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Lighter weight version of a full size hunter ?
- Thread starter MTHall720
- Start date
- Joined
- Jun 29, 1999
- Messages
- 10,039
Have a look at the Bucklite line. Same steel, extremely tough thermoplastic grip, much lighter than the brass frames.
- Joined
- Feb 7, 2000
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- 6,685
Also, Buck's new 110 and 112 EcoLite models are worth a look. A bit heavier than the BuckLites, but still a good bit lighter than Buck's traditional brass/wood models.
Or, if you prefer to stay more old school, you can still find brass/wood Gerber Folding Sportsman II knives. I used to have one, and it was a good bit lighter than my Buck 112 and Schrade LB7.
-- Mark
Or, if you prefer to stay more old school, you can still find brass/wood Gerber Folding Sportsman II knives. I used to have one, and it was a good bit lighter than my Buck 112 and Schrade LB7.
-- Mark
If you want the traditional clip blades in a lighter package, the Ecolites are really stunning. The Ecolite 112 is on my "to buy" list.
If you want even lighter and want more of a drop point blade profile, an even lighter carry and a pocket clip, the Bucklite Max series is the ticket. I'm carrying my medium sized 482 today (from Walmart Christmas tin - no pocket clip) and it's a super functional knife. It's my primary backpacking knife. But, no where near as pretty as the Ecolites.
If you want even lighter and want more of a drop point blade profile, an even lighter carry and a pocket clip, the Bucklite Max series is the ticket. I'm carrying my medium sized 482 today (from Walmart Christmas tin - no pocket clip) and it's a super functional knife. It's my primary backpacking knife. But, no where near as pretty as the Ecolites.
I think the Ecolite is a very nice looking knife. It's much, much, much nicer than the Bucklite Max line, which while light and very functional and very inexpensive, has the feeling of a light plastic handle.
The Papestone used on the Ecolite is a more environmentally friendly competitor to Micarta. It's a form of countertop material, as is Micarta. It's solid feeling, but light.
As it turns out, I was in a backpacking store on Wednesday afternoon. I went to knife counter and they had an Ecolite 112 on display and, since it's a knife I'm considering getting, I asked to see it. It's a beautiful knife in person, at least to my eyes. I was chit-chatting with the guy and then said, "Want to see the grand-daddy to this?" and I took out my old Buck 112 that I often carry. We put the 2 knives side by each on the display case. He picked up them both up and noted the very noticeable difference in weight. I picked up the new Ecolite and said, "Yep, that's why I'm going to end up getting one of these."
But then, he picked up my classic 112 and held it up for a better look. "Yeh... But there's really something about the brass and wood. Yours is much prettier."
That's the trade off. The Ecolite is nice looking but not as nice as the classic. Much lighter though.
The Papestone used on the Ecolite is a more environmentally friendly competitor to Micarta. It's a form of countertop material, as is Micarta. It's solid feeling, but light.
As it turns out, I was in a backpacking store on Wednesday afternoon. I went to knife counter and they had an Ecolite 112 on display and, since it's a knife I'm considering getting, I asked to see it. It's a beautiful knife in person, at least to my eyes. I was chit-chatting with the guy and then said, "Want to see the grand-daddy to this?" and I took out my old Buck 112 that I often carry. We put the 2 knives side by each on the display case. He picked up them both up and noted the very noticeable difference in weight. I picked up the new Ecolite and said, "Yep, that's why I'm going to end up getting one of these."
But then, he picked up my classic 112 and held it up for a better look. "Yeh... But there's really something about the brass and wood. Yours is much prettier."
That's the trade off. The Ecolite is nice looking but not as nice as the classic. Much lighter though.
Daniel Dorn
Gold Member
- Joined
- Apr 21, 1999
- Messages
- 5,322
Well said, pinnah. I love my 110, mainly for the looks, and the weight just feels good in the hand. I've picked up the Ecolites before, and just can't get into them for some reason. The weight difference isn't really a factor for me. It's not the material of the ecolites either. Nothing wrong with it, especially being that I'm an environmental scientist, it has a good Karma about it. I guess I just like the smell of the brass. 
Who knows... I'm just a bit confused on my thoughts of the 2. Maybe I need to check out the Ecolites one more time.
Who knows... I'm just a bit confused on my thoughts of the 2. Maybe I need to check out the Ecolites one more time.Well said, pinnah. I love my 110, mainly for the looks, and the weight just feels good in the hand. I've picked up the Ecolites before, and just can't get into them for some reason. The weight difference isn't really a factor for me. It's not the material of the ecolites either. Nothing wrong with it, especially being that I'm an environmental scientist, it has a good Karma about it. I guess I just like the smell of the brass.
If you can deal with the weight of the classic and prefer their looks, why change?
That's exactly where I am and why I've not pulled the trigger on an Ecolite. I look at it, hold it and then reach in my pocket for my 112 Ranger and decide to just stick with the classic. Like that kid said, nothing like that brass and ebony.
Unless you don't own the classic and you want something for a bit less money and a lot less weight. Then, the Ecolite makes perfect sense. I guess the Ecolite would also make sense if you wanted a dishwasher safe version.
Now... If Buck would see fit of doing a drop point version of the Ecolites.... That would be a different thing all together. I'd be on that like a fly on honey.