I am looking to get myself a buck 110. I have seen a lot of older one on ebay that look to be in good shape. My thought process lead me to the fact that new stuff in general suck. I was wondering if anyone would have any info on the quality of new buck knives vs. older buck knives. let me know what you all think
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buck 110 antique vs. new
- Thread starter t mac 92
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I'm no expert, but I think the only major change over the years has been blade steel. I beleive way back they might have used 440C, but for the most part your either going to get 425M or 420HC(someone who really knows please chime in). The new ones are 420HC.
Another option is to go to www.buckknives.com and go to the link to Pete's Custom shop, you can design your own with all kinds of quality materials. Anything in for the blade from damascus to BG42 to colored Titanium Nitride coatings, and the handle choices are great. I've been going round and round thinking I should order one in stag and BG42, they look awesome
Another option is to go to www.buckknives.com and go to the link to Pete's Custom shop, you can design your own with all kinds of quality materials. Anything in for the blade from damascus to BG42 to colored Titanium Nitride coatings, and the handle choices are great. I've been going round and round thinking I should order one in stag and BG42, they look awesome
Buzzbait
Gold Member
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I have a newer Buck 110, as well as a stag handled BG-42 Buck 110 from Pete's Custom Knife Shoppe. Both are very good knives. The steel has gone down to 420HC on the basic 110s, which I consider to be a downgrade from some older 440C models. The good news is that cutting efficiency has generally gotten better since Buck went to the Edge 2000 treatment, which has brought the edge to a more acute angle. It may have thinned the edge out a bit also.
If you want a clasic folder of good enough quality to hand down to future generations, I highly recommend the Pete's Custom Knife Shoppe section of their website. The PCKS 110s are extraordinary knives for the price. Here's a picture of "The Angry Beaver", my PCKS 110.
If you want a clasic folder of good enough quality to hand down to future generations, I highly recommend the Pete's Custom Knife Shoppe section of their website. The PCKS 110s are extraordinary knives for the price. Here's a picture of "The Angry Beaver", my PCKS 110.
Welcome to the forums.
Buck standard steel:
Before 1981.- 440C
1981 to 1994.- 425M
After 1994.- 420HC
I´ve had Bucks in all three steels but none with the Edge 2000, I like them all, I do prefer the old 440C, I feel it held the edge a bit longer, though I don´t have my 112 in 440C any more so I haven´t done any real one to one comparisons. I normally reprofile the edges to more accute angles, I probably wouldn´t have to do that with the Edge 2000.
Edited for grammar.
Buck standard steel:
Before 1981.- 440C
1981 to 1994.- 425M
After 1994.- 420HC
I´ve had Bucks in all three steels but none with the Edge 2000, I like them all, I do prefer the old 440C, I feel it held the edge a bit longer, though I don´t have my 112 in 440C any more so I haven´t done any real one to one comparisons. I normally reprofile the edges to more accute angles, I probably wouldn´t have to do that with the Edge 2000.
Edited for grammar.
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t mac 92: I have several Bucks, both old and new. You really can't go wrong either way with a 110.
However, if you do pick up an older one, make sure it has three dots or less. This "coding" will ensure that the knife is the old 440C, which takes and keeps a great edge. I have a couple of "two dots," and both are great blades.
The other two options are to: (1) Buy a Pete's Custom 110 (2) Buy a new Buck 110, and if you're not satisfied with the 420HC after using it a while, send the knife in to Buck for a blade swap (ATS-34 or BG-42). The price for the blade swap is reasonable, and it can make a difference in edge retention if you upgrade to a higher end steel.
Still, Buck gets a lot out of 420HC with their heat treat; you may be perfectly happy with this steel. I have 110s in 440C, 425M, 420HC, ATS-34, and BG-42. I really don't have any complaints about the steel in any of them.
