The Buck 110 is a classic slice of Americana. I love this knife, though to be frank, I love it maybe a little more than I should. When I finally bit the bullet and ordered my Buck 110, I was ecstatic. I grinned ear to ear when it arrived, and when I at last took it out of the packaging, I explained to Elise just how long this knife has been on my want list, how nice it was to finally have it, and how I probably would never sell it because of that. It’s a beauty, but as I sit here to consider what I can say about it, I find that I am trying very hard to rationalize why I like this knife so much; I love it even though it fails so miserably against modern contemporary folding everyday carry knives, like the Spyderco Military.
Buck 110 Hunting Knife Review – Amazon / Blade HQ
The Buck 110 is an old school design that has been produced – virtually unchanged – since 1963. The knife world has evolved: with newer steels, improved ergonomic designs, and upgrades to materials. Yet here we are in 2014, with a brass bolstered folder still available to us. It weighs the equivalent of a 18-wheeler truck, but it’s so classic most, like me, can’t resist it’s charm, and end up making the purchase.
The Buck 110 is comparable to a Spyderco Endura in terms of size (and size only). The Buck is 12.4 cm (4.875 inches) closed, with a blade length of 9.5 cm (3.75 inches). Pretty standard stuff for a large everyday carry knife, except it weighs 205 grams (7.2 ounces)… Going back to our previous comparison, the endura only weighs 68 grams (2.8 ounces), which sure is pretty light even for a modern EDC, but that still means that at roughly the same size, the Buck 110 is over 2 and a half times heavier than the Spyderco Endura. Let that sink in.
The main criticism others have of this knife (besides the weight – which I think I’ve mentioned enough) is the very delicate tip it sports. Personally, I’m a huge fan of the tip, as, if you’ve been around here long enough, you’ll have noticed I love modifying knives that aren’t clip points to having much more fine tips (example: my Spyderco Resilience). If the tip on the Buck 110 wasn’t acute, I probably would have modified it myself to make it acute.
Judging it by the Buck 110’s appearance, you might be inclined to think this knife is perfect for blue collar workmen, but the Buck 110 is not a prying machine. Based on the sheer number of broken tips and regrinds of the knife that I’ve read about around the web, I can safely say that the blade was ground for slicing and piercing only.
As you may have noticed, the bulk of the gargantuan weight comes from its very nicely machined brass bolsters and liners. Don’t expect any skeletonizing here – the Buck 110 is American muscle at its finest – no illusions of weight-saving measures having been taken whatsoever.
Centering is decent enough, as is the fit and finish (except for the initial grind on the blade, but more on that later). Bare in mind, however, that this knife is maintenance free – and unfortunately not by choice. Completely pinned construction means that you cannot tighten the pivot or take apart the knife for a cleaning, unless of course you use a vise and pressure. Should you choose to use this knife for heavy duty work or on the field while hunting, you will become well acquainted with q-tips and compressed air canisters in your down time.
The balance point on the Buck 110 is straight up god awful. Can’t sugar coat this one. Ultimately, nothing unexpected, taking into account how heavy the scales are. This knife is great fun, but if I was going to use a knife for extended periods of time, I would definitely choose a more neutral offering, like the CRKT Ripple or the Spyderco Delica, over the Buck 110.
The lock on the Buck 110 is relatively sturdy. If I really try, I can get some blade play in all four directions, but engagement is solid, so whilst I wouldn’t trust it for heavy duty prying, for normal use it’s pretty decent.
No true choil on the knife, so if the lock fails, you’ll be saying goodbye to your digits.
The tip is my favourite aspect of the Buck 110 (besides it’s charming looks of course). The mean clip point is instrumental in giving such an acute tip. The blade is very finely ground, but as you can see in all the pictures, it has a slight recurve to it. I do wish the blade had more belly, especially at the heel near the tang – it almost looks like it was over-sharpened at the factory. In any case, the grinds are, in my opinion, not optimal, but perhaps the recurve was intended.
