I bought a 110 shortly after it came out, around 1970. I let my nephew use it on a Canadian fishing trip where he managed to damage the backspring so the blade wouldn't close completely. It lived in a drawer for the next 30 years when I sent it to Buck. Despite the damage being my fault, Buck made it look like new, replaced the spring, cleaned, polished, and sharpened it. Now it's back to living in a drawer. The quality is impressive. Too bad China owns the knife market.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Tobias. As a Buck "fan boy," I thought you did well in presenting your thoughts on Buck knives. It would be a pretty dull world if everyone had the same exact tastes! Have a great Memorial Day.
Tobias, thanks for sharing! I will say I did find this video very intriguing as I have watched you for a few years and did realize you hardly ever review a Buck knife. Always enjoy your videos, my friend.
Living in the area where I grew up, Buck knives only sold in a few places. There were very few model choices to pick from I bought a model 112. It was more expensive than any knife I bought at that time. It was heavy and most people I showed it to did not like it. Most thought it was too big and heavy to carry. Hunting knives were lighter than it was. That turned out true for the time. It was harder to sharpen and just uncomfortable to carry. I have a few small American made slip joints and a model 119 too. They are fine working knives; I just do not pursue collecting Buck knives. I have a pair of Buck model 125 knives I used for everything from fish to boning out meat, I used for years. When I think of pocketknives, I do not consider Buck models because of their generic appearance most models have. I started carrying Gerber lightweight knives with the introduction of the LST and never looked for much of anything else. Geber started selling knives commercially around the same time as Buck. I think as you, Buck makes quality knives for someone who has different tastes from most knife collectors in my area. 😆
I love some Buck knives and i am not a fan of others . The 124 has been on my belt when hunting for decades , the 110 has been in my truck glovebox since i was 16. Processed plenty of deer and elk, moose , and a few cows with them both. They work and extremely dependable. And i also have plenty of others , TOP's , SOG , Case , Boker etc etc etc . Knives are like guns , both are tools and i want a full tool box.
Whew, I'm glad the countdown was aborted! lol Interesting thoughts though, for certain. Similarly I was a scout when the first 110 I ever saw came out of a friends pocket. Having never used anything more than my scout pocket and fixed knives I was overcome with an ominous feeling. I think "Good Lord" was my expression. I was young, not yet a hunter, and thought how extreme. So other than the pocket friendly China made 389 canoe, I never appreciated the 110 nor Buck. That changed over recent years and I have started a Buck USA fixed blade collection and look forward to "customizing" my first of at least two Bucks soon. Thanks Tobias, it's good to listen to you rant and reflect upon our own experiences. On a side note, I have several "Buck 110 size & style" knives as part of 3 different collections all of which fit perfectly into the Buck 110 belt sheath but are not as heavy as the well-made 110.
What the Buck? 😂 Sorry, I have more... Son of a Buck, Buck University or Buck U, I don't give a Buck, and when you close your Buck 110 auto, you put it in Buck Off mode, and when someone tells you to use a Buck knife, they are telling you to go Buck yourself. 😂 I see the door, and I'll show myself out. 😆
Excellent video, Tobias! I'm 67 now and have loved knives ever since I was a kid, but I have never owned a Buck 110, even back in the 70's when it seemed like it was almost required to have one on your belt in its distinctive leather pouch. For many years I was a Schrade guy (back when they were made in the US). Ironically, now my two favorite brands are both made outside the US - Opinel (from France) and Rough Ryder (from China). I believe that anyone my age who has never changed his opinion on anything, has pretty much wasted his life.
I think you covered a lot of good points in this video and it's nice to see a different stance on the matter. I agree with you about 1st impressions and how they can completely skew your viewpoint on a brand, if your 1st ever encounter with them is poor. Fortunately for me, my first ever Buck was the 119 Special when I was only 16 (a few decades ago now), and not another cheap Chinese made one. However, I too have fallen victim to the old silly saying: "Well, you're not a knife collector if you don't own a..." I've learned over the years that attitude is complete nonsense as well. People can collect whatever knives they want, so long as they're happy--that's all that matters, in my opinion. Thanks for this video and Cheers!
A bit off topic but I dig the tiger stripe curtains in the background. One of my favorite camo patterns alongside the old U.S. woodland pattern and the rhodie brushstroke.
I didn't have much experience with Buck growing up. Dad always carried a Gerber Gator and Grandpa always had a LB7. In high school I was gifted a Buck 450 "Protege" as my first "real" knife and then when I got out on my own my Dad gave me his old Buck 119 he never really used. There is some nostalgia there, but its not a brand I actively seek out anymore. Funny enough, when I hear "Buck knife" I still immediately think of that Protege, which I think has been discontinued for years now.
Buck does a cryo treat on their 420HC which gets the hardness up to a solid 58 HRC. That results in a really darn good working knife. Generally the people you find who like Buck knives are not collectors, but rather people who carry the same knife every day for decades on end.
You make a good point. My experience is people get into collecting knives based on the knives they use. My knife collecting started with Camillus and Victorinox Swiss Army Knives as these are what I used and carried.
