BUCK 110 B&C is misleading

mbjannusch

mbjannusch

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Apr 1, 2010
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3,115
This has been talked about before, I'm almost sure of it. I have forgotten what was said though,


I bought a 110 B&C gift box at a local sporting good store. The set/tin said Avid level. I thought, Great a new version of 110, I'll pick up one. I get it to the car and open it up and its the same old 110 (420HC).

Isn't Avid level knives supposed to have an up graded steel???

Disappointed...:(
 
I think it is because of the brass and wood scales that buck advertized it as Avid level...even the 119 is marked avid...yeah...
 
The standard 110 has always been brass and wood, there's nothing Avid level about it, So that doesn't answer anything.
 
ya but what I meant is that the standard 110 is labelled as Avid. There's your answer! lol but yeah it sucks
 
SelectAvidPro.jpg


If you read Buck's definitions of the three "classes" of knives, you'll see that the description of the "Avid" class makes no mention of premium or upgraded materials (blade steel, etc.), only that they are produced using "high quality materials". I don't think anyone can argue that the 110 doesn't fit that description.

I don't think they would be correct in placing it in the "Select" class simply because it doesn't have a "premium" or "upgraded" steel. That would put it in the same class as the Ecolite 110, Bantams, Bucklite Max and the others in the "Select" group and I think you would have to agree that it's an overall higher quality knife given it's materials and construction.

I believe that Buck uses other criteria to determine the grade they give each knife, such as the overall quality of the materials.

This is just my opinion, but I can see Buck's rational for "grading" the B&C (or any standard 110) as they do.
 
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I've never thought of the three different levels Buck using when it comes to a 110 Hunter. There are so many different combinations used on the 110. I have always looked at the scales and steel used and made my decisions based on that.

I can easily see how Matt was expecting something else out of the package labeled Avid when he couldn't see the knife. I think I would have too. I also completely agree with Plumberdv after reading his post above. It does make sense that the 110 is in the Avid class when you think of the Paperstone 110's and the BuckLites out there.

I bought a Vantage from an ammo dealer the other day that was listed as a Pro Series, but turns out it was the Select Series. I'm keeping that knife because I like it, but was disappointed when it arrived. I did email the ammo dealer to let them know about their ad, but haven't heard back yet.

Good discussion about something I never thought about....and I'm a 110 guy!! :)
 
That "Avid"='s upgraded steel is simply an incorrect assumption based on the fact that in some models, the "Avid" version has Sandvic steel blades and not by what Buck describes as "Avid". In some of those models, there's a "Select" grade in which the ONLY difference in it and the "Avid" is the steel type and it's that fact that I believe bumped them into the higher grade. In others, there's both a steel difference and handle material difference.

It seems that it does pay to do a little research.

What I do find deceptive is the fact that the B&C 120, 118 and 121 are all given "Pro" labeling. The only difference in them and standard models is the tacky blade stamp and handle logo, handle and blade material is the same.

The B&C 195, 694, 270 and 279, despite having what I consider upgraded handles (checkered, Heritage Walnut vs Rosewood Dymondwood), are only given the "Avid" label.
 
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Dave, thanks for this defination. Still, the Pro labeling does not originate from Buck. That labeling comes from Cabela's. DM
 
David Martin said:
Dave, thanks for this defination. Still, the Pro labeling does not originate from Buck. That labeling comes from Cabela's. DM
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We're not talking about the same thing David. I'm not refering to the "ProLine" knives from Cabela's. I'm refering to the Boone and Crockett models that Buck (in the catalog) give the designation of "Pro Level". You can see the "Pro Level" logo or whatever it's called, directly above the model number in the catalog.

pro120.jpg
 
I think the first time I noticed the three levels of Buck knives was when the Vantage series came out.
 
Being it is that all 110's are made in the USA, I can see now that the Avid level would be the right cat. But the trading system suck none the less. It is misleading, and just another sales rouse to make people think they are getting something special. I never buy 110s but I did this time cause I thought it was something new I hadn't heard of. It was my mistake, and I should have known better...
 
All standard 110's are listed as Avid, not so much for thier material make up but because of its functional ability("consistant reliability under rigerous use"). It actually should be a Pro just as it sits based on its strength and longevity under all but abusive conditions, but because it is available in upgraded steel, it has to be listed as Avid. It is too rugged of a performer to ever be considered in the Select catagory. My 2 cents at least.
 
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I was gifted one as well,looks like the cheapest 110 they could build,the handles have no grain,just loooks like a piece of black wood,the lock up is sloppy and of course there is that same old blade play i've been seeing in all the latest 110 knives.It is SAD!
 
RAZORBLADES said:
I was gifted one as well,looks like the cheapest 110 they could build,the handles have no grain,just loooks like a piece of black wood,the lock up is sloppy and of course there is that same old blade play i've been seeing in all the latest 110 knives.It is SAD!
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I think your just jaded, they all cant be bad.
 
Based on Jeff's response in the thread on QC, Buck is experiencing huge growth in volume adding to the strain of a major plant relocation.

When I worked in product management (different industry entirely), I considered disgruntled customers to be one of my most valuable resources. There is something much much worse than "jaded" and that is disappointed but silent.

Based on my email exchange with Jeff I'm confident Buck is taking the blade play question seriously. RAZORBLADES, I sent 2 of my sloppy knives back and think it would help Jeff document the issues if you were to send any that you have.
 
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mbjannusch said:
I think your just jaded, they all cant be bad.
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No,the problem is i remember quality knives from buck,and i don't like to settle for anything less than a quality knife,and what has been coming out of the factory is what a regular joe would accept as ok,not me,I want what i used to be able to buy ,not what they ship out the door today.
 
Sorry,i'm not spending $30 to ship back BRAND NEW knives that have never been used,for warranty work,Instead i sent mine to Jarheadz28 and i just got them all back,all problems were fixed perfectly,no sloppy blades,solid lock up,built like buck should have done it the first time.I am not worried about warranty,since these will never go back to buck.
 
How about we not hijack Matt's thread, and turn it into something it wasn't intended to be.

If you want to discuss (again), the alleged short comings of Buck's current production, have the courtesy to start your own thread.
 
mbjannusch said:
Being it is that all 110's are made in the USA, I can see now that the Avid level would be the right cat. But the trading system suck none the less. It is misleading, and just another sales rouse to make people think they are getting something special. I never buy 110s but I did this time cause I thought it was something new I hadn't heard of. It was my mistake, and I should have known better...
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I wouldn't feel too bad Matt,having an extra 110 around is a good thing.I can see why you thought it may have been something different by the Avid designation,we're just not used to the fairly new grading system for a classic model like the 110.
 
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