Massdrop x Ferrum Forge Buc Titanium Frame Lock

Our fourth collaboration with custom knife shop Ferrum Forge, the Buc (short for buccaneer) is the most daring yet—and now it comes in milled patterns for a touch of extra flair. It takes inspiration from traditional Asian cavalry sabres, which is in large part thanks to designer Elliot Williamson’s interest in historical edged weapons. Featuring the same premium materials found in other Ferrum Forge knives, including an S35VN blade and titanium handle, it now has a redesigned titanium pocket clip for added strength and flexibility. The blade shape is a modified sheepsfoot with extra weight at the tip. This creates extra momentum for smooth opening with little effort applied on the flipper tab. Once open, a titanium frame lock secures the blade. In addition, the hardened steel lockbar insert can be switched out if the lock wears out down the line. Carry it on the right or left side: the pocket clip can be reversed with ease.

Measuring 7.8 inches overall, the Buc is fit for anything from cutting rope and twine to piercing cardboard to slicing an apple. It’s also nice and thick for tasks that require more effort. The base of the blade has a sizeable choil, which is designed for ease of sharpening, but can also be used to choke up on the knife for detail work. A large, flat curve on the blade’s spine makes a nice resting place for a thumb when you need more control. Also notable is the ridged backspacer. Textured and slightly raised, it facilitates a sure hold for any style of grip. For an extra challenge, try opening the knife from the backside with a middle finger using the hole in the blade.

Developed by Crucible Industries (one of the leading manufacturers of specialty steels for the cutlery industry) and Chris Reeve (pioneer of the integral frame lock, featured on the Gent), S35VN is perhaps the most balanced blade steel ever created in terms of all-around performance. It’s made through a process known as Crucible Powdered Metallurgy, which results in near perfect consistency in the distribution of carbides. Compared to conventional melting practices, the CPM process produces a steel characterized by superior dimensional stability, grindability, and toughness.

Founded in 2009, Ferrum Forge started from humble beginnings in Elliot Williamson’s garage in Southern California. Using found pieces of steel like old files and leaf springs, Elliot gradually taught himself the art of knifemaking and metallurgy. As his skills and passion grew, so too did the demand for his work. Luckily, Elliot’s brother Chris joined the team in 2012 to help expand Ferrum Forge to what it is today: a small operation dedicated to designing and producing custom knives through a rigorous process of development, machining, iteration, and quality control.