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Here are some facts on Buck's 110 history and the steels that have gone into these knives. These dates and information are gathered from postings in the Buck forum, and include info from C.J. Buck and Joe Houser:
Buck used files on fixed blades up until 1961 when they switched to forgings of 440c. In 1968, they started using blanks (also in 440C) intead of forgings.
Prior to 1968, Buck knives were just stamped "Buck".
In approximately 1968 (perhaps 1967 on some models), Buck added the "U.S.A." to the tang stamp. These knives are also referred to as "two-liners" (BUCK + U.S.A.).
Then in late 1971, Buck began to add model numbers (eg. 110 or 112) to the stamping and these are called "three liners" (Buck + model number + U.S.A.)
The stamping identification marks began with dots on either side of the model number. Two dots were used in 1974-1980, three dots in 1980-1982. The three-dot knives were the last of the 440C steel blades.
In late 1982-83 the blades with four dots were the new 425M steel.
In 1986 the date stamping was introduced with symbols, the Buck website has details on the years and symbols used here: http://www.buckknives.com/technical_making.php
However, if you do pick up an older one, make sure it has three dots or less. This "coding" will ensure that the knife is the old 440C, which takes and keeps a great edge. I have a couple of "two dots," and both are great blades.
The other two options are to: (1) Buy a Pete's Custom 110 (2) Buy a new Buck 110, and if you're not satisfied with the 420HC after using it a while, send the knife in to Buck for a blade swap (ATS-34 or BG-42). The price for the blade swap is reasonable, and it can make a difference in edge retention if you upgrade to a higher end steel.
Still, Buck gets a lot out of 420HC with their heat treat; you may be perfectly happy with this steel. I have 110s in 440C, 425M, 420HC, ATS-34, and BG-42. I really don't have any complaints about the steel in any of them.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here are some facts on Buck's 110 history and the steels that have gone into these knives. These dates and information are gathered from postings in the Buck forum, and include info from C.J. Buck and Joe Houser:
Buck used files on fixed blades up until 1961 when they switched to forgings of 440c. In 1968, they started using blanks (also in 440C) intead of forgings.
Prior to 1968, Buck knives were just stamped "Buck".
In approximately 1968 (perhaps 1967 on some models), Buck added the "U.S.A." to the tang stamp. These knives are also referred to as "two-liners" (BUCK + U.S.A.).
Then in late 1971, Buck began to add model numbers (eg. 110 or 112) to the stamping and these are called "three liners" (Buck + model number + U.S.A.)
The stamping identification marks began with dots on either side of the model number. Two dots were used in 1974-1980, three dots in 1980-1982. The three-dot knives were the last of the 440C steel blades.
In late 1982-83 the blades with four dots were the new 425M steel.
In 1986 the date stamping was introduced with symbols, the Buck website has details on the years and symbols used here: http://www.buckknives.com/technical_making.php
The Tourist
Banned
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- Dec 23, 2001
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- 2,796
My Buck 110 has the titanium coating. Usually I dislike chisel grinds, but my 110 cuts straight without pulling to the right.
If you look at the edge, you'll see that the leading edge, the part which first initiates the cut, is the titanium coating on the right-hand side of the blade.
Considering that this coating is 80 Rc, it should go for sometime between sharpenings. In fact, the bevel on mine is very uniform. When I received mine, it had a minor chip and the brass was extremely tarnished; my friend is a salesman for Buck, and this had been his sample.
The Edge-Pro got the edge gleaming, only a faint part of the chip is still there if you look for it (the next polishing will take it out) and a thorough polishing with Nevr-Dull got the brass looking like gold.
I wasn't too thrilled when he first offered it to me, it looked a wreck. I think now it's found a permanent place in the EDC rotation. It will always be with me on the bike.
If you look at the edge, you'll see that the leading edge, the part which first initiates the cut, is the titanium coating on the right-hand side of the blade.
Considering that this coating is 80 Rc, it should go for sometime between sharpenings. In fact, the bevel on mine is very uniform. When I received mine, it had a minor chip and the brass was extremely tarnished; my friend is a salesman for Buck, and this had been his sample.
