Nicer version of a Buck 112?

T

TFin04

Joined
Aug 21, 2005
Messages
1,494
I really like the Buck 112 in terms of size and style. I'm looking for a brass/wood handled, small blade knife I can wear with my dress attire.

I have found that I get annoyed with Buck's low quality blade steel quickly. Does anybody make a ramped up version of a knife this size? Maybe something in at least 440C blade steel?

Thanks!
 
Have you asked this question here in BF.com at the Buck sub-forum??. I will bet they will know if anyone does.;)
 
Buck's 420 steel has a decent reputation for quality. I can't say I've abused one, but I have used a Buck fixed blade (with 420 steel) as a woods knife and even battoned a bit with it and never had a problem. What failed with your knife?
 
AG Russell has some lockback knives about the same size as the Buck 112 with ATS-34 steel. The Fancy Bolster Lockback is a bit smaller, but has a classier appearance and ATS-34. The Swing Guard lockback is a different style but nearly the same length, and it's one of the smoothest and best-fitted knives I own.

The Boker Lockback Folder is similar in size and style to the 112, but with CPM440V steel.

Happy Shopping!
-Bob
 
You can find older 112s with 440C blades on ebay, they don't cost a whole lot.

Too bad they aren't doing the blade exchanges any more. I sent in an old 112 and got it back with a BG-42 blade.
 
Are you acutally having problems with your 420HC or have you fallen into the "I need better steel because everyone else says so"?

I have a Buck 112 that I carry daily. I cut tons of stuff with it and I have no problems with it holding an edge. It's a great knife. I have no interest in better steel for the blade.
 
While i agree the 110 is a classic I personally always liked the 112 better than than the 110. I wish Buck would put a 112 option in their "build your own custom knife" section. That would be sweet.
 
I wish Buck would put a 112 option in their "build your own custom knife" section. That would be sweet.
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Recently I visited the Buck website to check out the custom shop. I was disappointed, to say the least. Buck probably has around a hundred different models, but the custom shop lets you choose from exactly two. And the prices weren't enticing either. Alpha Hunter starting at $100 (twice the usual retail price), then upgrade the steel and handle to the least expensive options and suddenly it's a $170 knife. No thanks, I'd rather have a real custom for the same money...

-Bob
 
Bungwrench said:
Are you acutally having problems with your 420HC or have you fallen into the "I need better steel because everyone else says so"?

I have a Buck 112 that I carry daily. I cut tons of stuff with it and I have no problems with it holding an edge. It's a great knife. I have no interest in better steel for the blade.
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my thoughts and experiences exactly.
 
tholiver said:
I wish Buck would put a 112 option in their "build your own custom knife" section.
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You know, before they moved, there was a LOT of talk about doing just that. Matter of fact, it was supposed to be on the board to happen. I'm guessing other things intruded. That's part of the reason, if I remember correctly, that they produced the 100 blades for the 112 in BG42. I have one of the BG42 blades and its very nice. Maybe not the nicest handle, but it IS a great knife.
 
Check out AG Russells site. He has a few Buck models with pearl, ivory etc.
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Yes, but they are all in 420HC, not what the first poster wants. Not a bad steel for using IMO, but I expect better of knives in that price range.

-Bob
 
Hi y'all. Although I find swiss army knives handy, my two cents on Nicer? the grohmann 380, nice, heavy lockblade (heavier than their other ones), and its a skooch bigger than the 112. For the price, the 112 is fine, but if you want better steel (440c) and nickel silver instead of brass and of course leather sheath instead of plastic, 380 is it, but it will cost you twice as much unless you get a scratch n dent one at the factory :)
Just new to the forum so hopefully this replies ok.
 
Bungwrench said:
Are you acutally having problems with your 420HC or have you fallen into the "I need better steel because everyone else says so"?
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Problems no, but I want a better steel. I also carry VG-10 Spydercos and definitely notice a difference in edge retention and usefulness between the two. Even if I did fall into the steel snob group, what does it matter to you?

mnblade said:
You consider the 112 a dress knife?
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Maybe I have the model number wrong. I'm looking for their lockback which is about 3 1/8" closed length with about 2" of cutting edge.

Thank you for the help, everyone.
 
TFin04 said:
Problems no, but I want a better steel. I also carry VG-10 Spydercos and definitely notice a difference in edge retention and usefulness between the two. Even if I did fall into the steel snob group, what does it matter to you?



Maybe I have the model number wrong. I'm looking for their lockback which is about 3 1/8" closed length with about 2" of cutting edge.

Thank you for the help, everyone.
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The 55 you mean? for the size, 420HC should be fine, especially with Bucks heat treat. You probably wont need better steel with such a small folder, but to each his own i guess.
 
In my opinion, 440C is not an upgrade from Buck's current 420HC (and their heat treatment). Current production Buck 112 and 110s take a significantly sharper edge than their predecessors in 440C, even when the latter is ground to a similar edge profile. I've never been pleased by any knife I've owned made from 440C, and after reading some techie stuff from Cliff Stamp and others, I realize why I had those experiences. I think both 420HC and 440A are superior choices for knives.
 
I think pretty much all Buck 112's, as well as other models, made 1980 and earlier are 440C.

Also check out the Buck Alpha Dorado. It's not a traditional looking folder but it fits the size you are looking for and is available in 154CM and ATS34 depending on year of production. Street price on these is about $50 new.
 
I just re-read your original post and see you are looking for a brass/wood knife so the Dorado may not be what you want. Sorry.
 
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