Introducing the Buck Range Series: Buck Knives’ First Crossbar Lock Folders

Mud Lake Ranch
Oct 17
6 min read

Buck Knives Launches the Range Series: Its First-Ever Crossbar Lock Knife

In a significant evolution for one of America’s most iconic knife makers, Buck Knives has unveiled its Range Series — the company’s first line of folding knives to feature a crossbar lock mechanism. This release marks a bold step into modern knife design while maintaining the brand’s legendary heritage.

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A Legacy Forged in Steel: The History of Buck Knives

Buck Knives traces its roots back to 1902, when a young blacksmith’s apprentice named Hoyt Buck developed a new method of heat-treating steel that helped blades hold their edge longer. Initially crafting knives from old file blades, Hoyt’s designs gained recognition for their sharpness and durability.

After World War II, Hoyt and his son Al Buck officially founded H.H. Buck and Son in 1947. The company was later incorporated as Buck Knives, Inc. in 1961 and rose to national prominence just a few years later with the launch of the Model 110 Folding Hunter in 1964.

The Model 110 was a game-changer. It proved that folding knives could be as strong and reliable as fixed blades, becoming an instant classic. Over time, the “Buck 110” became synonymous with lockback folders and is still one of the most widely recognized knives in the world today.

Now headquartered in Post Falls, Idaho, Buck remains a family-owned business, led by C.J. Buck, a fourth-generation descendent of the founder. The company continues to be celebrated for its American-made quality, rugged durability, and commitment to a “Forever Warranty.”

The Buck Range Series: A Modern Turn with the Crossbar Lock

While Buck has long been associated with traditional lockback folders, the introduction of the Range Series represents a deliberate move into contemporary folding knife design.

What is a Crossbar Lock?

A crossbar lock (sometimes called a bar or axis-style lock) uses a spring-loaded steel bar that slides across the tang of the blade when it is open. This design allows for:

Ambidextrous operation
One-handed opening and closing
Smooth, secure lockup
Fast deployment with thumb studs

The crossbar lock has become popular in modern folding knives for its ease of use and mechanical reliability — and now, Buck is putting its own spin on it.

Range Series Models & Features

The Range Series includes two primary sizes and configurations, with both full-size and compact “mini” models available:

1. Range Elite

Blade Steel: CPM MagnaCut
Blade Length: 3.375" (or 2.625" for mini version)
Handle Material: Aluminum
Lock Type: Crossbar Lock
Clip: Reversible deep-carry pocket clip
Opening: Dual thumb studs
Made in the USA

2. Range Pro

Blade Steel: 154CM
Handle Material: Glass-filled nylon (G10-like feel)
Other features mirror the Elite line

Each model offers a satin-finished drop point blade, designed for everyday utility, with a sleek and practical shape. The inclusion of a reversible pocket clip and ambidextrous lock makes these ideal for both right- and left-handed users.

Why This Matters for Buck Knives

The launch of the Range Series signals a new design chapter for Buck:

A modern, competitive folding knife line that appeals to EDC (everyday carry) enthusiasts
A new platform for innovation, expanding beyond traditional lockback mechanisms
Maintaining tradition by offering these new models alongside Buck’s classic offerings
Reinforcing their commitment to American manufacturing by building the Range Series in the USA

This isn’t a departure from Buck’s values — it’s an expansion of them. The Range Series brings fresh energy to a brand rooted in decades of craftsmanship and heritage.