@@KnifeChatswithTobias I "collected" a bunch of knives as a child in the 1970s. I use the term loosely, as I just bought whatever I could find at yard sales. Turns out that what I carried in all the years since was a standard Victorinox SAK and a Buck 110. I have one of the 440C variants, which was rather a stand-out in that era. That said, I still don't have the collector mindset, and have little desire to purchase more Victorinox or Buck product. Both companies make a great product, and I have exactly the ones I need from each.
The bantam series is a phenomenal bang for the buck knife. It has excellent ergonomics, good steel and a great price. I have used many different sizes deer hunting, and working in the yard and the garden
i've had quite a few buck knives and mostly i used them for trade except the oddball knives i keep, like the 101 fixed blade version of the 110 with ebony wood scales i got a packlite that was orange but i took all the orange off it with a smaller buck knife
Like everything in the world and particularly in the US brand loyalties primarily depend what you were raised with. What did your Father and Grandfathers carry cause you're probably going to want the same thing thing. My family carried everything at different times for different work and tasks. My very first knife of my own was a cheap little salesman advertising knife that had the blade slide out the front with the actuation of a plastic folding lever that would then fold back into the handle to support/stop/lock the blade in place. My father carried everything. Started out with various US made Barlow patterns then moving to a Case Large Stockman in CV and he bought me a mini/small stockman as well. My Grandfather, on my mothers side carried a pre 86 Buck 426 in a green camo velco sheath like your 'cublite' there has. He would carry it whenever he was on the farm or hunting throughout all the time I knew him till his passing in 2014. He also carried a few small traditional slipjoints that were both Case and Buck for just mundane things like church where he wore a suit and a Buck 110 style knife might not fit in the best. My Uncle on my mothers side was carrying one of those Marble's Safety Folding Hunters quite often and had it with him when he was killed in a vehicle accident in 94. My first main carry pocketknife actually was a Buck but not what you might think. While I did and still do have a Buck 110 Hunter that my Grandfather had purchased at the same time as his pre 86 Buck 426, he had left it in the safe to give to me later at the same time with a Remington 1100 20ga Shotgun. The issue with that was I had just gotten a Buck 180 Crosslock that had just been launched by buck in 94 and purchased for me by my mother later that year because we had kinda skipped my birthday that year due to the death of my uncle. I carried that Crosslock from the end of 94 all the way up till 2016 after my Grandmother passed away. After that I bought a Buck 110 and carried it up till just a few years ago. I actually have all of the knives mentioned other than my father's as he still has his as well as those who belonged to his father. I still carry my crosslock, grandpa's Buck 426 and other ones of his from time to time and still use them while I do. I also carry a Buck 112 slim select from time to time but in the last 2 or 3 years I've started to carry a Victorinox SAK of several different models depending on what I'm doing. As for the Buck 119 you have there it appears to be a Pre 86 because it was before they started using their symbol system for everything they make or the dot system that was only for 110's prior to 86 but not used on the first early 426's. So it would be a 1972 - 86 because it does have the Model # on it as well as the Buck name and USA for location made.
When I was young, we all carried Buck 110s. It was like wearing Levi's. It wasn't something you even thought about. It's just what you did. They were, at least to us, the best there was. And, that kinda stuff never really loses its charm.
I liked the ending when your passion for knives showed :) I have a Chinese made Buck knife although it does not say anywhere on it where it is made. The knife was purchased at a local department store and is called Buck 190T. Since this model is not listed in the Buck knives web site, do you think it is a knock off.
I have a couple of Buck (china) knives and the number isn't listed anywhere. However, I'm 100% sure it was produced by Buck. I think several of the Buck (China) knives either changed numbers or just faded from the inventory. The particular knife might have been sold only at that department store.
Biggest reason i don't have a big Buck collection, is they don't sell much over here except for the 110. The 110 not being the most budget choice for a work knife. Someday i will buy one though, they do seem adequat for a hard use work knife. Until then i use my other backlock knives and a lot more of slipjoints like sodbusters for a work knife. Thank you Tobias.
I don't have any experience of recent Bucks, but did carry a 112 for years before the law changed - probably still would if it hadn't. I liked the dependability and easy sharpening, which is about 98% of the stuff I give a damn about in a knife. They don't half wear your back pocket out, though.
I'm on your side. If I were to go for 110 for EDC, it would have to be one of the light weight knives. Bottom line, if I'm going to belt sheath carry a knife, I'd rather it be a fixed blade. The 110 light weight with slimmer, GFN handles would be much more logical in my opinion as they are much less clunky.
Loved this video and I really like Buck Knives and collect them The 113 is by far my favorite but I am partial to skinners and collect them in most of the major brands I give knives to the guys in my family for Christmas and birthdays and Buck Bantams were my go to gift for several years until I kinda upped the ante But as you said the Bantam is a heck of a bargain and a really decent knife for the price and I am carrying one today while I’m working in the yard I have a Schrade that was given as a NRA knife that is pretty similar to that Cub Lite Anyway great review Like that you said what you believed
I bought a buck110 in the ships store on my first ship. I carried it throughout my navy career, still have it. It has been through hell and recently got a new blade. I don't carry it as much any more, but it will probably always be with me.