The hollow ground blade is made out of the time tested 420HC stainless steel. Yes, it’s not exciting, but Paul Bos is a legend, and he really pushed the limits of the steel through an excellent heat treatment.
Contrary to the hype: no, it will not match super steels, but it will hold an acceptable edge for EDC use, and that’s fine by me.
This is my first back lock, as the Endura & Delica are, strictly speaking, mid-locks. I do wish that on the Buck 110, the locking bar/spring would recess all the way into the handle, as that little gap breaks symmetry somewhat.
The lock is not particularly smooth to disengage, and does require quite a bit of pressure. Two hands are definitely needed to safely close the knife.
This knife is not particularly tactical in design, although I would wager it has been in more fights than any other folder. But I digress. As you can see in the animation below, it is possible to open the Buck 110 with one hand, but I would strongly suggest using two, as it’s not particularly safe. Some companies manufacturer screw-in thumb studs for the Buck 100, but up here in Iglooland (a.k.a. Canada), I can’t seem to get ahold of them. You can find them on Amazon.com, though: for example here.
The “advantage” of such an awkward-to-deploy knife is that people keep experimenting with new ways to open them one handed. Hell, you can even “Spydie drop” the Buck 110’s blade open (although once again – not particularly safe so mind your fingers).
The lack of a pocket clip (for good reason as, again, it weighs about 3 tons) means that the Buck 110 comes with a rather nicely made leather sheath. Sadly, it’s not made in America, but rather in Mexico. I’d love it if my Buck 110 was 100% American-made but taking into account that Buck sells it for well under $50, I understand that sacrifices have to be made.
The leather Buck 110 sheath is pretty thick, and construction is very much overbuilt, with strong stitching and rivets. I don’t see it breaking down with use.
The belt loop on the sheath is nicely implemented, and will fit all belts (normal sized ones that is).
Wearing the Buck 110 sheath on my belt less than subtle on me. That said, I have walked around with it some, and no one seems to even give it a second look. Maybe people presume it’s a cell phone case? Either way, it’s pretty unthreatening as far as knife sheath’s go.
The grip on the Buck 110 is traditionally neutral. Don’t expect perfect ergoes here, but ultimately, I would say it’s above average. The ergonomics are much better than some modern knives, like the Spyderco Manix 2 FRN, for example.
Choking up is theoretically possible, but the skewed balance and lack of choil make this grip uncomfortable for prolonged use.
Reverse grip on the Buck 110, however, is pretty damn comfortable. If I had to use this knife defensively, I would, hands down, reverse grip, especially because of its acute tip.
Pinch grip is above average. This makes sense taking into account the Buck 110 is supposed to be a folding hunter.
And now just let it sink in how beautiful this knife is…
The interesting thing about the Buck 110 is that, if a manufacturer just released this knife, it probably wouldn’t sell, at least amongst performance-oriented buyers. It’s still a damn nice looking knife, but it would be laughed at by critics, and if we are to be objective – for plenty good reason. The Buck 110 should be viewed as true classic that stubbornly refuses to die, and to compare it against modern knives is just foolish. Past this point, ignore logic, and check out how good those brass bolsters look. Not sure a modern knife can ever have this much raw appeal.
The Buck 110 is a complete contradiction. It’s a terrible tool, but I really can’t help but love it anyway. Maybe it’s those memories of wanting one as a boy, but never being able to afford it. Maybe it’s that the weight, in all its absurd bulkiness, is actually somehow reassuring. Maybe it’s that Buck is actually quite badass in that it gives zero shits about “updating” this knife to cater to modern trends and standards.
Whatever the reason, for under 50 dollars, I get to walk around with an anchor gorgeous slice of old-school Americana on my belt, and I like that. Yes, the grinds are not perfect and it’s eclipsed by hundreds of newer and better-performing knives, but regardless of all the criticisms I’ve pulled out of the bag, I still have to stick to my guns and say I’m likely to never part with it. In life, not every simple pleasure has to make perfect sense, and the Buck 110 echoes that sentiment perfectly.
