New Customer Base for the 110?

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pinnah

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Mike (aka 338375) asked a question in one of the 5160 110 threads that I find interesting and perhaps worthy of it's own thread.

338375 said:
I agree... Even though the standard 110 is still a hugely popular knife, and probably one of the best values to be found, offering more options might just attract a new customer base.

If they bring out a 112 with similar features, I would definitely score one or two of those. I would either have to get use to having a sheath on my belt, or carrying it loose in pocket though :D

As much as the 5160 110's are a great knife at a great price, I would never carry it, so I am having a hard time pulling the trigger on one... But then again, I already have quite a few other knives that I don't carry and use, but I can still fondle and admire them :D
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One could argue that the 110 is an icon and should not be changed in any way to adapt to changes in the market and that the best way for Buck to attract a new customer base is through entirely new models. I think that argument has a TON of merit and I, personally, would certainly advocate that Buck continue to produce the classic 110 configuration until the very end.

That said, could there be room for 110 variants, like the recent Ecolite that might be explored to bring more people?

I'd be curious what others think.


I'll toss out 2 thoughts of my own....

Pocket carry vs sheath carry - For me, this is the number one issue I have with the 110. As great as it is in my hand, it's too heavy and thick for pocket carry (compared to the similarly sized Case Sodbuster). For me, personally, sheath carry just doesn't work. This keeps the 110 and 112 out of my EDC rotation.

Alternative blade options - The different steel choices are interesting but I wonder to what degree the classic clip and hollow grind is lost on the next generation. Buck has done design collaborations with other designers in the past like the Ron Hood collaboration and has offered different blade options to some retailers, like the Shocky 12C27 blades for Cabelas. I would be interested to see what Bark River would do with a Buck 110 blade. What profile would they design? What steel would they pick, 3V? Would they do one of their convex grinds? :thumbup: More importantly, would experimentation with other designers find a blade shape/grind/steel combo that was more appealing to the next generation?
 
Lighter weight, different scale options, blade steels and grinds/profiles will probably draw some folks but the one thing I don't see or want to see changed is the back lock design. With all the various liner, frame, axis locks, etc., these days I don't see a huge following coming back to the 110 for that reason and I'm OK with that. Buck already offers a lot of variety with their other models.
 
Funny, I was thinking about this subject this morning just after order a 5160-110. Buck would do well offering a drop point blade 110 in the 5160 with a flat or saber grind, this would get more of the Bushcraft fans interest. A stronger tougher blade at a good price has a market nitch I'm sure! Hollow grind is not the current rage. IMO they should especially drop the hollow grind on the slip joints and go back to flat, no body would miss it.
 
Hollow grind is kind of a buck signature, though. I doubt they want times with that.
 
I actually pocket carry my 110. I actually like the weight of it. Had a 112 but got rid of it. The 112 was to small and to light for my liking. I totally agree. I would like more steel and scale choices
 
If you think about it, the customer base for the 110 has been changing since its introduction, two generations ago (presuming 20 years on average for each generation to breed).
It is not just us old timers born in the '30's, '40's and 50's that have kept the 110 in production for 51 years and counting.

The 110 appeals to both us "knife knuts" and the non-knife person as a practical alternative to the cookie cutter boxy souless modern flippers and assisted opening "tactical" knives.

Obviously, I do not know the numbers, but a majority of the 110's sold today might be bought by those "turned off" by the "tactical" designation given most new folders, almong with the all black, all metal construction most modern folders have. They may be confusing them for a "weapon". The 110 (and its main competition from Schrade, the LB7 and 7OT) are more friendly looking, less "scary" or intimidating, if you will.

That said, I would like to see different cover options. Something along the lines of a yellow, orange, or even a "radio-active toxic green", (any of which would look fine with the standard brass bolsters) to make it easier to find if you drop it in the field.
 
It seems back in the 60s-70s a lot of people who did almost any thing out doors had a 110 holster on their belt. I seldom see it any more or any knife worn by anybody for that matter. I went to Wally one day last week with a Vanguard on my belt... no one paid any attention to it.
 
A Lochsa-esque pocket clip 110 with a drop-point BG-42 or S30V would be a winner for me. Save some weight and thickness while your at it.

My problem is that I carry my sidearm on my right hip and I could never get comfortable with my sheath on my left. I tried keeping it ahead of my holster, but was concerned someone thought I might pull my pistol to open the mail and cause a scene.

Now I carry a Marksman in my front right pocket 90% of the time which I'm pretty happy with.

The problem with our opinions is that we all have individual preferences. And although there are a variety of options for customizing your own 110 on buck's site, most options are not very accommodating for practical use. They're less utilitarian and more decorative, in my opinion. If they would add blade steel and shape options, a thinner design, pocket clip options, bare-headed (or whatever it's called), or whatever else any individual wants; they would definitely be more appealing to individuals. The cost would be ridiculous because of the variety of parts they would have to have to make everyone happy.

Fortunately, there are knife companies like these recent two with the 5160 blades and the Ultimate Hunter 110 that are stepping up on our behalf. I think a community like this one could pull together to create the perfect 110, have pre-orders committed, then we take it to Buck for a custom run.
 
I'm in my 30s and carry both my 110/112 regularly for the reason that I live on the NC/SC border. When I'm in NC I carry the 112 as they have a 3" blade law and knife must not be over 4.5" when folded (Charlotte, NC). When I'm in SC it's the 110.

I don't pocket carry any of my knives anymore. I did that when I was in high school. Too much hassle these days with having our pockets full of cell phone, keys, change, sometimes a small frame revolver, etc. Even knives with clips is sort of pointless to me because when I need it right away I still have to unclip it and use both hands.