I know what you're talking about. There are several knives of my youth that were faithful servants. I think the main reason I no longer use them is because my needs have changed so much. The knife you need for daily needs in the military are not the same as when you're more home bound and less outdoors. But that doesn't change the fond memories of the knife or the much respected view of the knife's ability based on your experiences.
I liked my 110, until I got a Case version with a drop point blade. I LOVE that one. Still love my Buck stockman though. No complaints, but they usually don’t fit my outdoor needs otherwise.
Well, you’ve opened a big ol’ can of worms. I’m with you as part of the broad middle. I have half a dozen or so. I love my 110 for it’s historical significance, but I don’t carry it. The Buck I carry most is the Silver Creek bait knife.
I have that Silve rCreek Bait knife and it is excellent. The only reason I don't have it with my fishing gear is becasue I like the Clearwater better! LOL!
I one of the lovers of Buck knives:) HA! I like a lot of knives myself, haven't come across a brand yet I couldn't like something about them. Buck's I own, Traditional Buck 110 Traditional Buck 119 Buck 501 Squire with sheath Buck 110 Slim Hunter Buck 112 Slim Ranger Buck Spitfire (Orange) Buck Canoe
I would have to agree. I can think of a few brands I'm not crazy about. But more often it is because I have found better knives made by other or it has more to do with personal tastes rather than performance. I have often said, that Buck 110, love it hate it, has earned its spot in the history of knife development, especially when it comes to modern US knife development.
I had a few lockback knives back years ago when they were legal in UK, never had a Buck but that was mainly because I never saw them for sale, I have to say a lockback is one of my favourite styles such a shame not legal here.
As a young serviceman I bought a Buck 110 at the PX at RAF Greenham Common and enjoyed it immensely. So much so that my wife was from El Cajon and took me to the old factory. But in later years other designs have attracted me more. I have a Bantam which i bought for a great price. I like Buck's 420HC steel, but it is a "cheap" steel and I object to paying big money for knives made using it. Today a 420HC #110 can cost as much as a Cold Steel Code-4 with CMP S35VN steel.
I have the Buck Bill Lowen large Toothpick and the Bill Lowen Fish Knife. Both are Chinese made Bucks using 5 inch Frame. Both are excellent for what they are!
I did a 10 steel edge retention and 420hc is far from inferior as a cutlery steel and literally held an edge better than 154cm, vg10, 14c28n, 1095, 8cr13mov and some others, the only thing that came close to the edge retention it has was cpms30v which is a lot more time consuming to get hair popping sharp. Roman Landes, a German metallurgist has found the same to be true. Since it's a true low carbide cutlery steel it's able to form a stable edge down to a very fine edge.
Thanks for the info. All I could go with is my experiences using a variety of knives throughout my life. Most have been what the knife snobs call junk or crap steel (such as 440, 425HC, and 1095.) My thoughts have always been they may not be the world's great steel but they have always proven more than adequate for my needs, including when I used to do what most people would consider knife abuse.
The Buck/Strider was one of my favourites of their folders, the Tom Mayo collaboration was very nice too. I'd love one of the Buckmaster 184s too just for the collection, if i could afford one, the large Selkirk folder is really nice looking too and usable. There's a few others i'd like to own, but i know what you mean about preference, you either like it or not, simple. I only have a 110, their 'modern' knives don't do anything for me. It's just how it is.
Bucks 420 is a lot better than most it's well known that Bucks 420 formula is not your average 420 steel . It's much more and performs and holds edge retention very well. Good video, brother 👍
I’ve never been a Buck fanboy either. As far as lock back knives go, I’ve kinda stuck with Puma’s. I do own a 119, and a 120 general. Also the knife that has the green handle with a saw back blade just as a curiosity
I'm kind of a Buck "fanboy". I think a lot of it is based on nostalgia as the Buck 110 was my first real daily carry knife (other than my BSA camp knife) as a kid in the 1970s. I also like some of their new "Buck Slim and Light" offerings as I use them as "chore knives" that I beat the heck out of with no regrets. I did just buy a Buck 303 (USA made) new, its a 3 1/4 inch stockman that I have yet to open. It will be my first Buck traditional folder. I really only bought it because it is American made and I was curious as to the quality. Most of my traditional folding knives are older USA made knives. I might be trying to recreate my childhood.😂
Currently the US Schrade LB7 is actually made in China. Blade is 7Cr17Mov. Price averages about $28. Not that Chinese knives bother me, they don’t at all just pointing this out 🙂
I have the 110 and the 102 and like them both very much but I’ve had no interest yet in any of their modern knives. The one thing I will say is out of all the knives I’ve purchased over the past 2 years the bucks were the sharpest out of the box. This includes case, benchmade and others. The Buck knives were razor sharp.
I own several Buck knives as well as other brands. I like the made in U.S.A., the looks, the forever warranty and the quality. I purchased my first buck, a 110, while in the AF in Germany. I'm not a fan of clip point and it is the only clip point I have. I can take them or leave them. I'm not a collector. I'm a user.