The Edge-Pro got the edge gleaming, only a faint part of the chip is still there if you look for it (the next polishing will take it out) and a thorough polishing with Nevr-Dull got the brass looking like gold.
I wasn't too thrilled when he first offered it to me, it looked a wreck. I think now it's found a permanent place in the EDC rotation. It will always be with me on the bike.
I like the models 110 and 112. These are simple but attractive knives that work well.
I'm happy with the 420HC steel. I can get it razor sharp.
The only thing I don't like is the brass bolsters & frame. I think it tarnishes too easily.
My model 112 has nickel silver bolsters and frame, it does tarnish a little but not as bad as the brass.
Their custom shop currently offers the 110 in a varienty of material options. Several weeks ago I spoke with them asking if they will be offering the model 112 from the custom shop and their reply was yes. They hope to have it available in approx. 6 months.
I also asked if they can make me what I think would be the perfect Buck folder...here it is:
- model 112 (coming soon from the custom shop!)
- sambar stag handle scales with exposed pins (already available)
- VG10 blade steel (I would settle for BG42)
- titanium bolsters and frame
- stainless steel bolster & frame as a my second shoice
- decorative file work on the back of the blade
I can live without the decorative filework on the back of the blade but if they get enough requests for stainless steel bolsters & frame that would be nice.
But...If they offered titanium bolsters & frame that would be just perfect. I think the knife design is very comfortable and if the knife was lighter (hello titanium) it would be the perfect Buck folder!
So, if anyone wants a titanium 110 or 112, please email them so we all can have the perfect Buck folder!
Happy Holidays,
Collecter
I'm happy with the 420HC steel. I can get it razor sharp.
The only thing I don't like is the brass bolsters & frame. I think it tarnishes too easily.
My model 112 has nickel silver bolsters and frame, it does tarnish a little but not as bad as the brass.
Their custom shop currently offers the 110 in a varienty of material options. Several weeks ago I spoke with them asking if they will be offering the model 112 from the custom shop and their reply was yes. They hope to have it available in approx. 6 months.
I also asked if they can make me what I think would be the perfect Buck folder...here it is:
- model 112 (coming soon from the custom shop!)
- sambar stag handle scales with exposed pins (already available)
- VG10 blade steel (I would settle for BG42)
- titanium bolsters and frame
- stainless steel bolster & frame as a my second shoice
- decorative file work on the back of the blade
I can live without the decorative filework on the back of the blade but if they get enough requests for stainless steel bolsters & frame that would be nice.
But...If they offered titanium bolsters & frame that would be just perfect. I think the knife design is very comfortable and if the knife was lighter (hello titanium) it would be the perfect Buck folder!
So, if anyone wants a titanium 110 or 112, please email them so we all can have the perfect Buck folder!
Happy Holidays,
Collecter
I have a Buck 110 1968 or pre. It has brass or bronze ends and what looks like synthetic handles. The knife is in perfect condition still have the box and shealth. Just wondering how much its worth. It was my fathers and I would never sell it. Need price for insuarance. Thanks in advanced
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- May 31, 2007
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- 947
For $27.00 at WallyWorld, how could you go wrong?
- Joined
- Mar 3, 2006
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I have a number from different years and the statement that the quality of the new ones suck is uninformed.
I have a new one that I carry if I plan on doing rough work. It doesn't get much use.
That is one of the most diplomatic statements I have seen, Godot.
There is not a thing wrong with the 420HC steel as used in the current 110 versions. It takes a fantastic edge that is easy to maintain and has one of the best warranties in the business. What's not to like? :thumbup:
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- Sep 4, 2007
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IMO Buck has kept the quality in this knife since day one. I have 110's from all time periods, I have never been less that very pleased with any of them, Get a custom one if you want to spend the money but the Standard 110 is as good as ever, My favorite folder by far, and has been since the first one I owned back in the 70's
