ecolite 112 ranger opinions?

beestokk

beestokk

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Sep 20, 2009
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hey all - anyone have experience or input on this model? i've read a few posts and saw one youtube video about them not snapping closed all the way when closed...then something about there being two generations, one with a washer on the front pivot to alleviate the closing issue? should i only go for it if it has the washer? the opinions i've seen seem positive for the most part. how's it compare to the regular 112? is the paperstone nice? do the scallops give it a better grip since the paperstone seems a bit slick? i don't have any buck knives, but seems like a good opportunity to try one out...possibly in the market for a 301 or 303, but i can get the ecolite 112 with a gift card i've had sitting around for some time, plus 20% off which would bring it to about $40 after shipping. the 301/303 would come later from a better priced dealer most likely. thanks!
 
Bee,

There is a 2nd generation Ecolite for the 110 and 112. Both of the orginal versions had the possibility of not snapping shut. I had the issue with the 112 but not with the 110. I have the new version 110 and just used it to dress 2 deer on Saturday-worked great.

That being said, as far as making sure you get the new generation, I dont think you have to stress about it. My 112 is now perfect. I cleaned and oiled the heck out of it and let it set overnight with alot of oil on the tang/pivot then cleaned and oiled once more with a normal amount and it's travel and snap is perfect. My only advise is if you are able to buy one in a brick and mortar, open the box and check it-mine came off of the bay and was sticking right out of the box. If it is ok at 1st, it will be ok after-just needs normal clean and oil from time to time.

Here is what the issue looks like

075.jpg


Old and new style pivots
Ecovariation008.jpg


old close up
Ecovariation003.jpg


new close up
Ecovariation002.jpg


Hope this helps
Fritz
 
Love mine, it's the first kind and has no problems at all.

The new "web special" one with the thumb studded blade is just about perfect!
 
Bear Claw Chris Lappe said:
Love mine, it's the first kind and has no problems at all.

The new "web special" one with the thumb studded blade is just about perfect!
Click to expand...

Glad you got that and like it Bear Claw, I hope those are around for a little more than a while. I promised my wife to lay off for a while(of course depends on definition of "a while" :D) I figger 1st of the year oughta be enough time. Then I'll probably have to have one...if supplies last. Of course something else as well so I get the free shipping:thumbup:
 
sweet, thanks for the input guys, and thanks very much fritz for the pics, those were perfect. the one i'm looking it is from ems.com b/c that's where my gift card is for (mods please remove if this is considered inappropriate posting)...the picture they show looks like the first generation, but so does every picture i've seen online at other dealers. do you know when they switched the second gen? is it likely that it's 2nd gen but the pic just isn't updated? also, in the pic it looks black but it seems that green and red are the only colors produced unless this is a new or special run...my guess is it's green but just looks black in the pic. what's the grip like on these babies? and bear claw - what "web special" one are you talking bout? thanks again guys!
 
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I think that the 112 ecolite is an awesome knife. you pretty much get a smaller, lighter version of the 110. I don't like the 110 ecolite as much because it is still to large to carry in your pocket so i would just end up carrying it in the sheath anyway. i would rather just carry a regular 110 in that case because it is more a matter of size not weight with that knife. but the 112 ecolite makes a great knife that you can carry in your pocket or sheath comfortably without a lot of bulk at all. the regular 112 its nice but why not go with a 110 if you want a knife that you would carry in a sheath anyway. the ecolite version pretty much opens up the door for the 112 to be more of a pocket type edc knife with the same cutting capability as the 112.



BU112RDS1.jpg
 
knivesngear - thanks for the input...have you had any problems with the sticking when closing? do you have the 1st or 2nd gen? thanks!
 
beestokk said:
knivesngear - thanks for the input...have you had any problems with the sticking when closing? do you have the 1st or 2nd gen? thanks!
Click to expand...

actually i don't own a buck 112 or 110 ecolite but i have had some experience with them. the sticking when closing is not a big deal because when you close a knife you usually close it with two hands or against your pants (in the case of lockbacks) so that force would overcome any sticking. why don't i have an ecolite? I'm 15 and my parents think i have enough knives (which i don't) :)
 
haha, right on...very mature insight for 15 yrs old. keep em sharp my man.
 
The closing issue got kicked around on here quite some time back. I believe it was about the time Buck made the change to Post Falls (instead of Houston :rolleyes:).

One of the solutions was to hose it down with WD40, Work the blade a bunch, blow it out with an air compressor and repeat as necessary till you get the factory gunk out of it.

Then wash it with soap and hot water as well as you can, again blow it out, then a drop of light oil.

I discovered moms sewing machine oil. Or the old stand by 3n1
 
what is build out? i'm confused ha. ended up passing on the 112 ecolite for now, got a lock and multi-tool for my bike as i technically needed that more than another knife at the moment...but i can see one in my future haha.
 
A build out is where they have non original equipment parts, that may be left over from another knife, that are used in another application where they fit. For example. The 112 paperstone on the web special page that has a 450 protege blade installed. Or a 110 having a 560 blade and visa versa.
 
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