Well... one of my favorite internet stores and Buck disappointed me again. I ordered what I thought was a Buck 303 Cadet and received a smaller version of a Buck 371 Stockman 3-7/8" Black and Blue G10 Handles - 0371BKSWM-C. It has bolsters on one end only, the back springs were noticeably uneven, fit and finish was rough, and it is made in China. The main blade was stamped "303G" and the package was marked "303-G10"'. I can't find this particular knife anywhere on the internet and wonder if it is meant for overseas sales only. Anyway, I'm sending it back for a refund. I'm beginning to think the only Bucks I'll be satisfied with are the 110 and the traditional fixed blades with black Delrin handles.
I could get into the Buck 110 auto b/c button. I do also love the 119 b/c pretty. I only like their popular songs. So, Tobias, what's your take on Buck knives?.... what?... Watch the video, you say?... ...
And also not a huge Buck hater. The fact that have two Buck knives on me when I go fishing says quite a bit about that brand, in my opinion. I could have other knives but I have chosen those knives.
I have a love hate relationship with my Buck 110. I love the USA made and the Americana of the Buck name. I also love the quality build. And I trust their heat treat of the blade is as good as they say. BUT,,,,out of the box the blade is a huge disappointment. Not toothy at all. Typical stainless steel with no bite. Felt sharp but it was horrible at cutting and slicing anything. I lent it to my sister in law who does a lot of kitchen work and she said the Buck 110 was "shitty dull". I attempted to sharpen it but it was very hard to sharpen. I finally got frustrated and took a dremel tool to the edge. I got it toothy but the edge looks bad. I wish I had left it like it was and just kept it as a collection. I have seen a properly sharpened Buck 110 and it was razor sharp. But it takes a lot of know how to sharpen buck's stainless steel.
I'm A Buck fan boy...the 110 Is what I reach for 90% of the time. I love the 119, and I want the new one with mircata and premium steel. I am surprised you aren't A big fan of Buck...but you are entitled to your opinions
When I buy a Buck knife, I'm buying it not just because I like it but because of the warranty on their USA made knives. When it comes to the combo of a knife I like with a stellar warranty it's a no-brainer. Even that $20 Bantam you have has a lifetime warranty because it is made in the states. So a $20 knife with one of the best warranties out there from a knife manufacture.
@@KnifeChatswithTobias I was looking at a Taylor's Eyewitness Barlow. They are handmade and more costly than what I usually spend. If you ever form an opinion of that brand, I would appreciate hearing from you .
Tobias I prefure 440 steel unfortunately buck uses 420 steel the cadet and buck trios do look old school I prefure the slip joints myself but are incapable of doing hard work llke my barlows or saks 👍🇬🇧🦊🐾🇺🇲
buck snobs need to realize that everyone has their own ideas about what to carry or use on a daily basis, if you need a 110 to feel secure so be it but if you only need a barlow to do it all who's to question, i carry 4-5 knives most days one on the hip one on the keyring hanging from a sheath with a monkey fist containing a 1 inch steel ball inside the sheath is a puma game warden one around my neck one in my pocket and another stuck in my belt behind my shirt , i went to a group meeting to plan the next house we were gonna paint and i took my keys out put them on the table my boss said what's that so i showed him, he said i wouldn't want to meet you in a dark alley i was like why not? i'm no threat to anyone unless you're doing harm. he left it at that
I'm in your camp. Not bad but not something that is something worth being of high praise. I have always been a bigger fan of Victorinox or old Case from 70's or older and all 3 are iconic brands but they never offered what I really wanted. I do like the SwissBuck stuff from the 90's but still not what I seek. The 110 put them on the map but outside of that they have never really set themselves apart to make anthing unique worth having, Good stuff but not in the league of Victorinox or Case and more of a hunters knife brand than anything else
I bought a 110 shortly after it came out, around 1970. I let my nephew use it on a Canadian fishing trip where he managed to damage the backspring so the blade wouldn't close completely. It lived in a drawer for the next 30 years when I sent it to Buck. Despite the damage being my fault, Buck made it look like new, replaced the spring, cleaned, polished, and sharpened it. Now it's back to living in a drawer. The quality is impressive. Too bad China owns the knife market.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Tobias. As a Buck "fan boy," I thought you did well in presenting your thoughts on Buck knives. It would be a pretty dull world if everyone had the same exact tastes! Have a great Memorial Day.
Tobias, thanks for sharing! I will say I did find this video very intriguing as I have watched you for a few years and did realize you hardly ever review a Buck knife. Always enjoy your videos, my friend.
A Buck 112 FG was my gateway to collecting. I have added some more pieces since, all traditional, and haven't been disappointed so far.
It's a wow moment when you unbox a buck 110, a beautiful high quality knife
Thanks
Living in the area where I grew up, Buck knives only sold in a few places. There were very few model choices to pick from I bought a model 112. It was more expensive than any knife I bought at that time. It was heavy and most people I showed it to did not like it. Most thought it was too big and heavy to carry. Hunting knives were lighter than it was. That turned out true for the time. It was harder to sharpen and just uncomfortable to carry. I have a few small American made slip joints and a model 119 too. They are fine working knives; I just do not pursue collecting Buck knives.
