Statesman 110

I favor the Woodsman, but always wanted one like the the Engraver. I'm stuck in the middle and "trying" not to buy both.

So, on the Altamont site, there is a story that needs to be told here, especially now when Ebony has made a return to the 110. I've always been in favor of real wood, but this sheds light on the value of Dymondwood and a period in history of the 110.


THE KENNETH ENRIGHT BUCK 110 COMMEMORATIVE SERIES
The Buck 110 Folding Hunter needs little introduction. As a timeless classic, it has rightly taken its place in the top tier of American knives since its introduction in 1964. It has spawned numerous imitators, variations, and special editions. But perhaps more importantly, the Buck 110 has been carried by millions of Americans in all walks of life across multiple generations. From being an every day workhorse knife to a constant woods companion, it has lived up to all its tasks. It is simply a solid, elegant knife.

And though the 110 remains functionally relevant today, there is a nostalgic element to it. It is from the era before cell phones and digital distractions, when an afternoon in the woods with only a knife was enough --a simpler time.

Many of us have Buck 110 stories. My grandfather actually carried an early model, and my father first taught me how to skin a deer with one. But at the time, I had little idea of how much of a role my father, Kenneth N. Enright, had played in the history of one of the greatest knives ever made. In fact, he had been instrumental in shoring up an early weakness: the handle.

With the original Ebony handles prone to humidity, cracking, warping and manufacturing variance, Buck Knives contacted Ken for a solution. With Jack Barrett of Rutland Plywood, he developed a fully stabilized, waterproof Macassar Ebony Dymondwood in 1994, and then began making handles. The handles worked. From 1994 - 2018, Altamont Co. produced over 10,000,000 handles with no reports of material failure.

Kenneth N. Enright passed away on March 23, 2018. His legacy continues. This is a custom engraved commemorative series to honor his contributions to the Buck 110 Folding Hunter. His was a tangible legacy. The knives he passed down to us, his sons, are some of our greatest treasures, including his favored Buck 055’s and Buck 110’s. To those of us looking to do the same, there is little better to pass onto the next generation than the timeless Buck 110 Folding Hunter.

- Merlin Enright
 
I never really carried the older Ebony 110s. I carry the new ones, so I will see how they hold up. They seem tough, but they are a natural product.

Of course, I just broke down and bought both the Woodsman and the Engraver (thanks Makael, I blame you), so I will be carrying Dymondwood a lot too!
 
I picked up the Statesman 110 from Altamont.
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I’ve toyed with the idea of ordering one of the woodsman or the engraver. Any of them would be nice. Maybe if I could find someone who does engraving I could get one or two of my 110s done in similar fashion. If you know of someone let me know. Thanks
 
BuckShack said:
With the original Ebony handles prone to humidity, cracking, warping and manufacturing variance....
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No........it was mostly the cockroaches.........BIG ones that came in with every Ebony shipment. Strange, but true.

Also Buck was going over to a cheaper waterwash system that was hard on real wood and the laminate inlays seemed a better bet in the long run.

I carried the Ebony 110s for many years and never heard of a problem or had one myself. I suppose if they were abused they might have problems.......but not for those who took care of them.
 
Der Verminator said:
No........it was mostly the cockroaches.........BIG ones that came in with every Ebony shipment. Strange, but true.

Also Buck was going over to a cheaper waterwash system that was hard on real wood and the laminate inlays seemed a better bet in the long run.

I carried the Ebony 110s for many years and never heard of a problem or had one myself. I suppose if they were abused they might have problems.......but not for those who took care of them.
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It’s true about the huge cockroaches but real ebony is vulnerable to humidity, cracking and warping if in a damp humid climate. And you’re right, in many cases real ebony wouldn’t be a problem with proper care. But....

The diamond wood laminate is stabilized with resins and are impervious to water and other elements. Diamond wood is very tough and durable in just about any climate. It was a very good decision by Buck to include it and still use the real woods in their offerings.
 
Tecate said:
If you are a BCCI member, check the BCCI forum for a discount on the Altamont knives. That is why I purchased the knife.
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is a nice discount. pain to get it though since it isnt simple like a code to use or something quicker than slow email or phone call deal. thanks for the heads up.....
 
DeSotoSky said:
Wish I'd known. Don't often look at the BCCI forum.
I've already purchased all 4 available so far.... wonder if I can get a retroactive discount.....
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worth an ask, since ya got to email or call to get the discount anyways when buying :)
 
I abused the snot out of 2 Ebony 110’s daily for a long time. Wore them both out. Had them re bladed and still use them. No problem whatsoever with the wood scales. But for the record I consider the laminate handles better in every way.
 
No, I tend to disagree.......in my life I have seen products become more and more synthetic.

It robs us in subtle ways.

I favor real wood, real brass and real steel.......real everything!

Just because something is cheap and easy and profitable and works........does not mean it's the best.

I'm glad that Ebony is coming back.
 
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