I want to get a classic looking folder for the cottage and as a gents folder as well. I am torn between the two but leaning Benchmade because I love Benchmade and I like the S30V on the Benchmade rather than the 420HC on the Buck.
Tell me your experiences with either of them and why you like them.
Thanks
First off, this is a "go with your heart" or "trust your taste" sort of thing. It's sort of like comparing Dunkin's medium roast to Starbuck's dark roast, or a 64 Mustang to modern Lexus, or a modern IPA to Budweiser, or Wild Turkey 101 to Oban, or... well... you get the idea.
Second, as others have noted, these are belt knives. Or... run a seam half way up your rear pocket and carry the knive there. I despise belt carry. Completely hate it. But I like rear pocket carry with this simple sewing mod. The Buck 110 has become one of my most commonly carried knives because of this. IME, it's simply too big to carry in the front pocket.
Now, about my experience.. I only have the classic 110 so will restrict my comments to that one. It should be noted from the git go that Buck offers S30V and drop point options in their custom shop. As others have noted, Copper and Clad and SK Knives also have several nice 110 variants. The Copper and Clad aluminum bodied 110 is on my to buy list for sure.
The 110 is a very nicely balanced knife. The first thing you notice in your hand is the weight, but it feels incredibly natural. I have XL sized hands and the size of the handle feels great for me. I also hugely prefer the non-finger groove version as it allows my hand to move around easily to any grip I want.
The overall size of the 110 is in that classic do-everything size. It's similar in size to the Mora Companion. It's big enough to handle most large cutting but not so big as to get in the way. It can be easily choked up on if needed.
I have an uneasy relationship with the clip point. It's frail and easy to break the tip compared to drop points. I treat it more gingerly when working in the shop. On the other hand, I admit that the small clip can make some smaller cuts easier and it looks... well... like a 110 is supposed to. I'll get a drop point someday too.
Buck's hollow grind is almost as good as a hollow grind can get. Nice and thin behind the edge but the severe transition of the grind causes it to hang up when slicing things like potatoes. It's a better cutter than slicer. I usually end up flattening my hollow grinds on a stone and I really wish Buck would do a true full flat grind.
My recommendation is that if you're not sure about the decision, get a standard 110. It will set you back only $30 or $40 depending on where you get it. Nothing like living with the knife for a while to see if speaks to you. I will say this... It takes me years sometimes to discover the aspects of a knife and teh 110 has been that way for me. I got my first in 1973 and I still feel like I'm learning some aspects of it. It's given up its beauty to me slowly. Anyway... try the inexpensive one first. It's a heck of a deal and if you fall in love, you can gift the standard one or toss it in the tool box while you put in a order for your dream 110.
