The venerable Buck 110 Folding Hunter has been discussed on the Wall in the past, but I thought I’d do an updated review, as I just bought my first 110. The 110 was conceived in 1963, when Al Buck guessed that a large, solid, folding knife would be a hit with outdoorsmen who were carrying big fixed-blades, like the larger Western Cutlery knives. He guessed right, and Buck was off and rolling, in 1964, with what would become the most popular hunting knife in America. It’s scary for me to think that the 110 is now a classic, and it isn’t as old as I am! My interest in this knife dates back to 1975 when I took my 1st deer. I was 15, and an older guy was hunting near me, Randy McAlister by name. He was walking out of the woods and asked if I had any luck. I told him I just shot a doe, and he went with me to find it and asked if I had ever field- dressed a deer. I replied I had not, but I thought I could do the job. He pulled out a Buck 110 and had me watch the process, dressing out the deer quickly. From then on, I wanted to add a 110 to my collection.

I’m a drop-point, fixed-blade man, and I’ve never seen a need for a folding deer hunting knife, but Walmart sells the knife for $27.97. I just couldn’t resist picking one up! Should you buy one too? Well, read on and we’ll figure it out. The knife is 4 & 7/8th inches long closed and has a 3 & 3/4” clip-point blade of 420HC steel, heat-treated to HRC58. It’s a heavy knife at 7.2 ounces. Though the 110 is made in the US, the nylon sheath is of Mexican manufacture. For an additional $5, you can get it with a leather sheath, also made in Mexico. Most traditionalists will like the leather sheath, but I prefer the nylon in a user knife. You can put a bloody knife back safely in the sheath and just wash and disinfect the whole works when you get home. With my leather sheaths, I end up wrapping the knife in a plastic bag or two and keeping it out of the sheath until I wash it off. It’s just easier with nylon. The nylon sheath can also be worn horizontally or vertically, but the belt loops are tight and narrow. Let’s get back to the knife itself.

Fit and finish is very good. My knife has three flaws, but they aren’t really flaws at this price point. First, blade centering is off by a few millimeters. That’s common on many of the Avid series 110s, as they are meant to be users. The blade doesn’t rub against the liners and is just fine. A really picky customer might complain, but there’s always the Buck Custom Shop knives for those guys. The knife comes in a clam shell, so you can’t look for one that is perfect. On the back of the knife is a tiny gap. It’s hard to notice but is there. I’ve seen this on nearly every 110 I’ve examined. Finally, you can feel some grittiness when you open the blade. I sprayed the inside with WD-40, cleaned it all out and lubed with silicone and it disappeared. The blade is not polished and lacks the Paul Bos heat-treat symbol, though it is given the Bos treatment, including cryo treatment. The blade is a real gem! In spite of the heft of this knife, the blade is hollow-ground and thin. The point is sharp and the blade length is perfect for field work on deer and larger game. You can immediately see it will be a very good slicer. Out of the package, it barely shaves hair and needs to be given my 5 minute treatment on the steel to feel like a razor. MTQuiver can verify sharpness. For more money, you can get a 110 with a polished blade, but I like satin in a user knife. Mine has no noticeable blade play. The slabs are Dymondwood, a laminate, and are stabilized. They are fitted to perfection with the brass bolsters. The brass is polished to perfection! Poor pin work can be present on these knives. On mine, the pins are perfect. This combination of perfect brass, slabs and pins give the knife a quality look.

I consider this knife to be more of a pack blade then belt knife. In use the heft feels great! Over the years, I’ve come to prefer a heavy knife over a light weight one. I thought heavy knives would be tiring to use, but the heft gives a secure feeling while working on a deer. My Buck Vanguard is heavy, and I prefer it to all other hunting knives. My knife was made in 2015, as evidenced by the blade marking. Here is a link that will help you date your 110:

http://www.buckknives.com/about-knives/how-old/

Ok, let’s answer the big question- Should you buy a Buck 110 Folding Hunter? It depends. It’s an obsolete design, but so are most of us. Just like us, it’s very traditional. It’s heavy and the lock back, super strong in its day, is clumsy and not that hot. Kind of like us. The Spyderco Endura is a better knife and less than half the weight. However, the Buck is a true American classic with a forever warranty. You can’t beat that! No collection of American hunting knives is complete without it. For me, it’s a no-brainer. You have to get one! Is there a better option that’s similar and close to the same price? The Schrade LB7, old USA stock, is a really nice copy. In near mint condition, they run around $40 now. In slightly used condition, they can be had for under $30. I think they have superior workmanship. However, as good as they are, you just can’t beat the Paul Bos heat-treat on Bucks! My brother has an LB7, and I’ll stick with the 110. I encourage my fellow Leatherwallers to seriously consider adding this knife to your collection. I’ll post some photos of the knife next.

Joe

Knife and nylon sheath.

Here's the 110 next to a Spyderco Endura and an Opinel #6.

