Recommend Me A Nice Lockback Hunter!

[evanPGH]

Hey all,

I do not own a traditional, but for some reason I've been getting an itch for a traditional lockback hunter. I'm looking for something with a classic Bowie profile, preferrably brass bolsters and liners, stag handles and preferrably with a polished blade, but I'm not nailed down to those options, just preference. Also, it has to be made in the USA, of course.

I'm looking for something nice, maybe a bit removed from the usual suspects, but I'll buy a big, mainstream brand as long as the quality is there. I'm a quality over quantity guy so I can handle a steeper price tag if need be.

I want to carry it in a leather pocket sheath with a clip on it but for the life of me I can't find one. I thought KSF used to make one but idk...If anyone has some insight on the sheath situation please let me know.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[puukkoman]

I'd look into something from the Buck custom shop, if I were you. You can get a 110 with upgraded blade steel and your choice of handle covers, for not too much coin.

Otherwise, check out a Queen Mountain Man, or the Schatt & Morgan variants.

 

[evanPGH]

Thanks! How's the quality on the 110s vs the queen/s&m offerings?

 

[puukkoman]

Well, I think Buck will have better QC, strictly in terms of statistics. But, my favorite is the plain ol' Queen MM, mostly because of the D2 steel. Also, Queen has reportedly stepped up their game recently, which is great news IMO.

Here's a couple pics of mine, been my "daily driver" for 6 years or so, still going strong!

 

[evanPGH]

Thanks! Yeah I found a gorgeous s&m one on eBay and I'm also a sucker for d2. I love the stuff!

Any insight on sheaths with pocket clips? That's my biggest concern, I'll carry as big a knife as I can as long as I can clip it.

 

[Old Hunter]

You might check out the Buck 500 for a good hunter; drop point blade and a little thinner than the Buck 110 (for pocket carry) - there have been some runs in the past with stag handles. Once you find the perfect knife you will probably need to have a sheath made to meet your specifications. OH

 

[knifeswapper]

Brass bolsters and full bowie clip might be a little hard to spot these days in a slippy. But a 3 3/4" - 4 1/2" stag hunter will be a little easier. Lockback or linerlock are generally options that show up on most single blade versions eventually; but some below are without altogether if that is a killer.

First a couple made by GEC, but branded otherwise, that are not stag but at attractive price points.

Then some GEC stag.

Queen's Schatt & Morgan line have a few standouts if you are looking for stainless...

Knife selection is so personal, that it really has to call to you...

 

[evanPGH]

Thanks for all the insight guys!

I think I'm gonna go with a custom shop 110. The only tough decision is the handle material. I'm looking at either ram horn or sambar stag and my main concern is if the stag has any durability benefit over the ram horn. I love the look of both, slightly leaning toward that stag but it's also $80 more. Just not sure if it's worth the premium...

Anyone have any experience/insight?

 

[pinnah]

Buck is the original in this class really. The 110 really defined the pattern.

Lock backs are tricky to get right and I think Buck has been struggling with their plant move to Idaho. Still, their customer service is aces. I think the suggestion to go with their custom shop is a good one.

Queen and GEC also are worth serious consideration if you want different steels or a flatter grind to your blade. I don't see myself getting another hollow ground knife (Buck) anytime soon, but that is a YMMV thing

 

[mykel m]

Thanks for all the insight guys!

I think I'm gonna go with a custom shop 110. The only tough decision is the handle material. I'm looking at either ram horn or sambar stag and my main concern is if the stag has any durability benefit over the ram horn. I love the look of both, slightly leaning toward that stag but it's also $80 more. Just not sure if it's worth the premium...

Anyone have any experience/insight?

Hey Evan,if you haven't ordered the Buck yet check out the GEC 23TL Bullock.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1087231-Tidioutte-23TL-Bullock-has-landed!

 

[J Buck]

Evan, my .02 cents... I bought my Custom Shop 110 in March and have carried it almost everyday since. I got the Ramshorn and I tell you, it is gorgeous. I went with the brass bolsters, they do turn a bit,but you can easily shine them up. I don't worry about it, it's not a safe queen. Knife came supersharp, which is one of my pet peeves when they are not. Blade centered nicely and locks up bank vault tight. I was very pleased with my purchase. In fact, I have bought a total of 4 knives from the Custom Shop and so far they are 4 for 4 on top quality. For really a small investment of $ for a lifetime of service, I don't see how anyone could not be happy with a classic like a custom 110. Now stag......? Probably my next one, be careful, it's a slippery slope.

 

[wouldestous]

just posting a picture with my boker lockback in it. doesnt sound like it will fit your requirements. im just carrying it today and i like it. lol

 

[puukkoman]

I really like the looks of the ram's horn, and that would probably be my choice if I were in your shoes. From what I hear, it's very durable stuff.