The often imitated, but never duplicated, Buck 110

Submitted by David Lockhart

This knife should be standard issue to every sailor. As it is, every sailor worth their salt has one strapped to their belt. This tool is indispensable to the job. I used it to strip paint, splice lines, clean fingernails...you name it. I kept the blade sharp enough to cut a six-inch hawser like it was butter. I still have my original knife from thirty years ago when I finished boot camp. Along with my dungarees, it was the first thing I purchased at the 32nd street exchange.

Buy the Buck 110 here

Comments

[Eric Daniel]

I have an interesting story regarding this very knife.

My father, a truck driver, used to carry one of these as a utility knife, and as an easily impressed 4th grader, I thought that knife was the coolest thing in the world, and I wanted one in the worst way.

Unfortunately, the Buck hunter, at the time, cost in the neighborhood of $20-30 dollars, a veritable fortune by 9 year-old standards – there was no way in hell I was ever going to get one of those knives. My mother, however nonplussed she was by my wanting a pocketknife, told me not to get discouraged. She said that I should think positive, and stay focused on what I wanted, and eventually the opportunity would present itself for me to get what I so dearly wanted.

Little did I realize that said opportunity would come sooner rather than later. Following one of his recent trips across the countryside my father came bearing gifts in the form of surplus Chinese New Year’s firecrackers, something on the order of ten packs of 100 laced firecrackers. While firecrackers are all good and well, they were no Buck knife. Here is where providence stepped in. While I might have not been terribly impressed by my newly acquired hoard of firecrackers, my neighbor (rather my neighbor’s son to be exact) was, and low and behold, he happened to find himself in possession of a recently purchased Buck 110. One trade later we were both ecstatic, I with my knife and he with his firecrackers.

Of course, from that point on I was a firm believer in the power of positive thinking and for the next year or so I could be heard muttering to myself, ”…helicopter… helicopter… helicopter…”

[Gary Parker]

I bought and carried one the Buck 110 when I was in the Navy in the early 70s. It was indespensable on board ship as well as ashore. I carried it for six and half years and called upon it many times. Believe it or not I still have and use the same Buck 110 today. I have used it hunting, fishing, boating and just about any other task you can think of to use a knife. It is still in great shape, never been broken and sharp as a razor. It was truely one of the very best investments I made. When my son turned 12 I bought him his own Buck.
He still has and uses it to this day. In the knife world there is none better.

[Roland Johnson]

March 1975 I reported on the USS Sperry AS12 after graduating MM A-school. Among my first aquisitions was the great and common Buck 110 folding hunter. The blade is a lot narrower now, 5 years of cutting HP Packing and other gasket material caused a lot of abuse to the blade. I still would not exchange it for a new one though. Like you said, this tool is indispensable.

[Tom Riso]

My Buck 110 is so old it has no model number on it. I think I purchased it in 1968 0r '69. Still works as good as new and stays sharp, although I have been through many sheaths over the years.

[Gary Gordon]

I was told to get my 110 by my best friends father when I joined the Navy. He was an old Chief and said "if you ever do any thing right when you graduate from Boot Camp get a Buck knife and treat it well". That was in 1967. I did and as a mineman I used and somewhat abused it and its still around. After the Navy I became an EMT and worked on ambulances for 18 years and it was always right there with me. It has been shortened and narrowed a little due to use and sharpening and the brass is dented like crazy but it still works like new and hopefully I will be able to hand it down in the family.

[Paul Heagy]

I think this is the best knife value in the country today. I've had mine since the 70's and used it for hunting and anything else I could think of. It holds an edge well. I broke the tip of the blade cutting a deer pelvis and I sent it back to Buck who repaired it at no charge. They have an execllent warranty program. Iam very pleased and recommend them to others. I have given many 110's out as gifts to friends and family

[Kieth Lambert]

The first month that I was station at Pearl I had to go over to Medical to have my foot looked at. The duty driver was my sea daddy and felt bad for me, so he stopped and bought me dinner (lunch) at the sub base. While we were there I bought my knife. That was over 20 years ago now.

