All About Pocket Knives

Originally, this knife was in my collection due to its advertisement for a local business in the coal industry. I had bought this one as an EDC near-brand new for around $10; but it had been in the display case for two years. Used the few rubs on the camo pattern as an excuse, and finally decided to make it an EDC.
My first exposure to the Bantam family was the smallest one (283), and it's basically only good as a keyring knife. The 285 is too big, and I wasn't a fan of the tip-down RH-only clip; but I keep two around as farm work beaters (as I got them cheap). I bet the 286 is a monster!
At 3 3/4" closed, it's right at my sweet spot. At 1.5 ounces and only a half-inch thick, it's light and slim. I find the handle, despite slim, more comfortable than the slimmed down 110 and 112.
I suspect these holes, something I hadn't noticed previously, contribute to the ridiculously low weight.
Unlike the 110 and 112 lightweights, the 284 lacks that annoying bump at the junction of the blade and lock bar.
A thin blade equals a pretty good cutter that's easy to keep sharp.

I think all the Bantams have really good ergonomics compared to the lightweight 110 and 112s, but the 284 fits my hand (I wear a Small/Medium Mechanix knit glove) best.




Part of the reason I think it's so well-fitting is that the 284 doesn't have the clip of the 285 and larger.

In general, I have to admit, the Bantam family are perfect "value folders", mostly made in the US (I have heard that the handles are Chinese made, but the rest of the knife is made in Idaho) at a price that is on par with normally pretty junky Chinese knives.

Especially when on sale. I should've gotten more than one 283/285 two-pack when Cabela's had them on sale for $10. Especially when the orange 285 is an exclusive.

I love the lines of the two-hand open model originally sold in Canada and parts of Europe, so it may be eventually replacing this one.

Nice review, cody.

1967redrider wrote: ↑Tue Sep 27, 2022 1:42 pm Nice review, cody.

I agree.

I have the Buck 285 and for me, it's like Baby Bear's soup, just right. I prefer a knife that fills my hand a bit more than the 284. That being said, both represent excellent value if you're looking for a knife you can put to work. I've had my 285 for a while and have carried it only occasionally. It snaps open and closed with precision and absolutely no blade play. The synthetic handles keep weight to a minimum and the stainless steel blade takes and holds a keen edge. You can find them on ebay for $20 or less and that's an amazing deal in my opinion.

Nice review Cody

I agree, the 284 makes an excellent pocket knife. I have an orange w/thumb stud and a black with a nick.

Nice little Bantam, Cody. They are some great carry around knives. I got one a long while back and my wife liked it, so I got her the pink leafy camouflaged one. She's happy.

I like the Bamtan series of knives. I have the 284,285 and 286.
Nev