I haven't had a Buck 110 in at least 30 years but after reading several mentions of them here on BF (this place is like a drug) I decided it was about time to correct that. So, despite knowing this thing will never replace my better quality blades (and may never even see carry time) I bought one anyway.
I gotta admit I'm impressed all over again. Everything about this knife is classic.
I had forgotten how solid-built these things are. At 7.35oz you know you're holding a knife in your hand (compare 3.90oz for the Spyderco PM2). Macassar Ebony Dymondwood handle and brass bolsters add a touch of class to this tank of a knife. For this edition Buck has added a medallion on the handle commemorating the 50th anniversary. My understanding is that all 110's made in 2014 will have this medallion.
The blade is a nice hollow ground bowie profile in 420HC. Yeah, one could wish the 50th anniversary edition had been done in a higher grade steel but then that wouldn't fit the mold of this classic standard. Out of the box the edge was not quite up to my personal standards but a few minutes on the Lansky took care of that.
(EDIT: For those looking for a better steel Cabelas offers an "Alaskan Guide" version done in S30V. Street price is around $90. Personally for that money I'm more likely to go with a Spyderco or other brand.)
Fit and finish are standard Buck. Joints and swivels are tight (very tight) but should loosen up with use. There is absolutely ZERO blade play in any direction. The lock back is rock solid. The lock itself is somewhat difficult to disengage (to close the knife) but again that should loosen up with use. I did note a lot of black grit in the lock back and pivot. Unfortunately the handle is riveted so it can't be taken apart and cleaned. The finish on the handle and bolsters leave one to think the knife has been used despite being NIB. Buck is not known for their smooth polishing. You can see the tiny scratches in the photos below. But hey! This knife ain't made to look purdy. It's a user.
All in all a very nice knife for under $30 (purchased at that place named after a big river).
I may have to rethink what I said about it not seeing carry time.
I gotta admit I'm impressed all over again. Everything about this knife is classic.
I had forgotten how solid-built these things are. At 7.35oz you know you're holding a knife in your hand (compare 3.90oz for the Spyderco PM2). Macassar Ebony Dymondwood handle and brass bolsters add a touch of class to this tank of a knife. For this edition Buck has added a medallion on the handle commemorating the 50th anniversary. My understanding is that all 110's made in 2014 will have this medallion.
The blade is a nice hollow ground bowie profile in 420HC. Yeah, one could wish the 50th anniversary edition had been done in a higher grade steel but then that wouldn't fit the mold of this classic standard. Out of the box the edge was not quite up to my personal standards but a few minutes on the Lansky took care of that.
(EDIT: For those looking for a better steel Cabelas offers an "Alaskan Guide" version done in S30V. Street price is around $90. Personally for that money I'm more likely to go with a Spyderco or other brand.)
Fit and finish are standard Buck. Joints and swivels are tight (very tight) but should loosen up with use. There is absolutely ZERO blade play in any direction. The lock back is rock solid. The lock itself is somewhat difficult to disengage (to close the knife) but again that should loosen up with use. I did note a lot of black grit in the lock back and pivot. Unfortunately the handle is riveted so it can't be taken apart and cleaned. The finish on the handle and bolsters leave one to think the knife has been used despite being NIB. Buck is not known for their smooth polishing. You can see the tiny scratches in the photos below. But hey! This knife ain't made to look purdy. It's a user.
All in all a very nice knife for under $30 (purchased at that place named after a big river).
I may have to rethink what I said about it not seeing carry time.
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