This photo shows the slight gap on the back of the knife.

This photo shows blade centering is slightly off.

Finally, this pic shows the nice pins and overall appearance of the knife.

A classic! Hopefully you'll get to try it out soon!

I'm not a big fan of this style of knife personally. I think your review is very accurate though. I do have my dad's old 110 and was recently gifted a new sheath for it. It does take a helluva good edge and is very solid.

A Buck 112 was the first adult knife I got...graduation present from my father. Brass ends engraved with the date and my initials and came with a leather sheath back in 1980/81...cant remember.

Good knife but I dont use it much now as scared if I lose it....

Good memories...

Before that was my Cub Scout knife that was not a locker...that knife taught me lesson of not stabbing something with a knife that does not lock unless you like cut knuckles. OUCH!!!

keep em sharp,

ron herman

I agree there are many more modern designs out there. The Buck is for those who enjoy the classic nature of the knife. The first really strong, lockback hunting knife.

Joe

Buck 110 endorsed by Charles Manson as Best !!!

Excellent review. I like the 112 better due to the shorter blade and curve in the handle. I got mine for my Jr. high graduation in 74, and it is still in my back pack ready for use. I traded a 110 to Scioto68 for a bow case earlier this month on the swap and trade section. It had been sitting in my drawer for a lot of years. My choice for my every day carry is a Spyderco Native.

Never had a 110 - but I've had a 112 (identical, but about 1/2" shorter). Carried my first one for about 25 years; lost it, and had a hard time being without it. Asked around the trad site(s) and found an identical replacement, "used".

Older model, like 70's or 80's. Excellent material and craftsmanship. Fit's my hand like it's part of me. Sharpens easily and holds the edge. Clip point let's you do delicate work. About the only concern is that you can snap that point, being so fine, and the steel being kinda brittle.

The older ones were 440 steel, newer are 420, which I hear is a bit of a downgrade. As far as "outdated"... I don't think so. More like time proven. No bumps or clips or buttons to make it less than perfectly natural in the hand. And... it's a one hand opening if you want it! just grab it by the top of the blade, give a downward flick, and it's open. Perfect tension in the spring/lock mechanism; perfect blade alignment, and it don't change.

Frisky, maybe you just need as many years on you as the 110 to fully appreciate it! But I appreciate that you have a sense of appreciation for the blade.

The 110 is a great all-around work/hunting knife for me and has been for many years. Big enough for just about anything, small enough I can put it in my pocket when working, easy to sharpen, holds the edge pretty well and cheap enough that I don't go crazy when I loose one.

It's not my main hunting knife but I have one in my pack for a backup.

It's a little big for daily pocket knife duties but would work fine for that with the belt sheath if it was appropriate for your job.

I've got three of them in regular use and at least another 1/2 dozen that may or may not ever be found again.

A buck 110 was given to me by my father in 1980 for my 14th birthday. I thought one time I lost it so I bought another in the mid 80's. Found the first one and now have two! It is in my pack and still sharp. They seem to hold an edge well with little maintenance. I have lots of knives it is my favorite still.

Have one from the 70's very well made and leather sheath my every day Knife

given to me by a WWII vet

the Canadian belt knife is my Skinning hunting knife though- better suited

Would the small flaws be why Wal-Mart has them and can offer them at a lower price? I always heard that about their guns.

I ALWAYS carry a Gerber 400. My bigger favorite is a DH Russell Canadian belt Knife.

The 110 used to be called "the redneck cellphone" but rednecks all have smartphones now, blonde or otherwise.

jk; I agree on that canadian belt knife most handy hunting knife I have ever used, and will sharpen great and hold an edge

Love mine, got it a few years ago with REI credit card dollars. So far, 3 whitetail deer, one mule deer, and one turkey have been field dressed with it. Mine is flawless, American made, solid and you get a LOT OF KNIFE FOR THE $$$ with a Buck! For rabbits and squirrels, I love my Case trapper, solid American yellow handle knife.

A few comments here:

Firekeeper- I'm older than the 110, lol! As for 420HC steel, Buck does make the knife in a variety of steels, 420HC being the cheapest. That said, I have no problems with it. Like Sandvic 12C27, it's a fine grained steel and takes a very keen edge. The heat-treat is exceptional, making for a lasting edge. Touch up to razor sharp is a breeze. Of all standard steels, the 420 series is tops for corrosion resistance. So, they took a modest steel and brought it up a notch in performance. It's one of my favorites.

4nolz- The Walmart buyer told us in the knife forum he expects the same quality on the knives he buys that every other retailer gets. They don't want returns. He said he gets a better price due to the huge number of knives he buys, and they try to compete with Amazon.

I agree with those who like the Canadian belt knife. I plan to buy one. I also love Case pocket knives with the yellow Delrin grips.

