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No history of the folding pocket knife is complete without the Buck 110 Folding Hunter. It is arguably the first modern folder, in ethos if not in design. “Buck knife” is now a catch-all term for a certain style of blade, and the 110 is responsible for that. More than other knife besides the Swiss Army Knife, the Buck 110 is an icon.
But for all that it heralds modern folder design, the 110 is more antithetical to a Paramilitary 2 or a Griptilian than a traditional knife. It’s a question of refinement. Traditionals evolved on a separate path, and even if that evolution peaked 100 years ago there is a lot more refinement in a Case Peanut than in the 110. Its design is iconic and influential, but it does seem crude by modern standards.
Is it fair to hold the 110 to modern standards? Well, Buck still markets this knife as a tool, not a collectible. The implication here is that they believe it is a competitive offering in today’s knife market. And crude doesn’t necessarily equate to bad. So I’ve tested it as I would any other knife under review, and after several weeks of dedicated carry and use, I have come to my conclusions regarding the 110.
General Dimensions and Blade Details
The 110 has a handle length of 4 ¾”, a blade length of 3 ¾”, and an overall length of 8 9/16”. It weighs 7.2 oz. The lines of the 110 are so familiar that I hardly need to go over them. The gleaming brass bolsters and wooden scales have been copied by dozens and dozens of manufacturers over the years. Although I take issue with Buck’s decision to keep the 110 design more or less as is for 50 years, I can certainly sympathize with it. Buck struck a chord with the 110. There are major issues with the tolerances, but the finish on the 110 is quite good for a $40 knife. This is a handsome blade.
And beyond looks the 110 has plenty of merit, mainly thanks to its utter simplicity. I’ve talked about handles being task neutral before, but here we have a task neutral knife. Although called a hunter, there’s just an alchemy between the lines and proportions of the 110 that make it able to perform any kind of cutting task.
Some of that versatility is delivered by the blade shape. A low-slung, sharkish clip point, it leverages its length to great effect. The larger blade means that you have a decent run of straight edge before the sweep to the tip, so sawing and slicing are on the table. In relation to the handle, the belly is angled so that you can really push down and get through material quickly. The tip is acute for effective leading and good piercing. And, unlike many large blades, it is a great slicer. A workhorse blade shape that manages to retain its grace as well.
The steel is 420HC. Much is made of Buck’s Paul Bos heat treatments. I have no experience with this steel outside of Buck knives so I can’t say whether it makes a difference. The Buck/Bos 420HC is probably a smidge better than 8Cr13MoV, but not quite as good as AUS-8A. It dulls rather quickly, but you can sharpen the hell out of this 420HC very easily. Some steels, like VG-10, I can work and work and work on without getting past a certain level of sharpness. Here, 420HC got super sharp super quick, which I appreciate.
Handle, Ergonomics, and Carry
I have no complaints about the 110’s handle shape. The bow shape handle is as neutral as it gets. A lot of makers seem to think that we need finger grooves and scallops and jimping to show us the different ways we can hold our knife, but it is always better when the handle lets us decide. There isn’t a wrong way to hold the 110.
I find balance to be an essential part of good knife design. The closer the balance is to the pivot, the more control we have over the blade. The 110’s Dymondwod and brass construction lead to a rather Rubenesque knife. Balance is right in the middle of the handle, where the swell is most pronounced – a decent distance from the pivot. There’s nothing unpleasant about this while holding the knife, but in use it means you lose so much control for finer work. A shame, considering the surprising competency of this nearly 4” in delicate tasks.
But where the weight really kills the 110, of course, is in carry. There is no better way to learn about the advantages of lightweight knives than to spend a little time with a Buck 110. No clip here. My 110 came with a leather sheath, the traditional carry method for this knife, but I find that to be impractical for day-to-day suburban life, so my 110 rode in the back pocket. It wasn’t good, but at 7.2 oz. you’re going to notice this thing wherever you have it. It’s less ‘just bad’ than it is ‘really unfeasible.’
Deployment and Lockup
The 110’s two-handed opening is a bummer. Nail nicks are part of the charm of traditional knives, but the 110 isn’t a traditional knife. That’s why it’s famous. On the other hand I understand that thumb studs weren’t a common sight when the 110 came out, so I’m not faulting Buck for releasing the 110 without them, I just wish that they would have added them at some point in the last 50 years.
Complaints aside, the nail nick on the 110 works well, as does simply pinching the blade as I normally do on my Opinel. The opening action is smooth and positive, and the sound when the lock engages is satisfying, and all of this was how the knife was out of the box. You expect these things to feel right on a classic, and they do.
Much less right is the lock. I have faith in its safety, but it’s sloppy. From day one there was play in every direction on my 110, and the lock bar flexes quite readily during hard downward cuts. If I don’t sound particularly disappointed it’s probably because it’s the level of QC I’ve come to expect from Buck – which is itself the worst kind of condemnation.
If Buck is going to continue to espouse the virtues of stateside production, I really would like to see them recognize the level of competition out there and up their game. Newer products like the Marksman seem to indicate they’re capable of tight tolerances and complicated designs, and I for one would willingly pay more to see that same attention to detail on their flagship product.
Buck 110 Folding Hunter – Final Thoughts
There is no unqualified recommendation I can make for the 110 other than collectability. If you’re interested in knives and the history of their design, the 110 is 100% required reading. But as a tool, in any application, I can suggest a dozen other knives that outperform it. I can suggest better cutters, better locks, better fit and finish, all at or around the same price and all considerably lighter.
