Thoughts on a more "modern" 110 and/or 112...

[El_Toro]

A few weeks back I discovered and pre-ordered a new knife that Cold Steel is coming out with called, "The Broken Skull". I don't really care for the name (or the way it's printed largely on the blade flat), however the simple design of the knife intrigued me. Here is a picture of it...

It's blade is a little larger at 4" and the clip point more aggressive, however I immediately thought of the Buck 110 when I saw this knife. I would love to see Buck come up with new versions of the 110 and 112 that have 420HC blades, flat G-10 handle scales, thumb studs, and pocket clips. I know they made the limited edition 110 Lochsa a few years back, and while close (and mucho $$$) it's not quite what I have in mind. I'm thinking of full G-10 handle scales, assembled with Torx screws, and an actual pivot screw with washers, as opposed to a brass/nickel bolster with a peened pin as the pivot. Also, the handle should either be linerless or have nestled partial liners, similar to what Spyderco does with their Military Model, making it a very light weight knife. The knife would have to retain the back lock though, no liner lock!

While I love my traditional 110's and 112's, I find myself rarely carrying them. I don't really like carrying folders in a belt sheath and I also have too many other things in my pockets to comfortably carry one there. I always find myself reaching for one of my more modern "one handed" opening knives that I carry using a pocket clip.

Anyhow, I was curious if anyone else shares my thoughts in hoping for a 110/112 assembled in a similar way to that new Cold Steel knife that I pictured above? While Buck already has modern style folders, I think a "re-imagined" modern version of these classics would be big sellers!

 

[Lodd]

I would really like to have a Buck 110 Lochsa, but sadly it's a bit too expensive for me. It's also really hard to acquire in my country.

I can only hope they do a new run of the Lochsa or something similar.

 

[jazzz]

Funny, but I wrote them years ago saying the same thing. I'd love one of each. Might take away from original 110 sales, though, but I would love some. I agree about the liner lock thing - I do not trust them and they wear out too quick.

 

[afishhunter]

Personally, I like the 110 as is. They make more "modern" lock backs with the pocket clips, G-10 scales, and such already.
I do not trust a pocket clip to keep my knife in my picket (have some, they fall out; yet my knives with no clips stay in ... go figure ...)

If the knife is held together with screws, "people" being what they are, will take them apart. If memory serves, Buck did this once before, and it caused a lot of work for the repair department because a lot of the "people" who took them apart (for "deep cleaning" or what-ever) were lacking the required intellegence to put the knife back together. (kind of makes you wonder who ties those folks shoes, don't it?) Anyway, since Buck got burned on that, I would not expect them to have much desire to repeat that experience any time soon.

 

[pinnah]

Anyhow, I was curious if anyone else shares my thoughts in hoping for a 110/112 assembled in a similar way to that new Cold Steel knife that I pictured above? While Buck already has modern style folders, I think a "re-imagined" modern version of these classics would be big sellers!

I think the re-imagined modern version of these classsics is well captured in the Bucklite Max line.

What's lacking with the Bucklites, IME, is the sturdy robustness I expect from the 110/112s. The Bucklites I owned loosened up considerably in less than a year.

I would think upgrading the Bucklites with G10, torx screws and a bulry pivot screw would make for an excellent re-imagined modern 110/112.

This said... I do think the 110/112 could use a BEAUTIFUL, pocket carry capable line. The discontinued Ecolite line was close but a) was too thick for pocket carry and b) not compellingly beautiful, imo. I wish they would relaunch the Ecolites but i) make them thinner, say around 12 or 13mm thick, b) add full brass liners (it's the right thing to do), c) add a larger burlier bird's eye pivot washer and rivet - big enough to say Buck Ecolite on it, d) add a brass lined lanyard hole and e) give the blades a flat convex grind, a la Opinel. The result should be so beautiful that any Case or GEC fan would buy one.

 

[Insipid Moniker]

I think the re-imagined modern version of these classsics is well captured in the Bucklite Max line.

What's lacking with the Bucklites, IME, is the sturdy robustness I expect from the 110/112s. The Bucklites I owned loosened up considerably in less than a year.

I would think upgrading the Bucklites with G10, torx screws and a bulry pivot screw would make for an excellent re-imagined modern 110/112.

This said... I do think the 110/112 could use a BEAUTIFUL, pocket carry capable line. The discontinued Ecolite line was close but a) was too thick for pocket carry and b) not compellingly beautiful, imo. I wish they would relaunch the Ecolites but i) make them thinner, say around 12 or 13mm thick, b) add full brass liners (it's the right thing to do), c) add a larger burlier bird's eye pivot washer and rivet - big enough to say Buck Ecolite on it, d) add a brass lined lanyard hole and e) give the blades a flat convex grind, a la Opinel. The result should be so beautiful that any Case or GEC fan would buy one.

