A good inexpensive lock back?

Joined
Mar 1, 2012
Messages
41
So after lurking here for a few weeks, I decided to make an account here, having an interest in knives but not any experience nor funds, I thought i would be able to learn a lot. I also would like a recommendation for a traditional style lock back in the $20-30 range because my midnight swirl RR toothpick isn't "cutting" it. I really like the look of Damascus, but I recoil from the pricing that it fetches, but if there is an affordable Damascus knife, it would be greatly appreciated. I look forward to being here. I apologize if my post is irritating, because this question is asked a lot.
 
Other than smokey mountain, where else would I find one? I do not have access to knife shops, so I am forced to buy online and they are out of stock.
 
Can't recommend a particular vendor here but keep looking around, also on the auction sites. Also in your price range look at the Buck 110, 112, 55, the 5xx series, etc.
 
I have been looking at the Boker Lord and love the design. I think I might save up a little more for that.
 
The RR san mai lockback is a good suggestion. I'm not a fan of RR slipjoints at all, but this little lockback compares fairly well with a 3X more expensive Japanese Moki.

RRSanMaiLockback022a.jpg


RRSanMaiLockback08.jpg


Message sent to OP regarding one in stock (no affiliation with seller).
 
Looks a lot better than the stock pictures, I will definitely consider picking one up.
 
Can't recommend a particular vendor here but keep looking around, also on the auction sites. Also in your price range look at the Buck 110, 112, 55, the 5xx series, etc.

Yup. +1 (love my 55)
 
Can't go wrong with the Buck 500 series or the 55. Might be able to shop around and find one for pretty cheap. Buck makes a great knife.
 
Theres a "Boker Duke Damascus Burl wood" lockback. around $30. Easily found just do a google search
EDIT: Just noticed the "earl" was already mentioned. Whoops
 
Last edited:
You didn't say what size knife you were looking for, but I don't think you could go wrong with any of the Buck lockers mentioned up the line a bit in post #4. Excellent working knives, affordable, and easy to maintain.

Robert
 
So, I have narrowed it down to a buck 110 and the Earl. However, I was looking for something with a bit more heft (My apologies for not specifying earlier), is there a model bigger than a 110 that has the same traditional look?
 
The buck 110 has quite a lot of heft. Too much even for me to carry it very much. There's also a great size difference. between the boker and the buck. I'm not sure if there's anything notable that is bigger than the 110, especially within your given price range.
There's also Opinels of every size
 
Oh! looking at thee specs, I realized the difference:D the buck it is! thanks all for helping out a knife knewbie :D
 
I likewise recommend Buck lockbacks.
They are in your price range. They are well made.
 
Congrats on your choice.The 110 is an American classic!:thumbup:In my experience, Buck knives also have a great warranty and stellar customer service.
 
Yeah, I realized that small price difference from Rough Rider, Boker Magnum, etc. is American quality, so I have decided to buy a buck.
 
The 110 and 112 are both great buys and you should be able to find one in good shape on the auction site for around $20. A new one around $40. Can't beat Buck's warranty either. I wouldn't call the 110/112 a pocket knife, so if you want a pocket version of the 110/112, take a look at a 55. All three knives are great and would recommend any or all of them.
 
Agree on Buck, disagree on the 110. It's a great, classic knife, but remember that it's claim to fame is that it replaces their full size fixed blade hunting knife. WAY too big and heavy for pocket carry.

For pocket carry, consider the Buck Prince or "The 55."

I just took delivery of a "The 55" today, replacing my old Prince that I lost years ago. US-made, and it shows. This knife is just big enough to get all my fingers around.

The Buck Ranger is smaller than the 110, but still heavy, and should be considered a belt knife.

I also have a Case mini Copperlock; great little knife. Slimmer and lighter than the Buck Ranger, but bigger than the Prince and 55 mentioned earlier. More elegant than the Bucks, in my opinion.

Lastly, how about a Case RussLock? These are great; one handed opening, but still a classical design. Doesn't work that well with coat sleeves though.
 
Back
Top