Recommended, just because.
The Uncle Henry LB7 was Schrade’s answer to the Buck 110, and in my opinion, it’s better in ever way (I’m talking about the old USA-made ones). The fit and finish is better, the quality of the wood is better (rosewood, and there are no open-grain pits in it at all), the lockup is tighter (zero play in any direction on mine, which was made in the early 1980s), the rivets are flush instead of raised, and as heavy as you think the 110 is, the LB7 is an ounce heavier (8.2 ounces). Newer Buck 110s may have improved in the fit and finish department, but the ones that were made at the same time as, or earlier than, my LB7, were crude compared to it.
To identify an early LB7 like mine: they say Shrade+ USA LB7 on the blade, and they have a serial number on the underside of the front bolster. Eventually they stopped using serial numbers and they said something different on the blade. The blade material was 440C, the same as Buck used to use.
I had to google that one. I have yet to see an LB7 in the wild, sounds like a sweet folder though. I wonder if Schrade ever started making USA made folders again (of that style) if the market would be interested..
I’ve had both the uncle Henry and the buck 110 I love both of these knives! Both knives have saved my life and have always been there for me when more modern knives had failed me! Yes I would agree that these do not have some of the modern capabilities however it comes down to what are you going to be doing with your knife.
I’ve taken the back 110 with me to the desert in Saudi Arabia and it performed beautifully yes Sam did get into it nothing that a quick wash couldn’t take care of I’ve also had the uncle Henry on numerous deployment and it still worked beautifully sometimes you have to have the best of the old and the worst of the new I love both knives and I wouldn’t trade them for the world.
Actually, the Schrade LB7 used 440A steel, not 440C like the early Buck 110 models.
I have several early LB7 knives and they are awesome and better in every respect to the 100, except for the steel. The positive is, the 440A is still an improvement over the modern 420 HC Buck uses now.
Terrible tool? It cuts, it stabs, damn fine impact weapon if need be , improvised screw driver perhaps if your not concerned for the tip. Also i don’t think I’ve ever used a folding knife that was as good as the 110 at driving tent stakes… don’t fear the weight, put that shit on your hip and get to work son.
Its all relative Jake, check out a modern Spydie and you will get what I mean. ;)
Great review, with one exception. I have field dressed/caped/butchered literally dozens of whitetails with my trusty 110, and I bought it used at a flea market for 15 bucks. Do I have knives that ARE better? Yes. Do I have even one knife I LIKE better? No. Can’t explain it, but there it is. The heft feels good in my hand, and the blade will take all the edge you need to get through a deer quickly. But I don’t agree that it’s a “terrible tool.” It is, in my opinion, a darn good tool. Just really heavy. BTW these days the only other knife I’m likely to go after a deer with is also a Buck, my old Crosslock twin-blade — the guthook is handy as a rope on a bucket.
#IAmThatIdiot
https://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/buck-110-tip-breakage.118083/
I broke the tip of my Buck 110 while “prying” an aquarium light power-plug. Choices are to send it from India to Buck or get the blade re-profiled locally and that shall mean immediately getting it back AND a stronger tip, as well!
Due to:-
No hole for lanyard.
No belt clip.
Need both hands to open and close and all that! (One hand option is just stylish. Taking it out of the sheath is also time consuming when it comes to a crunch.),
I am gravitating towards replacing it as my carry on piece (No chic EDC for #MeToo) where it is used multiple times, daily; many a times in woods and camping trips, where there is a good chance of it getting lost in foliage. A reflective lanyard would go a long way in such a night. (Drill a HOLE?) {In Buck 110}
I am completely sold out to a Kershaw Blur S30V but cannot get it delivered to New York from where my friend is coming to India in December and shall bring it. Benchmade 940 is deliverable and is also on top of the list but I get put-off by the rather slim design.