I second all your suggestions and, furthermore, I'm not a Case or GEC fan, but I would snap one of those right up. I've said it before and I'll say it again, the first company that marries the aesthetics and cutting geometry of traditionals with the convenience and adjustability of modern blades will get all my dollars.

 

[Haebbie]

The modern 110/112 was the variation with paperstone handles.
The Buck Eco lite. But at least: nothin' can beat the classics

Haebbie

 

[Halfneck]

A variation on the 112 done like the 110 Lochsa would be outstanding - if the price could stay reasonable

 

[JSutter]

I don't begrudge Buck making business decisions and certainly wish them every success in the world. I have some of those paperstone 112's, and a couple other USA made "modern" lockblades & "traditional" slip joints from two other States.

But a traditional 112 is on my belt every single day. Spare 112's are at home waiting until needed or birthday gifted to appreciative friends & family. A new in box 50th 110 rests in the safe; one way or another it will eventually go to our son to be opened on his 50th birthday.

The traditional 110/112 design is classic for very good reasons. Enough of us need to continue teaching our family & friends to appreciate those traditions so Buck can continue selling them. If "modern" versions become successful, then that is fine with me.

Buck knives have their own place in the American Culture.

 

[pinnah]

But a traditional 112 is on my belt every single day.

IMO, this is the rub.

If the Ecolites proved one thing, it's that weight alone is not enough to make a knife easy to carry in the pocket. It needs to be thinner too.

My 110s and 112s (traditional and Ecolite) measure up in the 15mm or more range. My Case Sodbuster measures 13mm and is infinitely better in the pocket compared to the Ecolite 112 I used to have.

Yes, I want the traditional 110 and 112 to stay true to their classic design but this limits its appeal to those who can cope with belt (or in the pack) carry.

I also want a traditional looking (read: beautiful) version of these knives that can be pocket carried.
- Thinner (around 13mm)
- Larger bird's eye rivet and washer
- Full brass liners
- Lanyard hole
- Flat convex grind
- And I'll add, a long horizontal pull

Sheath carry just doesn't work for me for where I live. Just too many complications. The 110 could be pocket carried. Just needs to be lighter and thinner.

 

[jazzz]

Okay, the Bucklite is nice, but I won't buy one unless they put a removable clip on it. If and when a clip is bent, you can fix it only if you can remove it first.

 

[Haebbie]

Pinnah, what's about the Duke? Okay, it has no lanyard hole. But a drill will help.

Haebbie

 

[pinnah]

Pinnah, what's about the Duke? Okay, it has no lanyard hole. But a drill will help.

Haebbie

Haebbie, beauty, length, and width.

My EDC rotation consists primarily of the Opinel #9 but also includes the Buck 500, Schrade 6OT and large Case Sodbuster. Pictures of all of them are here.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/pinnah/sets/72157628500397713/

I also own but not carry several 110s and 112s and have, in the past, owned both Bucklite Max folders and Ecolites.

In terms of beauty, I prefer the looks of the 110/112 to the Duke. The Duke is a "sexier" knife. More glamorous looking and very, very handsome. On the rare occasion you find me in dress slacks, I'm almost certainly carrying the Duke. But it's a bit too shiny and blingy for my taste. The Case Sodbuster (and a not pictured Buck 307) have caused me to consider what I find beautiful about Sodbuster, 307, 110, 112 and Schrade 6OT... A common element is the use of brass liners. I think traditional knives with brass liners are more beautiful. I also think the lines of the 112 are among the most beautiful of any product knife made. Period. Bar none. It's just too heavy and too thick to be pocket carried and thus has less appeal than it might. I've a hunch that a thin 112 would outsell the 500 if they stuck with it. GEC has done well with their 72 and a thin 112 would match up to that, I think.

In terms of length, I prefer a longer knife. The 6OT is a bit too big. The large Sodbuster, Opinel #9 and 110 are all just right. But, I can't pocket carry the 110 comfortably. BTW, I recognize I'm in the minority and that more people will prefer the 112 and 500. Regardless, I like a bigger knife and have come so close to pulling the trigger on a GEC #42 Missouri Trader or Mudbug. But I want a Buck, not a GEC.

In terms of width, the 500 is very nice to carry due to it's thin profile but I've grown accustomed to having more frame under my thumb when working with wood. The 110, 112, Opinel #9, Case Sodbuster and Schrade 6OT all give me that. The Duke does not. The Case Sodbuster has been really eye opening to me in terms of thickness. I find that just dropping down from 15+mm (the 110/112) to 13mm (Sodbuster) makes a very big difference in pocket carry comfort.

This is why I want a 110 Ecolite with brass liners, flat scales (no finger grooves) and around 13mm thick.

