Buck explains the 183CM Camo Alpha Crosslock (PBS) as a Portable Butcher Shop. Although the small size of this knife also works well for small game, the bone saw blade makes field dressing larger animals like deer possible as well. If you hunt quail, you’ll need Buck’s regular bird hook knife instead — the gut hook on this knife is meant for opening the body cavity of larger prey.
The three-inch modified spear point blade extends a hollow ground plain edge for butchering and skinning, while the saw blade handles heavier bone. The saw’s gut hook tip slips through the first layer of the belly to open up animals without puncturing entrails. If you’re not a hunter, this stout folder has many features that come in handy for general survival purposes. The gut hook could slice safely through harness straps and, although short, the saw blade will cut through wood if you’re patient.
Both high carbon 420 HC stainless steel blades open one-handed with thumb studs on opposing sides. Rotate the aircraft aluminum milled handle in the hand to locate the correct thumb stud — the two blades fold into opposite sides of the RealTree camo handle frame. Dual liner locks work well enough when the knife is kept clean, but be cautious if the knife becomes clogged with debris. The skeletonized handle reduces weight but provides many gaps for dirt and problems to enter. Especially if you’re going to butcher animals with this knife, you’ll need to pay close attention to cleanup, not only because of cross contamination problems but for proper lockback of the blades.
The 4.83-inch folder comes with a camo nylon belt sheath with snap closure. The Alpha Crosslock is also available in gunmetal gray.