I have a pair of Buck model 125 knives I used for everything from fish to boning out meat, I used for years. When I think of pocketknives, I do not consider Buck models because of their generic appearance most models have. I started carrying Gerber lightweight knives with the introduction of the LST and never looked for much of anything else. Geber started selling knives commercially around the same time as Buck. I think as you, Buck makes quality knives for someone who has different tastes from most knife collectors in my area. 😆
I love some Buck knives and i am not a fan of others . The 124 has been on my belt when hunting for decades , the 110 has been in my truck glovebox since i was 16. Processed plenty of deer and elk, moose , and a few cows with them both. They work and extremely dependable. And i also have plenty of others , TOP's , SOG , Case , Boker etc etc etc . Knives are like guns , both are tools and i want a full tool box.
Oh dear I feel a but coming on.😜😂👍🍀
Whew, I'm glad the countdown was aborted! lol Interesting thoughts though, for certain. Similarly I was a scout when the first 110 I ever saw came out of a friends pocket. Having never used anything more than my scout pocket and fixed knives I was overcome with an ominous feeling. I think "Good Lord" was my expression. I was young, not yet a hunter, and thought how extreme. So other than the pocket friendly China made 389 canoe, I never appreciated the 110 nor Buck. That changed over recent years and I have started a Buck USA fixed blade collection and look forward to "customizing" my first of at least two Bucks soon. Thanks Tobias, it's good to listen to you rant and reflect upon our own experiences.
On a side note, I have several "Buck 110 size & style" knives as part of 3 different collections all of which fit perfectly into the Buck 110 belt sheath but are not as heavy as the well-made 110.
What the Buck? 😂 Sorry, I have more... Son of a Buck, Buck University or Buck U, I don't give a Buck, and when you close your Buck 110 auto, you put it in Buck Off mode, and when someone tells you to use a Buck knife, they are telling you to go Buck yourself. 😂 I see the door, and I'll show myself out. 😆
🤭
You son of a Buck!
😂
I'll be walking throught that same door with you
Dilligab
Excellent video, Tobias! I'm 67 now and have loved knives ever since I was a kid, but I have never owned a Buck 110, even back in the 70's when it seemed like it was almost required to have one on your belt in its distinctive leather pouch. For many years I was a Schrade guy (back when they were made in the US). Ironically, now my two favorite brands are both made outside the US - Opinel (from France) and Rough Ryder (from China). I believe that anyone my age who has never changed his opinion on anything, has pretty much wasted his life.
I think you covered a lot of good points in this video and it's nice to see a different stance on the matter. I agree with you about 1st impressions and how they can completely skew your viewpoint on a brand, if your 1st ever encounter with them is poor. Fortunately for me, my first ever Buck was the 119 Special when I was only 16 (a few decades ago now), and not another cheap Chinese made one. However, I too have fallen victim to the old silly saying: "Well, you're not a knife collector if you don't own a..." I've learned over the years that attitude is complete nonsense as well. People can collect whatever knives they want, so long as they're happy--that's all that matters, in my opinion. Thanks for this video and Cheers!
A bit off topic but I dig the tiger stripe curtains in the background. One of my favorite camo patterns alongside the old U.S. woodland pattern and the rhodie brushstroke.
I didn't have much experience with Buck growing up. Dad always carried a Gerber Gator and Grandpa always had a LB7. In high school I was gifted a Buck 450 "Protege" as my first "real" knife and then when I got out on my own my Dad gave me his old Buck 119 he never really used. There is some nostalgia there, but its not a brand I actively seek out anymore. Funny enough, when I hear "Buck knife" I still immediately think of that Protege, which I think has been discontinued for years now.
Buck does a cryo treat on their 420HC which gets the hardness up to a solid 58 HRC. That results in a really darn good working knife. Generally the people you find who like Buck knives are not collectors, but rather people who carry the same knife every day for decades on end.
You make a good point. My experience is people get into collecting knives based on the knives they use. My knife collecting started with Camillus and Victorinox Swiss Army Knives as these are what I used and carried.
@@KnifeChatswithTobias I "collected" a bunch of knives as a child in the 1970s. I use the term loosely, as I just bought whatever I could find at yard sales. Turns out that what I carried in all the years since was a standard Victorinox SAK and a Buck 110. I have one of the 440C variants, which was rather a stand-out in that era. That said, I still don't have the collector mindset, and have little desire to purchase more Victorinox or Buck product. Both companies make a great product, and I have exactly the ones I need from each.
The bantam series is a phenomenal bang for the buck knife. It has excellent ergonomics, good steel and a great price. I have used many different sizes deer hunting, and working in the yard and the garden
I always thought that Buck 110 looked like a knife made by a 13 year old boy in shop class using spare auto parts
I’m almost certain those are fightin’ words! 😂
i've had quite a few buck knives and mostly i used them for trade except the oddball knives i keep, like the 101 fixed blade version of the 110 with ebony wood scales i got a packlite that was orange but i took all the orange off it with a smaller buck knife
I agree. My first buck 110, the 120th anniversery edition, left an impression. Lacked a bit of QC. Still a great knife.
Like everything in the world and particularly in the US brand loyalties primarily depend what you were raised with. What did your Father and Grandfathers carry cause you're probably going to want the same thing thing.
