The Gahagan Customs Young Buck is a compact fixed blade designed to be a dependable companion for everyday carry and outdoor use. Built around a practical, utilitarian design, the Young Buck is primarily intended as a small EDC skinning knife, but its capabilities extend well beyond the field. Whether you’re processing game, working around camp, or handling everyday cutting chores, this lightweight fixed blade gives you a practical tool that’s easy to carry and ready to work.
The 3.375-inch blade is crafted from 80CRV2 steel with a .125-inch thickness, giving the Young Buck a tough, capable cutting platform suited to demanding use. Its compact blade length provides excellent control for detailed cutting and field tasks while keeping the overall profile manageable. At 7.625 inches overall, the Young Buck offers enough working length to handle a variety of jobs without becoming cumbersome.
A textured G-10 handle provides a secure, confident grip while maintaining the knife’s lightweight design. This Natural Burlap version brings an earthy, rugged appearance to the Young Buck, while the contrasting orange liner adds a distinctive touch of color and visual character. Weighing just 4.35 ounces, it’s light enough for comfortable everyday carry while still feeling substantial in hand when you’re putting it to work.
The Young Buck reflects the practical approach that defines Gahagan Customs. Kyle Gahagan’s interest in knifemaking started at an early age during visits to his grandparents in Walterboro, South Carolina. What began with tinkering and shaping objects into useful tools eventually developed into a lifelong pursuit of bladesmithing. After serving with the 1st Ranger Battalion and completing two tours in Afghanistan and two in Iraq, Kyle returned to North Carolina with his wife, Dana, and renewed his focus on knifemaking.
Years of research, practice, and working alongside accomplished bladesmiths helped Kyle refine his craft and develop his own distinctive style. His approach centers on creating knives with the end user in mind, from unique pieces that challenge his skills to rugged work knives designed for real-world use. Kyle’s experience as an avid outdoorsman further influences the practical designs coming from his shop.
Kyle earned his ABS Journeyman Smith rating at the 2015 Blade Show in Atlanta and appeared on Forged in Fire in 2016. His work has been featured in Blade Magazine, Knife Magazine, and other publications, and he continues to pursue his ABS Mastersmith certification.
With its textured Natural Burlap G-10 handle, contrasting orange liner, tough 80CRV2 blade, and lightweight 4.35-ounce build, the Young Buck is a capable choice for hunters, campers, outdoorsmen, and everyday carriers who appreciate a purpose-built fixed blade.
Available at Smoky Mountain Knife Works, a Tennessee landmark and the world’s largest knife store.
