Which Buck fixed blade or folders?

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WILLIAM BOTTS

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Jan 29, 2020
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I am trying to get me and my almost 9 year old son into collecting knives, Bucks are what I love and have a few Bantam folders, but am open to other brands. I am on a fixed income and tight budget, what would be some Buck fixed blade models that aren't too expensive that we should look at?, also some folders that aren't too expensive would be helpful to. Thanks for any help.
 
Buck has this web special page on their site https://www.buckknives.com/web-specials/ if you check it periodically you can find some good buys. Flea markets and garage sales are also places where you can find Bucks for a good price. Check through the posts in this forum and see what's out there and what you and your boy might like. Buck's imported knives are covered by Buck's warranty and are not bad and can be had for not many $$$.

Ask questions after you find some that interest you, Buck Knives are many and varied. HTH
 
The new 110/112 Slims and LT's are very reasonable and you can get Web exclusive and Pastel colors..Absolutely look around Father's Day for some amazing bargains. Last year's sale there was $10.00 112's and I think 110's too..
 
A 110 for sure.
The 371 and 373 stockmans, depending if you prefer a "large" or "medium" stockman, 389 canoe.
If you can find a 301 or 303 stockman at a pawnshop or yard sale, they would be a good choice.
The 37x and 38x are made offshore, but still have the same forever warranty as those made in Idaho.

The 877 is a pretty good fixed blade. It isn't the same classic style as the 100 series, but it does the job.
If you find a used one, be aware the 877 with black handle was made offshore for several years.
Walmart had the 877 with a white handle. Those were made in Idaho. The black handle has been made in Idaho since then, too.
I guess Walmart ordered enough of them that it paid to move the manufacture of the 877 to in-house.

A used 100 series is always a good choice.

Like you I am on a limited fixed income.

I suggest the 371/373 because they are roughly half the cost of the 301/303. From my experience, they do everything the Idaho made knives do. I really have not noticed a difference in edge holding between the domestic and offshore 300 series.
 
Nothing wrong with a Bantam. I just came in from working and a 285 is what's in my pocket but a nice knife that won't break the bank....you just can't beat a 110.
 
110 or 110LT for folders ( $20 and $36 respectively at any WM )
For fixed blades the Bucklite max they often have for sale around $20 on their web specials page would be a good choice.
It's too bad the 102 woodsman isn't cheaper though, because it's an awesome classic.
 
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This advertisement made me want 1 of each. It’s a nice place to start. Then you can talk to him about which one is best for a specific task.

Stick with the basic black phenolic handles. They are cheaper but perform as good or better than any other handle material.
 
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I highly recommend the 110 and 112 Slims. Outstanding quality and utility for the price.
 
Web specials are a good place to start. As for a certain model I think the paklite series in all there colors (black, orange, sstainless and sandstone would be a good place to start.
 
I'm a big 501 fan. The base model is affordable, and there are a few SFOs available if you want something a little more special. (I carry a DLT SFO - with green micarta, nickel silver bolsters, and S35vn - just about every day.)
If you want to go smaller for your son; the 503 is a nice lookalike.
 
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Big fan of all things Buck here. All the previous suggestions have merit, but I want to throw out another option. How about the Vantage? Vantage Select Large is $44 on the website, and the small is $40. Another money saver is to join the BCCI, this will get you a discount when ordering direct. Just a couple thoughts...
 
William, I’ve got a different suggestion for you (all the above are good suggestions on fine knives). What I suggest is this - you have already picked Buck Knives as your collecting interest and you state budget is an issue. SO - you and your son could attend flea markets, stop at pawnshops, gun shops, second hand stores, antique and curio malls, etc. Look for deals on good used Buck Knives - ALWAYS make a lower cash offer, be willing to walk from a too high price, and let what you find within your budget fill in and define your collections growth. In the end you will still own some very good knives and the searching can be its own adventure. My thoughts for what they’re worth! OH
 
i built my 100 series fixed blade collection from pawn shops and antique stores. most can be had for $50 or less. i see alot of older 110’s for $25. buy them even if they are beat up then send in for spa treatment.
 
Wondering what price range you would be comfortable working within.

IMO the best folding blade on the market is the Buck Marksman 830. Lots of character, solid lock up and good steel. I've purchased a few on ebay for less than $80 NIB. You may have to watch a few auctions, but that is half the enjoyment of collecting.
 
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