Confusion, confusion and some more confusion!
The 940 is one of my all time favourite folders, you can’t go wrong. ;)
I realize this is a older comment, but I’d recommend checking out the Ganzo Firebird knife line. They are well made, have above average steel, and cost a small fraction of many U.S. made knives. I own about a dozen and I’ve never gotten a bad one. They also come razor sharp right out of the box.
I post this without first reading the review.
My beloved Buck 110 needs replacement as it is not too handy.
No hole for small rope.
No belt clip.
Need both hands to open and close and all that!
https://morethanjustsurviving.com/benchmade-osborne-940-edc-pocket-knife-review/
vs
https://morethanjustsurviving.com/kershaw-blur-1670-ken-onion-edc-folding-knife-review/
I have the Ecolite version of the 110. It is no longer made. It is made of layers of paper soaked in a non-phenolic resin and then put under great pressure. I was made with both a red or green handle. I have the red version. While the original Buck 110 is iconic, I prefer the Ecolite as it is truly lighter and easier to carry. Same blade as original, same lockback design. A very excellent knife. I also have the Buck 112 in this version (3-inch blade). Both come with cordura canvas belt sheaths. Your website has one of the best knife review sites available. Thanks for the reviews. Also big fan of Scandinavian knives.
Chevy SS (without a/c), Levi jeans, Carhartt bibs, attic fan, Zenith t.v., Sears stores, Ithaca model 37 shotgun, Weatherby rifle, the 30-06 caliber, Ruger Blackhawk revolver, Kawasaki KZ 1000cc motorcycle, Puma White Hunter knife…..and the Buck 110 Folding Hunter.
Archie Bunker comes to mind:
“And you knew who you were then. Girls were girls and men were men……Those were the days”.
Terrible tool? It cuts, it stabs, damn fine impact weapon if need be , improvised screw driver perhaps if your not concerned for the tip. Also i don’t think I’ve ever used a folding knife that was as good as the 110 at driving tent stakes… don’t fear the weight, put that shit on your hip and get to work son.
Thanks for the article I enjoyed the read and think you were spot on for the most part in your assessment. the 110 is classic Americana just like apple pie. have carried my 110 daily since I received it from my grandfather on my 18th birthday. I have tried kershaws leek benchmade griptillian and numerous others but I always end up putting the pocket clip blades in my dresser drawer and belting up my trusty 110 cross draw sheath in the small of my back. something about this knife transcends, it’s timeless and reliable it’s protecting while non-threatening, it’s beautiful yet rugged it is what it is and doesn’t try to be anything else. I keep saying I’m gonna retire my faithful companion with a newer s30v version but after all these years together it’s almost like cheating on your spouse.
I like that analogy mate, it’s not a refined modern design but then again that’s what makes it comforting to me.
I can say this I use a 110 as a hunting knife. In the appalachians Ive used it to skin, gut, and butcher several deer and its never let me down. I feel as comfortable carrying bucky as I do any knife. There is just something to say about a knife that hasnt needed updated in 55 years.
If it works, it works. ;) The fact that its still a staple of Buck’s line up says it all, as you mentioned.
Just got my second 110 in my 50 years…the first in 1977(also taken away by nuns). I’ve been going through cancer treatment (melanoma ) and over the last few months , A knife buying spree. Got Esee 6, ZT 0909, CS SRK VG1, Tops BOB, Cudeman MT6, many Bucks (Selkirk, Mesa, Compadre, Vanguard ,etc)and of course the 110. It’s like being reunited with an old friend.
Damn James, thats one hell of a spree! Out of the ones you mentioned I have 5. Lets be friends. ;)
Awesome review, honest and with understanding for just what the Buck 110 is and isn’t. Totally enjoyed every line of this.
Cheers Daniel, glad you enjoyed it.