Buck is a company with a proud history, and the 110 is central to that history. I think they’ve convinced themselves that, by changing the 110, they are flouting the tradition it represents. That’s simply not true. Spyderco has been tweaking their flagships for years and nobody’s forgotten the significance of the Delica. There is a difference between honoring your past and being imprisoned by it. It’s frustrating that there aren’t readily available modern variations on the 110 from Buck. A model with G-10 scales, aluminum bolsters, and a clip would be cool. KA-BAR recently released such a knife and it is 2 oz. lighter than the 110.
I don’t even know that it’s a particularly good value at $40. The finish is good in a rough and tumble, barroom countertop kind of way, but the tolerances are way below par. I think that Buck is still trying to work out its priorities and in the meantime customers are left in the lurch with some very shoddy production. The Mini Spitfire I handled was worse than this, but not much worse.
The iconic character of the 110 saves it from being a total pass. This is real knife history that can be had for $40. Go grab one and see how far we’ve come. You’ll learn a lot, but don’t expect to end up using it much. It’s hard not to like the 110, but it is even harder to want to carry it.
If you are considering buying a Buck 110, I recommend purchasing it at Amazon or BladeHQ. By purchasing things through any of the links on this website you support BladeReviews.com, keep the website free of annoying banner ads, and help produce future reviews. Thank you very much.
Terrific review, my experience with this knife to an absolute tee. It’s just too heavy to lug around regularly and mine has the exact same blade play issue you mentioned. While it’s not awful it’s definitely not very reassuring. I could definitely see having it in my center console as a back-up or something but nowadays there are just so many better, lighter options out there.
Hey Earl,
That’s basically the fate I’ve relegated my 110 to: it sits on my desk in case I need a knife and can’t find any of my other knives.
It’s funny, I’ve never been obsessed with lightweight gear, but I guess my breaking point is somewhere around the 7 oz. mark. Crazy to think that the Crooked River (a clear tribute to the 110) is almost 2 oz. lighter, with the same blade size and a larger overall profile. It’s easy to forget how amazing modern materials like G-10 or titanium are. In some ways this was the hardest review period for me. I couldn’t wait to get something lighter into my pocket.
Ben.
Mine had no blade play came razor sharp out of the clam pack the fit and finish was pretty much spot on. I got mine at a local academy sports store
Same here. I carried one when I was a kid and let it get away from me at some point so I recently bought another one and carry it on my belt everyday. I’ve got a few fixed blade knives I’ve tried to carry daily in various sheaths like the Esse 3 and Becker 14 but the Buck 110 in its belt sheath suits me better.
Buck 110
The best !!!
They do make a light more modern version with pocket clip and some kind of Synthetic scales (110RDS2)
Are there better knives?.sure……but the Buck 110 is a classic carry knife that was being made since 1964 by an American made company…..and if you believe that making American made goods is a good thing and from a company that has God given beliefs in thier history…..then good…..i alsocarry a spring assisted folder, and a Glock 27………is that a better combination than my smith 60 and a Buck 110, and I seriously do carry both……well, it all depends on how you can actually use either doesn’t it?…as Frank Sinatra used to say..” it’s the singer,…not the song”
Yes, the old Buck 110 is still an Icon! I have a few old 110’s, and that old medal still comes up nice! Btw, sometimes I give away the wee Buck 112 to young lads, as a first fixed blade. But indeed there are better knifes, and for a light folder (and the price) a few of my favorites would be Cold Steel’s Recon 1, and the Broken Skull.
*Of course I meant a first type size blade looking like a fixed blade when opened. My youngest son (born in my 40’s), in the Royal Army and a combat medic in the infantry, still carries his Buck 112 as a back-up knife. But that young man can sharpen a blade better than his old man! And btw, he says the Buck lock-blade is still one of the best!
Hey Robert,
I’ve always been interested in the 112, as well as some of the even smaller iterations of the 110 design like the Prince. It sure is a visually appealing design, I can’t deny that. I agree with you re: the better options. I haven’t handled either the Recon 1 or the Broken Skull personally, but they do seem like clear improvements along the same design lines. In particular I’m intrigued by the Broken Skull. I think it weighs just over 3 oz.!
I’ve heard and read about a number of folks in the service who carry the 110 or similar knives, with similarly positive experiences. I can see it being a good, reliable back-up knife for sure. The lock on mine is real sloppy, but I didn’t ever feel like it was going to fail on me. And in a way, a little slop makes you feel like the knife is primed to be beaten on – at least, that’s how I feel anyway, and I didn’t have any compunction about hammering on my 110 out on hikes.
Ben.
Hi Ben,
Yes, we are just all knife guys eh! 😉 I know I was raised such, and still am! My father and uncles were all WW II Vet’s… (they are all before the Throne of God now). And yes, I have a few 112’s, and I like the newer one with the finger grooves!
I have the gray Broken Skull (Steve Austin), and it is thin and very light, but with a “4 clip blade. Just a sweet blade to carry!
Speaking of the 112, I think my one Army son just likes it small but with the rugged feel? But he also has the larger Spyderco Military. Those medics or what we called corpsman love knives! I am too just an old Marine (RMC), and retired. Of course we had (and I still have mine), the British Commando blade and knife. It was just a killer!
Btw, I just got me a Cold Steel Lawman, 3 1/2 blade, so far very nice, aye, always collecting, using-touching knives! 🙂
Definitely Robert! It’s a rabbit hole.
I totally get the small/rugged thing. As a civilian surburbanite I don’t need super tough knives, but I definitely enjoy them. If the 112 retains the durability of the 110 in a lighter package, I’ll have to look into it at some point. Don’t know if I’m brave enough to give the finger groove model a try, but they do look pretty cool. Man, Buck should throw a clip and a thumb stud onto the 112. Then we’d really be cooking with gas.
