Buck 110 vs. Gerber Gator

U

UncleRimfire

Joined
Sep 25, 2007
Messages
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I'm upgrading from a GatorMate. General hunting without getting into too much field dressing.

For similiar money I'm deciding between 2 new but older model knives.

Either:
(1) Buck 110C - I'm assuming the "C" denotes the year 1995
(2) Gerber Gator - with the stamped tang, not laser marked blade.

After 5 minutes on the forum it's obvious there's a lot of love out there for the 110 & the Gerber is ... a bit of a Nigel no friends.

Aside from that, any feedback on a direct comparison between these knives?
 
The 110's alloy will take a sharper edge. The 110 is seriously heavy which may be a concern. If you want to work on small game as well as larger game you should look for a blade shape like the 110's. A clip-point Gator would be preferable to a drop point. It will get into small spaces better. I would NOT select a 1995 Buck 110 unless you are good at sharpening. You want the thinner edge grind that buck started around the year 2000. You can get a good deal at Walmart on a new 110.
 
From what I can gather, both are are 420HC.

But tell me, on the Gators, what does the "650" stamped on the tang signify?
 
My personal preferance would be for the gerber gator. The grip feels much more secure to me. I have never sharpened a 110 but I find the gator very easy to sharpen and it holds an edge quite well. My father has had a gator since they first came out, he actually retired the knife because it saw so much use that he figured the sentimenal value made it woth buying another one. I have had a gator for the last 7 years and used to EDC it all the time. The only draw back is the size of the gator, I found that it was a little to large to carry in a pocket and since my current job does not permit me to carry a knife on my belt I have had to switch to something that I could fit descretaly into a pocket.
 
I like the Gator, great knife. However, the Buck 110 is a classic icon. Tough to beat it for an all-around folder too
 
A.P.F. said:
Buck 110 - One of the best knives made.
Click to expand...


I don't really like Gerbers, but, in my experience, they are fare better than Bucks.

If it were me, I would forget both, spend a little more money, and get a better knife.
 
I have several Buck knives, which are great and takes a great edge. I only have a few Gerbers. I have the gator in 154CM which takes a great edge, an old guardian which is 440C ( I think), and both do just fine.

That being said, Put a little more money into a knife ( if you only want one) and get something like a Bark River with A2 steel. You will be very happy with it. I have an upland special that cuts like crazy.


Best of luck,
John
 
Buck vs. Gerber, sounds like around the dinner table debate between me and my brother at Thanksgiving!

I gotta vote for the Buck 110, I have just not been impressed with the edge holding of Gerber products for a long time.

Although, I would love to check out that 154CM one!
 
Cabelas S30V Buck 110 is a classic design with a modern steel. The 420HC Buck uses is heat treated very well and works better than you would expect for a cheap steel.

Personally I think a fixed blade is much much better for hunting. The Buck 119 is a bit big but there are smaller versions(I don't recall the numbers). A Mora makes for an excellent field dressing knife. It will be the best 10.99$ you ever spend.

The Benchmade Rant Bowie is excellent 440C and less than 50$.
 
Bass Pro has Buck CPM154
Cabela's has Buck CPM S30V

Both heat treated by Bos are pretty good knives.

Buck 110 was introduced at 1964 with 440C steel (and copied by many), now unfortunately they reduced it to 420HC, otherwise it is great knife.

Thanks, Vassili.
 
I have a Buck 110 but rarely ever carry it with me due to its weight. My best friend has the Gator and he swears by it. He works in a warehouse where he has to unpack alot of stuff so that blade gets used daily and he says that knife is more than adequate and he never leaves for work without it. He likes the sheath alot too.
 
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