A good inexpensive lock back?

Well cared for the 110 should easily pass thru a couple of generations. Such as this 1970s model has. 300Bucks

old110-2.jpg
 
This is the "traditional" forum, right?

In my opinion, there is no more traditional lock back than the Buck 110. It is really the knife that established and legitimized the design. Typically discount *mart type stores have them on the shelf for under $40. It's an amazing deal for a knife that will last forever (or nearly so).

This said, I almost never carry my 110 unless it is for hunting. I don't care for the pointy clip blade profile for EDC and utility use.

I end up carrying either my Buck 500 or Buck 112 nearly every day. They are both much better EDC knives for my purpose. If I lived in a rural setting, I wouldn't mind carrying a Buck 110 more, but one of the things I find is that people notice when I deploy my 500 and 112 and they recoil when I deploy my 110. It's really a big folder.

If weight and cost are concerns, note that the 112 and 110 are both available in less expensive and lighter Paperstone Ecolite versions. And, also note that Buck sells a bunch of super capable locking folders with non-traditional plastic handles but the same super well tempered 420HC blades.

Here is my set of Buck lockbacks. No Ecolite in the bunch. Top to bottom: 110, 112, 500, 482

Edited to add: If you haven't held a Buck 112 in your hand, I would suggest you owe it to yourself to find one before you pull the trigger on it. In my opinion, it is the most wonderfully balanced feeling knives I have ever used. The reaction to friends that I hand it to almost universally respond the same way. It's just an amazing feeling knife to handle and use.


Buck Folders by Pinnah, on Flickr
 
Well, Buck knives are very well made and if size and weight is not the problem... I would recommend the 110. The 112 also would be nice, but I can´t say much about it, don´t had ever had one (til now ;) )

Here´s a pic of my 110, next to a modded Tomahawk (a just-for-fun-project :) )

IMG_1104.jpg


Kind regards
Andi
 
The 110 is a solid choice. But it's more of a 'back pocket' knife than a pocket knife. Mine fits just fine vertically beside my wallet when I carry it around town.

buck_1.jpg
 
@markpmc: You´re right, the 110 is more a backpocket or sheath carry knife. For the front pocket it seems to be a bit to heavy. BTW: A nice sheath you have there...

Kind regards
Andi
 
I like the 112, have the finger grooved model. Sold my 110, too big for me. Now if only they'd make it FFG with decent steel and a couple of blade shape variants. Now we're talking:)

Sam
 
I usually do carry my knives in my back pocket to avoid scratching my IPhone and the left pocket is uncomfortable.
 
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Would GEC be in my price range? I like the look of some of them. Edit: looked at the price, I'm such a newbie :p
 
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Newbish said:
Would GEC be in my price range? I like the look of some of them. Edit: looked at the price, I'm such a newbie :p
Click to expand...

GEC knives are stunning looking, aren't they?!?!? Worth every penny, too.

One thing they aren't though. They aren't the original American lock-back. Only Buck is. And IMO, this is the heart of the set of trade-offs you need to consider. If you want an American made and an original at an affordable price, you can get the Buck 110 made of out of their really well hardened 420HC steel for under $35 brand spanking new. Add to this Buck's insanely good lifetime warranty and I think that's just astonishing. (I prefer the 112 for EDC use but there you have it.)

Now, if your goal is to get a less expensive knife with still decent steel, you can look used. Bucks are common used, but start to get collectible enough that the prices can hold close to new prices, so unless you're looking for a specific older Buck, your best bet might just be to buy a new Buck. Another older brand of folding lockers is the Schrade LB7. The Schrade+ stainless (should be on the tang stamp) has a good reputation. Prices seem to vary wildly as the US made Schrades are starting to fetch big bucks. But, there are still deals to be found.

If your goal is stay cheap and you don't care so much for blade quality, the new Chinese made Taylor Brand Schrade LB7s are less expensive than Bucks but as I understand it, use generic 440 steel (could be off on that - worth double checking). Personally, I forgo a single bar tab and just get a new US made Buck 110 than an only slightly less expensive new LB7. I think the 110 is a better knife, especially regarding the steel.

If your goal is to pick different blade profiles, different steels and different handle materials well then at that point you're moving well away from your original price point and into GEC territory. You have a lot of options at that point beyond GEC too. Boker, Puma and Bear and Sons all make traditional lock backs. And Buck offers their own customized Buck 110s. So, your choice is between an original Buck 110 for about $35 or an homage to the Buck 110 for 2, 3 or 4 times as much.
 
If you are looking for a decent couple of low priced (not cheap) lockback knives take a look a Gerber Knives. The Bear Grylls Compact Scout knife isn't the best knife ever made but it fits well in the hand and can be found for under $20. Also a fantastic use and throw away knife (if you had to) like the Gerber LST knife shouldn't be overlooked. The LST or the Ultralight LST are both under 1.5 ozs and have under 2 in blades. Once again not the best money can buy but unobtrusive enough not to freak out non-knife people and if they get lost there shouldn't be any tears since they are both easily found for under $20.
 
Go Buck! You won't be sorry! Start with a 110 or 112, then get a 500-series, and move on to the 119 and 301 (those last two are kinda in opposite directions...... haha).
 
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