I bought my first 110 in high school (1978), as I was showing it to my deer hunting friends during lunch, one of the nuns saw it and confiscated it. I was told by the assistant principal that I would have to meet with Fr. Punda (the principal) when he returned from meeting with his dear friend the newly installed pope (Pope John Paul II) in Poland. Unfortunately (or fortunately for me) Fr. Punda died in Poland, I thought I was off the hook, but several months later I met Fr. Jack the new principal and got a talkin’ to but NEVER got my 110 back. I finally bought one 10 years ago and still treasure it.
That is one hell of an anecdote! Such a shame you never got your (original) 110 back. :(
I have a 110 that my parents gave me for Christmas about 30 years ago. I love it, but it’s too heavy for EDC in my opinion and the blade shape isn’t that great for what I usually use my carry knife for. Works pretty good for gutting and skinning game though. Maybe that’s why they call it the “Folding Hunter.” :) Any way, nice review of a classic.
Aye, its definitely an old school knife that predates all modern quirks and features. I think its lack of modern, lightweight materials is one of the core reasons why I like it so much. It doesn’t even pretend to compete with the FRN EDC’s of today, it just does its own thing and thats pretty awesome (imo).
I am 64,and just retired. I have been thinking of returning to hunting since I now have the time. I worked in an industrial Security force loaded with young pups. They all carry their issued Glock’s and most carry spring loaded folders. When I told them I was a Buck fan, they laughed at the “old guy”. As a remembrance when I left, I was presented a new Buck 110. Nice Guys ! Now I have 2
Never count a Buck out. ;) I reckon in 20 years time, who will buy this current generation of assisted folders vs the Buck 110? Its design is as close to immortal as can be, along with the Opinel.
Thanks for sharing Mike!
I bought my 110 in the 60s. I am 79 and have a few years of hunting left in me. I remember buying it just before an elk hunt in Washington State. I have field dressed many animals including almost anything walking in Alaska and Washington. Now, sharpening. At the end of the day and with the guns locked I might spend an hour with my handy diamond sharpener in one hand and a bourbon in the other. It always takes time but boy can I get an edge. By the way I still have the original leather sheath that came with my beautiful companion
Thats one hell of a testimonial John, thanks for sharing. I don’t think I will ever get rid of my 110 either.
Your Spyderco Endura can be had on Amazon Canada and for some strange reason is cheaper then U.S
Aye, pricing is super weird sometimes. I bought a Tops knives on the UK amazon recently for cheaper than the U.S.A listing. Makes no sense!
I had an 110, and two 112, one of those a bit older, with square edges on the handles and 440c steel, and man do they look nice. Love that brass look, and even the weight.
Still one of those that i want to have, and hey, why not, for its price, it’s highly reccomended. Great review man, thanks for it.
Thanks for the feedback Jack, glad you appreciate it!
Thanks for the nice piece.
I just bought a used 110 off EBay. It came with a Buck nylon case as opposed to the leather case with the 110 I lost back in the late ’70s. I can’t remember my old knife because it has been so long but I think this is a newer generation version. The contours on my old knife were “sharper” as I recall and the pivot was more conducive to single hand opening. I also seem to recall the blade stamped as 440C. This one has no such marking.
I generally agree with all your comments although I can’t speak to blade engineering pert se. I just know I love this knife design. It brings back old memories. As far as practicality, I knew an old school hunter, my “mentor” in West Virginia, who only carried his 110 – and rolled his eyes at the guys who went into the woods with big fixed blades on their hips. He asserted that “the Folding Hunter is all you need”. And I believed him…. just because.
Well, I would be inclined to agree- for a trek in the woods, I don’t think you need much more. For extended stay I would feel more comfortable with a fixed blade but then again, if I was stranded with a Buck 110, I reckon I would do just fine.
