By: Rowan Gonzalez

Some knives come and go—but a few leave enough of an impression that people keep asking for their return. The Buck Marksman is one of those knives.

Originally introduced years ago, the Marksman stood out because of one thing: its unique locking mechanism designed by G&G Hawk. It wasn’t just different—it was innovative. Then it quietly disappeared. Since then, it’s only shown up in limited releases, until now.

This latest configuration marks a special comeback. It brings together Buck’s craftsmanship and G&G Hawk’s engineering, resulting in a knife that feels both familiar and entirely new.

First Impressions: Bold, Tactical, and Unique

Right out of the box, the Marksman makes a statement.

The black Cerakote-coated blade, matching lock strap, and back spacer give it a stealthy, uniform look. But what really grabs attention is the handle—toxic green camo carbon fiber. It’s bold, eye-catching, and unlike most knives on the market.

In hand, the knife feels solid and well-balanced. At 4.3 ounces, it’s not ultralight, but it carries a reassuring weight that suggests durability.

Key Specifications (Rephrased Overview)

• Overall Length: 8.25 inches
• Blade Length: 3.5 inches
• Weight: 4.3 oz
• Blade Steel: CPM-S35VN
• Blade Finish: Black Cerakote
• Handle Material: Toxic Green Camo Carbon Fiber
• Locking System: G&G Hawk-designed mechanism
• Origin: Designed and made in Idaho, USA

This configuration is particularly special—it’s a version that hasn’t been produced before, making it more than just a reissue.

Design & Build: Where Innovation Meets Craftsmanship

The Marksman is not your typical folding knife.

At the heart of its design is the G&G Hawk locking mechanism, often referred to as a “strap lock.” Instead of a traditional liner or frame lock, it uses a tensioned bar that runs along the spine of the handle. This system:

• Keeps fingers out of the blade path
• Provides strong lockup
• Allows smooth, almost effortless closing

It’s one of the safest and most intuitive mechanisms once you get used to it.

The blade itself features a practical drop point profile, making it versatile for slicing, piercing, and general utility work. The Cerakote finish adds both corrosion resistance and a tactical aesthetic.

Ergonomics: Comfortable and Controlled

Despite its bold appearance, the Marksman is surprisingly comfortable.

• The handle contours fit naturally in the hand
• The carbon fiber scales provide a solid grip without being overly aggressive
• The knife feels secure during both light and moderate tasks

The slightly larger size also gives you more control compared to compact EDC knives.

Blade Performance: S35VN Done Right

The choice of CPM-S35VN steel is a major highlight.

This steel is known for:

• Excellent edge retention
• Strong corrosion resistance
• Good toughness

In real use, the blade performs exactly as expected from a premium steel—holding its edge well while remaining easy enough to maintain.

Real-World Cutting Tests

To see how the Marksman performs beyond its specs, it was tested across a variety of everyday and slightly tougher materials.

Paper Test

• Clean, smooth cuts with no tearing
Result: Razor-sharp out of the box.

Cardboard Test

• Slices through thick cardboard with ease
• Maintains sharpness after extended cutting
Result: Excellent edge retention.

Rope / Nylon Test

• Quick bite and clean cuts
• Minimal effort required
Result: Strong and efficient.

Denim Cut Test

• Cuts through layered denim smoothly
• No slipping during slicing
Result: Great edge aggression and control.

Wood Cork Test

• Precise penetration and shaping
Result: Excellent tip control.

Wood Shaving Test

• Produces clean, fine shavings
Result: Good for light carving tasks.

Plastic / Zip Tie Test

• Cuts cleanly with no edge damage
Result: Durable and stable edge.

Can Test

• Minor wear on coating, no edge damage
Result: Holds up under light stress.

Performance Summary

The Marksman excels in:

• Everyday cutting tasks
• Controlled slicing
• Durable, long-term use

It’s not a heavy-duty survival knife, but for EDC and general utility, it performs exceptionally well.

Carry & Everyday Use

At 8.25 inches overall, the Marksman is on the larger side for EDC, but still manageable.

• Comfortable in pocket despite size
• Balanced weight
• Unique mechanism adds fidget-friendly appeal

It’s a knife you’ll actually enjoy using—not just carrying.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Unique G&G Hawk locking mechanism
• Premium S35VN blade steel
• Excellent build quality
• Smooth, safe operation
• Eye-catching carbon fiber handle
• Made in the USA

Cons

• Slightly larger and heavier than minimalist EDC knives
• Learning curve for the locking mechanism
• Limited availability due to special runs

Who Is This Knife For?

The Buck Marksman is perfect for:

• Knife enthusiasts who appreciate unique mechanisms
• EDC users looking for something different
• Collectors of limited or special configurations
• Fans of American-made knives

Final Thoughts: A Comeback Worth the Wait

The return of the Buck Marksman isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a reminder of how innovative knife design can be.

With its G&G Hawk mechanism, S35VN blade, and distinctive carbon fiber handle, it stands out in a crowded market of everyday carry knives.

It’s not trying to be like everything else—and that’s exactly why it works.

If you want a knife that combines innovation, performance, and personality, the Marksman is absolutely worth considering.

For more information about the design and the creators behind it, visit:
👉 https://hawkknifedesigns.com/