This is a collage of the 199 Pilot Frame Lock Folding Knife from Buck Knives, with photos and description of this knife.
DIMENSIONS:
- Overall: 195 mm (7.68 in)
- Weight: 119.1 g (4.2 oz)
BLADE:
- Blade Length: 82 mm (3.23 in)
- Thickness: 2.75 mm
- Material: 420HC Stainless Steel
- Blade HRC: 56 – 59
- Finish: Satin-polished
- Grind: Hollow
- Style: Drop Point
- Edge: Plain with partial serrated edge
HANDLE:
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Style: Lightening holes, with grip ridges along the spine
The design of the Buck 199 Pilot Frame Lock Folding Knife is a rather interesting one, and certainly a beautiful knife to behold.
I love it for its futuristic sleek appearance, and the ease by which it opens and closes and locks in place. The handle is made of metal – not aluminium as one would expect, but perhaps a lower grade of steel compared to the blade.
This knife has been in my possession for about 7 years. It served as an EDC on and off over the years, until the preference came for me to carry larger folding knives.
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The handle draws most of the visual interest, with its two-tone stainless steel – lightening holes on the lighter tone, and grip ridges along the darker tone spine. Its handle frame also forms the liner lock – hence the name Frame Lock – which can be seen on the underside (same side with the clip).
As the frame is quite stiff and thicker than the thickness of liner locks found on most folders, it can be a little difficult to depress with your thumb, but possible with practice.
Opening and closing blade action is smooth and quiet. Without any scales attached, the handle frame is of a very slim profile, and may be a little too thin for those with large hands.
The blade is a beautifully hollow-ground 420HC stainless steel, plain edge with partial serration.
The thumb studs, which are rather short and stumpy, are found on both sides of the blade, making this an ambidextrous knife.
The model number 199 is etched on the ricasso (near the choil), and the tradename Buck is engraved on the front side of the blade next to the thumb stud. Next to the number 199 is a tiny symbol that resembles a downward-pointing arrow, which indicates that the knife was manufactured in 2007.
For a list of other similar symbols and the year of manufacture, please refer to Buck’s Date Code Chart.
The Buck 199 Pilot was purchased on 23rd August 2007; its retail price at almost US$40.00. This folding knife sports an appealing high-tech design, and remains one of my favourite EDCs 8 years on.
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