Looking to get into traditional lockbacks

N

Noah2A

Joined
Jun 1, 2013
Messages
69
Hello!

I've been carrying and using modern folders and multitools for a few years now, and have been thinking about getting a classier knife; it's something I'm missing. I have my late great Uncle's 3 blade Schrade Old Timer, and I'm looking for a cool, classy and functional traditional knife to carry, but I have no clue where to start and was hoping for some help.

I'm looking for a single bladed lockback, 3-4" blade, that is tough and sharp. I'm not looking for a little pen knife, I have the Old Timer for little stuff. Less money, the better, I make minimum wage and have been off work a while from an accident. Something that will last and has more class than my blue Spyderco Endura.

Obvious suggestion will be a Buck 110, I'm looking for something like that, but I really like the look of a knife with only one end with a bolster, what other options are there?

So what am I looking for? And what brands and websites do you guys learn about, browse, and buy your knives on?
 
I looked through that entire thread earlier :thumbup:

I really like the looks of the GEC 72s and the Queen Mountain Man. Those are what I'm looking for. Looks like a GEC 42 lockback is more my wanted size though.

My question is, are there any quality knives that are like those but closer to a BUck 110 in price? :o
 
Over the years Camillus made knives for Sears and they are just like a 110 but at a lesser price on the bay.
 
Noah2A said:
My question is, are there any quality knives that are like those but closer to a BUck 110 in price? :o
Click to expand...

For what it is worth, I like the Buck 112, with or without finger grooves. Three inch blade. About $40ish delivered with careful auction site shopping for a new one.

Not a GEC, but good.
 
I looked at a Kabar a few years ago that was a 110 look-a-like. It was affordable but you can't beat a 110 or 112 for the price and quality. You can find them from 35 to 40 bucks still. Made in USA. It would cost me that much to make one.
 
A Case Copperlock might be a good option but the cheaper ones are about $10 more than a Buck 110. For something cheaper you may have to look at knives made overseas. Rough Rider makes some lock backs with single bolsters and blades at 3" or a little over. Boker Plus also has a lock back that can be solid, but keep in mind fit and finish can be hit or miss with knives in this price range.

 
They aren't single bolster knives, but the Case XX Hammerhead and Mako might fit the bill. You can get a new Hammerhead with synthetic, wood, bone, or stag handles.
 
You may want to check out the GEC #99 Farn & Field Tool. They are one of GEC's less expensive items, and can be found even cheaper on the secondary market. I've just picked one up recently, and it's turning out to become a favorite. O1 tool steel is really great stuff! :thumbup:

GEC99.jpg
 
Noah2A said:
I'm looking for a single bladed lockback, 3-4" blade, that is tough and sharp. I'm not looking for a little pen knife, I have the Old Timer for little stuff. Less money, the better, I make minimum wage and have been off work a while from an accident. Something that will last and has more class than my blue Spyderco Endura.

Obvious suggestion will be a Buck 110, I'm looking for something like that, but I really like the look of a knife with only one end with a bolster, what other options are there?

So what am I looking for? And what brands and websites do you guys learn about, browse, and buy your knives on?
Click to expand...

If you could give up on the notion of a lock back and could live with a (sturdier and more reliable) locking collar, I would suggest an Opinel #9, which is the one in the middle here.


Opinel by Pinnah, on Flickr

The # 8 (on the bottom) has a blade closer to 3" and the 9 is about 3.25"ish give or take. Plenty of belly but not too much. The #10 is every bit as big as the Buck 110 but much lighter. Still, it's a bit much for pocket carry. The 9 is more pocket friendly and really doesn't give up much in terms of cutting heft and usability.

The Opinels are available in carbon and Sandvik 12C27 stainless. Both are excellent for EDC use and take crazy fine edges. I've wrecked a bunch of Buck lock backs under hard use but never ever an Opinel. Plus, the think flat/convex grind on the Opinel out performs hollow grinds in just about every EDC scenario.

Out of hte box, the Opinels are a bit crude. I sand them down and refinish them. Really the most people friendly knife I've used.

Tips on tuning them up here:
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/28597626/tuning-opinels.txt
 
Here's a few to consider:
e885b6bc-6342-47e9-a149-4ad3c5d73f96_zps1c0d1c52.jpg

DSCN1200.jpg

Camillus no. 4
DSCN0167-1.jpg

Case Mako
DSCN0389.jpg

Al Mar Eagle
DSCN0175.jpg

Buck 112
LB72.jpg

Schrade LB7s
 
A Buck 111 are you kidding me? Never even heard of it! Stupendous comparison shot. Going straight to my photo library.
Thanks,
Greg
 
LEOGREG said:
A Buck 111 are you kidding me? Never even heard of it! Stupendous comparison shot. Going straight to my photo library.
Thanks,
Greg
Click to expand...

Thanks. I just wish I would have remembered to put my 112 in it instead of two 110s.
 
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