Disappointed by the Buck 110

[rlewpolar]

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. 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.

Yes, I think you’re right, the 110 is not for me. I will however keep buying their fixed blades. Lots of choices in the knife world now and it’s easy to pick and choose

 

[eveled]

Yes we have lots of choices and variety is nice. I’m glad you appreciate their fixed blades they are great knives.

 

[rlewpolar]

Yes we have lots of choices and variety is nice. I’m glad you appreciate their fixed blades they are great knives.

The other (good) thing I will say about Buck is that their blades are mind blowing sharp. I have rarely seen blades (even the big blades like the 120 and 124) slice so well. I’m also a fan of the 420HC steel they use and the heat treatment they undergo. I’ve become somewhat friendly with a local custom knife maker in my area who also sends his blades to Bos for heat treatment and he can’t say enough good things about them. So, it’s not all bad with Buck. I’m generally a fan. Just not of the 110

 

[allenC]

Buck isn't stuck in the past...they make some modernized 110 folders too.

This one has an aluminum frame, pocket-clip, thumb stud, and marbled carbon fiber scales...

And this one came with a black aluminum frame and G-10 scales...

I switched the scales to have the black frame with the black marble scales...

 

[allenC]

A few more pics...

 

[rlewpolar]

A few more pics...

Those look good. Maybe I will try one one of these days

 

[Ironbut]

I bought my 110 back in 1970-something. It's seen alot of use over the years & dressed alot of deer. These things are icons, and every knife nut needs one in their collection. My only real complaint with it is it's weight. If I didn't have a bunch of newer, lighter large folders, I'd have no problem carrying one every day.

 

[JC972]

I have 10 or 11 Buck 110’s from 1972ish through 2022. And 7 Buck 112’s from the same vintages basically. The newest 110 has plastic handles. Every single one of mine is a bit different. Some lock up better than others, some have more lock rock than the rest, one particularly beat up 3-dot has some blade wobble in full lock, and LOTS of blade wobble when closed. Even with all its warts and flaws it’s the one I carry the most, yeah it rattles like a WWII era 1911 when you shake it but nothing that keeps it from cutting like a razor. Same with all the rest of them.

Most of them are at least as old as I am (37)if not older, but several I’ve owned since new and they all have minor flaws compared to other knives. I reckon they’re not for everybody and there’s nothing wrong with that. Bank vault lockup and fitting on the level of a Ferrari engine just ain’t included in a lockback knife design from 1963 that I’ve ever seen.

I’ll leave with this as a parting thought; I’ve personally used this design since around the year 2000, including (more or less in order) carrying it as a high school kid, technical college student, two fire departments, a tool and die shop, a deputy with two different sheriff’s departments, and now as a trucker, and I’ve yet to run into a situation where the Buck 110 or 112 I had on me couldn’t handle what needed cutting and I’ve sure not spared them for the easy stuff. And that’s not even counting all the outdoors and homeowner stuff thrown in the mix.

In full disclosure I have two Ontario Rat 1’s with better fit and finish and lockup than all my Buck 110’s and 112’s, however they do not peak my interest the same way the Bucks do. Just my experiences, everybody’s mileage will vary.

 

[JeremiahWeaver09]

i forgot to mention the buck 110 LT, this one is a great one too because unlike the slim select buck 110 this one retains the original blade shape and is affordable and very light, has no pocket clip but again its light so its easy to carry with the nylon sheath it comes with

 

[The Grendels]

If you meant G-10 scales, they make those. I have the Pro version in S30V with G10 instead of the wood. It definitely feels solid. A bit more solid than the regular 110 I had (ended up gifting it to my friend who lost his 110).
I don’t use it,’for the same reason I didn’t use my 420hc version. No pocket clip, and they can’t be opened/closed easily or quick, or one handed. I’m glad I own it tho… I think every knife enthusiast should own at least 1 Buck. And being S30V with that famous Bos Heat Treat, if I ever did use it, I have a feeling it would cut for a very long time.

