Difference between web special paperstone ranger and 112 Ecolite

[StuntDouble]

I was looking at the Buck website, and I couldn't help but notice that the Paperstone Ranger on the Web Specials page, and the 112 Ecolite appear to be the same knife. What's the difference between them?

 

[Plumberdv]

I'm just going to take a guess after looking them over and I think they are one and the same with only a minor difference.

The 112 is also called the Ranger and the Ecolite has paperstone handles so I think the wording in the ad is just a different take on it. The one on the web specials page has a "Buildout" designation and appears to have a black paperstone handle unlike the red and green ones on the standard Ecolite. I can't remember where I saw it, but I'm sure I saw mention of a black handled "Ecolite" produced as an exclusive for a customer. The specials may just be Buck using up the left over black paperstone handles and calling them something a little different.

It would be my guess that they are really the same, just different colored.

 

[Plumberdv]

I'm still working on the mystery of the black paperstone handles.

I remembered where I saw them before, they were offered late last year on the web specials page as 0112BO2-B with a 450 blade. I'm still trying to find out what the black handles were originally produced for. There was and is the same basic knife with black handles known as a "Jim Shockey Ibex" (made for Cabela's) with a 12C27M steel blade but that version doesn't have the shield inlayed in the handle.

 

[JD Mandrell]

I was looking at the Buck website, and I couldn't help but notice that the Paperstone Ranger on the Web Specials page, and the 112 Ecolite appear to be the same knife. What's the difference between them?

I have both right here in front of me and the only difference I can see, is the handle color. Internal frames and construction appear to be identical.

 

[JD Mandrell]

I'm still working on the mystery of the black paperstone handles.

I remembered where I saw them before, they were offered late last year on the web specials page as 0112BO2-B with a 450 blade. I'm still trying to find out what the black handles were originally produced for. There was and is the same basic knife with black handles known as a "Jim Shockey Ibex" (made for Cabela's) with a 12C27M steel blade but that version doesn't have the shield inlayed in the handle.

I'd almost bet money your spot on, these "build out" black Paperstone handles are leftovers or something related to that Ibex.

 

[Plumberdv]

I'd almost bet money your spot on, these "build out" black Paperstone handles are leftovers or something related to that Ibex.

I agree. I was sure at first that the handles were left overs from the Ibex, but then reasoned that it wouldn't be very cost effective to add the shields just to sell on the web specials page at such a low price. I haven't found anything other 112 than the Ibex with a black paperstone handle in the Special Projects lists so far. Still looking.

 

[JD Mandrell]

I agree. I was sure at first that the handles were left overs from the Ibex, but then reasoned that it wouldn't be very cost effective to add the shields just to sell on the web specials page at such a low price. I haven't found anything other 112 than the Ibex with a black paperstone handle in the Special Projects lists so far. Still looking.

Far as I can recall that's the only 2 that have had them outside the Ibex, the 450 with the thumbstud (just about perfect pocketknife BTW) and this latest 112 web special.

I kinda would get an Ibex, but a little pricey!

 

[bucksway]

Can you post a pic of that knife?

 

[Plumberdv]

Can you post a pic of that knife?

 

[bucksway]

Thanks! It has a coated 450 blade..