Disappointed by the Buck 110

I would say better is subjective. Natural materials over synthetic is “better” in lots of folks experience. 420HC is easier to sharpen in the field. Clip point better suited for what the knife was meant for (folding hunter). Processed more animals than probably all cold steel folder designs combined over the years. I would say more modern, rather than better. I’d take the 110 over the cold steel (if those were the two options) on a hunting trip no question.
 
fonedork said:
You’re used to good centering from Spyderco and cold steel? That’s wild
Click to expand...
Spyderco (especially the Taiwanese ones) are 100% centered 100% of the time. I’ve had a few CO produced ones that have been off but not by much. The Cold Steel ones also have been perfectly centered every single time (I have 15 of their folders). I am really impressed with the Taiwan produced knives. I think Buck can try harder, that’s all. Although like I said in my original post, their fixed blades have been spot on. Maybe folders are just harder to get right. Although I haven’t tried their updated versions so don’t know how they are

Here is the centering on the latest 110. I just think they can do better

https://imgur.com/a/HrZMomy
 
Last edited:
I love the 110 design despite the weight and clunkiness ( compared to some of my Spydercos) . I rarely carry them any more because I am not wearing belts as much but I'd never get rid of them. Buck QC for me has been excellent . Some of the versions I have are kind of old fashioned ( D2, 5160, BG 42 etc.) but they are gold to me.

We all have different likes and needs. I remember the years where I couldn't afford real Buck knives and made do with what I had. I have a 110 on my desk near by for regular use and despite it's older design it cuts as well as any more modern design right out of the box . The heat treats and factory grinds are up there with any IMO.
 
I have the old school version, a slim select version with 420 steel/pocket clip/plastic handles, and a slim pro with s30v/G-10/pocket clip. They all are good knives and all of them can fill different roles from one another. They have stood the test of time. I don’t understand the fascination with smooth “action” or perfect blade centering, so I can’t say anything about that. As long as it’s not rubbing and opens and closes without force, I don’t care about it. As far as one handed opening/closing, both can be had with practice.

Edit: I carry the slim pro s30v daily as my work knife and love it. Admittedly, Buck’s aren’t everyone’s cup of tea.
 
Last edited:
Buck definitely plays at the nostalgia end of the field with 420 stainless and their classic designs with D2/20CV/35V. I have a 119, 110 and 112 because Buck, but I buy mostly newer designs from brands with updated materials.
As you've already noted, Cold Steel is a great value without a doubt.
 
How times change. I remember seeing Buck 110's in the early 1970's, and how revolutionary they were. And useful, a heavy duty knife that folded up half the size of an equivalent fixed blade knife, fit in a pouch on your belt, and did not give you an atomic wedgie when you sat down. Innovative polymer material for handle materials had to be 20 years off.

I am sure it still has a place for some, but it was always heavy, too heavy for pocket carry.

Blast from the past. I cannot link the video directly, so you will have to go to the Texas Historical Website to view it.

texashistory.unt.edu

[News Clip: Knives]

Video footage from the KXAS-TV/NBC station in Fort Worth, Texas, covering a news story by reporter Joe Sanchez about the increase in popularity of the folding hunter knife. This story aired at 6:00 P.M.
texashistory.unt.edu texashistory.unt.edu
 
I like my 110 Pro a lot, better than the base model for sure. Weight and lockup feel solid in hand for me, slight blade play when folded, to be expected but not bad.

While traveling I have it as a solid "backup" on my belt, or only option which really frees up pocket space.
 
Quiet said:
I own several Buck 110s, from a standard run model, to a couple of supersteel variants that have been released. What I love about them is that they are a large, handfilling chunk of nostalgia. Do I carry any of them? No, as I have a large number of folders with more modern designs, and slipjoints that are smaller that I carry instead. But honestly, they are a piece of Americana and I love them for it. I DO have one of the Buck Hunter Sports (pictured above) as well as one of the 112 Sports, those I DO carry. I just love how they've kept that classic handfilling shape, and make no apologies for their design. I like that Buck has brought the model into present day with slim versions in various modern steels, with pocket clips and so on, but for me, I'll always have a place in my heart for the original. If you need a knife, they fit the bill 100%. If you need a fidgit toy or some modern conveniences like one-hand opening (and just as importantly, closing), then pick something else.
Click to expand...
Same here. I own a 112 slim select and a 112 Ranger Sport Knife. The latter is a modern carry knife in my opinion. Love it. The original 110 however is too heavy and too clunky for my tastes. But I get the nostalgia factor.
 
I've bought several traditional 110s, given some away, kept a standard 420HC and a BassPro CPM-154. All were as close to perfect as you could ask. Heavy, yeah (I usually carry a G-10 Slim Pro 110 in S30V) but it feels good in the hand. I've seen a lot of 110s over the years, used, abused and broke, and they still all worked.
 
it's just not for you and what you want and like. they are popular still cause for a classic folding hunter/work knife made in America by American workers......and still affordable.......there isn't much else out there. they work as a working knife with an actual lifetime warranty and that why people buy them.

try cold steels "warranty" when ya need it and see how that goes.......I already know as I've tired.....it's a joke and there isnt one.....

