112 vs 55

S

Speedemon93

Joined
Feb 28, 2011
Messages
13
Hello everyone;

I have a few questions regarding what I should purchase given my current situation. I have done hours upon hours of research on Buck knives, and while I've come to appreciate all the 110, 112, and 55 stand for, I can really only choose one. Being 17 and lacking a job, I'm on a bit of a budget. I've got a camping trip coming up that'll be four or five days in the woods, though I plan on doing some camping after that as well. I feel the 110 is a bit too large and heavy for me to carry around, so I'm basically down to the 112 and 55.

While I realize the 55 is a pocket knife, it does have the same design and it seems to have the same structural integrity as its larger counterparts. It seems like it'd be more logical to go with the 112, but it's still on the heavy end of things. In short, can the 55 stand up to the mettle of basic camping tasks, or is it worth lugging around the extra weight for something a bit more solid?

I know, it's probably a simple answer for the veterans around here, but all I currently own is a Boker Subcom Titan, so I don't really have good grounds for comparison.

Thank you all in advance for your feedback.
 
Honestly, I can't see the 055 as a good camping knife, at least as your only blade. It's pretty tiny. The 112 (or 110 for that matter) aren't going to be a big burden to carry, especially for a young buck like you. If they are, maybe you need to start working out!;)

Kidding (?) aside, here's a comparison photo of two 055's with a 112 between them so you can see the size difference.

112055comparison.jpg
 
Haha, I just imagined it'd be a burden to carry in the pocket after 5 days of hiking. Of course, that's why I'm asking you all; If none of you think that, then I guess that makes my decision easy. I've just had several people tell me it was a brick in the pocket.

Thanks for the pictures. Those are some beautiful blades. Is that stag or elk horn? And are they yours?
 
Speedemon93 said:
Haha, it's not that it's "too heavy" and I can't physically lift it, I just imagined it'd be a burden to carry in the pocket after 5 days of hiking. Of course, that's why I'm asking you all; If none of you think that, then I guess that makes my decision easy. I've just had several people tell me it was a brick in the pocket.
Click to expand...

Son, the 112's and 110's aren't "pocket knives" and I'm sure they would be like a brick in there. That's why they come with a belt sheath. ;)
 
Yeahh, yeahh, I know. Thing is, it's sort of like a class trip, I'm not sure if I'm technically allowed to bring a knife. I just figured it'd be a useful backup item. You never know what can happen.

(I calmly await the imminent lecture)
 
I too think the 55 is too small for camp use, it's more of an everyday knife for office work such as box or mail duty. The 112 isn't that much smaller than a 110, as far as pocket carry goes at least, imo. You would be better off getting a 500 or even better a Bucklite Max large. It's essentialy a buck 110 with glass enforced nylon handle which makes it super light. It also has an integrated pocket clip making it easy to carry in the pocket, doesn't weight your pocket down. Here is a link to Buck's site, they come in black and orange, I prefer orange:D Also, its real cheap, can be picked up for around 18 to 22 bucks:thumbup:

http://www.buckknives.com/index.cfm?event=product.detail&productID=3748
 
No problem and welcome to the forum by the way. There are other options if you aren't just stuck on the classic 110 style. A 501 is another nice lock blade that I feel is small enough for inconspicous pocket carry.

I'd make pretty sure that there isn't a zero tolerance thing going on if this is a school function of sorts. No sense putting your self at risk of getting in big trouble just for "just in case".
 
Here's a picture of a 112 and a couple of other options. One is the 501 I mentioned (still available) and the small Vantage..

RangerVantageProSquire.jpg
 
trevytrev - Thanks for that link, that's a very nice alternative! Great suggestion. I think I prefer the black version, myself.

Plumberdv - Thanks for the welcoming. I love the nickel bolsters on the 501, though I was originally offset by the drop point blade. Still, I'll look into it some more; it's not out of the question. Also, I have looked into the guidelines, and the instructor for this is incredibly chill. I...think he's a stoner, but anyway, the worst he'll do is take it from me and say, "tsk tsk". I agree, though, and outside of this context it wouldn't be worth the risk. You have some beautiful blades, by the way, thank you for the pictures. I could look at those customs all day.
 
I thought the Bucklite would be a good choice too . They are very light and the 424 is the same size as the 112 and uses the same blade only a lighter handle . Good luck . DM
 
Speedemon93 said:
Yeahh, yeahh, I know. Thing is, it's sort of like a class trip, I'm not sure if I'm technically allowed to bring a knife. I just figured it'd be a useful backup item. You never know what can happen.

(I calmly await the imminent lecture)
Click to expand...

Ask your trip sponsor... That may solve your problem.

Don't get tossed for carrying, if you aren't supposed to.

If you can, a 110 in a belt sheath, weighs 8 ounces, and will last you a lifetime unless you loose it, abuse it, or someone steals it.
 
agree above be sure to get it cleared before carrying it. being 17 and tight on funds the 110 is nice since they are so affordable/available everywhere that sells outdoor gear (same as the 119 fixed blade). the 112 (one of my favorites) not quite as often seen in stores. if the store sells camping gear it'll have the 110 in stock most likely. if it also sells hunting gear/firearms and has a good knife selection then the 112 should be found.

since you are concerned with weight and budget, if you can order online or get to a store with a decent selection i'd take a look at the paperstone/ecolite 112/110 models. same basic blade/lock but with lighter handles. light enough for edc in a pocket yet sturdy enough to handle all that a folding knife should be expected to do on a camping trip. has the nylon sheath to keep on the belt but can be carried in your pocket if your pack/wast belt interferes w/ sheath use.
 
Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. All very helpful. I'm not sure what my final decision is, but I'll figure it out.
 
The least expensive good camping knife IMHO is the Bantam either 286 large or 285 medium. 285 is less intimidating if you arent even sure about whether you can carry or not. Indeed the 55 is too small, Bucklite is a good choice.

Welcome to the forum and enjoy whatever Buck you get:thumbup:

Fritz
 
I'd go with the the buck 112 ranger with finger grooves the 55 is a fine knife but is a bit on the small side the whole finger groove thing is just my personal preference and doesn't realy matter.
 
I say scrap the idea of a folder and if you want something light and small go get a black paklite. They are big enough to handle the basic camping trip, won't break the bank ($25) and they can go on your belt or in your pack, and they are wicked sharp.
 
2nd the choise of a Bantam or Bucklite, but also consider the Ecolite 112 or even an old school Bucklite 112. I bought an out of production 112 Bucklite from the early 90's for $25 shipped last year and several 112 Ecolites at the Factory sale last Christmas for under $14. A lightweight 112 is a great knife, large enough to do most any camp chores and small/light enough to dissapear in your pocket.
 
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