Joe

The 110 and the Schrade LB7 are the two knives I think of when thinking of my youth. I preferred the LB7. I bought the Buck/Walmart 50th Ann. edition.

The LB7 is a heck of a knife. It has rosewood grips and beautiful workmanship. The pin heads are sanded flush on the Schrade knives.

Joe

One thing buck should do is make a leather sheath for the 110 and 112 and not the nylon one. I just had one custom made for my 112 and I really like it.

They do have a leather sheath, but it's now made in Mexico.

Joe

I carry a 112 and have since about 1978. I bought me a 110 new but I just can't bring myself to leave my trusty 112 at home. So my older 110 with the leather sheath is still pretty much new. Maybe one day...

X2GLF, love my 112.

The 110 is wonderful. I carried a 119 for years, but bought a 110 four years ago because it fits nicely in a day-pack. It's all I seem to carry anymore.

I plan to add a 119 to my collection. I will get one with the brass guard and pommel and in 5160 carbon steel.

I might mention the USA made Schrade LB7 does not take an edge as easily as the Buck. Some say it doesn't hold an edge as well either. I plan to compare and test both on Monday when my brother brings his LB7 over.

Joe

I prefer the 102 fixed blade. The 110 is too bulky and heavy for the amount of blade it carries. That said, you don't hear of them breaking or wearing out often.

I have a Buck 500, similar size but 'fits' my hand better.

The 102 is nice and would make a better hunting knife than the 119. I just like the large 119. Design wise, the Vanguard is a hunting knife that few knives can best. The steel is excellent in all current Buck knives. The 110 tip is thin and can be broken if abused.

People turn their noses up at the 420HC steel Buck is using in most knives. Yet, I doubt one in a 1,000 can put an edge on their "super steel" blades like the edge I can put on a Buck. In fact, if you take something like Bob Dosier's D2 knives and start skinning and butchering, I could easily keep up with a Buck in their 420HC. I'd have to touch up more often, but touch up is so quick it wouldn't make a difference. A really nice hunting knife is a Bark River Gunny Hunter. That one might out-perform the Buck in overall cutting and feel, but at close to $200.

Joe

I'm an old graybeard and have owned 110's and everything up through Reeves and Hinderer. Never could bring myself to bloody >$400 safe queens though, and they're all gone now. I've simplified things as I've aged and this is the "old school" knife I carry now, in honor of two uncles that always carried a fatherless kid hunting. When I found it was available again in chrome vanadium (carbon steel) I had to have one because they had one. They told me don't need stainless if you have enough sense to keep the blade dry and oiled and if you need a lockback to keep from cutting yourself, you've got no business totin' one to begin with, lol! No, it also has some flaws, but the memories it brings back are flawless. Here's to a classic!

Sorry, having 4Nolz's problem with .jpg size, but never had trouble posting before. It's a Case Folding Hunter.

The 110 is one of my favorites, if not THE favorite, I've got 3 of them. The one I use the most is an orange plastic handled one, that my dad got for me. I don't know as he knew a lot about knives, but he picked a good one there, and it's as sentimental as it is useful. I have no idea how many deer its gutted & skinned over the years. But between mine, the rest of the family's', and a few friends, it's been a bunch. I always seen to get voted most likely to gut...

Great thread Frisky! I love my 110's (3 of them) but I will not use one for dressing a deer or any other animal for that matter. Folders are just too difficult to get clean afterward. I've cleaned too many folders to do that again. I only use a fixed blade to do the dirty work. They can easily be scrubbed or put in the dishwasher. I like to save my 110's for fine or delicate cutting because they literally are razor sharp. I could shave my face with them. I will have them til they pour dirt over me.

My Buck 110 as purchased on board my ship while in the Navy, still have it today. Knife is 49 years old. Use it when I small game hunt and sometimes carry it in the leather case I made for it when on my ship. Lots of history with that knife.

I got my buck 110 from my mom. She bought my dad and I kne back when I was in high school. When he passed away I got his. I use his because it feels like a part of me is there when I am cleaning up a deer. Like most things traditional it is simple and does the job. Both of mine have the leather sheath.

Joe, a well timed post. I have 5 Buck 110's. The oldest was given to me by a co- worker who found it in a parking lot. He asked me to clean it up and sharpen it for him, so I did. While cleaning it up I checked with the production chart and found out it was a second generation 110. Anyway, I gave it to him and he immediately handed it back to me saying it was too nice for him to screw up. I have never used it, due to value but I keep it sharp. The next was a 110 that my Dad carried for 28 years or so as a mailman, a third generation. He just kept it in the bottom of his mail pouch, because he told me at that time the carriers weren't supposed to carry "weapons". I also have one from the 70's and another from the 80's. My users. My most cherished 110 is one that my late wife purchased for me. It has Damascus blade and Sambar stag scales with a special "brown" belt sheath. I have never used it either and will pass it to my grandson when I die. I also have a "little" collection of other folding hunters but that can wait for another time.Thanks. Lance.

