Buck custom 110 questions

[JMC]

I'm thinking of ordering from the Buck custom shop. The knife will be an EDC used both on and off duty (I'm a professional firefighter). I'm currently carrying a 1990 model 110.

1. Bolsters: Is there any difference between brass or nickle silver as far as strength and durability?

2. Blade steel: Between BG42 and 420HC, I know BG42 holds an edge better but is one stronger in twisting or prying situations? Is BG42 likely to be more brittle because of the higher RC?

I normaly don't abuse my knives beyond their normal intended uses but I was wondering if, in extreme,last resort situations, if any of these materials would be better than the others. Mainly is it worth the extra money to upgrade to a custom 110? Also if anyone has any suggestions for a sub-$100 folder that might fit my situaion better, I'd like to hear about them. Thanks

 

[SilverBear_Gene]

JMC

I just go a new Buck 882BKX, called the SBT Police Utility Knife. It has all that you are looking for in a user and abuser as needed. The blade is ATS-34, which should stand up to most all you can throw at it. Not quite a "pretty" as the 110, but grows on you more and more as you look at it and apprecite what it is. Catalog advertises "Appropriate for tactical, rescue and emergency response applications also." Check it out.

Gene

 

[Warhawk]

I wouldn't recommend a 110 if you may have to resort to prying with it. Gene has brought up a good knife and I'd like to add the Buck-Strider 880, either spear point or tanto blade. They both come with ATS-34 blades. (The first 500 of both were made with BG-42 blades.) If you want something stronger in a production knife it'll have to be a fixed blade.

Properly heat-treated (By Paul Bos) BG-42 or ATS-34 should be at least as forgiving to prying as the 420HC that Buck uses. But most knives are not made for prying. I do have an alternative for you...Home Depot has small (Six inch) flat pry bars that would easily be carried on a belt. Oh yeah, their price for the pry bar is four bucks.

By the way, nickle silver is a bit harder than brass, but not enough to make a big difference, in my experience.

Yes, the Buck 110 is one of the greatest knives ever made, and also one of the most copied knives of all time. I've looked at a lot of the copies and have yet to find an equal to the one made by Buck.

Take care,