Back in the day before tactical folders...

[BrazosCoTX]

When I joined the Marines in the mid-1970s, there really weren't any tactical folding knives as we know them today. What there were, were Buck 110s and 112s.

In 1977, I was working with a fellow 1st Lt in the Ops section of the top Marine HQ in the western Pacific, on Okinawa. My buddy was a Force Recon guy, and one of the best officers I would ever see in a 20 year career. I noticed that he was wearing a Buck 112 on his hip. I figured if that if it was good enough for a Force Recon guy, it was good enough for me. Couldn't find a 112 at the time ( Al Gore had not yet invented the Internet), so I bought a 110. A few years later, I picked up a 112, and wore it for years.

Thirty years later, I still have both. And still marvel at the quality of those factory-made knives, which were purchased at a modest price even back then. Today, they would've even make the tactical knife list, but back in the day, they found their role with servicemen who needed a rugged belt folder.

Thinking about giving my Benchmade Contego a rest, and strapping on that 112. I could do a lot worse.

Semper Fidelis

 

[Doug_86]

My Grandfather was a Special Warfare instructor during the Cold War. He taught Arctic warfare survival in the Canadian arctic to American army and marines. Our paratroopers used Grohmann jump knives. Nothing tactical about them....

I know there was a shortage of commercial knives available for US troops during WW II. Hoyt Buck made many knives so GI's could go over seas with a good quality sturdy knife.

Tactical is overrated and over stated IMO. If you have a well made knife and know how to maintain it, it will serve you well. Buck has always maintained quality and function over popularity and hype, IMO

 

[pinnah]

They work just great carried in the pocket too.

 

[akula83]

[/IMG] I was toting my 2 dot 112 today that my dad gave me, old school cool. I have my small Sebenza clipped in the pocket and the buck sheath adjacent on the belt. I don't normally carry two, but I like it a lot as it fits my hand just perfect, and with that neat retro vibe that goes with using it.

 

[JSutter]

I'm wearing a favorite 112FG now. They simply work, and have advantages of being proven & sturdy. Even a Custom Shop 110 or 112 can be a better deal than many popular tactical knives.