Got my 112 for my 16th birthday. For the next 44 years I used and abused it in almost every way possible. Learned to hone a knife to a razor edge on that blade. Cut the tops of cans, cut and pried my way through leg joints, milked a few copperheads,cleared out a lot of shooting lanes. You know the Buck logo, a hammer pounding on the back of the blade to cut through wire..yeah, did that too. I recently learned that a 112 first production, with the micarta handle slabs, 3 bolster pins and "Buck" stamped upside down, is worth a bit of money, but I'm not gonna tell that old knife..it might go to his head and start getting fussy about the jobs I call on it to do.

I have a 112 that I bought around 1974 and used for years until I broke the tip off. I rounded it out and still used it for a while but was ticked off at myself for breaking the point and finally stopped using it. I sent it back to Buck about a year ago and they replaced the blade for me. Cost me $6.00 for the shipping. Now that's standing by your product and guarantee.

I also have a 110 but I love the size of the 112. I'll be getting my grandson one when he gets a bit older.

Great stories! Let's hear more!

Joe

Box Call- I'll have to see it when pics are back up. I bought 4 yellow-handled Case fisherman's knives and gave them away as gifts. Really nice knives! I was going to get an orange Case Sodbuster but am probably going to pick up an old Queen red-handled sodbuster instead, as I like the blade and steel in them.

Joe

My folks gave me a 110 for Christmas about 1977. While I use other knives, too, it is my favorite. When I use it I think back about hunts with my dad and brother. Thanks, Frisky, for the post.

I have a Buck 110 purchased in either '64 or '65 @ the Jacksonville FL Navy PX while serving on a Destroyer home ported there. Nothing at all like the destroyers of today and nothing like a Buck folding hunter then I believe it was a first the price then was if I remember right about thirty dollars darn near a month's pay for a seaman first class back then. Still have the knife It was originally made with three not four pins as is the fifty year anniversary one.

I notice a lot of sailors bought a 110. They really liked them too!

Joe

Frisky, I found the Bucks harder to sharpen, but they held an edge better. The LB7 was a touch softer to me and easier to sharpen, but needed touch-ups more often as a result.

Bud- I had more trouble wth the LB7 but it was quite a while ago that I sharpened one. I'll check this out this weekend.

Joe

I have a 1991 110 still going strong. She's a little beat up but still getting it done. The old leather case is still holding up well too, it has "character" but good to go!

I found this knife in Virginia Beach VA at a pawn shop just outside of Little Creek Navel Base. This was back when I was a contract diver for the navy, good times partying with those frogmen!

Have a good one

Buck 110 was listed for $49.00 at Cabela's in Hamburg, Pa. as of yesterday. If Wally world has them at the price Frisky has posted, that is outstanding value for an American made Buck. Could this be another Frisky overstatement? Does he have stock in Wally world? Has Frisky gone straight? Please advise I'm so confused......TLM

TLM- Just go to the Walmart website and do a search for Buck 110. See for yourself! A guy named Bert does their buying and won't accept any quality level below what everyone else gets. The $27.97 is with the nylon sheath.

Joe

I bought my first one this year. The one I got has the finger groves.

Carl

Frisky. I knew you were accurate about Wally world! Don't ever lose your sense of humor!!!!! TLM

I have three 110's... don't really use them. Maybe on a deer once. Bought another buck knife today. Don't like it much. Balance sucks. Looking now at the Buck Alpha Hunters.

TLM- I'm accurate about everything! Don't ever forget that!

Jeff- Have you tried a Vanguard? It's the best hunting knife I've used. A $15 Mora Companion will do the job just as well, but I like the heft of the Vanguard.

Joe

Joe, no I haven't, but I just looked it up and the Vanguard looks like it has good potential. I'll look closer at it. Thanks.

My parents bought me a 110 for my eleventh birthday and I finally retired it last year after 37 years of field service. It will still see some butchering duties though. I would have been terribly upset if I would have lost it or broke the blade. The leather sheath is almost totally worn out, and there are divots in the brass from using it to pound tent stakes as a kid. Great memories! I am currently having great results with a Buck Vanguard and a Brusletto Rypa.

Scott

You are preaching among the converted.

I have used Bucks since the early '70s. My everyday carry has three pins instead of four and reads "BUCK" with the blade pointed down.

-Joe

I got one in 1970 and used the bejeezes outa it. Countless whitetails and 5 mulies later, the blade was sharpened enough to reduce the width by about 1/ 3. I snapped the blade off last year...still bummed.

I do have another my wife got for me years ago...metal handle with my name engraved. That one still looks like new.

Rick- Just send it back to Buck for a new blade. Someone said it costs about $10 to have the blade replaced. I'm not sure, but they'll fix it and recondition it for you.