Nice review. Spot on! I bought a 112 back in 1976, I believe. Used it (and abused it!) for everything. I retired it some time back, but found it several years ago- it was in horrible shape, but it’s such a beautiful thing I sent it in for their “spa treatment”. About 8 weeks later I received my refurbished knife, along with a 25% off coupon for being such a loyal customer! And they didn’t charge me a penny. What a great American company, and what a classic piece of hardware to own. I wish I could post my before and after pictures – it’s amazing. Good for another hundred years!
The Buck lifetime warranty and customer service is in my opinion the gold standard. Never heard anyone complain about them.
I did not know this as it’s been over 35 years since I bought the Buck 110, but will keep it in mind – same kind of warranty and customer service that Victorinox has with the Swiss Army knives (with the caveat that a discontinued model may be replaced with a current one that isn’t identical).
Aye, I wouldn’t worry at all- Buck has a stand up team behind the company- I don’t think they would jerk you around so I don’t baby my Bucks, with that said, I have never had one break on me so its a moot point.
I have broken a buck 110 or two using them for purposes not intended for them I’m a stand up dude so I didn’t abuse the warranty just bought a new one I own enduras and all kinds of expensive knives but they don’t get near the carry time of my 110 I carry it in a custom quick draw sheath love love love this classic and it has pulled me out of some jams thank you for your review on this American classic that started out in a garage made by a father and son
Hello, Xavier ,
Just read your opinions/comments on the Buck 110. You covered all points very well!
I bought my first 110 in mid-1977, in Charlotte , N. C. I used it until around 2000, when I semi-retired it so I would not lose it. I use it now to cut my food with each meal ! I have two others as replacements, although I use many other ” modern ” folders due to political climate and I just can’t take the weight anymore, even though I always carried it in the sheath. I don’t know how anyone carries this in a pants pocket! My ’77 model has the SQUARE edges and that awful compound (?) bevel. Don’t know how that type bevel got past any maker, but thank goodness that they changed it. I have also used it for nothing but cutting, as it should be used. I also love the blade profile but prefer a bit stronger tip. I have used it to clean countless dove, quail, squirrels, turtles, turkeys, etc. , and God knows how many frogs before they disappeared. My favorite knives these days are the Enduras, Benchmade 710’s, and 940’s , along with a couple others depending on what I might expect.
Yours looks used very, very little. I’d be interested to know how long you’ve had it and what you cut with it, and how you sharpen it.
Thanks-John K. Benfield , III
I have owned my 110 for 2 years- sadly, with the amount of knives I own (and the fact that I review all of them), I do tend to rotate them every week or so. When I was a kid, a 110 was an expensive goal, I only snapped one up as an adult.
Funny thing, but I was on my way to purchase a Buck 110 lock back folder for the exact same reason as the author did! And as such, I thought to read a couple of reviews prior to buying this classic knife. Back when I was a Reservist, the Gerber “Paraframe I” was sold at base CANEX stores. And compared to the rather “dodgy” C5 issued scout knife, the “Paraframe I” was the cat’s meow. Now, I generally carry an ESEE “Zancudo”, and my old Gerber seems kind of dated. Time does indeed march on. That being said, nobody is ever going to restore a Honda “Fit”. But they will restore, and cherish, a 1963 Chevy Impala SS with a 409 cid engine! Which takes us right back to the Buck 110 folder…
Exactly Stuart, great metaphor.
Actually, I should have used a 1966 Honda CB160 Sport for the metaphor. That’s my actual “money pit”! Lol
I would love to have a bike! Not sure Elise would approve at all though. :(
In general, a great review. My first lock blade was a Buck clone, the Puma Game Warden that I bought back in 1972 just after I enlisted in the Army. A couple years later I bought a Buck 112 and then a 110. Along the way I picked up a Schrade LB-7. All these knives were similar in design and all have a “weak” point. All of my knives still have the point intact, but then I don’t use them as a pry bar.
Remember longer before Buck and way longer before the modern folder plain old pocket knives like the stockman and trapper patterns skinned game, sharpened tent pegs etc. Cleaning blood & guts out of a slip joint knife is part of life.