ETA : I remember seeing a full titanium 110 recently, limited edition maybe, but it was like $400 :-/ IIRC it had a pocket clip, TORX screws, good steel. Just too much money unless you’re a serious Buck collector

No. I mean a micro-thin G10 liner to separate the two metals from each other. My Buck 113 Ranger Skinner has the same brass in direct contact to the same stainless steel as the 110, but the brass is showing signs of tarnishing at a much slower rate that than my Buck 110. I'm not certain if it's a case of metal impurity or a failure in whatever process they use to protect the two metals in contact with each other, but it's definitely not what I'd expect.

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?

You buy the Buck 110 for the iconic look and nostalgia or because it was the only thing at the small town hardware store that wasn't a gas station knife. It's why I also like the Benchmade Crooked River, which is a modern take on the Buck 110. The Buck 110 Slim Select is a great little inexpensive EDC and there are some pro versions with better materials at a pretty reasonable price.

 

[BK14]

The 110 is kind of a knife from long ago that is both caked in nostalgia and performance. In the long, long ago, there were no forums to pour over. There were no YouTube experts delving into the most minute of details of what is good/bad about a knife.

The 110 was what it was, and still is, a chunk of brass and wood with a locking clip point blade of stainless steel. It was a workhorse that most could afford but wasn't a beater. It was designed to be the folding knife a hunter could rely on, it became the biker's knife of choice, and it ended up on the workbelt of a generation of contractors.

They are heavy. Centering is a bit hit and miss, but within spec. The steel of those from a clam package in a box store is mostly just serviceable compared to what we can get today. The only way to carry them easily is in a pouch (I still remember the work/sweat worn outline of a 110 on my dad's front jeans pocket from him carrying it loose).

Short of getting a custom, some slop is generally to be expected as you can't really tune them. In many ways, that can be frustrating. In others, it's kinda cool to see something survive long enough to be copied by dozens of makers yet still be able to sell the "real" version of itself over half a century later. I'm not going to defend the 110 as the ideal knife for anyone these days who is really honest about what they need. I feel they are antiquated for all intents and purposes compared to what you can get...but don't tell my dad that . He still dresses to work every day. He still slides on his work jeans. Instead of a worn spot on his pocket he has one of a dozen sheaths I've made him over the years, but he does not leave the house without his 110 on his hip. It's a habit that he's acquired over the last 50 years.

110s kinda are what they are. Just like my old man.

This is a great write up and I agree. I got my first 110 last summer after 10 years of knife collecting or so. I really enjoy it for what it is. It doesn't get much carry or use due to my lifestyle, but it feels good to have one.

 

[Heimdall82]

Buck 110 is the 1911 of the knife world! It's an old design (that works) and a lot of better options are available today... but nostalgia is a good seller!
I love carrying one of these "old school design" in my bushcraft pack, i just find them too heavy for edc.
A knife is a tool, and this one is a good one for the price or like C&A GO say on his YT channel: It's all about Tradition and Culture (read that in Uncle Randy's voice)
In 2023 even the revered Sebenza is considered an old design...

 

[Ebbtide]

My old soldier.

(

 

[sgt1372]

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?

In my experience, QC was better w/the "old" ones. I've still got an old (pre-2 dot, 3 pin) model from the early 70's.

Lock up is perfect. No vertical movement. A little lateral movement. Centering is perfect, if I bother to center it. LOL!

The original 110 was NEVER intended as a pocket knife. That's why it (and other folders like it) comes w/a sheath.

Yes, it's heavy but it was intended for use as a CAMP KNIFE where heft/durability matter.

On top of that, IMO, it's still one of the most beautiful knives that you can buy and still one of the cheapest at that.

Here's a pic of one like mine and IMO it really doesn't get much better than this:

So, before you "give up" on Buck 110 folders . . .