Joe

Rick, like Frisky says about a repair... I've snapped the pint twice on mine. Sent it back, said how it happened, and asked if they could just relate the blade, as the knife had sentimental value to me. takes a little while, but they did just as asked... and no charge in my case. They back up their knives 100%.

Yep. Most people only pay shipping. Usually, if it breaks, they fix it for free.

Joe

EDC a 110 for about six months, in my front pocket. Just too big and too much weight for pocket carry, and I don't like carrying any knife that size in a snap closed sheath. That said the 110 'IS' an American classic for certain. 112 is in the shadow of 110. Too small for such a big handle. jmo.

For a working knife that gets drawn alot while actually living afield trapping and hunting, camping fishing etc. and just general use away from home, a fixed blade is a much better design. Just draw it for use and resheath when done. No fiddling around opening and closing at each use. Fast to deploy and fast back into the sheath. Similar to a carpenter carrying tools on his belt. Grab the tool without thought, use it, and return to its storage spot, no thought involved. Like that.

Bob- You're correct on both counts. The 110 is not a pocket knife, nor is it better than a fixed blade for hard field use. It became a classic due to the compact size in a belt knife for hunters. Many hunters liked the idea of a big, strong folder to take along hunting.

I'm really liking the 110! So far, I've used it to cut up raisins for cookies and to cut up celery and carrots for chicken soup. It cuts like lightning, both soft and hard material! For kitchen use, it slices better than the scandi grind on my Mora. The blade is also just long enough for efficient kitchen use. My plan is to use it to trim meat if I get a deer. I'm going to post another photo when pic posting is fixed.

Joe

I used mine during butchering. It's ok for disassembly and for reducing the size of burger meat for the grinder, but other blades do a nicer job at slicing steaks, chops, and such. For any butchering tasks, I also like a fuller sized handle of non-slip material because small, smooth, bloody, slimy handles are harder to control.

Bob,agreed on the fixed blade. When I'm out in the woods, or using a knife frequently, that's what's on my belt. My praise for the Buck is for it's place as a well made, versatile all-round folder, when that's the most practical carry.

Very cool using the 110 in kitchen. In fact I occasionally use mine in the kitchen, just to get that knife in my hand and use it.

There is some controversy on knife collecting forums on the origin of the classic buck 110 form - some evidence that Puma had a knife like that a year or two before buck, something along the lines of their 'Duke' or 'Warden' knives that Puma still make today. Either Buck copied Puma, Puma copied Buck, or both companies independently came up with a very similar design. The timing is very close though, but many think Puma beat Buck by a year or two in bringing a buck-like lock-back knife to market.

I'll concede that, for general field game processing chores, a loveless style drop-point is probably a better design than the classic clip-point blade. Nonetheless, I simply prefer the look of the classic 4.5" to 5.5" clip point blade. The clip point blade is probably a better all-around utility knife, and while may not be as good as some other designs for field processing a deer, it's certainly a good design for that purpose. My current favorite hunting knife is my Bark River 'Boone' (fixed, 5" clip point), although I have an old Western 'L66' that still goes afield with me (4.5" up-swept clip point, stacked leather handle). The Buck 119 is a really cool knife, I just don't see a place for it for most hunting applications, just too big for 90% of what I use a knife for.

An old friend of the family swore by the Buck 110 back in the 1980s (he was in his late 50s back then). But, in the early 80s, the latest batches of 110's were made from, I think, 440C, and the steel was HARD. I remember our friend would sharpen his 110 on a grinding wheel, they were that hard. He demolished a few 110s that way, but he worked on a boat and needed a good knife to cut line. By my way of thinking, the new 420HC is probably an upgrade from the old 440C, which is noted to be difficult to sharpen by conventional means.

My current everyday carry is a Boker lock-back knife (similar in design to a Buck 112) with stag scales, made from 440C stainless. What an awesome knife! Easy-peasy to sharpen, and holds a blade like no other knife I've ever owned. Seems like Boker really got the heat treatment right on this one.

Rick, Buck will repair/replace the blade on the 110 free for the first repair on an individual knife. You pay only the shipping. It is the second repair that is charged for I believe.

Interesting thoughts on who had the 110 design first.

My brother brought his LB7 over. As I thought, the blade was centered perfectly. There was no gap along the backspring. The handle slabs are rosewood, not Dymondwood, and are perfect. The brass was heavily tarnished. The blade takes the same edge as the Buck and looks nearly identical. Overall, it's better built, but the Buck is vey nice. My brother told me he wanted a Buck 110, and my mom bought him the Schrade. That was back over 35 years ago. He said he's still upset about it. I showed him how great it really is. I said it's better than my Buck, by a hair, and he now kind of likes it, lol!

