My search for a single blade lock back EDC has led me to these two options and I'm seeking input from folks who are carrying either one, or better, both.
As background, I have several knives that I have for EDC use. I strongly dislike tactical looking knives (just a pref thing) and very much want a lockback design. I have a Buck 110 that I've had since the late 70s. Nice knife but way too heavy and big for EDC use. I also have an older Schrade 5OT that has quickly nudged aside all other knives as, by far, my favorite EDC pocket knife, including various slip joints and my Opinel #8. The very big issue is the sturdiness of the lockback. But outside of the office, I really want something a bit bigger than the 5OT but something that is no bigger than the Opinel #8. I've narrowed down the list to 2 knives. Both have handles and blades that are just what I'm looking for in terms of length (not sure about profile yet) and both are from Buck, an old emotional favorite of mine.
The first is the Buck Ecolite 112.
I've actually been able to get my hands on this one and love how it sits in my big hands. The handle is a a bit thick and bit on the heavy side, but still pocketable. While the blade shape tugs on my heart being similar to my old 110, I'm not sure if it's the best for general purpose use. The grip is perfect in my hand and the joint and lock up are as confidence inspiring as my 110. I really want a knife this tough and solid feeling if at all possible. Of the 2, the 112 is by far my preferred knife in terms of looks.
Question: Have you been carrying the Ecolite as a pocket knife (not on the belt) and if so, is it tolerable in terms of weight?
Question: How do you find the knife profile for day-to-day work? Would you prefer the wider front that a drop point gives you or a thinner back for better slicing? (I understand that the 112 blade is really a hunting knife design.)
The second is the Bucklite 428.
I've not been able to find one locally yet. I like that it's lighter, thinner and that it has a lanyard hole. And while I don't care for the thumb nub, I think I'd prefer the thinner drop point for daily use (spreading peanut butter on the trail *is* something that will need to be done). But, I'm concerned it won't rest in the hand as nicely as the Ecolite 112, which is great on that point. BTW, I don't use pocket clips, and the first thing I'd do with the 428 is remove the clip. And, my biggest concern is the durability of the joint and lock on the 428. So, I'd turn my eyes and accept a less pretty knife if the handle feel is good enough and the blade and joint is strong enough.
Thoughts?
As background, I have several knives that I have for EDC use. I strongly dislike tactical looking knives (just a pref thing) and very much want a lockback design. I have a Buck 110 that I've had since the late 70s. Nice knife but way too heavy and big for EDC use. I also have an older Schrade 5OT that has quickly nudged aside all other knives as, by far, my favorite EDC pocket knife, including various slip joints and my Opinel #8. The very big issue is the sturdiness of the lockback. But outside of the office, I really want something a bit bigger than the 5OT but something that is no bigger than the Opinel #8. I've narrowed down the list to 2 knives. Both have handles and blades that are just what I'm looking for in terms of length (not sure about profile yet) and both are from Buck, an old emotional favorite of mine.
The first is the Buck Ecolite 112.
I've actually been able to get my hands on this one and love how it sits in my big hands. The handle is a a bit thick and bit on the heavy side, but still pocketable. While the blade shape tugs on my heart being similar to my old 110, I'm not sure if it's the best for general purpose use. The grip is perfect in my hand and the joint and lock up are as confidence inspiring as my 110. I really want a knife this tough and solid feeling if at all possible. Of the 2, the 112 is by far my preferred knife in terms of looks.
Question: Have you been carrying the Ecolite as a pocket knife (not on the belt) and if so, is it tolerable in terms of weight?
Question: How do you find the knife profile for day-to-day work? Would you prefer the wider front that a drop point gives you or a thinner back for better slicing? (I understand that the 112 blade is really a hunting knife design.)
The second is the Bucklite 428.
I've not been able to find one locally yet. I like that it's lighter, thinner and that it has a lanyard hole. And while I don't care for the thumb nub, I think I'd prefer the thinner drop point for daily use (spreading peanut butter on the trail *is* something that will need to be done). But, I'm concerned it won't rest in the hand as nicely as the Ecolite 112, which is great on that point. BTW, I don't use pocket clips, and the first thing I'd do with the 428 is remove the clip. And, my biggest concern is the durability of the joint and lock on the 428. So, I'd turn my eyes and accept a less pretty knife if the handle feel is good enough and the blade and joint is strong enough.
Thoughts?
