What traditional lockback for ~$50 today?

While not offered in carbon steel, Klein Tools offer a few choices in the $50 range. My father carried a 44034 for many, many years. He was not a knife person. He didn't know how to sharpen a knife, and when you look at it, you can tell. But that rascal is tough. I have it now, and it's enjoying a much easier life. The 4" length is a bit big for my daily carry, but it is very slim and fits a pocket well. The make three different sizes in the 4403x style, and they also make 3 different sizes in the "Sportsman" line, which are a similar style to the Buck 110. Klein Tools are sold at every hardware store, construction supply store, welding store, electrical store, and plumbing store you can think of, so you may be able to find one around you that happens to stock their pocket knives.

I don't know if I would recommend them above a Case, but I can tell you that you won't have to worry about it wrestling with your keys/tools.

Here's a picture of my dad's 20 year old 44034 and a stock picture from the internet.

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supratentorial said:
It doesn't.
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The Buck 110 is $27 locally and the best price I found on the 112 was $48 plus shipping. I'm not looking to "deal spot" in violation of the rules around here so, if I'm missing something please feel free to email or send me a message.
 
Sid Post said:
The Buck 110 is $27 locally and the best price I found on the 112 was $48 plus shipping. I'm not looking to "deal spot" in violation of the rules around here so, if I'm missing something please feel free to email or send me a message.
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Forgot about Wally World. They are known to do some heavy contract negotiation. Average street prices elsewhere and MSRP are different. The MSRP for the 112 is actually $5 less than the 110.

That's not the best price for the 112 though.
 
The Buck steel should have a higher hardness than the steel from Case. The Case copperlock knives are attractive knives though. They are fine to use but I mention the steel hardness since you said it was a concern.
 
Wurrwulf said:
While not offered in carbon steel, Klein Tools offer a few choices in the $50 range. My father carried a 44034 for many, many years. He was not a knife person. He didn't know how to sharpen a knife, and when you look at it, you can tell. But that rascal is tough. I have it now, and it's enjoying a much easier life. The 4" length is a bit big for my daily carry, but it is very slim and fits a pocket well. The make three different sizes in the 4403x style, and they also make 3 different sizes in the "Sportsman" line, which are a similar style to the Buck 110. Klein Tools are sold at every hardware store, construction supply store, welding store, electrical store, and plumbing store you can think of, so you may be able to find one around you that happens to stock their pocket knives.

I don't know if I would recommend them above a Case, but I can tell you that you won't have to worry about it wrestling with your keys/tools.

Here's a picture of my dad's 20 year old 44034 and a stock picture from the internet.
Click to expand...

I'll second that recommendation. Nice knives. I have one. Fit and finish is very nice. Made in Japan. Blade Alloy is AUS 6 or AUS 8. Locks up like a bank vault. Holds an edge decently well and the blade profile is just excellent. Wonderful slicer.
 
supratentorial said:
The Buck steel should have a higher hardness than the steel from Case. The Case copperlock knives are attractive knives though. They are fine to use but I mention the steel hardness since you said it was a concern.
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Thanks for mentioning that. I assume it is better than Victorinox but how much better? How much better is Buck 420HC?
 
Wurrwulf said:
While not offered in carbon steel, Klein Tools offer a few choices in the $50 range. My father carried a 44034 for many, many years. He was not a knife person. He didn't know how to sharpen a knife, and when you look at it, you can tell. But that rascal is tough. I have it now, and it's enjoying a much easier life. The 4" length is a bit big for my daily carry, but it is very slim and fits a pocket well. The make three different sizes in the 4403x style, and they also make 3 different sizes in the "Sportsman" line, which are a similar style to the Buck 110. Klein Tools are sold at every hardware store, construction supply store, welding store, electrical store, and plumbing store you can think of, so you may be able to find one around you that happens to stock their pocket knives.

I don't know if I would recommend them above a Case, but I can tell you that you won't have to worry about it wrestling with your keys/tools.

Here's a picture of my dad's 20 year old 44034 and a stock picture from the internet.
Click to expand...

Is it flat ground? And thanks for mentioning them! They sure look promising and being made in Japan is reassuring.
 
Sid Post said:
Is it flat ground? And thanks for mentioning them! They sure look promising and being made in Japan is reassuring.
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Mine is flat ground. And nice and thin at the edge.
 
Sid Post said:
Thanks for mentioning that. I assume it is better than Victorinox but how much better? How much better is Buck 420HC?
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Frank has measured the rockwell hardness of some knives from Case and Buck. I don't know if he's done any measurements from Victorinox but if I recall correctly the company claims 56 HRC.... edit: oops. Looks like 55-56 HRC.

knarfeng said:
I think the question is already well answered, but I will add the following:

I have measured ~ 4 Buck 420HC blades. They each measured 59HRC.
I have measured several Case un-krinked blades. They measured 55HRC.

I find the difference in hardness noticeable in everyday use.

Buck used to publish their hardness spec. It was 58 ±1 HRC.
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supratentorial said:
Victorinox specifies 55-56 HRC on their website
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I sent my son an AG Russel cowboy to take away on a 4week Outward Bound course-in NZ -when I hear back from him I'll get a report on the knife.
 
I just ordered a Buck 501, haven't gotten it yet though. Not sure how it ended up on my radar, but I decided to give it a try. Not a bad price and it looks like a solid little knife. Usually I carry a 110 or 112 on my belt, so I'll see if this is a good size to throw in the pocket...
 
If you like your 110, I would definitely recommend the 112 (got this finger groove version for just over $50) or even the 55. I carry my 112 in a KSF pocket slip for vertical orientation and it works great (not a fan of belt sheaths). The 55 is a very rugged and capable little lockback in it's own right as well.
 
I think these might fit your bill:

Both are small enough to fit in your pocket comfortably. Durable scales. Staineless blades Both around $50. Both have excellent fit & finish.

AG Russell Gunstock. Black micarta but also comes in yellow delrin and cocobolo. 8cr13mov steel. The original comes with a slightly re-curved blade, I ground mine down.
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Boker lockback decade edition. carbon fiber and VG-10.
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The A.G. Russell traditional lockbacks are definitely something to look at, and at times they have cosmetic seconds for less. You could be close to getting two, depending on cover material. Delrin holds up well, but g10 and micarta are near indestructible. My question for you on the copperlocks, which I love, would be if they were sturdy enough for your use. They do have thinner blades than a 110, idk how much, but it's visually noticeable. I'm going to VM you a place to look for something. It's a bit more but you might like it
Thanks, Neal
 
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I'd recommend a Buck 501, 503, or 55. Case (mini) copperlocks are nice, too, but maybe a little too nice to want to get scratched up...
 
fuzzylogic said:
I think these might fit your bill:

Both are small enough to fit in your pocket comfortably. Durable scales. Staineless blades Both around $50. Both have excellent fit & finish.

<snip>

Boker lockback decade edition. carbon fiber and VG-10.
8jeX2D8.jpg
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That Boker sure looks nice. Very tempting if I can find one at a reasonable price.
 
That would be the Boker bo4021, and good luck. They are out there, just a little less common than they were at one point
Neal
 
For knives made in Japan, a small Moki Fish Owl might be another one to consider if you can increase your budget by about $10 (including shipping)... or another $10 more for the larger one.

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