Honest opinion from a new Buck owner...without any bias one way or another

[aza77]

Rocinante,

You make it sound like I haven't shown pictures because I'm trying to hide something. As a new Buck owner, I find it pretty apparent (by reading these responses) that what I'm talking about is not an exception but rather pretty common. I don't know what the reason would be for me to make all this up. It takes a long time to write these dang posts up.

Now onto new business. I just opened up my new 110. This one is only a bit better than the last one. The scales are COMPLETELY mismatched again...the knife was scuffed and dirty...but here is my resolution to this matter...and relating to the next quote

i guess i jest want to ask you guys,,, the ones that are knife afectionatos
to maby cut them a break ... no i dont know how long to say to cut the rope of understanding ....
jest give them some slack .... let them catch up some time...

I have decided to do what some have asked...and I find this much more agreeable than just someone saying over and over that there is no problem. I will live with these imperfections and call it the personality of my individual knife...so that I can keep it and support the Buck company.

Maybe it is also in support of this website so that it can be a small contribution towards keeping Buck healthy. I personally would not be happy if this was the way my products (if I was a manufacturer) were finished and showed up to the consumers...but maybe time will fix these problems...and I still believe they are problems and should not be ignored like some of you say.

Just as a parting note. Remember the lesson of the American auto companies. This is the same story that has been told and retold and argued over for almost three decades now. For those of you that say the best thing to do is ignore the problem and continue supporting the company, remember that you are in the minority eventually.

GM, Ford, and Chrysler ignored small seemingly insignificant issues (the car drives right...so why worry about quality of plastic and tactile feedback on small things like radio and HVAC controls?) and this caused the Japanese makers who concentrated on ALL aspects of car design and finish to win the battle as of right now.

Don't let this happen to your beloved company by continuing to be silent about this stuff. I'm new and probably don't mean much to most of you (understandably) or to Buck, but I think some of my points are valid and see that many of you share them as well.

I will keep my Buck 110 and will try to look into some more Buck knives which I may like more. So know that I'm really looking out for the company in my small way here.

Thanks

ps. Rocinante, I'd still like to know what the issues you feel need to be corrected on this knife. Pleeeeeeaaaaaasssssseeeeeeeeeeee......

 

[aza77]

On another note, I have read some stuff about the 120 general and have come to find out that it is only available from Cabela's. I know this is not the trade forums, but since I am new to all this stuff, would someone please tell me if you think someone would trade me a new in package one for a new in package U.S.A. schrade 1080t? Would it be futile if I posted this on the trade forum?

Thanks for the tips

 

[Maverick4546]

Aza

Is the Rivet that is high and proud the closest one to the spine of the knife? pic below of my BP110 which shows the Rocker Pin which is closest to the spine.

IF your one looks like that then thats NORMAL.

Would be a great help to show the knife you had tho mate.

 

[Maverick4546]

Oh and beleive me... my 110 is Perfect as verified by a few in the know (Thanks Jim)

 

[aza77]

Hey Maverick,

I actually did not purchase the ones with the rivet close to the spine, but left them behind. The rivet was higher than yours and actually was partially on the curved portion of the handle so it felt like the remaining wood was getting dangerously thin if you understand my meaning. To clarify "curved portion" I mean the part that is turning away and towards the spine.

Yours looks absolutely fine I agree. Wish mine had been like that.

 

[Maverick4546]

mmm odd...

I have black/Yellow boxed 110s which are the same as the above. I dont expect matched handles on a normal production knife. I have 2 112s from Walmart and they are both the same.. one is a user and the other is still sealed.

But you need to post Pics of whats bothering you with the knife. Then Joe or CJ can comment and perhaps help. Pics do tell a 1000 words etc etc..

Welcome to the land of Buck knives and then bankruptcy

 

[aza77]

As I said earlier, I exchanged the knife for a new one...this one is a bit better but still unacceptable for a brand new knife in my opinion....Blade is great however.

Maybe I will post some pics of it if I can figure out how.

 

[omaha-beenglockin]

I have several Idaho 110's and a couple 112's---the overall quality is greater than my 1974 110--other than cheaper blade steel--I feel these are better knives than that one---Bos treated 420HC by all accounts is good stuff too.