Joe

I also paid $27.97 at Walmart for my 110 Sept. 2015. I just couldn't pass that up. Amazing price considering the knife was made in Idaho. The becvel was covered with fine tool marks, as all blades are in the $30 range. I reworked the bevel and edge to mirror bright in a couple hours labor using my DMTs. That sucker is sharp now lemme tell yuh. lol

Bob- I too noticed the tool marks. I have a method that takes them to scalpel sharp in 5 minutes. However, putting a mirror finish on the edge is fun! I used to put a mirror finish on my lathe tools.

Joe

Frisky, I was told by folks that were employees of Camiillus cutlery in New York State, that they were making the knives under the Buck name for many years. The Buck 313 known as the "muskrat" was made there too. Great designs by Buck and great choice of knife makers to produce their line. Many of the old 110s,may have been made by other USA knife makers on contract to Buck. I'm sure there is more info than I possess out there. TLM

TLM- I'm sure they did contract stuff out. Speaking of Camillus, my brother gave me a Camillus muskrat knife for my birthday. The group that bought the company name is having the knives made in China, so I would never buy one. However, this one has Japanese blades. If they decide to make them here again, I will support them.

Joe

I've tried for several days to show my Buck's off but pics still not working. I have 3 I use regular. The most used for skinning duties is a 110 but the one that gets used the most is the red tag Protege. I skinned my first buck with a little green Bucklite.

Many of the Knife makers from New York State are gone , and probably for good. Many of the original products are collectors items, but still extremely functional. TLM

I'd rather purchase a clean, used or refurbished knife from Camillus, Western Cutlery, Shcrade, Marbles, Buck, etc. made in USA than a new Chinese knife (with the possible exception of CRKT, made in Taiwan but I think very high quality for a production knife and a good value). I believe Case (made in Pennsylvania) still makes all their knives here - Buck makes a lot of knives in Idaho, but they do have some imported lines as well.

Recently, we needed a new mixer, and instead of getting a POS from Asia, I found an old SunBeam blender from the early 70s made in USA, almost new, GREEN, heavy-duty and totally bad-ass, for about $15 on ebay. Looks just like what my mom used when I was a kid. At this point, I just try to avoid big box stores and all the crap that pours in through the Port of Los Angeles and just buy old stuff from pawn shops, garage sales, and online auctions, much cheaper and much better quality.

Another good knife is Klein's answer to the Buck 110, their 44137. I have 2 or 3 of those as well. 3 3/8" blade, 5" closed, 8 1/2" open. Made in Japan, it's a well crafted knife that holds a good edge.

My everyday pocket knife is a Klein 44033, drop point folder. Holds a good edge, classy looking, and thin enough you never know it's there.

One thing about the new Camillus (not old company, just their patents and trademarks) is they are beginning to have knives made right here in the USA. They're out of Connecticut. In the future, they might be nearly all USA made knives, so that's a start in the right direction. As for China, I will admit they are getting better at knife making, with some of their factories producing high-end stuff.

Joe

Here's my Buck Vanguard next to the 110. I consider the Vanguard to be just about as good as you can get in an all-around hunting knife.

Joe

I need to pick up a leather sheath for mine. I got mine last year for a steal at Walmart but it came with the nylon case and I want a leather one. Haven't decided whether I want a black one or a brown one though.

If you have one you're not using make me a deal on it.

I love my 110. Awesome knife. I've also wanted to get a thumb stud to be able to open it with one hand.

Larry

Larry - The leather cases run around $10 shipped, I think, on the auction site. The advantage of nylon is ease of cleaning and less bulk. Now, people love the leather sheath option for the Vanguard, though I like nylon there to.

Joe

Buck 110 is my first folding knife in my life since my age 18, today Buck 112 is my everyday carry, its smaller scale and weight more fit in bag, it has good balanced counterweight from tip till coppered handle, so you can spin it on a surface like a roulette, that's a extra use when you and buddies circle surrounded playing games.

Joe, the Vanguard does in fact look like a workhorse. The grip isn't too appealing to the eye, but addresses the need for a non slip grip during slimy times.

Jeff- When I bought the Vanguard, I wasn't that impressed. The grip is squared off. I thought it was a little heavy and the blade larger than necessary. I expected to try it and throw it in my box with other hunting knives. When I shot a deer, it immediately became my favorite knife! It was not too large at all, and I liked that grip when wearing rubber gloves. Edge holding and touch up were very good. The Bark River Gunny Hunter might be a little better, but it's also at least three times the price.

Joe

Yeah, just by looking at it, I too thought it was a bit square in shape.

During field dressing, I had complete control. I usually don't like large finger guards, but it was nice during dressing and really didn't get in the way through butchering and trimming the meat. I kept setting down four other knives and going back to it. It also shrinks in size and weight when you start in on a deer.

Joe

Here are a couple of early versions.

Other side.

Nice!

Got 3 of 'em, they're great knives, one is maybe 35 years old!

IMO the Vanguard is a very high quality, very useful belt knife. I thought about buying one many times, but just never got around to it.