The Broken Skull and the American Lawman are two Cold Steel knives I’ve had my eyes on for a long time. Both are definitely modern descendants of the Buck 110: larger, all-purpose, hard use folding knives. It’s only a matter of time before both of these knives end up in my hands, but talking about them here has moved them up a couple places on the (always growing) list!
Ben.
Yes indeed us knife guys are a breed! Since I am something of an old man, I just keep buying knives every month, as long as I get me retirement check! 🙂
I would definitely recommend the Lawman, though I wish it had another half so-called inch. And old Buck, I just think they will roll along with the 110 and the 112, though I have a rather new 112 with the finger grooves, and I like it! But again, the Broken Skull is well worth it, but not sure how long Cold Steel will keep it?
Rock on!
Yep, I agree, Buck will probably just keep on keeping on, making what they make and not really caring about staying with the times. I can appreciate that. There’s plenty of modern design elsewhere in the knife world, and if they started making a bunch of great new designs right now I’d have an even harder time keeping up with all the good knives than I do now.
Hi Ben. An interesting note about the 110: Back when it was “the” folding knife to have, especially for self defense purposes, you could find a lot of one-handed opening devices like the “flick it” at gun and knife shows. I think they sell something similar at bladehq these days. Obviously still not as good as a delica, but might be fun to have if you want the full 110 experience.
Hey Brad,
Yeah, I’ve seen a few such things, and was definitely tempted. I think one of the early ones was called the “One-Armed Bandit,” a sort of hooped thumbstud that fit over the top of the knife. If I stumble across one somewhere I might just pick it up for fun. Relatedly, I’m kind of surprised there isn’t a bigger mod scene for 110s than there is.
I’ve also heard that people modded their 110 somehow so that it was loose enough to just wrist flick open. Not sure how that worked though.
Ben.
I have an older 110 (Buck U.S.A. 1972?) that I lathed and polished down the handle so I could open it with one hand. It is still nice to use, and the blade still sharpens well and quickly!
*I have had people ask me to do theirs, and I have done just a few. It does make the knife handle obviously smaller.
Robert
I’ve never been a huge fan of the 110 but i sure wouldn’t mind having a $5 bill for every animal that’s been cleaned using a 110 over the years that’s for sure.I never could get use to it’s size and bulk and prefer the 112 or even the much smaller model 55 over it.The best all-around Buck folder i’ve ever owned and used is without question the Marksman which i feel is one of the best tactical style folders available for under $90..The Marksman is a very underrated folder.I’ve had my eye on the Broken Skull and have noticed how similiar it is to that of the Lone Star folder.I usually avoid celebrity endorsed knives like the plague because most are way overpriced simply because of who’s name is attached to them,but in the case of the BS it looks to be a legit folder ,made from good materials,and at a fair asking price,but it does look like an upgraded version of the LS just with a celebrity name associated with it.
Hey Adams,
The 55 seems like a great option for somebody interested in the 110 styling but not interested in its weight. At that size I have to assume it feels, carries, and functions more like a traditional knife.
I haven’t had a chance to handle a Marksman but I’ve heard nothing but good things, from Dan and others. I do think it is the only genuinely interesting design Buck has made since the Vantage.
I’m with you, I think the Broken Skull was probably already in the works when Cold Steel approached Steve Austin and asked for a partnership. They have been upgrading a lot of old designs and the Lone Star was due for a makeover. And while I don’t like celebrity knives either, at the very least Steve Austin does seem to be genuinely into knives. I saw a video of Austin where he whipped out a Sebenza and talked about opening up bottles with it.
Ben.
I think one of the biggest advantages the 110 and its kin has it that they’re not stigmatized like many other knives. We here all know that a knife is a tool, but to many of the inexperienced or uninformed in the world, certain types of knives are thought of as a criminal’s weapon (stilettos, balisongs) or killing tools (anything that looks too “tactical”). Old style designs like Buck, Case, etc usually don’t generate such immediate negative reactions. I have noticed that I can carry my 110 in its leather case on my belt in plain view, and nobody bats an eye. On the other hand I’ve seen plenty of people starring at my pockets with a more modern knife clipped to them. I’m not in any way suggesting anyone give up their Benchmade or Kershaw or whatever, but pointing out that in certain situations it may be practical to carry the knife that will draw less attention as opposed to perhaps no knife at all.
Hey Justin,
This is a great point, and one that I am coming increasingly to appreciate. The old style trappings of traditional knives and the Buck 110 just put people at ease in a way that modern knives don’t. And people-friendliness is a big plus for me personally, just because I’m around so many non-knife people, and while I don’t share their anxieties regarding knives, I can definitely sympathize and don’t want to make them uncomfortable.
I will say though that people in my current neck of the woods would probably be a little weirded out by the 110, less because of the way it looks than its overall size. But when I was living in Colorado I saw more than one guy with a 110 belt pouch out and about, and nobody gave it a second glance.
Drawing less attention is almost always a good thing. One reason (among many) I don’t like flippers is that the are so ostentatious; everybody around you knows you’re deploying a knife, and to the uninitiated it looks like you’re flipping out a weapon. Even thumb studs/deployment holes give you the option of slow-rolling, but with a flipper you have to be fast and you have to be loud. Nail nicks are the anti-flipper in this respect, and I appreciate that.
Ben.
The Buck 110 is an excellent knife for its intended niche. That is a heavy use, folding, outdoor knife. It is not a pocket knife. It is not designed for fine cutting chores. It is designed to perform heavy cutting chores while being more compact than a fixed blade knife with a 4″ blade. And, in this regard it is a fine fit.