I also have a 1989 110 that I believe is the pinnacle of "production" 110's(custon shop is still better)---I paid $36 for it at K-Mart back then---I just wish I would have bought a couple more. How much would $36 in 1989 translate into today??

Mis-matched wood is not really an issue for a production knife---as long as fit and finish are good the natural variations add character and distinction to an individual knife---my 112LE has completely different stag scales on each side and I also think there is really no way to match them---and this IS a $100 knife.

The black stuff is part of the manufacturing process I believe and all my large Buck folders have had it---its easily wiped off and worked out of the pivot with a good oiling.

The scratching is from the clam pack---you should seek out a boxed one if it bothers you that much---Walmart has boxed ones--but you don't get the leather sheath--you get a nylon one----over time all brass 110 "users" will become scratched and discolored.

 

[chickentrax]

Buck 120 generals are available at other distributors than Cabelas...without blade etching...and the yellow-box Wal-Mart 110 does come with a leather sheath...for $29.95...

 

[DaveH]

This is an interesting conversation, first I don't collect or use buck knives so feel free to discard anything I say.

I doubt 110 prices can go up much if at all because of competition, higher the price the more (and better) choices.

I think the bottom line issue is that expectations must be reasonable when you're talking $20 knife.

 

[Rocinante]

ps. Rocinante, I'd still like to know what the issues you feel need to be corrected on this knife.

Oh, gosh......I don't know why I would.

You've done such a fine job of enthusiastically trashing the knife AND Buck over and over again for several pages that any additions to your stellar effort would be gilding the lily.

Your summation is quite self-serving, isn't it?

You conclude that Buck is putting out a product that would not satisfy you if you were a manufacturer and it were your product (placing you ABOVE them).......but you, out of the goodness of your heart, I guess--decide to KEEP your scuffed, dirty and mismatched 110......to support this hapless and staggering manufacturer.

What a great guy!!



Funny how quickly that first knife vanished when people asked for pictures.

One might easily decide that the whole point of your post was to have some fun doing a hatchet job on Buck and then, charitable fellow that you are, generously decide to "support" them (all the while continuing to trash them, I guess).

I hope not.....I hope you are for real and will hang around and learn more and more about Buck knives, because there is a rich and fascinating history to be enjoyed.....and collecting the many-faceted 110 could keep you busy learning and growing for a whole bunch of years.

Time will tell.

 

[Buckaholic]

Buck 120 generals are available at other distributors than Cabelas...without blade etching...

Yes, yes you can get one. I got a GREAT 120BR from a place where you buy knives online . com
Thanks to my fowl Buck Buddy, El Pollo. One of my favorite trophy wives. It's fondled often

This is an interesting conversation, first I don't collect or use buck knives so feel free to discard anything I say.

I doubt 110 prices can go up much if at all because of competition, higher the price the more (and better) choices.

I think the bottom line issue is that expectations must be reasonable when you're talking $20 knife.

What DaveH said.


It's all in the eyes of the beholder when you are talking cosmetic. To me, if I'm getting something in a clampack, I'm not surpised to see a few scuffs on the bolster.

We're talking value (what you get for the buck).

I have a 112WW Founder I received as a Christmas gift from my Buck Brother and Butt Doc. I won't mention his name as he is humble, but he has two brothers and both are named Larry. Anyway, "I" think it is a gorgeous knife. The laminate has thick black streaks on both sides. I like that. One side has two thick streaks, the other has one. Maybe you would think that is not matched. But I find this knife flawless.

But, important to me as I mentioned in another post, is form/fit/function. This knife means a ton to me because of how I got it and for what it is...a great knife...BUT, if it had any flaw in the 3-F's I would be disappointed. Like blade play, weak spring, bad locking...

As it is, it is on a small display shelf along with a 901 Scimitar, 124LE, 298GY from the Rat, 172 Mayo TNT, 889LE Strider, 110 1of50 Damascus blades, Akonua, and flat bolster 112 from Five-O. A VERY esteemed group IMHO.

Anyway, I just wanted to give you credit for reading the other opinions. And to all for not taking this down the rat hole too deeply. I can say that I agree with most of them more than the few points I may disagree with.

And I too, wish for pics. It would've been nice to see the offending actor.

Now, back to the news...