Comparison: Range Elite vs. Range Pro

Below is a comparative table summarizing their main specifications and features:

Feature	Range Elite	Range Pro
Blade Steel	CPM MagnaCut	154CM
Handle Material / Construction	Anodized aluminum (various colors)	Glass-Filled Nylon (GFN / GFN-like polymer)
Blade Length	3.375″ standard (also “mini” ~ 2.625″)	3.375″ standard (mini version ~ 2.625″)
Blade Thickness / Geometry	~ 0.090″	~ 0.09″ (similar)
Overall / Closed Length	7.875″ overall, 4.50″ closed	same dimensions in standard size
Weight	~ 3.3 oz (standard)	~ 2.55 oz (standard)
Locking Mechanism	Crossbar lock	Crossbar lock
Clip / Carry / Deployment	Reversible deep-carry clip, tip-up, ambidextrous	Same clip style, ambidextrous
Finish / Aesthetic	Satin finish; aluminum handles in colors (black, green, gray, etc.)	Satin finish; polymer handles (often black, gray, green)
Intended Use / Positioning	Premium / higher end (emphasis on steel + aluminum handling feel)	More utility / mid-tier (lighter, more grippy handles, lower cost)

Here’s how those numbers and features translate into the real-world experience:

Key Tradeoffs & Considerations

Steel vs. Handling Feel
- MagnaCut (in the Elite) is a newer, highly capable stainless steel offering excellent edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance. If you often push your blades hard or expect long intervals between sharpening, MagnaCut gives an advantage.
- 154CM (in the Pro) is a well-known, proven, and time-tested steel. It may not match MagnaCut in all metrics, but it’s reliable, easier to sharpen in many shops, and very serviceable for everyday tasks.
- On the flip side, the aluminum handle of the Elite gives a cooler, more premium “metal feel,” but may feel more slippery in wet or sweaty hands, whereas the GFN/polymer of the Pro gives more grip and may be more comfortable in more aggressive use scenarios.
Weight & Feel in Pocket
- The Pro is significantly lighter, making it nicer for all‑day carry, where even a half-ounce can make a difference.
- The Elite, being heavier, may feel more substantial in hand (which some users prefer), but for EDC-focused carry, that extra weight may add up over time.
Durability of Handle Material
- Aluminum is solid, but can scratch, ding, or show wear (especially at edges) more visibly.
- Polymer/GFN handles tend to be more forgiving under rough use and may absorb impacts better, though they won’t have quite the same “premium” look.
Price & Value
- The Elite is positioned as the premium option in the Range line. The upgrade in steel and handle material commands a higher price.
- The Pro offers a more budget-friendly route to getting Buck’s new crossbar lock platform, while retaining durability and core functionality.
Aesthetic & Preference
- If you like “flashy” or premium-looking knives, the aluminum Elite with anodized colors will be more visually striking.
- If you prefer a more rugged, utilitarian tool that doesn’t show wear so obviously, the Pro may be more appealing.
Mini Versions
- Both models have “mini” counterparts (blade ~ 2.625″) that follow the same material split (Elite = MagnaCut + aluminum; Pro = 154CM + polymer). Example: the Mini Range Elite weighs ~ 2.35 oz.
- The mini versions are great when you want something more pocketable or lower-profile, though they give up some cutting reach.

Suggested Picks by Use Case

If you want maximum performance & don’t mind the extra cost: Go for the Range Elite. The MagnaCut steel gives you a longer edge life, and if you like the feel of metal handles, that’s a huge plus.
If lightweight, grip, and everyday utility are priorities: The Range Pro is a very compelling choice. You get a lighter knife, better grip under stress, and solid performance for daily tasks without paying the premium.
If you want a daily carry that hides wear but still performs well: The Pro’s polymer handle will tend to age more gracefully under rough use.
For those who like to swap scales or customize: The base platform being identical in many respects means you might be able to tinker more easily with the Pro (less concern about anodizing etc.), depending on the aftermarket support.

Final Thoughts

The Buck Range Series is more than just a new product line — it’s a statement that Buck Knives is ready to evolve with the times while staying true to its legacy. With high-performance steels, ergonomic designs, and the company’s first-ever crossbar lock mechanism, the Range Series shows Buck can innovate without compromising what made it great.

Whether you're a long-time Buck loyalist or a modern EDC user looking for something new, the Range Series is worth a serious look.

by Jared Sturtevant

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