The biggest problem with this knife is that people attempt to compare it to knives which are outside the niche for which the Buck 110 was designed. Many of the lighter knives, to which the 110 is compared, are far more convenient to carry. They will also handle the light, daily cutting chores, such as box opening and string cutting, as well or better than the 110. But, when it comes to moderate to heavy field chores, they handle these chores less well than the 110. The 110 is not necessarily the best choice for EDC in an urban, or modern suburban, environment.
I have two 110s, which I purchased in the late 1970s. One I carried for 20 years in law enforcement. It has been used for everything from slipping door locks, to light prying, to cutting seatbelts, to cutting heavy rope and even some electrical wire [not something that I would suggest]. The blade width has been reduced by about 10-15%, due to repeated sharpening. But, the lockup is still tight, the edge sharp and the handle in good condition. I no longer carry this knife, except when I am out in the woods and do not wish to carry a fixed blade knife. Like others, I carry one of the lighter pocket clip equipped 4″ folders and a smaller Swiss Army knife for fine cutting jobs. As noted it is bulky and heavy and is not needed for most daily cutting chores. However, it is a good replacement for a a fixed blade defensive knife for EDC in urban and suburban environments. It can be carried in a pocket. It is more robust than most lighter folders and, if it is used defensively, it is less likely to arouse undesired questions than a fixed blade knife or “tactical folding knife” would.
The desirability of a knife depends almost entirely upon the uses one envisions for the knife. If one is going to use the knife for heavy-duty cutting chores, then a heavy knife is probably a better choice than a light one. And, the Buck 110 provides heavy-duty use for a remarkably low price.
Mike,
Thanks for this great comment. The insight and experience is much appreciated. I’ve always wondered how something this knife would hold up over time and it sounds like the 110 will wear like iron.
You’re right, I think people have a tendency to want the 110 to be something other than what it is – myself included. For the price, you are certainly getting a durable outdoors/heavy duty knife. I still think that there are some better knives – even in those roles – right around the same price, but I see and agree with your point. The 110 works best as an outdoors/hard use tool, not an EDC.
Ben.
I love Buck but my custom 110 is the worst Buck knife I own. It is very good looking and sure it will last but the fold is so rough that it needs to be pushed home. I did ask for advice but was told to hit it on something hard! Not what I expected from Buck.
Hey Mark,
That is interesting to hear – I’ve always wondered what the knives from Buck’s custom shop are like in terms of quality. I’m sure they’ve produced nice ones but it’s too bad yours came out so rough.
Sometimes the 110’s good looks work against it, I think – it’s so handsome that you expect its fit and finish to be as striking as its looks, but Buck just doesn’t seem capable of (or, more likely, just isn’t interested in) consistent, high FnF.
But yeah, they may be shoddily put together but they will definitely last a long time, so there’s that.
Ben.
Have to comment on this post and the review in general. The review may be the authors opinion and everyone has
One..Mine differs dramatically from the authors as does the vast majority of Buck Knife owners I would suspect.
Though some may find the 110 to be an old style relic, one thing this knife is not is shoddy. The 110 is rock solid and built to last. Ive had bucks my whole life.. bought my first one at 14 and and now at 53 still have them. I trust my Buck knives to do what they were designed for. Made in the USA by a company that stands behind their products. I can’t tell you how many times over the years I have sent a 110 in for some minor thing only to have them literally change the blade at no cost and send it back polished brass and looking like the day I bought it. BUCK got its reputation the old fashion way.. it earned it by making solid reliable blades and standing by what they sold. Not through BS marketing and unnecessary design “improvements” If I am hunting, fishing, hiking or working. BUCK is right there with me.. why? Because I can count on it to do what it is supposed to. There is a reason why Buck is still the most respected knife maker in the USA..because it has shown its a quality company that stands by what it makes.
Sadly, I think that though alot of people like to collect knives and show them off, and talk about them ..alot of people also rarely use them as the tool they are.
When you start using a knife year after year is when you really are able to review them… until then you arent honestly reviewing it.. you are writing a article simply to profit from it… and that is my OPINION.
Seems to be a nitpicky review. I have almost every type of knife out there from all the good brands. I have over 35 110s from all eras.
The advantage of the bucks heft is cutting rope, boxes, game etc. The heaviness does a lot of the work for you. There are many designer sheath to carry the 110. If I’m not needing heavy duty I carry a buck light or something similar.
As far as QC, I have none that have any blade play whatsoever. You can get them new at wally for 34 bucks. To me that’s a steel for an American made icon. Every knife has a niche and the buck 110 fits the bill perfectly. My more expensive knives do not feel as high quality as my 110s.
Hi Joe, At this point we have concluded that this is a fairly controversial review, but it’s just one person’s opinion. Certainly there are plenty of reviews singing the 110’s praises. If anything, the review offers a different take on it. That said, if you enjoy your 110 then I hope you continue to enjoy it and carry it in good health.
Dan
I cannot come close to matching 35 Buck 110s. I only have 9 (a couple from their custom shop, some I have customized the scales on and some that are just the plain old standar steel, brass, and real wood scales). I have clip point and drop points of various blade steels.
All are “user” knives. Not all every day of course. I 2nd your comments on this wonderful folding knife.
None of mine have blade play, all have good “walk & talk”, all came sharp and are relatively easy to re-sharpen. If someone doesn’t have the same experience they should send their 110 in under Buck’s Forever Warranty.
I also have a Cold Steel AD10, Original SOG Tomcat, and a couple from Lionsteel. All are beautiful, all are well made, and all cut & slice things very well. But, there is just something magical that happens when you pick-up a Buck 110.