I still use it when I go camping, sailing, or fishing. Sure the brass is dented. The handle is worn in the middle. It also has spots of P-150 (primer), haze grey, and deck grey on it. It still holds a edge. It's been the best investment I ever made.

[kaaree hostland]

cool storys. i have also liked the buck. maybe i should get one.
kaare

[Russell Winegeart]

I bought my Buck 110 in early 1988, the day after I arrived on board my ship and still have it. Being an avid hunter, I use it mostly for skinning deer and hogs. I now have two that are kept razor sharp and ready for anything wild that needs to lose its hide.

[Philip H. Red Eagle]

Yes,
I purchased my Buck at the 32nd street naval station while on pre-com for the uss Somers in 1967. I still have it. The blade is about one-inch shorter. I was an mm and that Buck was real handy throughout my 10 years in the navy. I had my name and rate put on while I was In-Country on the river in 1970. It is now mostly a momento of those days.

[Craig Seifert< BMC(SW) ret.]

30 years ago, the 110 was the same as it is today, limited in its functions. I switched to a Schrade for better durability, then a ridged double blade for less trips to sharpen the blade after cutting synthetic line (rope).

When the Leatherman multi-tools hit the market, I went for them and their copycats. II've carried the Leatherman Supertool for the last 12 years and found it to be a much better utilitarian tool than the little 110.

If any tool is to be issued to the boot camp graduates, my vote is for the Leatherman Supertool.

[Keith Adams]

My first Buck knife was given to me after commissioning as a young ensign assigned as 2nd division officer on the USS John Paul Jones (DDG-32) in 1977. Having been previously a Bos'n Mate, I worked many special details overseaing deck duties along with an outstanding senior chief Bos'n Mate and a Bos'n Warrent. That particular knife was in and out of my belt sheath many times showing young seaman that an officer was just as good at splicing, cutting and fancy work. I can recall occassions that knife saving the lives of at least two sailors cutting the "singing line" before it parted. One time it saved the leg of a sailor who stepped into the bit at the wrong time. It was quick, sharp and dependable...I still use that same knife 40 years later!

[Paul Van Tassel]

I have and use both a Buck 110 and a Leatherman Supertool. They both have their uses and a great tools.
I have carried the Buck since 1970 and have used it for shipboard use, hunting, fishing, camping; you name it. Still use original leather scabbard. Can't beat it.

[Buckaneer]

While I have a similar but smaller Buck folder that I got from my Dad, the Buck I carried while in the Navy was the Skinner. It was on my belt every day I was onboard my ship and one day kept me from having serious injury to my hand during an UNREP. Still have it although it is now 'retired'.

[Bruce H. Kinney]

Used mine throughout my thirty year Seabee career and it serves me well to this day in FEMA Disaster Recovery. If you need a sharp one on your belt you cannot beat the solid old Buck 110.
Fair winds,
Bruce

[William Stewart]

Yah! and SPARTACUS carried a SWORD that dosn,t mean you need one.Most Boy,s Sailors did more damage than good or cut them self playing grab-ass.Proper Tool Control it is not a Toy.Sonny.

[Ted Hazlewood]

I was in the Navy as an airdale mech. we were issued a knife called the TL-29 made by Camilus, still making them. It was a pocket knife with a 2 1/2" blade with a screw driver blade. This knife handled all of our needs as Airplane guys on the Carrier. However the Buck is a great knife. I still have my fathers Boats Knife from the 40s He was a BMC.

[Max Hellmueller]

I carried one for years as a firefighter, used it to cut seat belts, rope and cloths off of burned subjects. The only problem i had was when the blade would get dull it was hard to get it sharpe again, you could with alot of work. the frame and blade held up wonderful.

[kopp ret.]

You need two blades, one to scrape one to cut. I carried a XXX Case. aprox.4&1/2 round point and 4&3/4 straight point nephew. carries it in the Med. now.

[AFMartin]

I got my Buck 110 back in 1970 onboard the Gurke (DD783)and i think i paid 12 dollars for it out of the ships store.wish I could get one that cheap now. but the one thing i liked about it was it was the easiest knife to sharpen. the trick to it was take care of it and it will take care of you.the guys onboard thought I was crazy because I used it to shave with every day. it was alot cheaper than buying razor blades.i still have that buck 110 but now I look like billy gibbons from ZZTopp.

