Duke 500 vs 112

B

busstonedfx

Joined
Jan 10, 2014
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For those who own both a Duke 500 and a 112 Hunter.... Which do you carry more? Which do you prefer and why? I know those sound like the same question, but I find myself not carrying the knife I actually prefer, in fear that I will damage it, or it will be confiscated by the police.... haahahah. The interpretation of the knife laws in my hometown of NYC are up to the officer on scene, who tend to know jack squat.....

After thinking these were discontinued, and hoping that I would be forced to buy a used one on ebay- I was surfing amazon and found some NIB ones for 40 bucks shipped... so I am thinking of biting the bullet. According to the ad, it has SS bolsters ad SS pins, not nickel. So can I assume the Dukes are visually smoother on the bolsters than the 501-505's, which have nickel bolsters and steel pins, where the contrast can be seen, and sometimes felt? I returned a 503 Prince I bought because the pins were so noticeable on the bolsters.

I already have a 110, and a 55.... I'm addicted to these things now... I am in love with Buck's workmanship, and warranty.... The sound of them clicking open, with no play in the blade... it's just so satisfying. I'm prob. gonna actually wind up buying a 112 later on anyway, but I'm trying to resist just buying every lockback model Buck makes.... lol. I'm going to sell all my one handed openers w/ locks, since I'm spending time in Germany, where they are illegal. :/

On an unrelated note, I have a 2nd question. How is it that buck 110's are sold for 27, yet the 112, and all the others in the 500 series are going for ~40?
I thought that more materials went into the 110, so I was assuming that the costs would be higher, but it's not.... Also the 503 and smaller don't come with sheaths, and use the least amount of materials...

Thanks guys!
 
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Personally I like the 500 because it is slimmer and has a drop point. If the 112 was as slim and had a drop point I'd probably prefer it do to its profile.

There are probably many more 110's made than the 112 so they can probably build it cheaper.
 
I carry the knife I like and enjoy. Clip points are not in my taste and Buck has made plenty of drop points that suit me. The 112 from it's beginning retailed for more than the 110. The Duke as well. Yet neither sold as well as the 110.? So, this is a mystery. DM
 
I guess it makes sense the cheaper knife sold more than the expensive knives........ but the question was WHY the 110 was cheaper, since it is a bigger knife, needing more materials, a bigger sheath, and higher demand.... I would imagine the machinery for the knives have already paid for themselves
 
The knives are very similar in size. Labor will be the same except the 112 might be more because of the extra curve on the front bolster. The big difference is probably in the quantity of manufacturing, ie a quantity of 200 vs 10, they can manufacture 200 cheaper than the can 10 at a time, PER PIECE.

The milling on the SS of the 500 is probably more also, as I believe the liner and bolsters are all one piece(per side).

As far as machinery paying for itself, surely it has but there is also maintenance and future replacement of that machinery as it ages.
 
The 500 and the 112 are both great knives . I personaly prefer the 112 because of the way it feels in my hand. The first time I picked up a 112 and handled it I felt like it was custom made for me ,that curve in the front bolster just makes it feel right to me. If I were you I'd buy one of each .It's the only way you're going to know what works for you.
 
^^^That would solve it, buy both ^^^ More fun that way too.
 
I'm sure I will one day- Just trying to hold out as long as I can... hahahaahah. spending 40 dollars a month for two months feels better than 80 in one month :)
I really do love my 110 though.... Something tells me the 500 won't feel as solid as the 112, if the 112 is anything like the 110.... already got a 55 too.... but those SS bolsters... my lawd...
 
The 500 feels just about perfect in my hands. I don't think you'll be disappointed in the build quality.
 
There is one consideration that has not come up. although the 500 Duke comes with a sheath it is slim enough to slip in a back pocket, I do find that the 112 is to thick for back pocket carry.You've got a110 and a 55 they are both clip point maybe you should try something different this time, you know you won't be disappointed no matter which you choose . and yes the duke is a real solid and very handsome knife.
 
I lost my 112 (very regrettedly) a few years ago, and never handled one in the same day as a 110, (which I own and love now) but I would say that they feel extremely similar. The 112 is shorter, but not slimmer or at least not proportionally slimmer. in response to post #9.
 
I think I'm going to have to buy one of each... so I have a 110, a 112, a 55, and a 500..... I already had the 503 and got rid of it, so thank god I won't feel the uncontrollable urge to buy the whole 500 series too, LOL. I'm already considering buying a 2nd 110, because I have one of those 50th anniversary blades on an emblem-less 2013 handle, and I have a feeling these will be rare as hell someday, so I want a 110 I won't feel funny using.... I don't have the money for this..... but I can't sleep, all I can do is shop for Buck knives. This all happened because of the first 110 I bought. The sound it made when it clicked open for the first time, I could imagine this is how smoking crack is for the first time feels.... now I'm chasing the dragon!
 
hum I will take a 500 over a 112 for pocket carry
for work it is still the 110
and for me has been from 1967 to now..
 
busstonedfx said:
I think I'm going to have to buy one of each... so I have a 110, a 112, a 55, and a 500..... I already had the 503 and got rid of it, so thank god I won't feel the uncontrollable urge to buy the whole 500 series too, LOL.
Click to expand...

Feed the urge. Once you get the 500 and see how easily it drops into your pocket, you'll start to wonder if something in between the 500 and 503 would really hit the sweet spot. Then, you'll start looking for 501s. And then you'll notice that they're available through the Custom Shop... (in S30v)...
 
oh man, I'm gonna stay away from the custom shop if I know what's good for me...... a 110 with asian water buffalo in s30v has been screaming my name, and I've been drinking to drown out the voices in my head!
 
OMG another done another one gone another one bites the BUCK!
hee hee hee that buck FEVER voice wont stop!
yowser pilgrim ... a voice from the experanced......
while most any Buck will quite the voices down
a Custom Shop will make them go away!!
but no fear that wont last long and the Buck Voices will
start to wisper again....
dang been that way fer a long looooong time now wit me ...
naw ... ya never gets used to them either...
in fact ... if they do stop fer a bit ya kinda miss 'em ....
 
I have a 500 Duke that I bought new sometime in 2013. Mine is really tight, to the point that it takes a little effort on my part to get it to close all the way. Not much, but it doesn't snap shut at all. It might loosen up with time, but it has no blade play at all. I've never had a 112, but do have a 110 and the 500 is much, much easier in the pocket. Very slim and solid knife. I've always liked them better than the 110 and 112. You won't regret buying it at all. I don't think it matters much between the 112 and 500 if it's going on your belt, but in a pocket the 500 will be a much better choice in my opinion.
 
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