BTW Buck does make modern folders for those who want them and they have even marketed lighter versions of the 110/112, nut the 110 continues to be one of the biggest sellers. You say 7 ounces is heavy ? I carry a revolver ( oops !! old school) that weighs 16 ounces because it’s light!
Its heavy compared to a modern knife of comparable performance, and wow- 16 ounces?! That ain’t exactly featherlight to me. Never lived in a country where I could CCW (sadly) so I can’t say if the weight would bother me. I double the EU will ever be sensible enough to have a 2a equivalent so I doubt I will ever find out. :(
I bought a Buck 110 when they first came out somewhere around 1963. I was around 18 years old and have used that knife ever since which has been about 53 years and I just turned 70. I am still carrying that same blade. I worked as a County Sheriffs Deputy and State Police Officer for thirty two of those years and that Buck 110 sat on my pistol belt and cut many a seat belts to help people out of wrecked vehicles. I carry only two types of knifes today one being the 110 and the other is a Case old fashion big blade knife similar to the 110. I too fell in love with the 110 way back in 1963 because they advertised it in a picture showing the blade being hit by a hammer to cut a bolt in half. I thought then as I do now ” Wow, what a tough knife and it was made in America”.
Definitely a living classic. I would never part with mine, glad to hear it has a special place in your heart too!
Good review, but I have a problem with one of your statements – “It’s a terrible tool”. Actually, it’s a WONDERFUL tool. While it’s nowhere near balanced as are some of the new lightweight knives, this knife is built to last. It was designed for hunting, so while the tip is far from being strong, a lot of people (myself included) find this knife to be an excellent general purpose work knife. In your review, you hit the nail on the head when you stated that the knife appeals to people’s nostalgia and that the knife’s old school beauty is hard to resist ( you didn’t state it in those exact words, by that’s what I took out of it), but to state that it’s a horrible tool is just plain wrong. If it were only beautiful and not functional, it’s sales wouldn’t be anywhere NEAR what they are now after FIFTY YEARS. I don’t think there’s another mass produced knife anywhere that compares to the 110 in reputation, quality, or longevity with the possible exception of the Kabar utility/fighting knife. Overall, you have a very good review here. Please know that it is NOT my intention to bash or insult you or your review, but only to show that it is a very functional tool. I look forward to reading more of your reviews in the future, and I’m willing to bet that as you spend more time with the 110, you may well write another review on this knife!
Yeah, That’s why I don’t follow this blog anymore, It’s more like an infomercial for new toys than a practical application survival blog.
Sorry, not sorry. You make it sound like we “just started” publishing reviews and gear articles the way that we do. But that’s completely inaccurate. We’ve been a gear heavy blog since day 1 – always done things this way. Don’t believe me, go to our home page and hit the last page and scroll forward a bit to see what we used to do vs now – exactly the same.
There’s a difference between liking gear and wanting to genuinely review it because we like testing it and owning it and being an “infomercial for new toys.” We don’t give a hoot’s ass if you don’t like the products in our reviews – if you don’t buy them, etc., makes zero difference to us. We’ve bashed plenty of products we’ve hated and we’ve got a “well this could be better” message to nearly every review we’ve published. We’re not here to sell you on buying another toy. Do what you want. These are just our opinions that we wanted to share and if you’d rather not read them, no problem, plenty of other blogs to follow.
There are a slew of crappy products that we’d like to expose before people end up buying them and regretting it, and plenty of good products that some just won’t like because of certain attributes, so we like publishing reviews because we know it helps people decide what not to buy just as much as what to buy. You can argue that the gear stuff deserves it’s own blog, and that we should’ve separated the survival stuff from the gear stuff, and while you may be right there, it’s too late for us to do that now, and screw it, not many seem to really mind. Oh and our blog so tough.
