Buck Short Revolution Folding Knife | Mountaineering or Climbing

Buck produced this climber’s knife in collaboration with mountaineer Peter Whittaker. The 436DPL Short Revolution overcomes some of the weaknesses of the usual lockblade folder and keeps the important perks.

The 2.7 ounce knife opens to a full length of 6 5/8″ with a platinum anodized aircraft aluminum handle big enough to grip like a full sized knife. The 2 1/2″ stainless steel blade comes with a combo serrated edge, the most efficient for working with rope. Closed, the nearly full length tang doubles as a strong carabiner, allowing the knife to be securely fastened to a wide range of gear. Opening the knife rotates the tang into the handle, giving this folding knife strength that most folders lack.

Instead of calling it a folder, the maker describes this knife as a rotating fixed blade knife that uses the handle as a sheath. Maybe it’s not quite a fixed blade knife in terms of strength, but it’s a step up from the usual lock blade folder design and way ahead of the other folding carabiner styles.

One handed opening is obviously an important feature if you expect to be hanging out in the high country. Before you buy this lifetime warranted knife, however, consider a light fixed blade sheath knife that’s already open and won’t ice itself shut.