Buck Selector 2.0

Getting towards 25-years ago, the Buck Selector was the folding knife to use for the serious deerstalker. It was radical for its time, allowing the user the ability to swap/ select a number of different blade styles to address the job at hand. Another attractive feature was that the handle came in two colours; perhaps unsurprisingly the bright orange was the most commonly purchased amongst professional users. It reduced the chance of losing or even kneeling down on it in the field; also, the original was easy to clean and could even be put in the dishwasher.

Selector 2.0

The whole package came in a tough Cordura pouch, and all in all, the selector was an excellent design and mine served me well for many years; using the drop point blade it become an extension of my arm when sorting out deer. However, after all that time and many hundreds of deer the locking mechanism started to fail and after having a near miss with my pinkies, I had to retire it.

Now Buck has brought out the next generation – the Selector 2.0; for me this is long overdue! Made from heat-treated 420HC stainless; blade choices include plain edge drop point, half serrated/plain edge drop point and the reverse edge gutting/ skinning hook. The profile has changed slightly but with the improved ergonomics of the handle, this is still a knife that feels like it is part of you!

Everything about the 2.0 has been re-engineered and made more heavy duty than the original but without compromising the handling qualities that made it such a brilliant folder. With the drop point blade, it weighs in at 6oz and is 215mm open and 122mm closed. The cutting edge is 87mm and 3mm thick. The original weighs just 3oz, and is 220mm open and 122mm closed, with an 86mm edge and 2.5mm thick.

Locking is by a strong and reliable, mid-positioned lock back mechanism. Blade swap is simple; press and hold the lock and open the blade to 90° then pull it forward and off the handle. In the 2.0 it seems more positive and the lug and groove that hold the blade in place are sturdier. Blades are made from 550 stainless and hold their edge well, I gralloched five Muntjac, split their sternums, removed the pluck, feet and head before any noticeable loss of sharpness.

Stronger and ergonomical

The handle shows a metal frame with hardened plastic and textured scales and offers a comfortable shape in the hand. There’s jimping at the rear of the blade for added thumb purchase and the shape of the handle would seem close to impossible to cut oneself by the hand slipping forward during normal use. This comes from someone who has a reputation for cutting himself to the point some of my stalking clients carry field dressings with them, just in case!

The 2.0 comes in a Cordura belt pouch with a press stud flap and a wide loop. My example came with three blades – plain edge drop point, half plain/serrated drop point and the reverse gut hook. The two spares are carried in the pouch and come with plastic covers for obvious reasons. Overall, this is a great folding knife and should give years of faithful service and having dressed out over 30 Roe and Muntjac with it in couple of months, I am very impressed!