 

[HOE3]

Well, after reading 5 pages of posts on this thread I guess I will weigh in my comments. My question to AZA77, did you purchase your first Buck knife BEFORE you found this forum, or AFTER you found this forum. You titled this thread "Honest opinion from a new Buck owner...without any bias one way or another". Your entire diatribe smacks of self-rightousness. Did you decide to conduct your own version of Consumer Reports and now you feel somewhat compelled to share your so-called observations with Buck users/collectors to do us some sort of service? At this point I am ready to conclude that A) you really dont like Buck knives; and B) you would find fault with ANY knife made by Buck. I collect Bucks because their knives are the most well known name in the knife industry today and have a history that I find interesting. They are also affordable.:thumbup: I have SEEN knives that are custom made by hand that sell for many, many thousands of dollars, way more than I can afford, but I can still appreciate their value and uniqueness.
Every manufacturer competing in today's market is STRUGGLING to survive. In a free market society, it IS survival of the fittest in today's global economy. Buck has their problems and I am hoping they can work them out in time in order to continue to bring an affordable product to market in the future. Like any other industry there many well known names that are no more, I am betting that Buck will NOT be a casualty because their management remains committed to the original company goal.....a quality product at an affordable price and a warranty that backs it up. :thumbup: With all the crap that washes ashore today in the USA I consider it a privilage to still be able to buy a Buck made in America by Americans. And yes, I ride a Harley Davidson motorcycle. AZA77, go buy your Schrades while you still can get them.:grumpy: And you dont own a digital camera?
Oh, I see, you couldnt find one you liked..........

 

[Buckaholic]

... And you dont own a digital camera?
Oh, I see, you couldnt find one you liked..........

OK HoeDown...

Now, THAT is funny!!!!

 

[Rocinante]

Going back to the 120 question......yes, there are limited numbers of NON-Cabela's 120s available right now.....at just over $60 if you hurry.

I said before that the fact that the 110 has been kept at such a low price for 40 years is a gift from Buck......working people with maybe not so much money can get a lifetime knife for a VERY reasonable price.

Well, the 120 has seen a larger price increase over the years than the 110, but seeing that any BIG high quality Bowie-style knife now runs you from $100 to $200......I'd say that the 120 at around $60 is quite a gift, too.

:thumbup: :thumbup:

 

[aza77]

Hey guys, I can see that everyone here is passionate about these knives one way or another. Remember that I have just started buying Buck, and am just asking some questions...didn't really want to offend anyone. My passions up till now did not include different types of knives other than my SAK's and leatherman wave..which I have had two of. I am a film director who began to carry a leatherman with me because it was handy and ending up finding that I liked the utility of it quite a bit. Now I am expanding into single blade knives as well.

I think you can also see that I am interested in buying another Buck knife, a 120 if possible so I am definately going to stick around.

I wasn't saying that I am being charitable by keeping the knife, just that it's a small way of saying I appreciate the history of the knife and company even though these particular packaged versions didn't impress me with their attention to detail. My business is about attention to detail from conception to completion...from design to execution. I think I look at products the same way and when I find something I love, I love it always and when I find something that could be made even better...I think about why?

It just so happens that I asked the question to a group that are experts...and I think all of you are, the ones that agree and disagree with me both. Definately did not post this stuff to rip on Buck however. I'm telling you, I would love to trade for a 120 with someone!!!

 

[Rocinante]

Let me be the first to say that I'm not an expert about anything, but here's a thought.

Buy a 120 through the on-line source you were given (while they're still at a good price).

You could get one slightly cheaper at Cabela's, but some of us don't like the garish blade markings Cabela's lays on those knives.

Then take a shot at selling your other knife on e-Bay.

Knives sell well on e-Bay.

And trades can take a long time to happen unless you're lucky.

Good luck.

 

[Buckaholic]

I'm not offended.
But you movie makers keep me entertained with your own quality issues:
http://www.moviemistakes.com/pictures.php

Anyway, I'm ok with all this as everyone has an opinion. Just thought this was a good excuse to share the blooper link

 

[aza77]

Buckaholic...I like your style.

 

[aza77]

Rocinante,

Thanks so much for the tips. You might be right that this is the way to go. Would you recommed the 120 or the 119? How much longer is the 120 over the 119?