Folder with design similar to the Buck 55???

[mk.ultra]

Hey, I've been looking for my 2nd traditional knife, and I saw the Buck 110. I love the style of it, but it was way too big. Then I found the much smaller Buck 55 and I was like "Awesome!" Why is it the same price though ($35)? Also I've heard Buck is slacking on quality these days. Are there any other knives with a similar design as the Buck 55? Or should I just stop looking and get it?

 

[orca8589]

Hey, I've been looking for my 2nd traditional knife, and I saw the Buck 110. I love the style of it, but it was way too big. Then I found the much smaller Buck 55 and I was like "Awesome!" Why is it the same price though ($35)?

It probably takes the same amount of time & work to grind & build it, as it does a 110.

Also I've heard Buck is slacking on quality these days.

Huh? First I've heard of that. Any mfr. can have a bad run for a time, but if you have any issue with any new Buck knife, they'll make it right. Just look on the Buck forum here. :thumbup:

Are there any other knives with a similar design as the Buck 55?

For true lockback designs, you can look for the Case Copperlock, Kershaw Indian Ford, and the Bear MGC or Bear & Sons brand lockbacks, but the Bears are inconsistent in quality. Most will cost the same or a little more than the Buck 55.

You can look on a certain auction site for vintage brands, like the old U.S. Schrade LB5's & 5OT's; old Western and Imperial brand lockbacks, and Camillus made a few nice little lockbacks too.

Hope that helps -

~Chris

 

[mnblade]

I've heard Buck is slacking on quality these days. Are there any other knives with a similar design as the Buck 55? Or should I just stop looking and get it?

Huh? First I've heard of that. Any mfr. can have a bad run for a time, but if you have any issue with any new Buck knife, they'll make it right. Just look on the Buck forum here. :thumbup:

I agree with orca8589. I've not read anything about Buck's quality slacking and I'd buy any Buck product without reservation.

I know that my 55 ...

... is a gem. It's a great knife and worth every penny. I really can't think of any similar knife by another manufacturer that even comes close. Get one - you won't regret it.

-- Mark

 

[Voltron]

Give Rough Rider a look. They have some similar, well built, reliable, single blade lockbacks for a very good price. Might be worth checking out.

 

[somniloquist]

Kissing Crane makes a lockback with stag, bone or plastic scales and it looks almost exactly like a 55 with the same approximate dimensions. I bought a stag one for 27 bucks from a familiar, longstanding knife merchant well known around here and I couldn't believe the quality for the money. If you would like more details, please drop me a line and we can discuss it more privately.

 

[Mick57]

I agree with orca8589. I've not read anything about Buck's quality slacking and I'd buy any Buck product without reservation.

I know that my 55 ...

... is a gem. It's a great knife and worth every penny. I really can't think of any similar knife by another manufacturer that even comes close. Get one - you won't regret it.

-- Mark

+1 Agree completely.
And should you ever have a problem that needs addressing, their CS is right up there with the best of them.

 

[mnblade]

Kissing Crane makes a lockback with stag, bone or plastic scales and it looks almost exactly like a 55 with the same approximate dimensions.

What's the country of origin on your KC lockback? I know they do have some produced in China, but do they also make them in Germany?

 

[navihawk]

Case Copperlock is very close. It has a mid lock and just the right amount of geometry to make it different.

 

[bakerg2g]

I 2nd the Case Copperlock, Close to the Buck, But me, I like the copperlock. It has a real good feel, cuts good and rides well in the ole' pocket. Try it out You'll love it.

Jason

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

Hey, I've been looking for my 2nd traditional knife, and I saw the Buck 110. I love the style of it, but it was way too big. Then I found the much smaller Buck 55 and I was like "Awesome!" Why is it the same price though ($35)? Also I've heard Buck is slacking on quality these days. Are there any other knives with a similar design as the Buck 55? Or should I just stop looking and get it?

I've not heard anything about inferior quality from Buck, especially in recent years. For the money, I think they're one of the best. Add to that, their customer service is top notch too. I'm sure you can find cheaper knives but, more often than not, there's a reason why they're cheaper (and it's usually not good).

Buck has managed to get great performance out of their steel (420HC), both by excellent heat treat to optimum hardness, and through some excellent edge geometry, which makes them great slicers.

I'm a fan of the Buck 111 (same size as the 110; looks just like the 55, with the radiused seam between the nickel bolster & handle scale), so the 55 is also a very attractive knife, as far as I'm concerned.

If you already like the looks of the Buck 55, by all means, go for it. You won't be disappointed.

 

[coop1957]

The Buck 55 is a great value at $35. I've had one for about 15 years. Buck quality is really not an issue for me.

 

[scattershot]

The Buck Prince might come close, but it's a drop point.

 

[navihawk]

Case Copperlock is very close. It has a mid lock and just the right amount of geometry to make it different.

I just reread your post after work. You heard Buck was lacking in quality. I don't think this is true. I have the mini copperlock and have heald a 55. They both hold their own in quality.The 55's on my short list of knives. I like nickel silver over brass so the copperlock gets the upper hand.

 

[coyote711]

Or should I just stop looking and get it?

Yes! I have one and I love it!

 

[mk.ultra]

Thanks for the feedback guys! I think the place that I read Buck was "lacking in quality" was just an anecdotal review on Amazon...he probably had no idea what he was talking about. Anyways, I just ordered a couple Rough Riders, but I think I still need the Buck 55. I can't get over how sexy it looks

Edit: Aaaaaand I just ordered one...this forum is not good for a broke college student

 

[300Bucks]

IF anything is not perfect in your eyes Buck will make it right.

Lets talk rumors...... Buck moved the factory, as any of the Case,Camillus or Schrade guys will tell you EXPERIENCED workers make the best knives. Some moved with Buck and some decided to stay in CA. The experienced workers have trained the new Idaho folks and they are at the point of being labeled 'EXPERIENCED'. Production of the 110s in a year is up in the multi thousands range. And I mean multi.

The custom knives pictured here and some of the high end, low production number knives from other compainies are of the highest quality and set the standards.
The 55s should be made to the quality of the 110s, if not then it is a mistake and you call Bucks Customer Service and you will be fixed. Period.... Like the folks above said read some of the threads where someone had problems and how they were treated and the outcomes. The other knives mentioned above are good knives also.

If I ever think things are going to hell in a handbasket, I will be changing my forum handle and by the way most nice stockman cost more than a 55.........Craig H./300Bucks

 

[navihawk]

IF anything is not perfect in your eyes Buck will make it right.

Lets talk rumors...... Buck moved the factory, as any of the Case,Camillus or Schrade guys will tell you EXPERIENCED workers make the best knives. Some moved with Buck and some decided to stay in CA. The experienced workers have trained the new Idaho folks and they are at the point of being labeled 'EXPERIENCED'. Production of the 110s in a year is up in the multi thousand range. And I mean multi.

The custom knives pictured here and some of the high end, low production number knives from other compainies are of the highest quality and set the standards.
The 55s should be made to the quality of the 110s, if not then it is a mistake and you call Bucks Customer Service and you will be fixed. Period.... Like the folks above said read some of the threads where someone had problems and how they were treated and the outcomes. The other knives mentioned above are good knives also.

If I ever think things are going to hell in a handbasket, I will be changing my forum handle and by the way most nice stockman cost more than a 55.........Craig H./300Bucks

Well said Craig. Buck will never go away.

Steve