[Paul Johnson]

W.Stewart is correct about tool control, however when properly applied, my knives have saved several lives, and never cost any limbs. Learn to use them properly. Buy the best you can afford. I carry an Old Timer (3 blade), Gerber multi tool, and a Gerber Gator 4" blade, semi serreted. When appropriate I also carry a fixed blade, usally a Buck Knighthawk for it's studyness. Each has it's own merits and limitations. After 3 years as an Army medic, 12 as an RN, and a lot of instances being first on a motor vehicle accident, I refuse to travel without at least my multitool. And unless all you do is push paper, that multitool will be handy for anybody that has ever fixed anything for themselves. God bless all

[wlodell]

I acquired my Buck 110 in 1973 when I was a parachute rigger in the U.S. Army. The knife was not designed to be a rigger knife but it was while suited as my general blade. The quality of materials and practical construction design make this a very fine knife. I have the same knife today and it still is a very fine blade. It is the first knife that I could actually sharpen to a real razor edge and literally shave my beard with it. Many have made that claim but I have only seen done twice in 40 years.

[Gary Joyce]

I've worn my Buck knife everyday (and I mean "everyday") since 1971. When the knife locking mechanism wore out, I sent it to Buck and they refurb'd it for free ... can't begin to count how many sheaths I've gone through. Best knife in the world (even if I do have to check in baggage when flying!)

gary

[Old Donn]

First, Buck is an excellent knife. I've had one many years. However, one feature it does need is one handed opening. Sailors in and out of the military often don't have both hands available to open a folding knife.

[chippuller]

Our VAQ 137 Squadron was flying back to Whidbey Island NAS from Norfolk VA on a military aircraft. Before takeoff one of the USAF ferry crewmembers walked down the aisle collecting out utility knives as a precaution that none of us would go nutz and attack the flight crew. The joke was on them as most of our USN knives were so dull they couldn't cut butter much less hurt someone.

[Troy]

And then there was the story of the hunting guide up in the Kenai about fifteen or twenty years ago that was waiting behind with a couple of the kills while the rest of the hunting party returned to the main camp by canoe, shuttling the hindquarters back and forth. He was attacked by an Alaskan Brown, and, through tenacity, will-to-win, and the grace of God, he killed that bear with a Buck 110. The story has been run a few times in Outdoor Life.

[Tom Richards]

I remember my first Buck knife, it was a 110 given to me in my early teens by my older brother who was in the navy at the time. I carried it everywhere, and always razor sharp. I owned it for 10 years or so. That knife was stolen. after going without a good knife on my belt for years my wife bought me a 112 one Christmas 12 years ago, I'm on my second blade and today I wont go anywhere without it. Truly the best folding knife on the market.

[anthony sindelir]

I was on the uss gurke in the early 60's and bought the 110 at the 32nd street exchane. the pins are all brass or bronze.(Isee that they started using a steel center pin later) I used it through my 22 year navy career, 7 years as a mechanic, 3 years on a farm, and now carry it in las vegas. the blade is fined down, and the handle contours are much more rounded. however, the blade takes an edge like a straight razor if the right stones are used. those who had trouble sharpening it were usually using stones more suitable to sharpening an axe.

[ONTIME]

I HAVE OWNED A BUCK 110 FOR BETTER THAN THIRTY YEARS, IT'S STILL LOOKS LIKE NEW AND I HAVE USED IT ON MORE GAME THAN I CARE TO MENTION.

I CARRY A FIXED BUCK SHEATH ALSO BUT I ALWAYS CARRY THE 110 FOR ALL TYPES OF SITUATIONS WHEN I HUNT.

[Duke Davis]

I bought my Buck Folding Hunter right out of boot back in 1960 and carried it through twenty years of Naval service as an NW, a GM and a DS. Some of which was pretty rough service. That knife never left my side. I still carry it most places unless I'm in fancy dress. I also carry a Buck 50r and a Buck 565k, those are nice and small but still hold an edge as well as the big hunter. My Buck hunter is now 47 years old. The blade is a little shorter, a little slimer, the handles are now black instead of brown and the brass is a little beat up. But it still opens with a flick of the wrist and still shaves me if I need it. It has saved my life in combat twice and in a mugging once. I wouldn't trade my buck for a handful of any other knives made.( and I own one of most of them!) Duke Davis USN Ret.