My family carried everything at different times for different work and tasks. My very first knife of my own was a cheap little salesman advertising knife that had the blade slide out the front with the actuation of a plastic folding lever that would then fold back into the handle to support/stop/lock the blade in place. My father carried everything. Started out with various US made Barlow patterns then moving to a Case Large Stockman in CV and he bought me a mini/small stockman as well. My Grandfather, on my mothers side carried a pre 86 Buck 426 in a green camo velco sheath like your 'cublite' there has. He would carry it whenever he was on the farm or hunting throughout all the time I knew him till his passing in 2014. He also carried a few small traditional slipjoints that were both Case and Buck for just mundane things like church where he wore a suit and a Buck 110 style knife might not fit in the best. My Uncle on my mothers side was carrying one of those Marble's Safety Folding Hunters quite often and had it with him when he was killed in a vehicle accident in 94.
My first main carry pocketknife actually was a Buck but not what you might think. While I did and still do have a Buck 110 Hunter that my Grandfather had purchased at the same time as his pre 86 Buck 426, he had left it in the safe to give to me later at the same time with a Remington 1100 20ga Shotgun. The issue with that was I had just gotten a Buck 180 Crosslock that had just been launched by buck in 94 and purchased for me by my mother later that year because we had kinda skipped my birthday that year due to the death of my uncle.
I carried that Crosslock from the end of 94 all the way up till 2016 after my Grandmother passed away. After that I bought a Buck 110 and carried it up till just a few years ago. I actually have all of the knives mentioned other than my father's as he still has his as well as those who belonged to his father. I still carry my crosslock, grandpa's Buck 426 and other ones of his from time to time and still use them while I do. I also carry a Buck 112 slim select from time to time but in the last 2 or 3 years I've started to carry a Victorinox SAK of several different models depending on what I'm doing.
As for the Buck 119 you have there it appears to be a Pre 86 because it was before they started using their symbol system for everything they make or the dot system that was only for 110's prior to 86 but not used on the first early 426's. So it would be a 1972 - 86 because it does have the Model # on it as well as the Buck name and USA for location made.
When I was young, we all carried Buck 110s. It was like wearing Levi's. It wasn't something you even thought about. It's just what you did.
They were, at least to us, the best there was. And, that kinda stuff never really loses its charm.
I liked the ending when your passion for knives showed :)
I have a Chinese made Buck knife although it does not say anywhere on it where it is made. The knife was purchased at a local department store and is called Buck 190T. Since this model is not listed in the Buck knives web site, do you think it is a knock off.
I have a couple of Buck (china) knives and the number isn't listed anywhere. However, I'm 100% sure it was produced by Buck. I think several of the Buck (China) knives either changed numbers or just faded from the inventory. The particular knife might have been sold only at that department store.
I don’t like all Buck knives, but there are some models that for me, hit a home run :)
Biggest reason i don't have a big Buck collection, is they don't sell much over here except for the 110. The 110 not being the most budget choice for a work knife. Someday i will buy one though, they do seem adequat for a hard use work knife. Until then i use my other backlock knives and a lot more of slipjoints like sodbusters for a work knife. Thank you Tobias.
Good video. God bless. From Glenn CATT in Massachusetts.
I don't have any experience of recent Bucks, but did carry a 112 for years before the law changed - probably still would if it hadn't. I liked the dependability and easy sharpening, which is about 98% of the stuff I give a damn about in a knife. They don't half wear your back pocket out, though.
For me, there is something about the Buck 110 that is sort of clunky--no offense intended to 110 lovers.
I'm on your side. If I were to go for 110 for EDC, it would have to be one of the light weight knives. Bottom line, if I'm going to belt sheath carry a knife, I'd rather it be a fixed blade. The 110 light weight with slimmer, GFN handles would be much more logical in my opinion as they are much less clunky.
Loved this video and I really like Buck Knives and collect them
The 113 is by far my favorite but I am partial to skinners and collect them in most of the major brands
I give knives to the guys in my family for Christmas and birthdays and Buck Bantams were my go to gift for several years until I kinda upped the ante But as you said the Bantam is a heck of a bargain and a really decent knife for the price and I am carrying one today while I’m working in the yard
I have a Schrade that was given as a NRA knife that is pretty similar to that Cub Lite
Anyway great review
Like that you said what you believed
The 110 is very nice, but also heavy, the Bantam is a great edc that can get thrown in the pocket for most normal use. Thanks for the video.
I bought a buck110 in the ships store on my first ship. I carried it throughout my navy career, still have it. It has been through hell and recently got a new blade. I don't carry it as much any more, but it will probably always be with me.
I know what you're talking about. There are several knives of my youth that were faithful servants. I think the main reason I no longer use them is because my needs have changed so much. The knife you need for daily needs in the military are not the same as when you're more home bound and less outdoors. But that doesn't change the fond memories of the knife or the much respected view of the knife's ability based on your experiences.
I liked my 110, until I got a Case version with a drop point blade. I LOVE that one. Still love my Buck stockman though. No complaints, but they usually don’t fit my outdoor needs otherwise.
Well, you’ve opened a big ol’ can of worms.