I carry a 110 on my belt everyday. lately this magnacut version....
20230627_143845.jpg
 
rlewpolar said:
The Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter was the exact same price as the 110 (I have the silver nickel bolster version). Has S35v steel, G10 scales so better materials. Triad lock so there is no comparison there in terms of lock strength. The centering is perfect. The grinds are perfect. Smooth action, it’s lighter and has a very good pocket clip. I would say the CS is twice as good as the Buck for the same price. Which led me to the question, who would still buy the 110 when there are knives like the Ultimate Hunter out there?
Click to expand...
The Ultimate Hunter is one of my favorite knives. I carry it often and use it a lot. But as it happens, when I took it out of my pocket just now, there was a horrible grinding sound as I opened it. I flushed it with hot water and then with WD-40. It still grinds some at the instant when I release the lock. I hope I do not have to take it apart.

Since I do not use my 110, I do not know how it reacts to farm dust and dirt. But I have an old, cheap Buck knife (I don't even know what it's called; not at all like a 110) that I used to use a lot. It is completely impervious to dust and dirt, which is important to me.

I do know that few people take apart a 110, and I have heard from heavy users of 110s that they are easy to clean. So that might be a point in favor of the 110 over the Ultimate Hunter. Experiences from other folks are welcome.
 
There’s no reason to take apart the 110.
Just flush it with WD40 and cycle it.
I bought mine in 19&76 and never had to do more than the above.
And wipe it down when you’re done with the WD40.

Someone said it was like a Soviet tank, I’d say it’s th AK47 of the folding hunters.
:)
 
rlewpolar said:
I caught the Buck bug several months ago and went on a bit of a buying binge on the fixed blade side of things. I now own two Buck 120s, a Buck 119, Buck 124, Buck 105 and Buck 117. They are all superb. Beautifully finished, razor sharp, light and fast handling (well, maybe not the 124 but I digress).

I decided to expand the small collection and add a folder and bought a Buck 110, the classic iconic folder by Buck. Wow, was I disappointed. Heavy, the lock doesn’t seem all that strong, the blade centering was absolutely awful as was the action. Rough and crude is the only way to describe it. I thought ok, maybe I got a lemon. So I retuned it and got another one. This one was even worse. I think I’m done with Buck folders for now. Maybe I’ve been spoiled by my Spyderco and Cold Steel folders all these years. The Buck folders (at least the classic ones) just don’t seem worth it. Maybe I just need to accept them for what they are but with so many great and affordable folders out there these days, who is actually buying these? Is it just the old guys who are nostalgic for days gone by?
Click to expand...
And Uncle Randy is disappointed in you.
 
I don’t think blade centering is something Buck even looks at. It opens it closes it doesn’t hit, it’s straight when it’s open. Its good.

Nobody cared or even thought about blade centering when the 110 was designed.

The 110 is perfect in my eyes. I would not go to work without one on my belt.
 
eveled said:
I don’t think blade centering is something Buck even looks at. It opens it closes it doesn’t hit, it’s straight when it’s open. Its good.

Nobody cared or even thought about blade centering when the 110 was designed.

The 110 is perfect in my eyes. I would not go to work without one on my belt.
Click to expand...
I suspect you’re right and if so, that’s what I find curious. It’s not like the same management and workers were cryogenically frozen since the 1950s and are now working there. Presumably, today’s workers understand the competitive market they are working in and have no doubt noticed how good the knives from other parts of the world have gotten and have come down to Buck’s price points. Maybe they are selling all the knives they care to make and just don’t care about certain things knife geeks care about. Maybe they aren’t even making knives for knife geeks. 🤷‍♂️

In a way, this 110 I have reminds me of some of the Combloc AKs I own. Great, timeless, sturdy weapons that have the sights canted. You just look at those crooked sights and think, couldn’t the workers there have made the sights straight? How much more effort would that have taken?
 
Last edited:
I can’t speak for Buck but if you post in the Buck subforum. Someone from Buck will answer whatever questions you have.

We have different opnions obviously but I have not seen a knife made as well as a 110 from anywhere else at the same price point. Especially when you take into account the excellent customer service Buck provides.

Keep in mind. I beat the snot out of a 110 and it took 30 years to wear it out. Buck put a new blade in it for $10 and I’m still beating on it. That works out to $1 a year.

I know you don’t want to hear this. The reality is blade centering is a non issue if it doesn’t effect functionality. The grittiness could have been flushed out. The lock is very strong, and the weight is an advantage in my eyes. The 110 has tremendous smashing power if you need it. Skulls drywall windows whatever.

If you don’t want a heavy knife, there are lightweight 110’s available.

I think the 110 is just not the right knife for you and that is ok. I’m glad they still make the 110 unchanged.
 
Last edited:
eveled said:
I don’t think blade centering is something Buck even looks at. It opens it closes it doesn’t hit, it’s straight when it’s open. Its good.

Nobody cared or even thought about blade centering when the 110 was designed.

The 110 is perfect in my eyes. I would not go to work without one on my belt.
rlewpolar said:
I suspect you’re right and if so, that’s what I find curious. It’s not like the same management and workers were cryogenically frozen since the 1950s and are now working there. Presumably, today’s workers understand the competitive market they are working in and have no doubt noticed how good the knives from other parts of the world have gotten and have come down to Buck’s price points. Maybe they are selling all the knives they care to make and just don’t care about certain things knife geeks care about. Maybe they aren’t even making knives for knife geeks. 🤷‍♂️
Click to expand...
Click to expand...

Buck has produced more than 15 million 110s since 1964. Yearly production topped 1 million in 2010.
The number of people who complain on a knife forum that the blade isn't centered perfectly or doesn't open like its on frictionless bearings - maybe 10 or 12.......
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top