find some use for it, even if it was only to throw in the glove box of "Muley", my S10 Blazer. I am a sucker for personal edged devices. I have several in the BOB and survival box but cannot pass up an opportunity to try something different. This one, I felt, was thin enough to fit in between my poncho and work gloves just to fit a niche as a low-cost but dependable cutting utensil. There are actually two versions of this knife; The Buck PakLite TM Skinner Knife (Silver, 6 5/8-Inch) and the Buck PakLite TM Caper Knife with Black Traction Coat (Black/Silver, 6 3/4-Inch) that might interest you. (http://www.amazon.com/Buck-PakLite-T...g_ai_ps_t3_t_1. The latter is the version that I bought. The knife's edge is sharp from the factory. Although it should handle normal cutting chores if called upon, using a good Smith's sharpening system will keep the blade extremely sharp. This is not a defensive use knife. It is a utility tool and that is about it. In addition, if you need just a bare bone cutting utensil, the Buck Paklite Skinner will service the purpose. Weighing in at 1 pound, the knife has the following features: • 2-7/8" Skinning Blade, 420HC Stainless Steel • 420HC Stainless Steel Handle with Black Traction Coating • Comes with a heavy-duty nylon sheath (has plastic insert). • As always, includes Buck's Forever Warranty. While I do not expect to be skinning much of anything, I do like the up-sweep style of a skinning blade. The knife handle, although quite thin, fits the hand well with the thumb placed on the choil or when placing the thumb in the "Tang" hole (for lack of a better description) and the forefinger is placed on top of the blade. I found that I could make some very small cuts using the latter method, as it gave me better control over the blade. My only complaint about the knife is the grip. It is thin and slippery when wet or when the cutting hand is moist, which could lead to serious injury for the user if the hand slipped past the grip and onto the blade. To remedy that, and to give myself something that would provide a better additional gripping surface, I added several layers of Plasti Dip while following the manufactures recommended procedure. Plasti Dip is a multi-purpose air dry, synthetic rubber coating. It applies easily by spraying, brushing or dipping. Plasti Dip protective coating products resist moisture, acids, abrasion, corrosion, skidding/slipping, and provides a comfortable, controlled grip. It remains flexible, stretchy and will not become brittle or crack in extreme weather conditions; -30°F to 200°F. Available in 7.25-oz Can, 11-oz Aerosol, 14.5-oz Can. (http://www.plastidip.com/home_solutions/Plasti_Dip). I have had a can of Plasti Dip for quite a few years and have coated pliers, crescent wrenches, and other tools. The color will help me from losing sight of the knife if I drop it or lay it down, as well. Shown in the picture, is the Buck Packlite with the "new" plastic-coated handle. There is a plastic liner inside the sheath that holds the knife in place and that also prevents the sharp edge from cutting the sheath's material. Because of the additional width of the handle caused by the dipping process, the handle did not want to rest completely in its groove as it did before the dipping. The answer was to either widen the groove or remove it completely. I opted for the latter. Some quick surgery with a razor knife removed the handle groove on the liner and the knife rested comfortably in place. The sheath material actually hugs the handle of the knife better and makes for a flatter profile. Note 01: Since I was not planning to add a lanyard of some type, I did not cut for the lanyard hole but may if need be. Note 02: I had seen a video of someone who wrapped the handle with paracord, which adds to the usefulness of the knife. However, there was no mention that the handle would no longer fit the sheath liner. The Buck Packlite is a useful addition to your survival pack, bag, or box. The minor changes that I made to it and the sheath gives me a better and more secure grip when it is wet. |