We eat 1/2 lb. hamburgers and 10 oz. steaks; when did 7.2 OUNCES become too heavy to carry on our belts. The Buck 110 was never intended to be a pocket knife. DUH … that is why they have always come with a belt pouch.
May the Buck 110 live on forever!
I was born in the late 50’s, and my first good knife as a kid was a Buck 110. I followed that up a while later with a model 120 (General). Those were gentler times and a kid with a ridiculously long-bladed sheath knife drew chuckles and good natured jokes from adults, but nobody seemed to think the kid would grow up to be a serial killer or something.
Some years later, the 110 was stolen, and I moved on to newer, spiffier knives and was without a 110 for years.
A couple of years ago, I bought a new 110. The price was so reasonable, I just bought it to have one again. The knife’s arrival, however, stirred old memories. My first 110 had blockier bolsters, but the overall feel in the hand was like coming home.
I’ve since bought a couple of custom 110’s – S30v blade steel, drop point, and the traditional clip point too.
Buck has made some variations with more updated features:
Lochsa folder has factory thumbs tubs and clip on the handle.
An aluminum-framed 110 weighs in at 4 1/8 oz.
Ultimately, Buck keeps this traditional best-seller around because it is a still viable living link to the past, it makes them a lot of money, and acts as a gateway drug to a steel adiction.
If Ford still made the Model A, they would still sell too.
For many of us, geezers and non-geezers alike, the 110 is a trustworthy, known quantity. Who wouldn’t want that for adventuring, whether into the backwoods, or the back yard?
Hey Eric,
Thanks for sharing – I think you hit it on the head: the 110 is living piece of knife history: few blades have the years behind them, and rekindle the memories that the 110 does. I take issue with some of its quirks but I definitely don’t want to see it disappear.
I had heard of the Lochsa before but couldn’t cough up the kind of cash they wanted for that one. But I had never heard of this aluminum framed model before – if I ever pick up another modern 110 this will be the one I look for, thanks for bringing it to my attention. However, before I get another current generation 110, I might try and look for one from the golden years. I’ve heard they’re a little better in terms of quality and steel.
Ben.
A fair review, Benjamin, thanks. I know that there are numerous knives “better” than my old Buck 110 (by modern standards), but I carry it anyway, keep it very clean and sharp, and trust it, in spite of its faults. My brother purchased this knife just after he earned his Green Beret in 1967. Took it with him to Vietnam. It came home with his effects, and I claimed it for my own. In 1972 I carried it back to Vietnam with me. It fought with A-341 in the battle of Bu Dop, then flew 64 combat reconnaissance missions and “lived” through the final big battle of the war, Linebacker II. It may be old and outdated, but here ain’t many folders that can claim a history like that.
Hey Roy,
This is an amazing story, thanks so much for sharing. The history and lineage of the Buck 110 is something that no other modern folder can match. A lot of knives we think of as “old” like the Sebenza or the Delica are babies compared with it – and even though sentimentality plays a role in why the 110 continues to sell, more importantly it’s also a strong, reliable blade. As yours and other comments have shown, it has a deeply proven track record.
Cheers,
Ben.
Well. I live in Canada where it’s legal to carry knives but most people don’t….being from the prairies and growing up in the country I’m just used to carrying a blade…..I do notice people get uncomfortable when i have one of my Grohmanns on my belt, but no one even cares or notices when I have my Buck in it’s sheath….I have some good modern folders but they’re so light I always seem to be looking for them…not so with my Bucks ( I have a 110 and a 112 ) and I don’t mind the weight…..I know it’s there…..as for the sloppiness some of you mention, I buy mine at a local gun shop and try them out before I leave the store…..just like all my guitars, I would never buy a guitar unseen or untried, so why would i do that with a tool like a knife, duh?!
Hey Randall,
There are advantages to the heft, I know what you mean. It makes it easier to know if the knife is there for one, and it definitely imparts confidence too. I’m sure more modern designs at half the weight or less are theoretically as (if not more) durable than the 110, but the weight makes me feel like it the 110 is stronger. And there’s something to be said for that. And sheath carry negates a lot of the weight problem if you’re comfortable with that style of stowage.
As for the slop, I have to say that every Buck I’ve handled has exhibited it in some form or other. I’m sure there are better ones out there but I’ve yet to see one in person. I can order from other manufacturers online confident that I’ll receive a well-tuned unit 99% of the time; I would like to see Buck hit that reliability as well. But yeah, definitely no better way to get a good one than to inspect it yourself.
Cheers,
Ben.
Excellent review, Benjamin, and interesting reader comments and testimonials on the classic 110. I received my first 110 as a gift back in ’69-70 as a young lad, and it served me well and faithfully through Boy Scouts, regular hunting/fishing/backpacking/camping trips and then 10 years active-duty Air Force on numerous global assignments and deployments – I “never left home without it”. I’ve acquired several more lighter, technically-advanced tactical folders over the years, but in 2014 my original 110 was stolen, and I was devastated – not so much that I didn’t have several other better, lighter, advanced folders at my disposal, but simply that my trusty, old 110 was gone! My wife surprised me with a new 110 as a stocking-stuffer this Christmas, no, not the same as my original 110, but just incredibly comforting to have a clunky, new and beautiful 110 again! Maybe you could say it’s simply a traditional, state-of-mind thing for us Buck 110 loyalists? Thanks for your review.
Hey Freddie,
Thanks for the kind words! I agree, the comments on this review are my favorite to read; there are so many great 110 stories and memories out there, and you’ve just added one here yourself.