So yup; if you want articles and nothing else, hit that top button in the menu that says “articles” once a month and read there. If you’re so tired of seeing reviews unsubscribe from us. No one’s forcing you to read our free content.
As a tool its functional but compared to modern alternatives like the Spyderco Military it falls short of the mark. Lack of adjustable pivot and its considerable weight being the primary culprit.
With that said, I frequently carry my 110 and will never sell it. If life was all about performance this blog would be very different- feel and history does play a part in the attraction of an item.
Just my 2 cents, thank you for sharing your thoughts & I hope to see you in the comment section for some other reviews!
I’ve had a Buck 110 for over 35 years, before they started riveting a name plate on the scales. It was one of three “go-to” knives during a 20-year U.S. Army career. The other two were an M7 bayonet and a 91mm Victorinox Swiss Army Woodsman (long discontinued; it’s an Explorer with a wood saw added). Considered the 110 a “combat” knife only if the M7 was too big, inappropriate or inaccessible, and it was plenty lethal if used correctly (considering it was never intended to be a tactical knife). Its real use was as a large utility knife when I needed a bigger, sturdier blade than the large one on the Victorinox. Always carried all three on the battle rattle. I suppose mine has done well with age as I always used it as a knife for cutting, slicing, dicing, or poking, and never prying (which one should never use any knife for).
Sounds like you have a pretty awesome trio right there! Thanks for sharing John, appreciate it.
Great Review. I have a Spyderco Endura and I ‘ve been using for some time. After reading your Review about this knife I felt very curious and want to have even 1 110. Make the buck would be more convenient both hands and trips into the jungle . Actually it brings a classic beauty and very charming .
Definitely agree about its charm, I have always loved the aesthetics of the 110 & the place in time in represents. Its definitely (in my opinion) the first knife that comes to mind when I think of the quintessential badass folder.
Obviously now we have all manner of folding karambits & crazy blades like the Spyderco Civilian but the 110 is a classic in every sense of the word!
Great review Tom. I noticed that you made more than one comparison with this knife to the Spyderco Endura, and aside from my personal feelings about Spyderco (which I know you’re familiar with lol) I feel the only fair comparison you can make is about their relative blade length.
Something to keep in mind is that the Spyderco is about double the cost of the Buck. Also, when it comes to prolonged usage such as whittling wood or camp carving tasks, the Spyderco Endura grip is so dreadfully narrow its almost like trying to use a skeleton knife. The Endura is horribly uncomfortable to do lots of cutting with. I would hands down prefer to bring the buck with me in the woods over the Endura personally. Now I understand the Endura was designed to be narrow for carrying convenience but there comes a point where the discomfort of “using” the knife far outweighs the advantage of “carrying” the knife. This is more or less the same reason why I largely believe skeleton knives are dreadful and basically useless.
Thanks for the compliment Dan, I agree that the Endura is far left hefty in the hand- in my experience it takes a touch of adjustment to find a sweetspot in terms of ergonomics but compared to the candybar feel of the Buck its no comparison.
Always liked neutral handles, sometimes I think knife designers have never actually used knives…
Great Review. I have one locking folder EDC and this is it.
I always know where it is and use it constantly in the kitchen. It is the knife i make my sandwiches with. This knife as the previous poster said, just feels great in the hand..
I suppose like any other knife, it will not be suited for every job, but this one does a great job as a bird and trout knife and a for dressing small game.
Sometimes it seems as though the search is over when an “ideal” compromise is found.
Keep up the good work.
It is pretty damn versatile as far as an every day knife goes. I do find myself going back to lighter options like the Spyderco Delica but I totally understand why someone would be quite happy with only the Buck 110.
Such a great knife. I got one passed down from my dad and it’s one of my favorite knives. I overlooked it in the passed when it was first given to me, and now years later that I’ve gotten into knives as a hobby I have a newer appreciation for this great knife. You cannot beat it’s classic look, and how it feels in your hand.
Agreed 100%.