I’m with you as part of the broad middle. I have half a dozen or so. I love my 110 for it’s historical significance, but I don’t carry it. The Buck I carry most is the Silver Creek bait knife.
I have that Silve rCreek Bait knife and it is excellent. The only reason I don't have it with my fishing gear is becasue I like the Clearwater better! LOL!
I one of the lovers of Buck knives:) HA! I like a lot of knives myself, haven't come across a brand yet I couldn't like something about them.
Buck's I own,
Traditional Buck 110
Traditional Buck 119
Buck 501 Squire with sheath
Buck 110 Slim Hunter
Buck 112 Slim Ranger
Buck Spitfire (Orange)
Buck Canoe
I would have to agree. I can think of a few brands I'm not crazy about. But more often it is because I have found better knives made by other or it has more to do with personal tastes rather than performance. I have often said, that Buck 110, love it hate it, has earned its spot in the history of knife development, especially when it comes to modern US knife development.
Now that makes good CommonCents! I've always been a Buck fan. When I think of a knife in general I see the 119 silhouette in my mind. 👍
I had a few lockback knives back years ago when they were legal in UK, never had a Buck but that was mainly because I never saw them for sale, I have to say a lockback is one of my favourite styles such a shame not legal here.
UK politicians are shameful.
As a young serviceman I bought a Buck 110 at the PX at RAF Greenham Common and enjoyed it immensely. So much so that my wife was from El Cajon and took me to the old factory. But in later years other designs have attracted me more. I have a Bantam which i bought for a great price. I like Buck's 420HC steel, but it is a "cheap" steel and I object to paying big money for knives made using it. Today a 420HC #110 can cost as much as a Cold Steel Code-4 with CMP S35VN steel.
Tobias, I’m shocked, I say! No toothpicks?
I have the 385, and two versions of the 388. Single and dual blades. Well made.
I have the Buck Bill Lowen large Toothpick and the Bill Lowen Fish Knife. Both are Chinese made Bucks using 5 inch Frame. Both are excellent for what they are!
How long does it take to get your knives back? Average turnaround time?
Is your cap strap reflective of your place of domicile?
It’s a place I frequent in the summer.
@@KnifeChatswithTobias I was hoping we might get to meet over a tropical libation and discuss knives.
I own two Buck 110’s and like them both a lot. I agree with you in saying if someone chooses a 110 I feel they made a good choice.
I did a 10 steel edge retention and 420hc is far from inferior as a cutlery steel and literally held an edge better than 154cm, vg10, 14c28n, 1095, 8cr13mov and some others, the only thing that came close to the edge retention it has was cpms30v which is a lot more time consuming to get hair popping sharp. Roman Landes, a German metallurgist has found the same to be true. Since it's a true low carbide cutlery steel it's able to form a stable edge down to a very fine edge.
Thanks for the info. All I could go with is my experiences using a variety of knives throughout my life. Most have been what the knife snobs call junk or crap steel (such as 440, 425HC, and 1095.) My thoughts have always been they may not be the world's great steel but they have always proven more than adequate for my needs, including when I used to do what most people would consider knife abuse.
The Buck/Strider was one of my favourites of their folders, the Tom Mayo collaboration was very nice too. I'd love one of the Buckmaster 184s too just for the collection, if i could afford one, the large Selkirk folder is really nice looking too and usable. There's a few others i'd like to own, but i know what you mean about preference, you either like it or not, simple. I only have a 110, their 'modern' knives don't do anything for me. It's just how it is.
was the strider expensive new? i see most of them had 420hc and some had ats34.
@@acid6urns i just Googled it and one sold on Arizona Custom Knives for $150, that was 2019. Knifecenter sold them for $53 back in the day.😵
Meanwhile I get a big kick when I receive a Victorianox Swiss Army Knife.
I have had a lot of issue's with Buck knife's /and some good ones /their customer service leaves a lot to be desired for sure.
I think they do an excellent job with their heat treatment. I'm thinking about getting a 55 but they cost the same as a 110
Bucks 420 is a lot better than most it's well known that Bucks 420 formula is not your average 420 steel . It's much more and performs and holds edge retention very well. Good video, brother 👍
How dare you ! I can't believe you decided to state your opinion of your own property ! Great video Tobias .
I’ve never been a Buck fanboy either.
As far as lock back knives go, I’ve kinda stuck with Puma’s.
I do own a 119, and a 120 general. Also the knife that has the green handle with a saw back blade just as a curiosity
I'm kind of a Buck "fanboy". I think a lot of it is based on nostalgia as the Buck 110 was my first real daily carry knife (other than my BSA camp knife) as a kid in the 1970s. I also like some of their new "Buck Slim and Light" offerings as I use them as "chore knives" that I beat the heck out of with no regrets. I did just buy a Buck 303 (USA made) new, its a 3 1/4 inch stockman that I have yet to open. It will be my first Buck traditional folder. I really only bought it because it is American made and I was curious as to the quality. Most of my traditional folding knives are older USA made knives.
