Buck 836 Folding Selkirk Knife Review
A Proper Camping Companion or Just Another Sharp Object?
If you're into camping, overlanding, green laning, bushcraft, or simply making life easier around camp, chances are you've looked at a decent folding knife at some point. After all, there are only so many times you can attack a bit of paracord with your teeth before accepting that perhaps a proper tool might be the better option.
Enter the Buck 836 Folding Selkirk Knife.
Buck Knives has been making blades since 1902, which means they've been at it longer than most of us have been arguing about which 4x4 tyre is best on Facebook. The Selkirk range was designed with outdoor users in mind, and the folding version aims to offer much of the capability of a fixed blade without requiring a long sheath hanging off your belt like you're auditioning for a the Dutton Ranch.
First Impressions
Straight out of the box, the Buck 836 Folding Selkirk feels reassuringly solid. There's no rattling, wobbling or suspicious movement that makes you question whether it'll stay in one piece when asked to perform actual work.
The knife features a 3.75”(95mm) drop-point blade made from 420HC stainless steel. Before the steel snobs start twitching, Buck's heat treatment is generally regarded as one of the best in the business, meaning the blade holds an edge surprisingly well while remaining easy to sharpen in the field.
The Micarta handle deserves particular praise. It offers excellent grip in both wet and dry conditions and feels far more premium than the plastic handles often found on knives at a similar price point. Whether you're wearing gloves, dealing with rain, or trying to prepare dinner after wrestling a muddy awning back into its bag, it remains comfortable and secure in the hand.
Using It Around Camp
This is where the Selkirk starts to shine.
During camping trips, a good knife tends to become one of those tools you didn't realise you were constantly using until you forget to bring it. Opening food packaging, trimming rope, cutting kindling shavings, preparing fire lighters, opening stubborn bags of dog food and performing a hundred other little tasks all become significantly easier.
The blade length strikes a useful balance. It's large enough to tackle meaningful outdoor jobs but not so massive that it becomes awkward for finer work.
The one-handed opening system works incredibly smoothly, allowing quick deployment when your other hand is occupied holding something awkward, muddy or expensive.
The liner lock engages positively and inspires confidence. There's nothing worse than a folding knife that leaves you wondering whether the blade might suddenly decide to fold itself back onto your fingers halfway through a job. Thankfully, the Selkirk never gave us that concern.
The FireSteel Bonus
One of the standout features is the included ferro fire starter.
Now, let's be honest. Most of us heading out in a modern 4x4 probably have three lighters, a gas stove, two power stations and enough batteries to restart civilisation.
However, the fire starter is genuinely useful and adds a bit of bushcraft capability for those who enjoy practising outdoor skills. It's neatly integrated and locked into the sheath and means you're carrying two useful tools in one package. Whether you'll actually need it is another matter entirely, but it's nice to have.
What About UK Knife Laws?
Before anyone starts, let's clear things up.
The Buck 836 Folding Selkirk features a locking blade measuring approximately 95mm. In the UK, a locking knife is generally treated similarly to a fixed-blade knife under the law.
This means it is not the sort of knife you can simply carry around in public "just because".
UK law typically requires a valid reason for carrying such a knife in a public place.
However, context matters.
Heading to a campsite, overlanding event, bushcraft course, fishing trip or legitimate outdoor activity where the knife forms part of your equipment is very different from wandering around Tescos shopping for a meal deal with one hanging off your belt.
As always, owners should familiarise themselves with current UK legislation and ensure they are carrying and using tools responsibly.
The reality is that the Selkirk is clearly designed as an outdoor tool rather than an everyday pocket knife like my much smaller Swiss Army Knife.
Any Drawbacks?
I’ve been using it for a few months now and I haven’t come across any.
Okay, the blade steel, while excellent in real-world use, won't excite enthusiasts obsessed with premium super steels. If your idea of a fun evening involves discussing metallurgy on internet forums, you may find yourself wishing for something more exotic.
It’s the same with the hard wearing plastic sheath, it’s functional rather than luxurious. It does the job, but it's hardly the sort of thing you'll be showing off to your mates around the campfire.
Verdict
The Buck 836 Folding Selkirk is exactly what a good outdoor knife should be.
It's robust, comfortable, practical and easy to use. The blade performs well, the handle inspires confidence, and the included fire starter adds genuine value rather than feeling like a gimmick.
For campers, 4x4 owners and outdoor enthusiasts wanting a dependable folding knife that prioritises practicality over marketing nonsense, the Buck 836 Folding Selkirk deserves a place on the shortlist.
Just remember: it's a tool, not a fashion accessory. Use it responsibly, keep it for legitimate outdoor activities, and you'll likely wonder how you ever managed without it.
Website - Buck Store UK
Price - £129.95