[Morgan]

I have owned BUCK Knives most of my life. The general is my favorite, since I have two of these. I also have a varity of other Buck Knives I have used them for hunting and woodworking. The Skinner Knife is an excellent knife.I've used it for deer & Elk. It seems they stay sharp forever.

[Kenny Taylor]

Funny. Just before seeing these comments about Buck knives, I was sifting thru my "nostalgia" drawer and came across the three Bucks I've owned since '73. Even though they're still clean and sharp, by habit, I broke out the oil, rag and stone and set myself honing and remembering the good old days. I remembered the first time I cut myself with my own knife. I'd let it get so dull that I had to push extra hard to cut thru a 5inch Samson line and the knife slipped. After that I held regular "sharpening parties" with my boat crew.

[David Injerd]

The 110 is the best knife in the world, at least as far as I'm concerned. I purchased mine from the ship's store on the USS Diamond Head (AE-19) for $14 in 1070; the most cost effective purchase I've probably ever made. As a Twigitt (spelling?)(aka Electronics Tech) I didn't use it much. Same for my engineering career after my six years active duty. But I'm now a technical missionary in Ecuador, South America, and has it ever come in handy down here! You can do most things you need to do with it. As many of you have noted above, it is a rock-solid knife that can take a beating and still survive. But it's lousy at running slotted or Phillips screws, which is why I wore my Leatherman on my left hip and the Buck on the right hip (I'm right handed, so I put the Buck where I could most easily access it). I use the past tense because, as many of you have also noted, Buck sheaths don't last too long. I attempted replacing mine with locally made leather sheaths, but they last even less time! So, today, I simply put it in my back pocket, where it is as I type. NEVER leave home without your Buck. As for the Leatherman, I foolishly kept it on my belt (it was simply a part of my wardrobe, being worn EVERYWHERE without my even thinking about it, like down here) when I attempted to board a flight in Seattle to head back here. Well, as you know, the fine gentlemen at security wouldn't let me board with it so I had to give my son a present of the Leatherman. Back in Ecuador, you cannot buy a Leatherman (at least as far as I know) so I now have an inferior, but available, Chinese substitute, whose construction is almost junk and whose sheath IS junk; thus, I have to carry it in my coat pocket. Still need to drive screws with something....

Anyway, I like the 110 over the Schrade I also have down here. Maybe it's just the distintive sound a Buck makes as you snap open the blade; like a pump 12-gauge, you KNOW by the sound what it is!

[Robert G. Berry Jr.]

I bought my first 110 in MMA school Great Lakes,Ill. Wore it out in 2 yrs. and replaced it. Still got that one. I wish the case lasted half as long as the knife. Nothing holds an edge like it. Just dress the edge with a good steel, or a "real" marlin spike and your good to go. I have been given others since, but they don't mean as much as the old one.

[Jeff Heinrichs]

August 1st 2007 Check out www.GovOutdoor.com for deals on hundreds on knives from Buck, Spyderco, Foster, Mantis, Master of defense and over 100 specialty outdoor brands. Gov Outdoors|Go Outdoors|Go Get Geared Up!

[Dave Thomas]

Hi All,

I had a Buck Knife that I got back in 1978 when I joined ROTC. I had that old Buck Knife for years, but actually broke the tip of it off when I was trying to cut through the weeds around my tent in Afghanistan so the mice/cobras didn't get in. I couldn't believe it. All those years and it took a weed in Afghanistan to break it. Dang, I really liked that one. I had to buy another one, but I still have the old one as a keepsake.

One of the best knives ever, so if you don't have one, get one. It will work in almost any situation, except for the weeds in Afghanistan. Believe it or not, RoundUp didn't work either! Had to use an E-Tool to dig then hack it. The weeds are big time tough.

Have a great day and thanks for your service to your Country. It is very much appreciated.

