The Petrified Fish PF868 Bunta is a folding knife that makes an immediate impression, not only for its size but also for its bold design and robust construction. Designed for everyday carry and heavier-duty cutting tasks, the PF868 Bunta combines a thick, satin-finished D2 steel blade with a sturdy G10 handle, delivering strength, control, and a surprising degree of finesse. This review will explore its design, materials, performance, ergonomics, and overall value to determine whether it’s a worthy addition to your collection or everyday carry rotation.
Blade Design and Steel Quality
The Bunta features a 3.35-inch blade crafted from D2 tool steel, a material well-regarded for its edge retention and toughness. D2 is a semi-stainless steel with high carbon and chromium content, which gives it a good balance of wear resistance and hardness, though it's not entirely stainless and can develop rust if neglected.
The blade has a satin finish that gives it a clean, reflective appearance without being overly flashy. This finish not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also helps to minimize friction during cutting. The blade shape falls somewhere between a modified drop point and a leaf-shaped profile. It offers a generous belly for slicing and a robust tip that can withstand piercing tasks. The spine is relatively thick, suggesting durability, and the flat grind contributes to a good slicing geometry despite the overall heft of the blade.
Handle and Ergonomics
The handle on the PF868 Bunta is crafted from G10, a popular fiberglass-based laminate known for its strength, light weight, and resistance to moisture. While the knife is by no means lightweight overall—it weighs approximately 146 grams—it is well-balanced, and the G10 handle ensures it does not feel overly cumbersome.
The texture on the handle scales provides a confident grip without being abrasive, even with prolonged use. The design includes subtle finger grooves and a gentle palm swell, enhancing comfort and control. Its ergonomic contours are designed to accommodate various grip styles, including hammer, pinch, and reverse grips.
The backspacer and liners are stainless steel, and the internal liners are skeletonized to slightly reduce the overall weight while maintaining strength. The build quality feels solid, with tight tolerances and no noticeable blade play when deployed.
Deployment and Lockup
This knife is a flipper-style folder equipped with a ceramic ball-bearing pivot system, which results in a smooth and snappy action. The detent is well-tuned, offering just enough resistance to prevent accidental deployment while ensuring a satisfying flip when engaged. The flipper tab is well-shaped and jimped for reliable actuation without being uncomfortable.
The PF868 Bunta utilizes a liner lock mechanism. The lock engages securely with a strong and positive click, giving the user confidence during harder use. Lockup is consistent and tight, with minimal wiggle in any direction. Disengaging the lock is easy, with sufficient access to the liner lock bar without the need for exaggerated finger movement.
Pocket Clip and Carry
The knife comes with a deep-carry pocket clip, oriented for right-hand, tip-up carry. It offers decent retention and slips onto a pocket or waistband with minimal resistance. The clip is not reversible, which may be a drawback for left-handed users. Its positioning allows the knife to sit low in the pocket, reducing visibility and aiding in discreet carry.
Given the weight of 146 grams, the PF868 Bunta is not the lightest knife in its category, and some users might find it more suitable for belt or pouch carry rather than clipped in a lightweight pair of pants. However, for those who prioritize durability and cutting power over featherweight convenience, the added heft may actually be a benefit.
Performance and Utility
In real-world use, the PF868 Bunta performs admirably. The D2 blade maintains a sharp edge for extended periods, even after repeated slicing through rope, cardboard, and wood. Its edge geometry strikes a good balance between toughness and sharpness, making it capable of finer cutting tasks as well as harder use.
The thickness of the blade lends itself well to batoning and prying—within reason—while the acute point offers control for detail work. Its flipper mechanism makes it quick to deploy in urgent situations, while the reliable lockup ensures safety under load.
Though not a dedicated outdoor survival knife, the Bunta is rugged enough for light camp chores, food prep, or fire-starting tasks. As an EDC knife, it excels at utility cutting, packaging, and general worksite or shop tasks.
Aesthetics and Craftsmanship
Visually, the PF868 Bunta presents a modern, aggressive design that’s both functional and stylish. The satin blade contrasts nicely with the textured G10 handle, and subtle design details like the engraved pivot and backspacer accents elevate its overall look. The machining is clean and precise, with no visible defects, burrs, or inconsistencies in the finish. Everything feels dialed-in and well executed.
The branding is minimal, with only modest markings on the blade. The knife's appearance suggests a higher price point than it actually occupies, which speaks volumes about the manufacturer's attention to detail and commitment to delivering value.
Final Thoughts
The Petrified Fish PF868 Bunta is a well-crafted folding knife that hits the sweet spot between rugged utility and modern styling. Its D2 blade, reliable flipper action, ergonomic G10 handle, and solid construction make it a strong contender in the mid-sized EDC flipper category.
It may not appeal to those who prioritize ultra-lightweight gear or prefer minimalist designs, but for users who appreciate robust, reliable tools with a touch of flair, the Bunta stands out. Whether you’re using it for daily tasks, outdoor chores, or as a general-purpose backup knife, the PF868 delivers impressive performance and build quality at a very reasonable price point.
If you’re in the market for a knife that’s as functional as it is bold, the PF868 Bunta is definitely worth considering.
