Spyderco Cara Cara v. Buck 110

M

MBTull

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Oct 16, 2008
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In the eternal quest for an EDC, I narrowed it down to a Spyderco Cara Cara and a Buck 110. A.G. Russell sells the Cara for 23.00 and a G-10 version for 28.00. My local Wally World has 110's for 26.88 with the nylon sheath.

I am looking for a knock-around lockback folder that will take a good edge. I usually carry a knife when I hike, when I go stump shooting (to dig arrows out of stumps) and at 3D shoots (dig more arrows out of stumps). I also like to have a knife nearby when I build arrows for various slicing chores.

I was also thinking about a Spyderco Native, but Wally World was sold out.

I am new to this, so any and all suggestions and comments are of great assistance.

Thanks!
 
I personally would go with the 110, although its going to be heavier and bulkier than the Cara-Cara. Classic good looks and a larger low maintenance blade would be my rationale.
 
Cara-Cara, because of-

One handed opening
REMOVED BAD INFO HERE
Pocket clip
thinner profile
Great blade shape
Beefier tip (for digging)
better ergonomics
Spyderco quality
G10 you say? GET IT.

Now, I understand the whole "made in China" thing. If that bothers someone then by all means they should avoid the Cara-Cara. Notwithstanding, I firmly believe it's a better knife especially for you stated purpose.

And yes, I have handled both.
 
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well, wally world has discontinued carrying the natives :( so sad.


as for the buck or the cara cara, both nice knives. If you want one handed opening go for the cara cara, if you want classic looks, the 110 can't be beat. The 110 will be heavier, but it is a classic knife.

the nice thing is you can get the cara cara with g10 handles, which are just great.

depending on how hard you want to beat on said knife, either would be good. I love one handed opening and clips on knives so probably the cara cara for me, but either would be good.
 
I'd go Buck 110. I have a Buck 110 and a Spyderco Endura 4 (No Cara Cara here.) The Cara Cara looks like the same Sabre ground blade design as my Endura 4. I like my Spydie, however it's got a bit of "blade drag" do to that design. To me, my Buck 110 has a better blade shape/grind, less drag, takes a much sharper edge, has twice the strength in it's lock, twice the heft, ..... However my 110 is a "two hand opener" (I don't mind at all). I can't think of a better bang for the BUCK! Good luck, M
 
I guess it depends if you're a pocket-clip kinda guy or a belt pouch kinda guy.

Personally, I prefer the Buck 110.

HPIM4875.jpg
 
go buck if you go to their site which i beleive is buckknives.com there is a custom knife design feature that lets you make and bu your own knife, so id go buck
 
I'd go with the Cara Cara for the same reasons Mongrel stated. I ordered one as a gift, and didn't realize it was an import 'til I opened the package. It's actually a great knife, and the recipient loves it.
 
I have both and don't think either one would be a bad choice. They are both big knives. The clip on a Cara would probably be the the deciding factor for me.
 
I suppose this comes down to preference of weight and looks. Both are awesome knives man. I personally like the Cara in 8Cr13MoV as it's a beast of a folder and it's relatively light. Doesn't get in my way as sheathed knives do in everyday living, doesn't matter what I'm wearing as it's hidden in my pocket.

Like I said though, both are great for the right person so to speak. Good thing is, their both cheap and you can easily buy 'em both and switch them out :)
 
Mongrel said:
Cara-Cara, because of-

One handed opening
Better steel-440C (some may argue...personal opinion)
Pocket clip
thinner profile
Great blade shape
Beefier tip (for digging)
better ergonomics
Spyderco quality
G10 you say? GET IT.

Now, I understand the whole "made in China" thing. If that bothers someone then by all means they should avoid the Cara-Cara. Notwithstanding, I firmly believe it's a better knife especially for you stated purpose.

And yes, I have handled both.
Click to expand...

It's not 440C. It's not equivalent to 440C. It's roughly equivalent to AUS8, which does not hold an edge as well as 440C.

That being said, 8Cr13MoV does hold an edge better than 420HC.

Both are good knives. For me, to do the chores the OP wants to do, I would choose the 110 because for those chores edge retention is not paramount, no one would comment at wearing a sheath while performing them, and I like the larger fatter grip that the 110 offers. But either will do just fine.

add: and while 8Cr13MoV does hold an edge better than 420HC, the Buck edge 2000 gives a darn good cutting shape that has been shown to outperform other knives made from steels with better inherent edge retention.
 
The 110 is my favorite knife,but the tip won't hold up digging arrows out of stumps unless you're very careful.I would think a spear or drop point blade would be better.
 
It's hard to beat either one. 110 is US made and the Cara Cara in China, so that is a preference with some. The Byrd has a pocket clip and thumb slot for ease of opening. The 110 has neither but is made to be sheathed on a belt. I like the overall feel and weight of the Buck over the Byrd. You need to heft both and then decide....
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If you were to get either one you would have a great knife in both cases!!!!
 
piglipsticker said:
The 110 is my favorite knife,but the tip won't hold up digging arrows out of stumps unless you're very careful.I would think a spear or drop point blade would be better.
Click to expand...

I love my 110 too, but it is definitely a slicing blade. I would never even think about digging into a stump with it. The tip is just too thin.
 
Since you specifically mentioned digging arrows out with the tip I would suggest the Cara Cara as it has a more robust tip.

Both are good knives. They each have excellent ergonomics, but I find the handle on the Cara Cara more secure and the finger choil is useful. I'll take a clip and opening hole to belt pouch and nail nick as well. The Buck is also heavier.

The Buck's steel was a little more corrosion resistant in my experience. They seem to perform on a similar level as far as edge holding goes.

Taking both knives apart the Byrd appears to have a more secure lockup, both with how deep the lockbar sits with the lock engaged and the way the mating surfaces are ground.

The Buck comes with superior blade geometry from factory. With a little reprofiling the Byrd can cut on the same level, it will just take some work.

In the end I'd pick the Byrd. I came down to the same two knives a few years ago and those were my thoughts.
 
As others have said, the 110 will not stand up to digging arrows from stumps, the tip is not made for that. In all other aspects it would be my choice.
 
knarfeng said:
It's not 440C. It's not equivalent to 440C. It's roughly equivalent to AUS8, which does not hold an edge as well as 440C.
Click to expand...

I stand corrected-thanks for the correction.

Not sure where I got the 440C from, perhaps a bad link...
 
Early Byrd models were marked 440C when in reality they weren't. Some websites might still use the outdated information.
 
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