A Comparison of Today's Folding Lockback Hunters

[TheGent]

The folding lockback hunter; a pinnacle of tradition, excellence and will stop at nothing to get the job done. I have been carrying folding lockback hunters everyday for years in the wilderness and work. They have stood the test of time and have made excellent gifts. In this thread I have included four large lockback hunters for your comparison. It's not a review, though I could write a review. I just want to make this my small contribution to the vast encyclopedia of information we have on the forums. I speak highly for all of these knives and hope this thread helps you choose which folding lockback hunter you would like to buy. I see a lot of threads in the short time I've been here where people ask for comparison shots of different knives. Well, you can put this one in the books. Feel free to comment as you see fit.

In order of appearance from top to bottom:
NOTE: These four knives appear in the same order in all of the pictures.
Case Sharktooth
Case Hammerhead
Buck 110
Kershaw Wildcat Ridge

First, let's get through the specs.

Case Sharktooth
Blade Length: 3 7/8"
Length Closed: 4 7/8"
Blade Shape: Clip
Blade Steel: Case Tru-Sharp SS
Handle Material: Laminated Pakkawood
Brown Leather Sheath
Weight: 9.5 ounces
Average Price: $60

Case Hammerhead
Blade Length: 3 7/8"
Length Closed: 4 7/8"
Blade Shape: Clip
Blade Steel: Case Tru-Sharp SS
Handle Material: Black Synthetic
Brown Leather Sheath
Weight: 9.5 oz
Average Price: $50

Buck 110
Blade Length: 3 3/4" (9.5 cm.)
Length Closed: 4 7/8" (12.4 cm.)
Blade Shape: Clip
Blade Steel: 420HC
Handle Material: Laminated Natural Woodgrain
Black leather sheath
Weight: 7.2 oz. (204 g.)
Average Price: Version with nylon sheath $30, Version with leather sheath $50

Kershaw Wildcat Ridge
Blade Length: 3 1/2inches (9.0cm)
Closed Length: 4 7/8inches (12.5cm)
Blade Steel: AUS6A stainless-steel
Handle Material: Zinc die-cast alloy with cross-grooved ABS inlay
Nylon Sheath
Weight: 4.3oz
Average Price: $40

Side View Closed

Side View Opened

Spine

Front

Sheaths (NOTE: I added the snap to the Kershaw Wildcat Ridge Sheath. Original comes with velcro closure. I have a thing against velcro)

Thank you and hope this helps,

Print

 

[cgmblade]

They all look like good, serviceable knives. During your long usage have you developed any preferences between them? Do you think the Kershaw gives up any strength being so much lighter than the others?

 

[TheGent]

They all look like good, serviceable knives. During your long usage have you developed any preferences between them? Do you think the Kershaw gives up any strength being so much lighter than the others?

They are indeed.

If I had to choose one, I would take the sadly discontinued Case Sharktooth. I think it has better ergonomics than the 110. You can tell in the pics that the Sharktooth has a sort of a belly on the handle. It's more comfortable to me. But, a fingergrooved Buck 110. Now that's a nice feeling knife and it would be hard to choose. On the other hand, I prefer Bucks harder 420HC Steel.

The only downfall I think the Kershaw has is the inlay scales, no pins holding the scales on. I can easily peel back the scales and take them off. It wasn't hard to do. They can be re-glued, but one shouldn't have to worry with that. Manufacturer's mistake? Bad apple? I don't know since this is the only one I have owned. Other than that it is just as tough as the rest of 'em.

 

[shangchi108]

I've always preferred Case knives over Buck. The Shark Tooth was a work of art and felt great in the hand. I'm not a fan of brass in knife handles, as it is unnecessary weight, tends to deform on impact, and corrodes, unlike modern fiberglass reinforced nylon, but back in the day, that's what I carried.

AUS6A just doesn't hold an edge as well as the steel used by either Case or Buck. Takes a great edge but looses it very quickly.