There’s something to be said for “trusting” a knife. I feel that way about my good old saber grind Delica 4. It’s definitely not the “best” knife in my collection in the sense of mechanical or technological advancement, but it’s the one I trust the most to do whatever I need, whenever I need it to. It travels with me and never lets me down.
It sounds like you had a similar relationship with that first 110 of yours. It’s a shame you lost it but I’m glad you’re enjoying the new one. For all of my complaining in the review I guess I’m glad that the 110 has kind of stayed it’s same old beautiful and clunky self, too. Dunno if you’ve seen yet but Buck is bringing out a lightweight FRN-handled model that weighs under 3 oz. next year! Great idea and I’d be interested in trying it out, but for me it lacks that classic 110 feel (visually, at least). Maybe I’m more in that 110 state of mind than I thought?
Cheers,
Ben.
I’ve been carrying a Buck 110 or Schrade Old Timer 7OT on my belt seven days a week, twelve months a year, for over 40 years. I do not notice the weight.
My will states that I want a Buck 110 on my belt, and a Buck 301, and 389 in my pocket when they close that box.
Walmart has the Buck 110 (yes, still made in Post Falls, Idaho) with an every day not on sale price of under $30.
Of the six I have (four bought at Walmart) only one had any blade play, and that was when it was closed. Padded pliers fixed that problem.
I have NEVER had a 110 with blade rock when it was open.
Buck’s Warranty is unsurpassed. It is a true Forever warranty, not some “For the life of the product” or “Original Purchaser Only”/
“Original Purchaser’s Lifetime”.
Their SPA Treatment refurbishes any of their knives making it look new, for less than $10.
Want an upgraded steel, different scales? Not a problem. The Buck Custom Shop (currently) offers an S30V blade option. (They also offer a choice of clip point or drop point blades.) G-10 is one of the optional handle materials.
Copper & Clad has the 110 with different scales, and 5160 blades. (an SFO)
S&K has a SFO 110 with aluminum bolsters, and micarta scales.
Oh, and by the way, The Buck 110 IS considered a “Traditional” knife;
It does not have a pocket clip or one hand opening. A backlock or locking blade do not a “modern” knife make.
Locking blades (both back lock and liner lock, along with button locks, lever locks, and other means) were known in the 1800’s, after all.
Hey Huffman,
I’ve heard nothing but good things about Buck’s warranty. If I carried my 110 more often I might consider sending it in for a tune-up, but the issues I note in my review, although annoying, don’t seem to be problematic in any serious sense.
The fact that the 110 is so cheap is impressive. I still don’t think it’s the most practical knife you can buy for that amount of money, but there’s no denying you get ‘a lot,’ in more ways than one, for what you pay. I’m still looking for a pristine, early era 110 at a reasonable price. They usually hover around $60-70 on the secondary, which is hard for me to choke up for something I will carry only occasionally. I’m still hoping I’ll stumble onto a pristine and forgotten one at a thrift store or flea market.
I gotta disagree with the “traditional” label on the 110, though. It straddles the border but I still maintain that the 110 marked a pretty big shift in what knives really could be, and for that reason I still think of it as the first “modern” folder.
Cheers,
Ben.
I hate to say “It must be good because ‘everyone’ says so.” but in the case of the Buck 110, I never heard (or read) any real criticism of the 110 other than it’s too heavy to be a pocketknife which is like saying a buzzard is too big to be a songbird. Decades of work in farming, hunting, oil field, military and law enforcement…and I never pulled one out and someone said “Oh no; THAT piece of junk-?”
Seems like all the “expert” reviewers love to shoot down an old warhorse and/or workhorse using the approved verbiage. I read knife and gun reviews and wonder how our fathers and grandfathers ever won at war, brought home the venison, or did any chores on the farm given the poor tools with which they were forced to work.
That was sarcasm, in case anyone missed it.
Reading gun and knife reviews nowadays is a lot like reading a critic’s review of a movie: they usually seem more about the reviewers demonstrating how cleverly they can explain what makes a good movie/gun/knife using “teck speak” vs. whatever’s being reviewed. The author’s review here of the Buck 110 sounds a lot like reviews of the M1 .30 Carbine. According to reviews by ‘smart people’, the M1 Carbine was an underpowered carbine (and thus “not really a true rifle”) with a too loud muzzle blast, poor sights, etc. Sort of like a too heavy, poorly balanced folding knife with shoddy lockwork and mediocre steel. Thus, they struggle to understand why they were/are so damned popular with the guys who carried them. Perhaps the hoi poloi are too busy scratching fleas to read finely crafted eviscerations by “experts” of the movies, guns and knives they like and don’t realize they’re carrying junk…or maybe The Terminator, M1 Carbines, and Buck 110’s possess a je ne sais quoi that transcends any “expert” reviewer’s opnion.
So what? Like the song goes: “I like my women a little on the trashy side.”
Charles, I don’t see how Ben can, in good conscious, compare this knife favorably to a modern EDC knife. That’s not to say that the 110 is a bad knife. It’s iconic and can certainly get the job done, but compared with modern knives it doesn’t stand up in an apples to apples comparison. Perhaps that is unfair as the 110 is practically an antique, but it’s Ben’s honest take on the knife. What else can you ask for from a reviewer? He doesn’t hold himself out as an expert. He’s just a man with an opinion, and I think he showed the 110 plenty of deference. Please don’t take his critique of the knife personally.
Dan
Hey Charles,
I’ll second Dan and point out that I’m no knife expert, and am only rendering an opinion, not a universal verdict that everyone must adhere to. I understand why the 110 was popular, and to a large extent understand why it remains so; people love a classic, and not every purchase has to be based on a cold rendering and weighing of objective information. I have no reason to ever carry it, and haven’t since the review, but I’ve kept my 110; it’s remained in the collection even as better knives have come and go, because I just like it.
