110LT vs. other Bucklite handle material

[jude_061]

Does Buck use the same material for the 110LT as it did in the 400 model Bucklites?

If not, is there any noticeable benefit in one over the other?

 

[jude_061]

Admittedly, i did the most half-assed search about this prior to posting. I will confess that I know absolutely nothing about plastics. I, from my minimal search, (please correct me if I’m wrong) that the 400 series bucklite handles are “valox,” which seems to be similar to Zytel or FRN. I guess a more precise version of my question is whether the 110LT handle is valox,FRN, zytel, or something similar. I mainly want to know if the 110LT handles are as durable as the 400 series bucklites.

 

[rhino]

Comparing my Buck 422 to a modern 110 or 112 LT, the polymer on the 422 is softer. I don't know if either is more or less durable than the other. I don't see either failing in use.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

I have an older, 1994-vintage 424 BuckLite folder. Its handle reminds me of what I would recognize as Dupont's Zytel.

I also have a recently purchased 110LT. The handle on that one reminds me of Spyderco's FRN (Fiberglass-Reinforced Nylon) handles.

Differences between the two, I think, are insignificant. What I think of with Zytel is, it has seemed (to me) to be a bit harder/stiffer and maybe a little more resistant to scratches & such. With the FRN-type handles, they seem just a tad more flexible and maybe(?) they'll scuff or scratch a little easier.

Both FRN and Zytel are essentially the same though, in that they're both made with glass fiber in a polymer matrix - the particular polymer may be different between them, and the glass fiber adds abrasion resistance and extreme stiffness & strength as compared to a simple 'plastic' material like Delrin, for example, which is just a polymer and excludes the glass fiber. Both Zytel and FRN are virtually indestructable to hazards like dropping or cracking though. They're both great handle materials for no-nonsense, workhorse-type knives.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

Reading a little more about the 'Valox' used by Buck for knives like the 300-series folders, it appears more similar to the Delrin / POM (Polyoxymethylene) handles in other knives. It's not reinforced with glass fiber. Probably better-suited to knives with metal liners (brass, nickel, stainless) for handle rigidity and strength.

But with that said, it also has its place and is good stuff in its own way, with a warm feel and smoothness - and it's easy to fix scuffs & such with a little bit of sanding & polish. Likely more economical too, from a manufacturing standpoint.

 

[plb]

Here's a link to J J Hubbard comment addressing trademarked vs. non-trademarked materials used by Buck, from a few years ago:

Would you buy a Chinese-made Buck?

I buy American branded knives made in Taiwan and Japan. For some reason I wouldn’t buy an American branded knife made in China if it were 1% of the cost. Nor would I ever buy a We or Reate knife. I would look into buying a Tibetan branded (If I found such a one were allowed to exist)knife...

www.bladeforums.com

 

[dogstar]

Here is and old post I found:

Valox is a the trade name for a family of thermoplastic polyester polymers originally developed by General Electric. GE sold its plastics division to a Saudi company, SABIC, in 2007, so now this is a SABIC material.

The general properties associated with any of the VALOX polymers include good heat resistance, good solvent resistance and good toughness. The exact properties will vary by specific grade. They also have excellent surface appearance. (That means they mold well and come out of the mold cleanly so they look shiny and have no pits or surface porosity. There are grades available that have chopped glass fiber mixed in, making those grades similar in performance to FRN.

If I had to guess at the properties without consulting specific data sheets, I would guess that it is less expensive to process than Nylon, might be a tad tougher than Nylon but maybe less strong.

The 110LT is listed as "nylon" on the Buck website.
In the end, they are both plastic handles. I would not overthink it. If you manage to break one, let us know what you learned.

 

[knarfeng]

Here is and old post I found:


The 110LT is listed as "nylon" on the Buck website.
In the end, they are both plastic handles. I would not overthink it. If you manage to break one, let us know what you learned.

Focus on "OLD". A lot of manufacturers have switched polymers used for their handles over the years.

 

[Lesknife]

I know the 110 LTs are FRN, fiberglass reinforced nylon. From my experience Bucks frn is fairly tough stuff and has a somewhat rigid feel compared to the Bucklites I’ve handled. I don’t know what the Bucklites had but I’ve heard several say it’s softer and I agree.

I saw a video clip on YouTube where a guy was testing how durable Bucks 110 LT was and he beat crap out of it and I was impressed how much abuse it took, it was a bit wobbly in the pivot but still functional. I don’t think I’d ever put any knife through that kinda torture. So I’m not afraid to do heavy duty stuff with my LT.

 

[jude_061]

I think “softer” is the best description of the older bucklites. I don’t not like the feel of it though. there is a noticeable difference however. I don’t get the sense that either the old bucklite handles or the new 110 lite are easily-damaged.