Greatest factory folder ever made.

Cosmic Superchunk

Cosmic Superchunk

Joined
Jan 28, 2001
Messages
3,709
Over the weekend I had the opportunity to chat with a local knife dealer about what we consider the best knives of all time. I had mentioned the Buck 110 and the dealer smiled at me and pointed at the sheath on his belt. He said that in his 26 years of selling knives, he's seen knives come and go, and has had the opportunity to check out all the latest designs, but the one knife he's always carried and used constantly has been the Buck 110. In his view, it was the greatest factory folder ever made.

Afterwards, when I went home, I opened my knife drawer and pulled out my Buck 110 which I purchased in 1991. The knife is well used, has been sharpened countless times and has it's share of "battle scars" from use. Still after a little over 10 years, it looks great. Looking it over compelled me to buy another one to compare the two. Other than the date marker on the blade, there's no difference that I could detect. The construction is flawless. The wood scales and the brass bolsters give the knife a classic warm look that is timeless.

I admit to owning folders from various production companies and have had my share of "tactical" one-handed openers, but the Buck 110 has a charm that none of the other modern tactical folders have. Many production companies phase out their older designs in favour of the new, but the fact that Buck has been producing the 110 since 1963 virtually unchanged shows that the best was meant to last. Indeed, it is the greatest factory folder ever made.
 
There is no doubt that the 110 has carved out a place in history for
itself. It's hard to say how many companies have "borrowed" the design.

To it's credit Buck continues to make the 110 better and more appealing
to a wider customer base with the 110 variations and Pete's custom shoppe.
Buck also offers a smaller cousin in the 112 for those why don't want a knife
as large as the 110.

The fact that the 110 is still so popular and so widely accepted by the general
public in spite of all the one hand wonder knives made over the last 20 years
is more than a little amazing. Carry a 110 or 112 into a place of business or
work and no one notices. Carry a pocket clipped one hand wonder and well.....
more people notice in a negative way.
 
I couldn’t agree more. The Buck 110 is an absolute classic. It is in fact one of only about 5 or 6 knives that I actually use on a regular basis. And seeing that the design is almost forty years old is quite remarkable!!! Best of all, it’s about the best-looking knife in my collection. :)

beaver1.jpg


Yah. I'm always looking for a reason to post that picture. :)
 
It took me about a year and a half but i am ready to publish an article which puts the major variations of the 110 in chronological order. It will be published in the Buck Collectors club February newsletter.
The fun part was disecting one of each model and observing the evolution of this classic. A fun project!

Take care,
 
Joe,
Could this article also include the parallel variations for the 112? Most were made at the same time as the 110 production variations evolved.

My all time favorite is the 112 with 440C blade, it is getting harder to find in good condition.

Regards,
FK
BCC #544 Life
 
The 112 was introduced in May of 1972. It had a black micarta handle and was stamped BUCK, U.S.A. For a very short time, we made them with segua wood, VERY hard to find in ANY condition!
I won't be putting any info on the 112's in the article as I did not have time to properly research them. I will attempt to get them in May's newsletter though.
Take care,
 
I've just been looking at the Photo's Buzzbait put up of his Pete's
custom 110. Got me to thinking about my own 110's........

After playing with my 110's & 112's for a bit I think I might have
a bit of insight as to why this knife will not , nor should it, die.

Hold one in your hand for awhile and it just seems to be so natural
that it inspires satisfaction in a way I've had no other knife do. Use
one for awhile and it becomes part of you and your life.

It's almost as if the Senior Partner at Buck had a hand in the design
it blends so well with a man's daily needs.
 
I'd be interested to get some idea how many 110s are sold each year vs. how many 112s are sold. Anyone have a figure?
 
I have to agree since I use my Buck 110 master series at work everyday over my other dozens of one hand openers I also own. I would have to say the Bg-42 steel is tops and the 110 is a style that is user friendly and just hard to put down. I just ordered my 6th 110 from Petes so am sold on the design.
Enjoy the cut.
 
I have a Pete's 110 with pinned sambar stag, ns bolters, and Bg-42 steel. I bought it to replace an old Schrade carbon steel folder. My new knife is the last hunting folder I'll ever need... Great design...great execution.

BTW, I do own and enjoy the 'latest' things when it comes to my duty gear...but when I hunt, nothing but stag, wood, leather, and carbon steel (until recently) will do. I guess that the newer ss steels are worth it...but I'll never be without the feel of the other three.
 
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