What happened to Buck Knives?

N

n8swag

Joined
Feb 4, 2012
Messages
687
Hey, so my dad has always carried a buck 110 folder... I always like them. Recently it seems like I haven't heard a word about them! A guy at work has had a Buck lockback for 30 plus years. They seem reliable, but why haven't they been as popular as they used to be? Maybe the steel quality? Just wondering your opinion.
 
I think they have long since switched to making most of their knives over seas rather than here in the U.S.

I have a 110 from the 90s and it is amazing! However just the other day I saw a new 110 and Wal-Mart and I was so disappointed at how the quality has changed in them.
 
Metal Made Fox said:
I think they have long since switched to making most of their knives over seas rather than here in the U.S.

I have a 110 from the 90s and it is amazing! However just the other day I saw a new 110 and Wal-Mart and I was so disappointed at how the quality has changed in them.
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Hmmm.. that's interesting. I know they've always been high on my list till of recent. Haha, our wally doesn't carry knives or guns anymore:/
 
They are still popular but a lot of people in general are looking for more modern look, faster/easier opening and closing (one handed use without grabbing the blade and snapping it down old school or adding thumb studs), lighter weight, pocket clip, more secure handle shape/texture, etc.

I wouldn't buy one but I would cherish and carry one given to me as a gift. It doesn't mean the crap I get is any better, because its just about the style, preference, needs, etc. of each person.

I'm sure they are plenty good still. Not all the time, but sometimes, the Golden Age nostalgia stuff causes people to think just about everything was better "back when" when it actually wasn't. Selective and wishful thinking deal of the psyche.

I would get one and return it in a week if you are curious about it and it doesn't click for you.
 
i have one of the 110's from wally world and it came scary sharp, locks up solid and zero bladeplay or rattle, classic design and a tank. i also have an 154 cm Bos HT alpha dorado that is a helluva knife and was my edc for 2 years, my son has a Buck Nobleman (china) its the same quality as the US that i have and a wicked slicer. His Buck 119 sheath knife was probably the scariest factory sharp knife ive handled, also top notch in F&F. so i guess to answer your question nothing has happened to Buck, just ask the guys in the Buck forum they'll tell ya:D
I wouldnt hesitate to buy a Buck or recommend them to someone, excellent company and products
regards
gene
 
my 110 and my camillus 110 clone also a helluva knife
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my rosie dorado and my sons nobleman from a few years back
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regards
gene
 
I bought a large buck Bantam today, lock-back 420HC, some blade play, but common' I'm going to stick it in the back of my cutting board and see if it holds up.
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outside of the Strider/Tarani collabs, they haven't done a ton in the 'tactical' realm, which is where the focus is. The Vantage seems to be doing ok as far as reception goes, but that's one series. The CSAR doesn't look to be as easily adopted.
 
hardheart said:
outside of the Strider/Tarani collabs, they haven't done a ton in the 'tactical' realm, which is where the focus is. The Vantage seems to be doing ok as far as reception goes, but that's one series. The CSAR doesn't look to be as easily adopted.
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Yeah, I agree. A lot of bucks one handers seem sort of blunt.
 
These are my two favorite Bucks, both U.S. made and the Vantage is available in three steels/handle materials (420HC, 13C26 Sandvik, and S30V). IMO they knocked it out of the park with the Vantage series.

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I would agree that Buck always has and still do make outstanding knives. I own numerous (actually too many) knives and several Buck's- a Nighthawk, 110, Diamondback and several others. They are all better built than their prices would suggest and were the sharpest out of the box of any knife I've owned. Plus the majority of their knives are made right here in the good'ole USA! Whats not to like?
 
Alot of people worry about the f&f of the vantage series cause they did have some qc problems early now they are built like tanks and the pro with its g10 handles, the best warranty in the business, and bos ht s30v is the best bang for the buck knife you can get at 60 bucks.
My vantage has become my edc of choice for almost a year now and cant see any knife taking its place. Buck has always and will always make knives built for a lifetime of use not just a lifetime of being looked at like some companys.
 
They are still making good stuff, but they are maybe not making "cool" stuff.
The inexpensive 110 with the 420 steel is still one of the best deals out there.
It's also still a knife that purchased now and taken care of a bit, can be passed from generation to generation.
 
The 110 now has plywood scales and the fit and finish is not up to par either.Kind of sad really.
 
willis said:
The 110 now has plywood scales and the fit and finish is not up to par either.Kind of sad really.
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Do you have some proof of this poor fit and finish, or what? Yes, they switched to plywood scales on some of the 110's. So what? Plywood is stronger than regular wood, and all wood scales are stabilized anyway. As far as fit and finish, every 110 I've ever handled has been near perfect. If you have a 110 with bad f&f, I'd love to see a picture.
 
PatrickKnight said:
Alot of people worry about the f&f of the vantage series cause they did have some qc problems early now they are built like tanks
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Actually, that's not true. I just recently ordered 5 Vantages (2 Selects, 2 Avids, and 1 Pro) and one Avid had a blade so off centered it was useless. I sent it back. The online dealer I buy from said the Vantage knives are still hit or miss. In fact, they said they had just received 8 more Avids and they had to immediately send two back because of the same problems. I will say, when you get one that doesn't have any qc problems, it's a great knife.
 
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