Traditional style lock back recommendations?

D

DustinN

Joined
Oct 17, 2021
Messages
5
hello, I’m new to the forum and this is my first post.

I’ve been interested in getting a new knife lately but don’t want junk. I see a lot of Damascus knives on eBay but they look to be cheap imports, probably not the best steel. Fit and finish look questionable in some of the photos too. I have carried a camillus 886 for years that I was given for free as it was missing a scale, I made a new set from Purple Heart wood and have been pretty happy with it, I also had a buck 110 for a while which was a great knife that would take a razor edge, but lost it due to a pocket hole. So I would like something of similar style and size, preferably in Damascus but not married to the idea. I’m not really a collector, and don’t know a ton about knives, so I thought it would be best to ask here. What are some good quality makes and models to look at that won’t break the bank? Not in to tactical style knives at all and I disdain pocket clips, something with nickel bolsters is preferable to me. I’m not opposed to going with a vintage knife either.
 
Hello and welcome to the forums.

What is your budget exactly? A knife that "won't break the bank" might mean $50-250 depending on who you talk to.

1. I'd avoid ebay for knives. Depending on the price range, a lot of clones/counterfeits. Buy from a reputable online knife store.
2. A lot of cheap Damascus out there. It can be faked as in etched/colored blade to show a fancy pattern. A good quality Damascus steel blade isn't cheap.
3. Does the knife need to lock? Will you consider a slip joint/old timey knife?
4. Do you not want another Buck 110? One with bolsters run $60. https://www.bladehq.com/item--Buck-110-Rosewood-Manual--2657
 
DustinN said:
hello, I’m new to the forum and this is my first post.

I’ve been interested in getting a new knife lately but don’t want junk. I see a lot of Damascus knives on eBay but they look to be cheap imports, probably not the best steel. Fit and finish look questionable in some of the photos too. I have carried a camillus 886 for years that I was given for free as it was missing a scale, I made a new set from Purple Heart wood and have been pretty happy with it, I also had a buck 110 for a while which was a great knife that would take a razor edge, but lost it due to a pocket hole. So I would like something of similar style and size, preferably in Damascus but not married to the idea. I’m not really a collector, and don’t know a ton about knives, so I thought it would be best to ask here. What are some good quality makes and models to look at that won’t break the bank? Not in to tactical style knives at all and I disdain pocket clips, something with nickel bolsters is preferable to me. I’m not opposed to going with a vintage knife either.
Click to expand...

Lockback. Well made but not pricey.

A Buck 110 is an excellent option for that. You know the old saw, if it ain't broke...
 
I agree with knarfeng knarfeng . The Buck 110 is very hard to top for the price, if you are looking for a good, classic, lockback of that size. It's an especially good buy right now (in my opinion) considering Buck has switched back to solid ebony covers. If you look around, they can be found for as little as $35 new.

If you want a more premium option, I would check out the Buck 110 Pro. Nickel-silver bolsters, upgraded steel (S30V), and G10 covers. A classic, damascus lockback of good quality is tough to do at a reasonable price for the size you are looking for. I've seen a couple Solingen made Boker's that fit the bill, but they don't pop up too often. Other than than, maybe someone else can chime in. The Civivi Rustic Gent in damascus is pretty cool. It's a bit more modern, and only has a three inch blade though.
 
get another buck 110 and a nice custom sheath for it and some brass polisher. i actually like the regular 110 better than the pro, the wood scales feel way better and smoother than the g10, also the classic gold and brown wood just looks amazing

a good alternative to the buck 110 is the older usa made schrade uncle henry lb7 lockbacks, they pop up for sale all the time on ebay if you have some patience, stay away from the newer made in china ones
 
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Have some fun and search the net. I happen to like Spyderco. A little different style than that Buck.

Rich K.
 
Good quality damascus and affordable are not typically congruent, in my experience. Unless you are ready to spend a couple hundred bucks, then I would just go basic steel for the blade.

I think the Buck 110 is pretty much perfect in the role that you are describing. It also has a lot of variations and upgrades depending on what you want to spend.
 
Buck 110 is a great knife that will last forever, but its not a pocket knife. Another great choice is Case..and they are made in Pa.
 
Get another Buck 110 and use it. It met your needs, it's what you want.

I don't think reasonably priced Damascus is worth the price difference for a knife you want to use. Buy 2 Buck 110's instead.
 
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Other options from Buck are the 112 and the 500 line. The 112 has a 3 inch blade instead of the 3 3/4 inch blade of the 110. The 500 is about the same size as the 112, but thinner with, I believe, a more pocket friendly shape. The 501 is a little smaller than the 500, and the 503 is a little smaller than the 501.

O.B.
 
Thanks guys for the input, I guess a 110 looks like the way to go, I’ve long been a fan of my camillus knives, sad they’ve gone out of business, I’m leaning towards the 110 pro, a knife I didn’t know existed until coming here, the budget I had in mind was around $100, and the nickel bolsters are something I definitely prefer over the brass, the better steel is a bonus. I’m not sure how I feel about the G10 scales, but I figure worst case I can break them out and make some new ones in whatever material I like, perhaps some walnut, hickory or some more Purple Heart like I did my 886 in, it’s seen a lot of use and abuse and has held up ok.

Thought I’d post up a photo of my trusty old knives for you guys, my 886 along with my USN Mk 1 camillus from ww2, I’ve had it since I was a kid, I had the canvas on the sheath redone in leather by a local shop, the old canvas had rotted. It stays as a camp knife, not for edc here in the city 😉

 
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I suggest trying a couple Rough Rider lockbacks.
Both of these lock up tight and have zero up and down or side to side play.
 
Old Biker said:
Other options from Buck are the 112 and the 500 line. The 112 has a 3 inch blade instead of the 3 3/4 inch blade of the 110. The 500 is about the same size as the 112, but thinner with, I believe, a more pocket friendly shape. The 501 is a little smaller than the 500, and the 503 is a little smaller than the 501.

O.B.
Click to expand...
i handled a 501 recently and i could feel the scales on both sides budging when handling the knife which really annoyed me, i think this is because it only has two pins holding the scale
 
Can't beat a 110.
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Then again, a 112 or 500 are fine knives, if you want something a little more compact.
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A 501 is a pocket-friendly option.
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