Opinions on Buck's EcoLite series?

crom

crom

Joined
Mar 29, 2007
Messages
3,219
I searched the Buck board for reviews and only found a guy with a problem relating to the knife not fully closing. It was an anomaly and he got taken care of. Anybody have one of these and can share their thoughts? They look like a light alternative to the brick-ish 110.
thanks,
K
 
Weight comparison:

486: 3.04 oz (you might consider this alternative, but very similar to the 110, Buck)

Ecolite 110: 3.94 oz

Brass bolstered and lined 110 (2 dot model): 7.69 oz

I own and marvel at all three Bucks but I carry the 486 because its blade is nearly identical to that of the beloved 110, it is lite, the pocket clip works for me and my much loved fingers have a substantial block to sliding onto the blade due to the shape of the handle.

Pics: Two color variants 486, two color variants Ecolite 110 & 110 two dot

05-28-2010004.jpg

buck1102dot001.jpg


05-28-2010002.jpg


05-28-2010003.jpg


2dot003.jpg
 
thanks and thanks for the pics. Is the 486 partially lined? I'm drawn to the ecolite because of the gorgeous clip point.
 
crom said:
thanks and thanks for the pics. Is the 486 partially lined? I'm drawn to the ecolite because of the gorgeous clip point.
Click to expand...

You are welcome. My pleasure.

There are no liners in the 486.

I share your admiration of the clip point blade.

The lighter 486 gives you a more anatomical friendly handle, with its round lightly-textured handle and forward finger guard and rear expansion. Its thumbstud allows quick one-hand opening and the pocket clip keeps carrying it simple and accessible.

The heavier EcoLite has partial liners. The handle surface is smooth with sculpting on its bottom half (both sides) for a slight aid to fingers. No pocket clip and two-hand opening keeps it in the bottom of your pocket or in a sheath and makes for a slower entry into cutting action.

I enjoy both. I carry and use the 486 and couldn't be happier.

05-30-20102nd005.jpg


05-30-2010014.jpg


05-30-2010001.jpg


05-30-2010008.jpg


05-30-2010012.jpg
 
Last edited:
Oregon, this is great, thanks again for all the pics. It looks like both share the same thickness blade stock? I am now on the search to handle one of these 486's in person. I have owned a newer 110, but gave it to an old friend and all I have is my dad's ancient 110 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28393890@N07/4100868079/) that I don't take out of the house. Take care and thanks!
K
 
crom said:
snip It looks like both share the same thickness blade stock? I am now on the search to handle one of these 486's in person. I have owned a newer 110, but gave it to an old friend and all I have is my dad's ancient 110 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28393890@N07/4100868079/) that I don't take out of the house. snip K
Click to expand...

Thank you for the pic of the vintage 110. It looks good. You might consider looking at the base of the blade and relating (or take a careful pic of what you see) what you see. It would enable some to date and maybe discuss that Buck (there is a sticky @ the buckforum that show symbols and dates: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=716179 ).

I traced the back of both blades on a sheet of paper (no micrometer). Then I measured the distance between the lines and they appear to be the same. However, my sense tells me that the 486 blade is a hair thinner than that of the 110 (go figure).
 
Last edited:
Do any of you who own the 486 experience problems with bladeplay?

I bought the orange version and it has a lot of side to side play. I also bought the smaller version of the knife and it too had a lot of blade play.

I figured that it was normal and I just use it as a beater/ borrower knife now.

I have never had a problem with a 110, and look foreword to trying the ecoLite some day.
 
Last edited:
oregon,
I picked up a black 486 this weekend past. I am truly impressed with the quality on this $25 (purchased locally) knife from Buck. Mine has no side to side play at all, and just a hint of vertical play but no more than would bother me especially at the price point. It locks open with much more authority than the CS lockbacks I own and some Spydies I've had and the spring is very stiff. Its first test was to cut a pretty thick (40mm?) rope to make a tree swing on father's day and it went through it quite fast. The edge seems pretty thin and responds well to touch ups on my ceramic sticks. You were right about the blade stock thickness, it seems a hair thinner than my old 110. Its nice and light but has a very solid build to it, it's a keeper. thanks for the photos, they helped in making my decision.
Kevin
 
Last edited:
I have an Eco-Lite 110 & 112, both are great.

The 112 version borders on the perfect EDC pocket knife!
 
What is the new material Buck is using for the handles of these blades? It looks kind of like bakelite, but of course that can't be the case...
 
crom said:
oregon,
I picked up a black 486 - snip -it's a keeper. Kevin
Click to expand...

I am happy that you have had good experience with the Buck 486. I have an orange one in my pocket right now and couldn't be more satisfied with it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top