 

[Wramo]

I would like to see a modernized version of the 110. I have a Cold Steel Lone Star Hunter, which is similar to the Broken Skull, but it is in Aus-8a and has derlin stag handles instead of G-10. It comes close to what I would want from Buck.

My preferred requirements for a modern Buck would be:

Same blade as the 110 But with thumbstud
pocket clip
keep the back lock
thinner/less weight
adjustable pivot screw

I would buy a dozen.

The Bantams and Bucklites aren't too bad, but I would really like to see an adjustable pivot screw instead of the pinned constriction they use.

 

[jec88]

I think Buck already made a more modern 110/112..................the 1980's Bucklites. This is all my opinion, and not based on anything. I think the 110 and 112 should be left alone as it is since it is an iconic classic, but then base a more modern version with a new name off the 110. (as they already have with the Bucklites 422/426).......
I think a lot of folks just aren't as happy with the modern Bucklite versions. My opinion again, but I feel like the 1980's Bucklites had a lot to do with and don't get enough credit for being the pioneer in what is really popular today, lightweight lockbacks such as the spyderco delica, and Benchmade griptilians. I've read somewhere, where the Spyderco Stretch was designed from popular hunter model knives of the 80's..
I think if they just redesigned the current Bucklite, as mentioned above, would be on the right track!

 

[Wramo]

I think Buck already made a more modern 110/112..................the 1980's Bucklites. This is all my opinion, and not based on anything. I think the 110 and 112 should be left alone as it is since it is an iconic classic, but then base a more modern version with a new name off the 110. (as they already have with the Bucklites 422/426).......
I think a lot of folks just aren't as happy with the modern Bucklite versions. My opinion again, but I feel like the 1980's Bucklites had a lot to do with and don't get enough credit for being the pioneer in what is really popular today, lightweight lockbacks such as the spyderco delica, and Benchmade griptilians. I've read somewhere, where the Spyderco Stretch was designed from popular hunter model knives of the 80's..
I think if they just redesigned the current Bucklite, as mentioned above, would be on the right track!

I think a tweaked Bucklite would be the way to go. I don't really need a thinned out version of the 110 with brass and all, just give me the 110 blade and a modern handle with g-10, pocket clip, and pivot screw.

 

[Doug_86]

I think the 110 should remain as is. After all it was designed as a hunting knife. I know it's not "cool" to wear a belt knife anymore.

I carry a 110 for a hunting knife but never an everyday use. There are many other Buck lines suited for the 'edc' folks.

 

[Wramo]

I think the 110 should remain as is. After all it was designed as a hunting knife. I know it's not "cool" to wear a belt knife anymore.

I carry a 110 for a hunting knife but never an everyday use. There are many other Buck lines suited for the 'edc' folks.

What Buck would you suggest for EDC? I find the Bantams and Bucklites build quality leave something to be desired, and if they loosen up over time there isn't much that can be done. So Buck has the Vantage and the Spitfire. Not exactly a lot to choose from there, unless I'm missing something from Buck's lineup. I think a 3 3/4" Buck 110 blade with a thumbstud would work well in a modern handle design w/pocket clip and pivot screw, and such a knife would fit well into Bucks lineup. In my opinion such a knife would render the larger Bantams, Bucklites, and Spitfires obsolete, assuming it was well made.

IMHO Buck is getting smoked on the lower end of the market for modern edc knives when compared to Kershaw, Cold Steel, Spyderco Byrd, ect. Don't get me wrong, I love my 110 and 301 and 119 and I think Buck does a pretty good job with newer fixed blades like the USA Maverick, CSAR neck knife, Paklites, Opens Season, ect. but EDC folders are not Buck's strong point. The Marksman might be the best option at the moment, but at it's price point it isn't exactly on the cheaper side. The Vantage is OK, but I would prefer a larger blade, clip point, and back lock. Then again, I hope to be thoroughly pleased by the 715 Ascend that is coming out later this year. It might finally be the Buck folder I regularly carry. A modernized 110 wouldn't hurt my feelings though.

Hope this post didn't sound like I'm ragging on Buck too much........

 

[MT_Pokt]

Hope this post didn't sound like I'm ragging on Buck too much........

http://www.buckknives.com/products?category=knives&knife-type=folding-locking

Keep in mind, the "street" prices can be significantly less than their list prices.

While there's not "hundreds" of options, there's definitely something for everyone and I'm convinced the extra money for some of the higher end folders is money well spent. I have a shoe box full of Spyderco, Kershaw, Microtech, and others and I don't think there is one knife I've been happier with than I am with my Marksman.

 

[Makael]

No change to the 110 or 122. Those classics need to be enjoyed for as long as possible. But I agree to some new variations heavier duty than the bucklite line. I agree to a adjustable pivot on them as well. Lock back. G10 or similiar.