Best sheath I've found is the quick draw one online for one handed opening of a lockback folder.
 
I would like to see some lighter 110 and 112 offerings. How about a Titanium frame 110 and 112? The paperstone versions are gone but I would love to see them brought back with a much larger pivot and new colors.
 
That said, could there be room for 110 variants, like the recent Ecolite that might be explored to bring more people?
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I'd love to see one with aluminum frame, and micarta or G10 scales, with a black coated drop point scandal grind blade. That would be dead sexy.

(I think a Ti frame would be much much better, but trying to keep price point low. if my description above could be sold in the $70 range, I'd bet it would attract buyers who might otherwise flock to Spyderco or benchmade)
 
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Pressure Buck in this direction. 110 Lochsa. G10, S30V, pocket clip and thumbstud. These are beautiful knives and compliment the 110.
 
Makael, a barehead design like this, or the Schrade 6OT makes great sense to me. I don't care for the thumbstuds and they've gotten mixed reviews. Most importantly, I think this design would only make real sense if they thinned down the frame a few millimeters.

This said, this is almost exactly what I would envision. Only thing is this shouldn't be a $200 knife in full production. And it should have an adjustable pivot, similar to what Jared (Jarhead knives) has made. But yes... something in this direction.
 
Some here are behind in their reading of Buck model history. They did a aluminum frame and Ti handle 110 for years. Titanium is expensive these days. I like the bareheaded paper stone 110 with drop point blade. It is light, grips well and strong. G-10 is heavy. I don't think the 'Classic 110 would be lost', as this could be a standard offering. Then the variants follow. Buck has offered several convex and flat grind models and sales are not going hot. I don't mind the weight of a 110 and I holster carry all my knives. It's no big pain for me. DM
 
I'd love to see more modern/traditional takes on the 110. It's a classic, handsome knife and I don't mind the weight at all if it has a decent pocket clip. But the price has to be right. If the Lochsa was a bit more reasonable I'd own one right now, but if you're charging $200 for G10 and S30V you better have something darn special besides those materials in the mix.

Heck, just give me an option to add a pocket clip and thumbstuds in the customization section and I'd have one right now.
 
A nice thin design with a relief for the thumbstud would be great. I think the price comes from a limited build of 500
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I carry a 110 and a 112 on my belt frequently. Variations would be cool, but the 110 and 112 have to remain the same. I think they would be better off with a "new line" that would be based off the originals. I think they would lose some of the magic if the 110 name was tossed around too much. If some one told me they carried a 110 that was a carbon fiber, 2.5 ounce blade with a pocket clip, I'd say it wasn't a 110. The old time craftsmanship and heavy materials shouldn't be lost in the shuffle. It's a traditional knife for a reason...
 
JD Bear said:
I carry a 110 and a 112 on my belt frequently. Variations would be cool, but the 110 and 112 have to remain the same. I think they would be better off with a "new line" that would be based off the originals. I think they would lose some of the magic if the 110 name was tossed around too much. If some one told me they carried a 110 that was a carbon fiber, 2.5 ounce blade with a pocket clip, I'd say it wasn't a 110. The old time craftsmanship and heavy materials shouldn't be lost in the shuffle. It's a traditional knife for a reason...
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JD Bear, I'm about as traditional as they come. Hate thumb studs and spydie holes on blades. Hate pocket clips. But, I also can't handle sheath carry. I've tried to like it but just doesn't work for me.

The Buck 500 is the best Buck for me. I find it just a tick too small for me. So, I end up with other very traditional knives in my pocket that are roughly the same size as a 110, only much lighter. The Case (large) Sodbuster and Opinel #9 are two common ones. But the Sodbuster doesn't lock, the Opinel is finicky around water (and feels foreign) and neither of them are Bucks. I would love a Buck 110 that was light and thin enough to pocket carry (and was full flat ground).

I'll probably end up with a GEC 42 Missouri Trader at some point and if I do, it will be with a tinge of sadness. It's essentially a thin, flat ground, barehead lockback about the same size as a 110. Only it's not a Buck.
 
pinnah said:
JD Bear, I'm about as traditional as they come. Hate thumb studs and spydie holes on blades. Hate pocket clips. But, I also can't handle sheath carry. I've tried to like it but just doesn't work for me.

The Buck 500 is the best Buck for me. I find it just a tick too small for me. So, I end up with other very traditional knives in my pocket that are roughly the same size as a 110, only much lighter. The Case (large) Sodbuster and Opinel #9 are two common ones. But the Sodbuster doesn't lock, the Opinel is finicky around water (and feels foreign) and neither of them are Bucks. I would love a Buck 110 that was light and thin enough to pocket carry (and was full flat ground).

I'll probably end up with a GEC 42 Missouri Trader at some point and if I do, it will be with a tinge of sadness. It's essentially a thin, flat ground, barehead lockback about the same size as a 110. Only it's not a Buck.
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I understand that pinnah. From reading different threads I've noticed a lot of guys that don't like sheath carry, and it keeps them from carrying really great knives. At least carrying comfortably for them. I like it because I have enough crap in my pockets and it just feels right. But, I also don't mind pocket carry or with a belt clip so I'm good with any carry style. I actually have all three on a daily basis. I was just saying that if they get into different variations, maybe it can be called the 210 or 212 line. Same basic design and principle, just not under the 110 and 112 badge. Don't get me wrong, I would love a Lochsa if I could ever afford it and that's far from the standard 110. So it's just an idea....
 
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