Ben.
You wrote that Buck “…customers are left in the lurch by some very shoddy production”. That’s quite a damning condemnation. Care to try and validate that?
I expect not.
There are many varied opinions about the 110, and no, it doesn’t compare favorably with many modern folders. It’s heavy, often requires two hands to open safely, and has a fine tip that is prone to breakage if mis-used.
But most of those modern wonder-knives we laud so much are basically standing on the shoulders of the 110. It was the first truly viable lock blade knife of the modern era, and it’s multi-million unit sales attest to its ability to get the job done.
Additionally, there are a few more points that make the 110 a stand-out in a world now chock-a-block with also-rans.
1. Economy, I have purchased four 110’s as gifts or to drop in this bag or that briefcase or stow in that center console. Each time I walked out of the store having paid less than $30. The 110 is a very capable knife that has an easy entry cost.
2. Quality of steel, many may be scratching their heads over this. How can you praise a budget steel like 420? It’s all in the heat treat. If you don’t think Bos’s 420 is anything to write home about, remember that in informal cut tests (Cedric and Ada) Buck’s 420 retains an edge about 50% longer than another 420. If you have used one much, you have probably observed the better edge retention first-hand.
3. Made in America, if you don’t get this yet, you probably won’t until you have been unemployed.
4. Nostalgia, the 110 was the first “good knife” millions of outdoorsmen ever owned (I’m one of them). They have proved reliable in millions of hands and on millions of belts for decades. Maybe your dream car is not a split window Corvette with a 427; maybe you don’t understand why Mohammed Ali was the greatest “boxer” to ever win the Heavyweight title, but for millions, there is a special place for this classic that will not fade with time.
5. Legal precedent, here in the People’s Republic of Maryland, knife carry law is inseperably linked to the 110. A Maryland man won his Court fight when he was accused of carrying an illegal blade (his Buck 110). The Court found in the 110 owner’s favor, helping establish decades of more-rational-than-normal legislation for the knife carrying public in Maryland.
6. Variety, if you don’t like the 110 for whatever reason, fine, cheers! But don’t expect Buck to drop a perennial favorite while it still sells like house on fire, and don’t assume that everyone who carries and regularly uses a 110 just doesn’t understand knives and the 110’s limitations. To each his own. It may also be that at times, we should avoid judging other people’s abilities or knowledge by our own limitations.
Warm regards, and long live this golden age of cutlery we are currently enjoying.
Eric M.
Well said. And what you didn’t say was anything about anyone ever having complained that “customers are left in the lurch by some very shoddy production” per the review. That’s a very strong condemnation and I think uncalled for.
Can you provide a link or other reference for the Maryland case?
Tragically, I hve recently been declared a member of a heretofore unheard of (by me) demographic, “advanced middle age”.
My recollection (bear the above in mind) is that the brief case history can be found on a site named U.S. Knife Laws, or something along those lines, or simply by entering “knife laws for Maryland” on that modern oracle, Google.
Best regards,
Eric
totally disagree with this review but respect it. comparing Apple’s and oranges. The locking mechanism is very solid. much better than liner locks and frame locks. there are tons of videos proving this and bucks lockback is one of the best. The little bit of play is totally acceptable.
this is not a pocket knife so not fair to expect it to be carried like one. it comes with a sheath for a reason. it’s not advertised as an EDC knife either.
buck makes plenty of models to satisfy every need and the 110 fits a perfect need for millions of people. there is a reason it’s been around for almost 60 years and copied by others. it’s one the best looking knives as well as functional. I have over 15 of these from every decade and been using and carying one since the 70’s.
if I need a pocket knife out comes my victorinox.
I’m one of those crazy people that carried this knife on me every working day of my 20+ years in the Coast Guard, along with a whole bunch of other Coasties and Navy personnel, it was a tool you could depend on to save your life and the lives of others. It was a pry bar, a can opener, a screw driver, hammer, whatever was necessary to get the job done, and all this while drenched in saltwater and little to no maintenance.
It’s much more than an iconic knife.
Spencer, It has been fascinating to read the comments on this review. Frankly I have been surprised to see how attached people are to this knife. Very cool. I hope yours continues to provide many years of faithful service.
Dan
I got my buck in 1980.it was the best tool I had.I used to skin and butcher 9 moose and 2 beef,along with pulling nails and staples , and cleaning fishusing it as a hammer and plumb bob and a paper weight.I even used it to preform surgery( remove a sliver) when at the end of my holiday in México I forgot to pack it in my luggage and they would not let me on the plane with it. So it is somewhere in México I hope its having a good time without me,like I said it was the best tool I ever had
Eric,
Thank you for a fine interview, and especially for being so open about your preferences. I own several Spydercos, Benchmades, ESEE’s and other “modern” knives. I love each for its merits. I especially adore the way Spydercos flip open, and treasure their excellent steels, such as S110V
But I must admit, I absolutely HATE G10 scales! They are far too rough in the hand for me, and they destroy my pants pockets. I also must confess that I detest how skinny the modern handles are. I know I am in the minority on these issues.
I love the nice, big, easy to grip Buck 110 handle, and the easy to sharpen steel. I’ve owned three 110’s and each was well-made, the lock was as dependable as Gibralter, and they provided faultless service for years.
Thank heavens for differences of opinion, and for honest reviewers like yourself, who spell out WHY they like or dislike something. That enables the reader to weigh the importance of an issue.
