If you've ever carried a pocket knife, there's a good chance a Buck Knives was your first. For over 120 years, the brand has been a fixture of American working life — trusted by hunters, tradespeople, and outdoor enthusiasts across generations. But in 2026, Buck is doing something genuinely new: launching its first-ever crossbar lock folding knife.
The result is two models built for the modern everyday carry (EDC) market — the Buck 700 Nomad and the Buck 698 Ferrox. Both feature premium D2 tool steel, anodized aluminum handles, and an ambidextrous crossbar locking mechanism that puts them squarely in competition with some of the best EDC folders under $100. Here's everything you need to know.
Buck Knives: A Legacy Built on Trust (And Why 2026 Is Different)
Buck Knives was founded in 1902 by blacksmith Hoyt Buck, who crafted blades from repurposed farm tools in the American West. His son Al commercialized the brand, and in 1964 they introduced the Buck 110 Folding Hunter — a knife so iconic it's still in production today. For decades, the 110 defined what "Buck" meant: a sturdy lockback folder with timeless styling.
But the knife market has evolved dramatically. The rise of the EDC (everyday carry) community over the last decade has created demand for thinner, lighter, one-hand-friendly folding knives designed for modern life — opening packages, cutting rope, or simply having a reliable tool in your pocket. Buyers today compare blade steels, lock mechanisms, and pocket clip geometry with the same intensity once reserved for car specs.
Buck has steadily modernized — adopting new steels, launching slimmer profiles, and adding assisted-opening models. But adopting the crossbar lock is their boldest move yet. It's a mechanism long associated with premium brands, and Buck bringing it to a sub-$100 price point is a genuine statement.
Buck adopting the crossbar lock isn't just a product update — it's a declaration that America's most trusted knife brand is playing in the modern EDC game.
What Is a Crossbar Lock? (And Why Knife Enthusiasts Love It)
If you're new to folding knives, the locking mechanism is the feature that keeps the blade safely open while you're using it. Older designs like the classic lockback require both hands to disengage — awkward when you're holding something in the other hand.
The crossbar lock solves this elegantly. A spring-loaded metal bar sits perpendicular to the blade. When the blade opens fully, the bar snaps into a notch and locks it securely. To close, you simply pinch the two protruding tabs on either side — one smooth motion, works equally well left- or right-handed.
This type of mechanism (pioneered commercially by Benchmade's Axis Lock) is widely regarded as one of the strongest, smoothest, and most ambidextrous lock designs available. Finding it in a Buck knife at $74.99 is a significant value proposition for anyone shopping in the EDC space.
Buck 700 Nomad Crossbar Lock Review: The Versatile Daily Driver
The Buck 700 Nomad is designed for the person who wants one knife that handles everything. Its 3.25" drop point blade is the most practical shape in the folding knife world — a gentle curve and broad belly that excels at slicing, while a sturdy tip handles light piercing tasks without risk of snapping.
The blade is crafted from D2 semi-stainless tool steel, a popular choice among knife enthusiasts for its exceptional edge retention. Unlike budget stainless alloys that dull after light use, D2 stays sharp through serious daily use. It's slightly more prone to surface rust than full stainless, so a quick wipe after wet use is recommended — but the cutting performance trade-off is well worth it.
At 3.1 oz and 7.8" overall, the Nomad sits comfortably in any pocket. The anodized aluminum handle is both lightweight and grippy, and the reversible clip means you can configure it for tip-up or tip-down carry on either side. Available in three colorways:
- Buck 700 Nomad — Bronze Anodized (0700BRS-B) — $74.99
- Buck 700 Nomad — Blue Anodized (0700BLS-B) — $74.99
- Buck 700 Nomad — Black Anodized (0700BKS-B) — $74.99
Buck 698 Ferrox Crossbar Lock Review: The Tactical Statement Piece
The Buck 698 Ferrox is the Nomad's sharper-edged sibling. Where the Nomad is all-purpose, the Ferrox is purpose-built to make an impression. Its 3.375" reverse tanto blade features a distinctive squared-off tip reinforced for demanding tasks — better at controlled piercing and utility cutting than the classic drop point, with a look that's undeniably tactical.
