Buck Knives 0626BKS Intrepid XL Fixed Blade Black Tactical Knife

Most mid-range knife companies are sharpening their knives much better these days... I remember the days when the first step after getting a new knife was to sharpen it, they were like butter knives; I think it was for liability or something. Anyway, you read so often in reviews, "sharpest knife out of the box I ever got", but I think this one is about as sharp as you can get. Be careful...Also, the whole blade / hilt / tang is so strong you could probably use two of these knives as picks for ice climbing if you had to. I guess that's an unlikely situation, but you never know... The steel is very thick, and with this true "full-tang" design their is no trimming of the steel to fit it into a wrap-around grip. So it is basically just a piece of 1/4 inch steel stock.The sheath is really good, especially compared to previous Buck tactical-style sheaths. I wish the knife would click into the sheath and be retained even without the snap strap, like the newer Ka-Bar sheaths, but I think that would be hard to do given the shape of hand guard. At least the knife does not rattle around in it.It should be noted that this is a fairly large knife. It was larger than I expected even knowing the blade length. The handle is also large, enough so even while wearing gloves for average hands. The shape of the grip should accommodate smaller paws OK though.I think this knife must be so competitive with the very expensive premium blades. How could you improve? I guess exotic steels or custom fitting or something... Well anyway, this is definitely 5 stars. Now I am going to save up a few dollars and then get what appears to be the "little brother" of this series, the 625.

Excellent knife. Edge came sharp. The knife is proven durable through multiple tasks. Buck's heat treat is superb. Some have complained about wanting another sheath however I found the sheath excellent. To cure any rattle in the sheath just remove the insert, take a hair dryer and heat it up. Insert the knife and then press the insert. It forms to the knife then or you can add a small section of grip tape to the inside of the insert to cure the issue. I have not had an issue with rattling. The front pocket on the sheath will hold a Leatherman Wingman with ease. The sheath also includes molle attachments. I have been carrying the Intrepid XL quite a bit lately. You WILL NOT regret purchasing this knife.

Disappointed, thought the blade was 1/4 thick. I would have preferred a Leather Sheath. These "soft" sheaths are cumbersome. I don't like my sheath to flex. To many strings (tie downs) for this, for that. Did not have a "wet" stone. A lot of knife manufactures are going to the "soft" style sheath, ($$$$$$). I'm ok with paying for a quality leather sheath, as i suspect most others are. Most soft sheaths have an insert that will wear out, than what???

Good practical knife. Well made and very sharp out of box.

This is a heavy duty, high quality knife, made by a reputable US company. A Prepper friend of mine showed me his, and even though I have many knives, I wanted this one for my emergency preparedness backpack. It came sharp enough to shave hair off my arm. This knife will not let you down in an emergency situation. Also, it comes with a high quality nylon sheath, with a small pouch on the outside, secured by a velcro flap. That pouch is perfect for a "Blast Match" fire starter (also purchased on Amazon) or for a Leatherman tool. The knife also comes with a braided length of para cord hanging from the tip of the sheath.

My first review. I purchase lots of stuff online and never feel the need to leave a review.With that being said. i am completely satisfied and happy with this purchase. The quality is on point.The photos do not do this item justice. If you are even thinking of purchasing this knife, just pull the trigger you will not be disappointed.So sharp i was able to shave my wrist with one stroke. The quality, feel, weight is more than i could have asked for.I would have paid twice the amount that i paid and still would have called it a deal.

I have absolutely torture tested this knife to the full extent of the law and I can truly say it has gone far beyond my expectations. The knife did exceptionally well at batoning to my suprise, and what buck calls the "black traction" coating is holding up extremely well. Also the 420HC that this blade of is made of is excellent quality steel, holds an edge very well but is soft enough to not be a pain in the rear end when you go to sharpen it. Overall this is a excellent mid length tanto knife for the $. I'll be getting my father one soon

I purchased this knife as my carry knife when the chips are down. I am not disappointed. It is well balanced, it came very sharp, fits my hand well and will do heavy work. I've used it to make kindling, as a pry bar, as a wood splitter, as a digger. I've pounded on it with a log while splitting with no ill effects. It sharpens easily and hold a good edge. The sheath is comfortable and well made. It is not a concealed carry knife unless you are wearing a trench coat.