I might be trying to recreate my childhood.😂
Hummmm a nice U.S. Schade LB7 with a sheath.❤
Currently the US Schrade LB7 is actually made in China. Blade is 7Cr17Mov. Price averages about $28. Not that Chinese knives bother me, they don’t at all just pointing this out 🙂
I have the 110 and the 102 and like them both very much but I’ve had no interest yet in any of their modern knives. The one thing I will say is out of all the knives I’ve purchased over the past 2 years the bucks were the sharpest out of the box. This includes case, benchmade and others. The Buck knives were razor sharp.
I own several Buck knives as well as other brands. I like the made in U.S.A., the looks, the forever warranty and the quality. I purchased my first buck, a 110, while in the AF in Germany. I'm not a fan of clip point and it is the only clip point I have. I can take them or leave them. I'm not a collector. I'm a user.
Do you prefer a drop point to the clip?
Yes, I do. I abuse knives and the clip points tend to become blunt points.@@KnifeChatswithTobias
Buck 112 is my choice the way they feel
In your hand is incredibly confident.
The 112 is definitely a popular choice among Buck users.
Well... one of my favorite internet stores and Buck disappointed me again. I ordered what I thought was a Buck 303 Cadet and received a smaller version of a Buck 371 Stockman 3-7/8" Black and Blue G10 Handles - 0371BKSWM-C. It has bolsters on one end only, the back springs were noticeably uneven, fit and finish was rough, and it is made in China. The main blade was stamped "303G" and the package was marked "303-G10"'. I can't find this particular knife anywhere on the internet and wonder if it is meant for overseas sales only. Anyway, I'm sending it back for a refund.
I'm beginning to think the only Bucks I'll be satisfied with are the 110 and the traditional fixed blades with black Delrin handles.
I could get into the Buck 110 auto b/c button. I do also love the 119 b/c pretty. I only like their popular songs. So, Tobias, what's your take on Buck knives?.... what?... Watch the video, you say?... ...
So not a huge Buck fan?
And also not a huge Buck hater. The fact that have two Buck knives on me when I go fishing says quite a bit about that brand, in my opinion. I could have other knives but I have chosen those knives.
I have a love hate relationship with my Buck 110. I love the USA made and the Americana of the Buck name. I also love the quality build. And I trust their heat treat of the blade is as good as they say. BUT,,,,out of the box the blade is a huge disappointment. Not toothy at all. Typical stainless steel with no bite. Felt sharp but it was horrible at cutting and slicing anything. I lent it to my sister in law who does a lot of kitchen work and she said the Buck 110 was "shitty dull". I attempted to sharpen it but it was very hard to sharpen. I finally got frustrated and took a dremel tool to the edge. I got it toothy but the edge looks bad. I wish I had left it like it was and just kept it as a collection. I have seen a properly sharpened Buck 110 and it was razor sharp. But it takes a lot of know how to sharpen buck's stainless steel.
I'm A Buck fan boy...the 110 Is what I reach for 90% of the time. I love the 119, and I want the new one with mircata and premium steel. I am surprised you aren't A big fan of Buck...but you are entitled to your opinions
When I buy a Buck knife, I'm buying it not just because I like it but because of the warranty on their USA made knives. When it comes to the combo of a knife I like with a stellar warranty it's a no-brainer. Even that $20 Bantam you have has a lifetime warranty because it is made in the states. So a $20 knife with one of the best warranties out there from a knife manufacture.
Is there any brand from which you do not own even a single knife?
An incredibly large number of knife brands, especially if you include what most people call "modern folders"
@@KnifeChatswithTobias I was looking at a Taylor's Eyewitness Barlow. They are handmade and more costly than what I usually spend. If you ever form an opinion of that brand, I would appreciate hearing from you .
Tobias I prefure 440 steel unfortunately buck uses 420 steel the cadet and buck trios do look old school I prefure the slip joints myself but are incapable of doing hard work llke my barlows or saks 👍🇬🇧🦊🐾🇺🇲
Good morning buddy!
At bucks pricing it rather but the rat 3; and just keep transferring the tkf scales from knife to knife.
buck snobs need to realize that everyone has their own ideas about what to carry or use on a daily basis, if you need a 110 to feel secure so be it but if you only need a barlow to do it all who's to question, i carry 4-5 knives most days one on the hip one on the keyring hanging from a sheath with a monkey fist containing a 1 inch steel ball inside the sheath is a puma game warden one around my neck one in my pocket and another stuck in my belt behind my shirt , i went to a group meeting to plan the next house we were gonna paint and i took my keys out put them on the table my boss said what's that so i showed him, he said i wouldn't want to meet you in a dark alley i was like why not? i'm no threat to anyone unless you're doing harm. he left it at that
Didn’t realize GEC used foreign parts 😱
I'm in your camp. Not bad but not something that is something worth being of high praise. I have always been a bigger fan of Victorinox or old Case from 70's or older and all 3 are iconic brands but they never offered what I really wanted. I do like the SwissBuck stuff from the 90's but still not what I seek. The 110 put them on the map but outside of that they have never really set themselves apart to make anthing unique worth having, Good stuff but not in the league of Victorinox or Case and more of a hunters knife brand than anything else
I'm in the no opinion category
Never had one never want one
To me buck is a boring knife
I'm sure you are not alone. I know Buck has a lot of fans out there but I too am far from a fan boy, especially when it comes to the 110