By Anne Marlowe Conrad
What makes a Buck knife worth owning? Here’s how Buck, developed this longstanding reputation and are still at the pinnacle of the American knife story.
Buck Knives invited five outdoor writers including me, to tour their manufacturing facility in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho this past December.
Early the next morning, we made our way through the snow (and there was a LOT of snow!)with our host, a few short miles to the Buck Knives facility. Walking into the reception area, we were met by a lovely, warm fireplace, charming Christmas tree and a cozy lodge feel.
We started our tour with a brief visit upstairs to the museum where we were given our first glimpse into the legacy that is Buck Knives. Through the windows in the museum, we could see the 180,000 square foot factory floor below and frankly I was shocked at the size of the place!
As we gathered with steaming cups of coffee, Chris Bourassa, Director of Marketing and Product development, along with Tony Wagner, helped us to fully understand the Buck Knives story and their mission. We learned extensively about the history of the Buck family, and were given a sneak peek at the new 2023 knives, released at SHOT Show last month.
A few interesting historical facts about Buck:
This small shed is where the magic of the H.H. Buck and Son company happened and later it became the first Buck Knives factory.
I found this little gem from Hoyt Buck, in a small H.H. Buck catalog from the 1940’s.
“Just the other day, a sportsman came into my shop down here in San Diego with one of my ads from Outdoor Life in his hand. He wanted to see this “Lifetime” knife that “cuts anything,” even a bolt in two. Well, I whacked one in half for him and yes sir, if he didn’t buy a couple of knives.”
There have been 4 generations of the Buck family running this company based on the values, and company mission set forth by Hoyt and his wife Daisy. The Christian principles they have led their family with are still the basis of their company. It shows in the happiness and longevity of their employees.
We were introduced to employees who have been with Buck Knives for over 20, 30 and even 40 years.
What stood out to me the most about the Buck Knives company legacy was how they treat each other as family. The company seems to take incredible care of their employees. When the company chose to move from San Diego, California, to Post Falls, Idaho, in 2005, Buck Knives paid for many staff members and their families to relocate.
Our tour guide, Ryan Duckett, the Director of Operations, chatted with many employees on the floor. He knew them by name, asked about their families and what it took to do their jobs. It’s no surprise, because he grew up in the extended Buck family. His father was the Director of Operations before him and now Ryan oversees the building. His pride in the Buck company and staff made a touching impression on me.
Starting with a quick safety briefing, we were taken through the doors. Greeting us were the most friendly craftspeople, who carefully, and with sincere pride, showed us each step a hand-crafted Buck Knife takes from birth to completion.
We were taught about everything from the carefully sourced materials they use to how each carefully laid out step is completed, until the stunning, polished finished pieces were put in front of us.
My tour “take-away.” Buck Knives is a company that has perfected and upgraded their processes with faith, innovation and hard work. Creating an environment where dedication and loyalty is rewarded and encouraged. Your Buck knife is made with future generations in mind and the “Forever Warranty” assures that whoever you pass it down to, will have the very best knife to use for each adventure they take it on.