The reverse tanto profile sacrifices a bit of the "belly" sweep found on the Nomad, making it slightly less ideal for food prep but more robust for work tasks that stress the tip — think prying open crates, scoring materials, or any scenario where you want a stronger point geometry.
Same D2 steel, same crossbar lock, same ambidextrous reversible clip. At 3.25 oz and approximately 7.75" overall, it's nearly identical in feel to the Nomad. Available in two colorways:
- Buck 698 Ferrox — Silver Anodized (0698GYS-B) — $74.99
- Buck 698 Ferrox — Bronze Anodized (0698BRS-B) — $74.99
Nomad vs. Ferrox: both offer identical value and the same premium lock system — the only question is whether you want a workhorse or a showstopper.
Buck Nomad vs. Ferrox: Which Should You Buy?
Both knives share the same price, steel, lock, and handle construction. The decision comes down to blade shape and intended use:
- Choose the Nomad 700 if you want a versatile, everyday tool that handles food, packages, rope, and general tasks equally well. The drop point is forgiving and approachable — ideal for first-time quality knife buyers.
- Choose the Ferrox 698 if you prefer a more aggressive aesthetic and a stronger tip geometry. The reverse tanto is the better pick for tactical applications and for knife collectors who want something that turns heads.
Are These the Best EDC Knives Under $100 in 2026?
At $74.99 (21% off the $95 MSRP), both the Nomad and Ferrox land in the sweet spot of the EDC market. Comparable knives with D2 steel and modern lock mechanisms from brands like Civivi and QSP typically start at $60–$90, but rarely carry the legacy or quality assurance of a Buck product.
For buyers who want a reliable American brand, a proven steel, a modern ambidextrous lock, and enough color choices to match their carry style — all under $75 — these two knives are extremely difficult to beat. They're the kind of knives you buy once and carry for years.
The Bottom Line: Buck Is Back (And It Never Really Left)
Buck Knives has outlasted competitors, recessions, and generational shifts in taste by doing one thing consistently: making knives people actually want to use. The Nomad 700 and Ferrox 698 continue that tradition while signaling something new — a brand fully committed to competing in the modern EDC space with modern tools.
Whether you're a lifelong Buck loyalist ready to try something new, or a first-time buyer looking for the best pocket knife under $100, the Nomad and Ferrox make a compelling case. Shop all five variants below and find your carry.
SHOP ALL 5 VARIANTS — TENNESSEE CUTLERY
Buck 700 Nomad Crossbar Lock:
- → Buy the Nomad — Bronze (0700BRS-B) — $74.99
- → Buy the Nomad — Blue (0700BLS-B) — $74.99
- → Buy the Nomad — Black (0700BKS-B) — $74.99
Buck 698 Ferrox Crossbar Lock:
QUICK SPEC COMPARISON
Buck 700 Nomad
- Blade Shape: Drop Point — versatile, all-purpose
- Blade Length: 3.25" | Thickness: 2.8mm
- Steel: D2 Semi-Stainless Tool Steel
- Overall Length: 7.80" | Weight: 3.1 oz
- Handle: Anodized Aluminum (Bronze / Blue / Black)
- Lock: Crossbar Lock — fully ambidextrous
- Price: $74.99 (Save $20 off MSRP)
- Best For: Everyday carry, general utility, first-time quality knife buyers
Buck 698 Ferrox
- Blade Shape: Reverse Tanto — strong tip, tactical profile
- Blade Length: 3.375" | Thickness: 2.8mm
- Steel: D2 Semi-Stainless Tool Steel
- Overall Length: 7.75" | Weight: 3.25 oz
- Handle: Anodized Aluminum (Silver / Bronze)
- Lock: Crossbar Lock — fully ambidextrous
- Price: $74.99 (Save $20 off MSRP)
- Best For: Tactical use, collectors, buyers who want an aggressive look