We live in an era of unparalleled variety and scope where cutlery and steels are concerned. There are choices for nearly any taste or budget, and even color and material choices for knife scales have expanded beyond any other era in human history. Chinese knifemakers have been creating quality cutlery products for knife companies with global reach for so long that they no longer require input from their former clients to create shockingly great products at attractive prices, featuring flawless machining, excellent steels, and thoughtful, innovative designs that have to be handled, carried, used to be fully appreciated.
With the absolute glut of good choices out there, the Buck 110 still stands as a design monolith that stands the test of time and has proved its concept through millions of copies.
We tend to judge the past through a modern lens; understandable as so much of the knife-carrying public was not yet born when the 110 hit the sporting world like a lightning bolt from Olympus. Still, even at this remove, the Buck folding hunter remains remarkable from every point of the compass. The attributes that made it a must-have when it debuted in the early 60’s are still abundantly apparent and have not been short-sightedly compromised by Buck over the years for short-term financial gain (the quintessential quick Buck).
Whether it’s your first folder or merely your latest; whether you purchased it because it was what you could afford or because you are addicted to nostalgia, the 110 will deliver. Great design and execution of concept are timeless and remain useful. The model 110 joins other such nadirs of design like the Colt model P, the Winchester model 92, and other physical proofs of mankind’s capability to demonstrate genius in everyday tools. This timeless gem can be obtained for as little as $30 US. That, in and of itself is another marvel of our modern age.
Sorry chaps,
Meant to say “zenith” rather than “nadir”, please pardon the error.
Best knife ever made!!!!
110 buck. Wish it had s30v or s35vn as bucks main steel but it don’t .wish there main steel was s30v or s35vn
Buck offers S30V through their custom shop and there are special runs of the 110 in S30V Buck makes for certain retailers (Copper &Clad, for example). One of the enduring virtues of the 110 with Buck’s 420HC is that it is available at a price almost anyone can afford, and Buck’s 420HC has been demonstrated to hold an edge about 50% better than other manufacturer’s 420HC. Whatever your income, whether you are a youngster saving up for your first “good knife” or you are a hardworking person without a lot of discretionary funds in your budget, you can get a respected, classic design, made of solid materials, with a bullet-proof guarantee, that is built by Americans in America. All that for around $30-$50. If you want nicer steel, you can get it, but at a somewhat elevated price. For me, the standard 110 makes sense for gift giving, for a knife that will perform well for a reasonable price, and for a dependable knife that can be kept in the vehicle, the desk, the junk drawer, or your hunting pack. The 110 remains a solid choice whatever the steel.
I have owned Buck 110s for decades, buying me first one in the early 1970s (long since lost). I have ones with brass bolsters & liners and ones with nickel silver bolsters & liners. Some with real wood scales, some with stag scales, and some with mammoth ivory scales. A few have been engraved. Some have the original clip point, some have the newer drop point. Some have the 420HC blade steel, some have S30V blade steel. All are beautiful!
None have excessive blade play, 90% have no blade play. All cut food, wood, plastic, mammals, fish, foul, and cardboard well.
I carry mine in a belt sheath while camping, hunting, and fishing — their intended uses. I have never found them excessively heavy although in a pocket they might be, I have never carried one in a pocket so I do not know. My EDC when not in the wild lands is a Victorinox SAK.
I recently looked at purchasing a new heavy use folder. I researched Cold Steel’s Max 4, & AD10; Benchmade’s Adanas; and several other more modern products. After looking at overall quality, by examining materials, price, manufacturing QC, and warranty to determine value I purchased another 110 from the Buck Custom Shop.
Am I a Buck fan-boy, maybe. But I see the same value in products by Victorinox and Mora. For practical knife use I will put these manufactures up against any of the custom blades I own.
I’m sorry you had a bad experience with your Buck 110. Because of your disappointment you may send it to me.
I own 11 Buck 110s in many shapes (clip point – old & new and drop point), blade steels (440, 5160, S30V), and handle scales(natural wood, stag, mammoth ivory, ram’s horn, carbon fiber). Yes, I admit to an addiction.
None have blade play even after years of use.
All came razor sharp and are relatively easily re-sharpened.
Ergonomics are wonderful.
I cannot imagine how 7 ounces is too heavy to lug around.
I also own & have used the original SOG Tomcat, the KaBar Mule, the Lionsteel TM1, Cold Steel AD10, and several others. All are good knives, but none put the Buck 110 to shame.
Buy one (or, two) you will not regret the purchase.
I don’t get beating up on the Buck 110. It’s priced very well and it works and is a sturdy brute of a tool. I carry a Paramilitary 2 and the Buck 110 every day at work. Two different tools for different functions.
M.Z.
Absolutely nothing wrong with Buck 110. If you don’t like the weight in your pocket, why do you carry iphone? But.. but… i need a phone. Sure, but you can always carry flip phone that weighs much less. Give me a break! 7 ounces folding knife is not a problem, your obesity probably is. We’re talking pounds here not ounces.
👍 Spot on! I love my Buck 110s and Buck 112s!
The Buck 110 is about as perfect a folding knife in 2024 as it was in 1964. If nail nicks bother you, add thumb studs (they cost about $7.00). Sharpened steel is sharpened steel the Buck 420HC with BOS heat gets gets the job done as well as S30v or any other “super steel”. All knives get dull and usually at a most inconvenient time, ease of sharpening in the field is important to me. I currently own 6 Buck 110s with a mix of steels and scale materials as well as 2 Buck 112, all 8 are bank vault tight when locked. Flippers, one-hand opening, pocket clips, and “super steels” are for children and Millennials.