BUCK 110 - The Alltime Classic that Makes All the Lists, A Must Have for Any Collector

 In reviewing the lists of knives all collectors should have, this model surfaced repeatedly.  I have a 'knock off' version of the Buck 110 from China (it is a highly copied knife), but knew that I needed to finally invest in the genuine article.  It is a heavy knife, to be sure, especially for a folder (probably twice the weight of typical folders today with synthetic handles).  But the weight betrays its quality.  As the photos demonstrate, this knife is constructed with brass, both on the end caps, but also in the liner.  The blade is constructed of 420HC steel, which, as some will observed, is not necessarily impressive in itself, but it is the heat treatment of the steel that makes the difference.  The handle is constructed of genuine ebony with brass bolsters. All around an impressive piece of workmanship that shines brightly in the world of knives. Although large, by comparison, it also comes up in lists of "gentleman's knives" (which are usually thinner and smaller and lighter), and is a popular knife around the world and a pride of US craftsmanship.  I can see why it is so highly regarded among knife collectors.  

The sheath, by the way, is not US made, but from Mexico (as indicated on the sheath itself). That said, it is well made of quality, heavy leather. 

As noted on the Buck website, this is the knife's history:

Buck's Folding Hunter was created in 1963 when Al Buck decided that a revolutionary locking blade knife was needed by outdoorsmen who wanted a sturdy knife but did not want to carry a long, fixed blade knife. He was right and the result proved to be the key to the company's future. The challenge was to combine the strengths of other folding knives with locking mechanisms into a good-looking, reliable product. It wasn't easy, but after a series of refinements, the Model 110 was unveiled. Within six months, this innovation was the hottest knife in the industry.