Off topic. The butcher block full of of walnut handled, three rivet, Chicago Cutlery knives in our kitchen has been in daily use since 1982. Every knife in that block is made in USA, and they are really good knives. Tough and flexible, and hold an edge reasonably OK- but not great- like a Buck.

Any 'frontiersman' that had one of the 6" CC utility knives on his hip would be well set for everday use. But, I seriously doubt those men and women batoned wood like all your bushcrafters do today. lol what a crack up.

They are a classic knife. Very strong & useful.

Had a 110 gien to me by a chemical company a few back and really like it. Always thought Bucks were good for the money. Bought my youngest Granddude a folding Buck but it had an orange handle with a camo pattern so we would not lose it. The 110 is a great knife.

Friskmeister, Here is a Camillus from around the time Buck contracted them to make the 110. Camillus added a slim blade round at the end to open a deer for field dressing. I like this knife a lot. TLM

Sorry for the sideways photo. You can see where it says where it was made. TLM

I should have noted that the blade is 4 inches and when closed it is overall five inches, with a hole for a lanyard so I can tie it to a brick to it and have a chance not to lose it. TLM

TLM- Maybe the new Camillus will bring that one back? Otherwise, it will be an Ebay deal only.

Joe

Joe, Thats exactly where I found it. Paul

Here are my Bucks, including a 110. The Protege gets the dressing and skinning duties most often. I dressed my 1st trad kill with the little Buck Lite.

Are the newer 110's as hard to sharpen as the older ones? I had one in the mid 70's and for me it was hard to get a good edge on it. I have 5 fixed blade Bucks, and they are easy to sharpen and they all hold a good edge. Jim

Bought this one in '72. I think it cost $18 then. Bought it from the first BASS store that Ray Scott opened up. First store around these parts that was all hunting and fishing. Pretty cool store........

It's been a great knife and as you can see it's been used a lot. I modified the leather sheath to carry a mini mag flashlite. I'd switch them out when I needed to.

Always been easy to sharpen and it's razor sharp now. A little dish soap and a wipe down after cleaning game has been all that's required.

Hope one of my kids will use it and pass it along when I'm gone.

I just ordered a Vanguard. It has a wooden handle, but my plan is to immediately remove it and replace it with something more to my taste than laminated wood or rubber, but still non-slip. Antler perhaps. We'll see.

Jeff, do a tutorial on the handle removal and new install. That'd be an interesting thread. With pictures, of coarse.

I'd love to see the procedure and how it turns out. Antler sounds like a cool options for the Van.

Will do, Joey. This thing was $56 and change, free shipping. Those on the big auction site that are the same, but with antler handles go for $250 and up. I've done a little knife making, I think I can 'handle' this :^)

Jim, I had and I think still have somewhere, an early 110 and I didn't care for it because it was so hard to sharpen. Last year I won a Buck 110 at an archery shoot and probably wouldn't have used it except I had just lost my knife. This knife has a blade which is much softer and is a breeze to sharpen and I really like it, so much so, that I would buy another if I lost it.

JimP- They sharpen up easily on nothing but a steel.

Jeff- You got a good price! I'm with you on laminated wood. You probably have the skills to build your own sheath too, but people give high marks to the leather factory sheath. You might like it. I think antler would be a good choice for the knife. I can't wait for you to use it, as I think you're gonna like it!

Joe

Here are some of my favorites but I just bought a benchmade 940 for an every day carry.

Nice knives! Though heavy, I'm going to carry the 110 for a short time, just to use it. Otherwise, I carry a tiny (1/3rd oz) Opinel #4. If I need a light weight but more robust knife, I carry my Endura I've carried since the spring of 1998.

Joe

Some I have got over the years.

Cecil- You have all bases covered!

Box Call- I can't deny I'm a stainless guy. Years ago, I didn't care for stainless, as I had trouble sharpening it. Now, I sharpen it with ease. Buck 420HC quickly takes and holds an excellent edge. I do like carbon and can get it up to snuff, but stainless seems to now be better than carbon, for me. An example is in the Opinel. Their carbon blades are legendary but the stainless are better. The difference is noticeable. We just have so many choices in stainless and makers have the heat treat down.

Joe

I hand forged a drop point antler handled knife out of a 1/2" stainless steel bolt. It looks like hand forged carbon, but won't rust, and that son of a gun is strong and sharp!

Jeff- have you posted some of your hand-made knives?

Joe

Oddly, I just discovered this thread after perusing Buck knives in a catalog that came in the mail today. Coincidence? Fate?

A couple of months ago I bought a Buck 55, the baby sibling of the 110. I wanted a small pocket knife for daily use (hadn't carried a pocket knife for decades and finally became perturbed at my own stupidity).

I made a small leather "wallet" for it to hold it in place in my back pocket. Durned if it hasn't been out and about every single day since I bought it.

I'm gonna order a couple of the same for my boys this Christmas.

