Small Lockback Decision

Lenny

Lenny

Gold Member
Joined
Oct 15, 1998
Messages
2,498
I'm wracking my mind trying to decide between these 2:
Buck Custom Shop 501; S30V; $80
GEC Northfield #72; Cocobolo; 1095; $92
For the sake of argument, assume price is not a consideration.

If there are any other 3 3/4" closed lockbacks with a clip or drop point blade I should be considering, let me know.

Any input on overall EDC'ness, fit and finish, feel in the hand, blade centering, blade wiggle etc will greatly aid my decision.
I fully intend on using this knife.
Thanks all,
Lenny
 
Case 'Caliber" Lockback in Carbon Fiber for 70

Also case copperlock lockback comes in various flavors and prices

Boker Plus Lockback

Kabar Dogs head Lock back

CRKT centofante

All of Al Mar's Lockback Designs

Moki knives of Japan

Falkniven folders

Gerber LST

not sure if any of them are exactly 3 3/4'' but they are all fairly close
 
Hi,

I've been mostly too busy these days to visit here very often. But I think for me, the choice would depend mostly on how beefy a knife I would want.

I tend to think of the 501 as more of a town/office type knife. It's a fine slender and graceful knife to my eye and touch. And from the Custom shop, it should be a top shelf knife for fitment and finish. I have never owned an S30v blade myself, but it should be awesome steel.

On the other hand GEC's are generally known for their stout build and to me, can feel heavy in the pocket. A comforting feel when I'm in the field or shop. But perhaps not so much in the office or town. And the only 1095 blades I like more than than what GEC does, are the old Schrades.

Honestly, in the end, ain't no way you can lose no matter the choice. Maybe you need to get both! ;)

dalee
 
Always liked the Fallkniven Tre Kronor lockbacks, but they're out of my budget.
The Al Mar's and Moki's are also nice but again, a little out of my budget and not quite the traditional style I'm looking for.
As for the Boker, CRKT, and Gerber, I'd like to go a little more upscale, no offense to anybody who ownes these knives.
The KaBar looks nice but I don't know anything about it.
Anybody own one who wants to chime in, be my guest.
I'm kinda leaning towards the GEC as I own a few of those already and their quality is pretty outstanding.
Plus, I just like the style.
However, I've read a few comments here and there that some of their lockbacks have a bit of wobble when locked up.
Anybody know anything about that.
As for the Buck, I've had a few custom 110's.
2 were perfect and 1 had a tiny bit of vert blade play.
I have a feeling the custom 501 will be awesome.
Oh well, keep your comments coming.
Lenny
 
To keep it simple, of the two you first listed, the Buck would require less mantinence since it is stainless; the GEC would require an oil wipe-down every day to prevent rust. Both are great... I have a different GEC and a Buck custom will be purchased soon... You have good taste, just decide upon the up-keep you wish to perform...
 
I've never bought anything from the Buck Custom shop. I know there is an option for S30V blades on several of their models. Not sure if that is a plus for you or not.

You might post on the Buck forum and ask about fit and finish of items coming from the Custom shop. I'm certain you will get a number of replies from folks who have purchased those.
 
Alias,
I let all of my non SS blades patina.
Love the look.
I guess in the end, I'll have to buy both.
But which first?
 
To be honest, you can pick any one of those at random and you'll be very happy with it. :D :D :D Those are all quality knives that will give you a lifetime of pleasure. I'm sure I'd love one of the little lockbacks from Boker (the ones made in Solingen), Case, GEC, Canal Street, Queen, etc. I currently EDC a Buck CKS 501, and I love it to death. Here's some porn for your viewing pleasure:



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Magnaminous,
I read your review the other day and drooled over these pix.
If I get the 501, I'd get a more workmanlike handle material.
Buffalo horn, while one of the most beautiful handle materials, scratches easily.
I don't dare use my 110 with smooth buffalo horn.
It's just too pretty.
But seriously, your 501 is one of the most beautiful knives I've ever seen.
Lenny
 
Aias said:
... the GEC would require an oil wipe-down every day to prevent rust. Both are great... .
Click to expand...

This is a bit over-stated. I have a 72 and never oil the blade and have had no rust. Just keep the blade clean and dry (and of course oil the joint every once in awhile).

To the OP: I'd go with the GEC. Mine is an amazing knife.

-- Mark
 
I picked up a small lock back at blade show for a friend from the benchmade outdoorsman line for around $40. Not sure the name of the model but it was well made and my friend loves it to death. Probably could check out there site and find it.
 
Robert Carter said:
I picked up a small lock back at blade show for a friend from the benchmade outdoorsman line for around $40. Not sure the name of the model but it was well made and my friend loves it to death. Probably could check out there site and find it.
Click to expand...

I wasn't aware Benchmade made anything which could be termed "Traditional". But I'm certain they do else you would not have made this suggestion in the Traditional Forum, especially considering Gary's post above, which I am certain you read.
 
If I was looking for another lockback (which I'm not.....:rolleyes:) I'd be very tempted by the larger Moki Blakiston's Fish Owl. It bears a lot of the hallmarks of a custom knife at the same price as a GEC #72....

Sam
 
Moki does a premium job on its knives. That is for certain.
 
Not sure which to get first... As for my once a day oil wipe down, I use mine for fruit, so the daily care is warrented... Otherwise, maybe not... Fair enough... I went with the gec first because I am still trying to decide which Buck parts I like best...
 
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