This is Buck's standard blade material because it approaches the wear resistance of high carbon alloys while delivering the corrosion resistance of chromium stainless steels. Add our exclusive heat-treat process and you have a very user-friendly combination of superior corrosion resistance with excellent strength for wear resistance and durability. You also have a blade that is easy to resharpen. For best performance we harden to a Rockwell hardness of Rc 58.
This blade is full bellied with a strong, thick point for heavier tasks. It can also be used as a general work knife. The top of the blade drops down toward the tip, which minimizes accidental puncturing while skinning. The drop point blade is strong and very versatile.
I have this knife for more than 20 years. Still keeps an edge and beatiful as a jewwel
I have carried my 501 in my back pocket every day for 10 years now and it gets used everyday too. There are barely any signs of wear on the handle and the blade has been sharpened enough times that the edge has migrated probably a millimetre up the blade versus new, and its never not sharp enough to shave the hair off my arm. The skinnier width of the handle versus a much thicker model 55 makes it far less obtrusive in a pocket supposing you aren't into wearing the sheath like I don't, but I cant imagine there was a much of a compromise for durability because I use this knife hard, and constantly sitting on it (keep it in back pocket) and everything from gutting fish and removing the hide from animals to cutting my steak at the dinner table and spreading peanut butter and it seems as tight and robust as the day I opened the packaging. A real homerun by buck for a classy looking everyday use knife that can still do the heavier jobs.
My father gave this to me a few years ago as a present for a large achievement, I have only used it once. Although this knif is capable of doing anything you need done, I would recommend buying one for use and one for gloating
My Buck 501 is over 40 years old. It was passed down from my grandfather to me 12 years ago. This is by far the best knife I have ever had. The blade continues to slice through everything with ease, has never broken, and requires minimum sharpening.
I have bought a Model 501 at Fort Worth, Texas, in 1977 or 78. I still have it and its original box. This knife is very strong and well crafted. The kind of thing you keep for your life.
I have carried a 501 for years. Back when there were 3 pins in the handles, I used it to skin 100s of squirrels and rabbits. I carry it with me everyday. I have many more buck knives. 501 is my favorite.
Had a 501 for many years and unfortunately lost it, and I feel lost without it in my pocket. The only time I don't have it with me is when I am traveling by air. I would really hate it if it was confiscated at the gate. I just placed my order for a new 501