110 Frame Size

bertl

bertl

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Feb 17, 2011
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Put a few older 110's next to each other and something is obvious: frame size has changed over the years. Just for fun, I took some calipers and made a few measurements of the width and thickness of handles for different versions. Unfortunately, I don't have any 1st or 2nd Versions, but I do have at least 2 or more knives for 3rd, 4th and 5th Versions, *110*'s, *110**'s, and **110**'s. I measured frame width on the brass frame and frame thickness on the front bolster where it meets the wood scales. Numbers (in 64ths of an inch) are averages of multiple measurements. There was hardly any variation in the multiple measurements.
Width Thickness
3rd Version 41/64 36/64
4th Version 45/64 37/64
5th Version 48/64 37/64
*110* 50/64 39/64
After the *110* Version, there doesn't seem to be any change in size. A gradual change in width from 41/64" to 50/64" and in thickness from 36/64" to 39/64" doesn't seem like much, but it increases the circumference by 7/16". Pick up a 3rd Version and a *110* or later version and you'll feel the difference.
 
Correction: That is a 13/32", not 7/16", increase in circumference. Just a little bit smaller!
 
Well, there was a supplier change at some point but I'd have to look it up to remind myself of when it happened, I'm sure one of the guys remembers off hand.
 
Bert, Yes the 2 dots are beefier handles and blade . In the 4 dots Buck began to radius them and fully hollow grind the blades . Welcome and thanks for taking the time to do these measurments and present the info.. DM
 
Thanks, Bert......that's good info.

The beefing up came about in an attempt to make the 110 stronger (the early models WERE slim and lightweight).

Then they got to the point where it was built like a tank and getting too heavy to carry......so they slimmed down somewhat.

I wish Joe's 110 info could be amended to show the exact chronology of all these frame changes.
 
IIRC, the blade length has changed over the years as well. Maybe some of you guys can measure yours, but weren't the older ones 1/8 or so longer than the current production?
 
Yes, indeed.

I have an inverted right-side stamp 110 that must date from about 1968 and it is just a hair shy of four inches.

I think the shorter blade coincided with the first increase in frame size.

I grabbed a Three-Liner here quick and that's 3 and 3/4 inches and has a much heavier frame.
 
"Bert, Yes the 2 dots are beefier handles and blade . In the 4 dots Buck began to radius them and fully hollow grind the blades ... DM"

"The beefing up came about in an attempt to make the 110 stronger (the early models WERE slim and lightweight).

Then they got to the point where it was built like a tank and getting too heavy to carry......so they slimmed down somewhat." …BG42Edge

This is one of those "yes and no" responses. Yes, the later models have a smaller handle; No the overall dimensions are the same. I measured a 2009 knife and the frame has the same width and thickness as the blocky *110* and *110** versions. The difference is that the later knives have a heavy radius on all edges, which makes them appear smaller. A person's eye tends to focus on the flat surface. Some volume is lost by using the radius, but not much. I would guess that the main reason for using the radius is comfort. Did you ever rake leaves using a rake that is square with sharp edges? Maybe we should ask the design people at Buck why they started using the heavy radius. - Bert
 
I just weighed a two dot and a standard newer 110 on a digital scale.

The 2 dot weighs 217.9 grams
The other one 212.4 grams

Just 5.5 grams difference.
 
bertl said:
I would guess that the main reason for using the radius is comfort. Did you ever rake leaves using a rake that is square with sharp edges? Maybe we should ask the design people at Buck why they started using the heavy radius. - Bert
Click to expand...

I think you answered your own question about the radiused edges. Comfort being the main one, whether it be in hand or in a pocket. My Buck 501 has ruined many pair of jeans, the first hole to show up is where it sets at the bottom corner of my pocket.

Another benefiet of rounded edges is they don't nick as easily therefore the knife will look better longer.
 
I don't have a digital scale, but I weighed an old one at a hair under half a pound and an newer AG 110 at a little over 7/16s of a pound.

And I measured a Three-Dotter along the stainless spring holder in the middle of the back bolster at 1.206 and the more recent model (an AG) at 1.190.

Thickness of rear bolster on three 110s:

Three-Dot 0.608

1986 Model 0.614

2006 AG 0.591

So my newest model is definitely slimmer.

I'm surprised that the 86 was the thickest.
 
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