Look for a vintage model that you can easily find for sale on EB usually for around $50 or less for used but still usually less than $100 for NIB. And, if you don't know how to "date" a 110, take a look at this chart: How Old Is My Knife?

 

[timberweasel]

The Buck 110 is a very iconic folder with a rich history and I respect that, but I won't carry one. Far superior options nowadays, I suppose, and I think belt sheaths are for fixed-blades and multitools. YMMV.

The little brother, Buck 55, is a different story. It has the same classic good-looks and gives me those 'good knife vibes' I find missing from the 110--probably because I'll still carry/use it from time to time.

If you want to love the 110 but just don't, OP, maybe try a 55...


Buck 55, Buck 302 Solitaire, Buck 303 Cadet

 

[Deino]

My Buck 110LT, brought from hardware store on clearance, is centered correctly. The LT is lighter, but still has the same handle feel as the original.

Anyhow, blade centering is an overrated criteria for what is iconic as a functional worker knife. Much like not long ago, there is a debate on the internet about how long sword wih no symmetrical is bad quality control, not worthy to collect. There is a difference between functional and perfection with so many thing that can fit in between. Of course, if thing are faulty, non functional, it is not welcome for me.

 

[Mique]

Hello all. I just wanted to add something I found interesting. I hear and read how a Buck 110 isn’t a pocket knife yet that’s exactly what it was for me and my friends years ago. IT WEIGHS ROUGHLY THE SAME AS MY IPHONE TODAY. When I hold my iPhone 14 in one hand and my 110 in the other I can’t tell the difference. How is it these huge phones are EDC for everyone and their mothers but a Buck 110 is too heavy? Unless you like a feather light knife. The 110 is a heavy knife which is a huge bonus and a main reason I love it and I carry mine in my dress pants and jeans all the time although the sheath is bad ass too.

 

[NeverEnuff]

Yeah, I don't do lock backs. They're always extremely disappointing for me. I require a knife to be able to be singlehanded in operation. Lock backs and the like are not that. I too loved the look of the Buck 110, tried a 112 Elite, hated it. I like fidgety actions. It's why I also don't love CRK knives. Very rough actions in my experience. Still have a couple, because they're workhorses, but not a fan. At least they can be handled with one hand though...

 

[NeverEnuff]

Hello all. I just wanted to add something I found interesting. I hear and read how a Buck 110 isn’t a pocket knife yet that’s exactly what it was for me and my friends years ago. IT WEIGHS ROUGHLY THE SAME AS MY IPHONE TODAY. When I hold my iPhone 14 in one hand and my 110 in the other I can’t tell the difference. How is it these huge phones are EDC for everyone and their mothers but a Buck 110 is too heavy? Unless you like a feather light knife. The 110 is a heavy knife which is a huge bonus and a main reason I love it and I carry mine in my dress pants and jeans all the time although the sheath is bad ass too.

I see your point, but for me it's easy to answer. My phone is a far more useful tool than a pocket knife. I need the use of my phone literally 10-30 times a day, for personal and work. My knife, I only carry to look at and fidget with. Knives, for me, are almost completely useless, thus they're simply a luxury item I like to have, like watches and flashlights. My phone does everything the latter two do, so I guess that gives a knife the edge there (pun totally intended).

I think lifestyle and environmental needs dictate these kinds of things. I'm a city boy with country boy goals, yet zero time to pursue them. So I have a knife out of a desire to need one. That makes absolutely no sense, but here I am collecting knives nonetheless. Lol

Also consider the times. Phones have become a tool modern societies have grown to revolve around. Yesteryear things were more "country" living centric. A knife was a daily need. Today, that's simply evolved into the cell phone replacing it. It's not really that challenging a concept honestly. An interesting topic though.

 

[Alberta Ed]

110s come in a whole lot of flavors these days, take your pick. I still prefer the traditional, although the Custom Shop extra scoops are pretty tasteful.