Knife + Screwdriver? - Buck X-Tract Essential?

[pinnah]

While hanging out with my son last night (boys night out, restocked his tackle box), I stumbled across a knife that has me rethinking my long-standing dislike of knifes that have screw drivers on them.

Don't get me wrong. I have a 4-blade Ulster camper (BSA type) knife that's in my EDC set and I've had at least one BSA knife kicking around since I was 8 and I own and use (especially on backcountry ski trips) a few multi-tools. But, as former bike mechanic, when I think of knives that have screwdrivers I think of:
+ stripped screw heads (from unstable driver heads)
+ broken knife bolsters (from twisting tight screws)
+ barked knuckles (from driver heads that close when you lean on them)
+ strings of course language (and this from a former deacon)

So, as some of you know, I've been looking for a knife with a 3" blade - something I can use on weekends, for general backpacking and in my shop for rougher work. Something that would fit in between my EDC knives and bigger Buck 110. I've wanted a carbon blade but have increasingly been looking at stainless blades. Then I found the Buck X-Tract Essential....



I find two things really interesting about this knife. First, it's a knife, not a multi-tool with a knife blade.

Second, and this is what I find really compelling, is the double head screw driver blade that opens with a locking thumb release along the back of the knife. This means that a) it's super easy to open and switch the blades (instead of 5 minutes of fumbling with my multi-tools) and b) once deployed, the screw driver blades behave like, well, screw drivers and not knuckle eating toys.

I would say that I could live without the scissors (and I could) but I have to admit that I keep a small SAK Esquire in my backpacking 1st aid kit (mole skin, tape cutting), my knitting bag (stifle the laugh) and end up using utility scissors in my bike shop constantly. Having a larger scissor on a still-pocketable knife makes some sense.

Wondering if anybody is carrying one of these knives and can comment on how it's holding up. I've not yet pulled the trigger on this (don't like the looks) but after sleeping on it, this combination is making a lot of sense for a beater utility knife.

Thoughts?

[woseyjales]

A lot of the current production Buck seen in the stores are from overseas.
The ones still from USA do have a USA flag on the packaging.

My most useful EDC w/screwdriver tips is the Vic Cadet at 3.25" oalc.
Bottle opener tip strong enough to use as mini prybar.
If screw is in tight quarters or requires more leverage
open 90 degrees instead of 180.
Red Alox shown but my toter is a green 'un.

[sharalds]

Leatherman used to make a simular one without the sissors and some of the blades where cm-154 maybe even s30v. LINK
http://www.bing.com/shopping/leatherman ... CA&lppc=16

[pinnah]

Leatherman used to make a simular one without the sissors and some of the blades where cm-154 maybe even s30v. LINK
http://www.bing.com/shopping/leatherman ... CA&lppc=16

The big difference, and for me, the big compelling news, is that the Buck screwdrivers don't fold out, they slide out.

It's hard to see but it is visible in the upper of the 2 pictures I posted. It shows the phillips deployed and you can note the thumb slider along the back spine of the knife is moved forward. When you depress the thumb lock on the slider, you can retract it (as shown in the bottom photo) or continue sliding it the other direction to deploy the standard head. No pivots!

[allmightyoz]

I have a Taiwan Buck Summit with a liner lock screwdriver. It looks to be the same kind of construction as this knife you are showing. I use it daily, and it has held up very well over six months. The liner locks work great, even for the screwdriver.

I would say that this knife would hold up as well. I was surprised at the fit n finish of my Summit and what it has stood up to, so I would pull the trigger on another overseas Buck and would recommend u to do so as well.