Might be an old-school, plain-jane design, but certainly does the trick for my routine cutting needs. I believe my boys will find it equally handy. (Just don't cut class with it, lads!)

I think the 55 is a neat little knife!

Joe

Has anyone here converted the 110 or 112 to automatic? I understand that can be done.

I got the Vanguard today, Joe. It's reeeaaalllly nice as-is. Honestly, I didn't expect to like the handle at all, but I do. It's very well balanced and sharp. Quality of construction is about 8.5 out of 10. It's gonna be tough to cut it off to put an antler handle on there. I'll dig through my antlers and if I find something that seems destined to be with that blade, I'll do it. I can always buy another one :^)

Oh yeah, and like you said, the sheath is real nice too. If I made one, it would be very similar, with more primitive style materials.

Thanks for the heads up on this knife.

Manybows,

How highly do you recommend that Blackjack 124? Have you used yours much? I have been considering one, but don't like the finger choil (cut out). - John

Bought my 110 aboard the USS Claude Jones in 1968 when we were headed to the west and south for a short mission.

Thin Man: Can you post a pic of the leather wallet you made? Sounds interesting.

Thin Man: Can you post a pic of the leather wallet you made? Sounds interesting.

Jeff- I'm glad you got the knife and we'll wait to see your improvements. I think you'll like that blade.

Joe

Btw, the blade itself is quite thick and stout, and surprisingly sharp out of the box. I think with it I could take down at least a medium sized bear in combat ;)

Jeff- Though thick through the spine, notice how nice the hollow grind thins out the edge? All I do on a new 110 or Vanguard is steel it good. That takes the edge up another notch and is all I need.

Joe

Yep, good transition there.

I'll give it some diamond stone treatment on the Lansky and then finish it on my ceramic steel. Won't need much.

Stykzz,

Assuming the photo shows up in this post, you'll note that I ain't no accomplished leather worker.

I wanted to carry the knife in my back pocket, and wanted it upright rather than laying horizontal in the bottom of the pocket.

I stitched two pieces of 8 oz. cowhide together using B50 string, leaving the top open. It has a thin profile, and stands upright in my pocket for an easy grab. Squeeze it open like a change purse and the knife easily slides out into my hand.

I made a suede pouch first, but I did not like the "flimsy" of it. The thicker leather, being stiffer, is easier to manipulate in and out of my pocket and keeps the knife from "printing" and wearing against the fabric of my pants.

While sitting at the computer it also protects my sensitive and baby-smooth derriere from the dreaded "Buck 55 Nerve-Pinching and Chafing Syndrome", or "B55NPCS". You may have seen the recent (and quite alarming!) commercial on television concerning this embarrassing condition: "Call this number if you or a loved one has ever suffered from B55NPCS". Our team of experienced medical lawyers will help you recoup ..."

I called it a "wallet" due to it's flat, back pocket location. It is probably more aptly called a "pouch". Like I mentioned, I don't really know what I'm doing.

However, it works and makes me happy.

There ya go.

Like the 112

The 112 is a lighter weight option. Still, I'm liking the 110 more and more.

Joe

The 110 was carried by a lot of soldiers in Viet Nam, I have still got mine from that time along with a Randall model one.The 110 was used for just about everything while the Randall was for more serious use. The 110 is a great knife,looking at a custom one now. The 110 was also a favorite of motorcycle gangs and on a lot of police belts for many years. It is a classic that works.

Great thread!

Yes, the 110 is a great knife and was standard issue for members of the Contraband Enforcement Team at U.S. Customs.

BTW, even TV sheriff Walt Longmire carries this classic Buck and has used it on more than one occasion.

Buck folders work great - I've gutted many deer with them.

Well my 112 worked pretty well helping butcher a couple of pigs this year; in the middle of it was thinkin' my wife's 110 high be a little easier with the longer blade. Still a 112 fan for all-round, but it's a toss-up.

The 110 Buck is a classic knife. There are fancier knives & costlier knives, but I don't think there is one much better for everyday knife chores.

Have one given to me a few back and like it.

I have been trying to research the blade steel on my Buck knife Looks like T12C or E. Does anyone have any info on that type of steel? Smokey

No such steel that I know of, but I believe some buck knives were done in Sandvic 12C27. It's a super pure, fine-grained steel.

Just used my 110 to cut up more raisins. My older sister won't eat raisins, so I cut them up into little pieces and my mom uses them in cookies my sister loves. She has no idea they're raisins!

Joe

Thanks Frisky. The stamp on the blade is so small had to make it out. Least thats what is looks like to me. Have to ask my daughter to take a look. Tough getting old.

Well I stand corrected. My daughter told me that the stamp on the knife blade is 112G. I guess thats the knife model.

Found the Buck 722 knife I thought I lost a week ago. It was right where I set it down. lol Was thinkin' I was gonna have to put the 110 back in my front pocket.

If you have already registered, please

sign in now

For new registrations

Click Here