Buck Knives 55 Pocket Knife Review

Bottom Line

The Buck Knives 55 is a timeless pocket knife that blends heritage design with everyday practicality. Its compact size, sharp clip-point blade, and durable lockback mechanism make it a classic, reliable EDC blade. We tested the 55 on daily chores, such as opening packaging, slicing cordage, and light whittling around camp. The genuine ebony handle and brass bolsters give it a level of craftsmanship rarely seen at this price point, especially for a U.S.-made knife.

Value-wise, the 55 is made for those seeking traditional styling and long-lasting performance. It’s not designed for heavy-duty prying or rapid one-handed deployment, and it’s a little easier to lose since it lacks a pocket clip. But if you appreciate a beautifully built, minimalist folder, it’s hard to beat. 

Check out our guide to the best pocket knives for other top-performing options across different categories and price points.

How We Tested

We tested the Buck Knives 55 over several weeks in northern Minnesota, using it for camping, paddling, hiking, and everyday tasks. It handled chores such as making s’mores sticks, slicing rope, trimming paracord, cutting open packaging, and preparing trail snacks. The knife saw consistent use in both backcountry and around-the-house settings to assess durability, sharpness, and reliability.

Build Quality

The Buck Knives 55 craftsmanship delivers noticeable attention to detail for its size and price point. From the moment we unboxed it, the polished brass bolsters and genuine Crelicam ebony wood scales stood out for their quality and seamless transitions. There are no noticeable gaps or imperfections in the fit, and the blade sits perfectly centered when the device is closed.

Over several weeks of testing in northern Minnesota, the 55 consistently held up against daily wear, including some drops from our pockets. The hand-finished details and smooth lockback operation are reassuring, and even after exposure to dirt and moisture, the knife maintains its tight tolerance.

Blade Retention & Stability

For a knife this size and style, the Buck 55’s blade retention is excellent. Out of the box, the 2.4-inch 420HC stainless steel clip-point blade was shaving sharp. Through repeated use of cutting cords, carving marshmallow sticks, opening packaging, and slicing cheese at camp, the edge maintained a sharp, controllable feel.

Even after a weekend of constant use in damp conditions, it easily cut through rope and whittled tinder without dulling. Applying lateral pressure during testing revealed no side-to-side play, and the lockback mechanism kept the blade firmly secured during all tasks. The 420HC steel, paired with Buck’s renowned heat treatment, offers a nice combination of edge retention and easy sharpening, which we appreciate for its versatility in everyday use or out in the field.

Ergonomics & Grip

The Buck 55 has a secure grip despite its small size. That said, testers with small hands preferred this knife, while individuals with larger hands might find the 3.4-inch handle too small. Regardless, the contoured shape and rounded edges make it pleasant to hold. During our test outings, it felt natural to carve sticks and did well, even slicing through thick cardboard.

The polished wood and brass handle become a little slick in wet conditions, but the traditional handle shape allowed us to maintain control with careful grip placement. Unlike many modern knives, there’s no aggressive texturing or finger grooves.

Corrosion Resistance

In our corrosion field tests, the 420HC steel and heat treatment showed no drastic signs of corrosion or pitting, even after a 24-hour saltwater mist test. And during camping trips in humid, lakeside conditions, the blade retained its finish. With continued exposure and use in those settings, maintenance will be necessary to maintain appearance and quality, but this should be minimal.

The brass bolsters, although beautiful, began to develop a light patina due to handling and exposure to the outdoors. This may be a natural characteristic that many users find adds charm to the design.

Locking Mechanism

The lockback mechanism on the Buck 55 is one of its most reassuring features. The blade never fails to lock into place with an audible snap. Disengaging the lock is a button-like system located on the spine of the knife, which requires minimal pressure, and we never found it cumbersome.

Even after exposure to sand, grit, and moisture, the lock had no issues; however, keeping the locking area clean will improve its performance. Its central spine placement is intuitive and keeps fingers clear from the blade’s path when closing. Compared to frame and liner locks in similarly priced knives, the Buck 55’s lockback feels safer and longer lasting.

Weight

At just 1.9 ounces, the Buck 55 strikes a good balance between durability and high portability. It does tend to disappear in jean pockets or backpack pouches, but still feels substantial enough to handle most daily tasks.

On the trail, it’s an easy carry, and its weight never feels like a compromise.

Should You Buy the Buck Knives 55 Pocket Knife?

The Buck Knives 55 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for sleek, traditional craftsmanship in a compact package. It’s well-suited for those who value U.S.-made durability and a knife that looks as good as it performs. 

The 55 shines in light to moderate daily tasks, such as slicing cordage, whittling sticks, or opening packages, but it has its limitations. Its smaller size and understated appearance are nice for office settings or travel in areas with stricter blade laws.

Those seeking a larger, more modern tactical or utility knife for heavy-duty use may find it limiting. Value-wise, the 55 delivers long-term worth thanks to its heirloom quality and lifetime warranty. It’s a knife you should be able to depend on for years and one you’ll likely want to pass down.

What Other Pocket Knives Should You Consider?

If you’re drawn to the compact, traditional design of the Buck 55, you’ll find more great options in our guide to the best pocket knives. Here are a few other standout models worth considering:

Benchmade Bugout 535 Review: For those who love the Buck 55’s simplicity but want something more modern and ultralight, the Benchmade Bugout 535 is a great option. It has a drop-point blade with excellent edge retention and a reversible deep-carry clip. Its grippy, textured handle and ambidextrous lock make it reliable for both urban and trail use. While it’s not built for heavy-duty jobs, it excels for hikers, backpackers, and anyone seeking a barely noticeable pocket presence.

CRKT Squid Review: If you appreciate the Buck 55’s compact size but prefer a more tactical feel, the CRKT Squid is a worthy consideration. This small knife is still relatively small but has a bit burlier of a feel and offers more versatility. It’s still only well-suited for light to moderate cutting tasks but comes at a great price.

Gerber Paralite Review: The Gerber Paralite is an affordable, slim alternative for those who prioritize portability. Its blade is easy to maintain and performs well for everyday tasks. The dual thumb studs and frame lock provide quick, one-handed operation, which is more functional than the Buck55 two-handed deployment. If you’re looking for a lightweight, budget-friendly pocket knife that slips easily into your jeans or backpack, the Paralite is a practical choice.