Dave Thomas

[Wes Cook]

Wow, Lots of sentimental stories, I've had at least a dozen Buck Knives. I've lost them given them away misplaced them then found them. Worked alot of lines on small boats and stuff in the nav. I was an Engineman 73 to 77. The knife would have been perfect if it had a marlin spike. Fair winds smooth seas.

[Ken]

I still have my buck 110 along with the original documentation and case. I bought it aboard a destroyer out of Treasure Island. I was there for my first 2 week training cruise right after my boot camp. This was in January of 70 and the knife cost me $13 and some change at the ships store.

[MARTIN A ROY III]

I MAY BE CONSIDERED A BUCK NUT. I HAVE ABOUT TWENTY BUCK KNIVES FROM THE SMALL 526 EXECUTIVE TO THE LARGE 650 NIGHTHAWK WITH AN OLD 119 SPECIAL AND TWO 110 HUNTERS THROWN IN FOR GOOD LUCK. I CARRY EITHER A 501 SQUIRE OR A 503 PRINCE FIVE DAYS A WEEK AND ON WEEKENDS IT COULD BE A 297 SIRUS OR A 290 RUSH OR ONE OF THE NEW 889 MILITARY FOLDERS OR A 872 SANDMAN. AS FAR AS THE LEATHERMAN, GOOD TOOL, I HAVE SEVERAL BUT I CARRY THE NEW B730 X-TRACT IN MY TRUCK.
CHIEF ROY

[T.F. Sinclair]

I bought a Buck 110 just after I came to the USA in 1968 and the same day that I enlisted in the Marine Corps. I carried this knife through 3 tours in Viet Nam and Cambodia, through fighting in Africa, Central America, South America, the Middle East, etc. That 4 inch folder saved my life more than once and cut more lines, brush, cloth, people than any issue knife I was given. I still have it and still carry and use it. On one end of the brass, there are a lot of 1/2 moon dents that came from banging on the slide and charging handle of a jammed M-16. Some of you young lads might not know that the super dependable weapon that you are issued now used to be a very scary thing to carry into a fight as it tended to jam and otherwise get AFU every time we went off the pavement.
The Buck never failed me. *S*

[tjarlz]

Lots of sentimental stories. I,too have had a couple of 110s in the late 70s. Couldn't keep it sharp and didn't trust the lock. I wouldn't have another Buck if I had room for a freight car load of 'em up my ass.

[ImaDAV]

I bought a Buck 110 in the late 70s while in the Navy and carried it on my belt while working as did most other swabbies at that time. Still have the 110 but it is "retired". Buck manufactures a line of knives made with S30V steel, available through Cabelas as their Alaskan Guide Series, that are some of the sharpest and easy to sharpen knives that I have owned. Worth every penny!

[J Bina]

Buck is a good knife but I favor the Schrade Bear Paw (LB7). Similar in size and function but it has a better feel and balance in your hand. Difficult to sharpen but once you've honed a good edge its there to stay. Golly, hard to believe I've had mine for 25 years now...

[Dave Maxwell]

I bought my Buck 110 at the Gedunk on the USS. Kitty Hawk(CV-63) when it was still at NAS North Island in 1992.
I was an unrated airman from HS-4 sent TAD to the S-3 division. I used that knife almost every day of that TAD, years later when I was ships company (2000-2002) on the USS. Carl Vinson (CVN-70) my general quarters station was a .50 Cal gun mount #508. The ship had just comw out of the yards, and we had a GQ in port. When we set up the gun on the mount, the flip up sight seemed stuck. I pulled out my buck to pry it up. My blade cut right through the sight, flew out of my hand past the TM2 hit the rail and went over the side. That was the end of my trusty buck. I replaced it with a leatherman. I miss the buck!!!
IS1(SW)Maxwell

[Chief Van]

I bought my 110 at Cameron Station px in the mid 70's for about 17 bucks and change. The Duke boys always wore theirs in The General, and after getting one I knew why. Couldn't get an edge until a friend of my Dad's ground it down on his big wheel, then it stays sharp with a steel or a rock. Worked better on my web gear than the issue mk-3 did at Special Boat Unit 20 in the 80's and 90;s. Brass is discolored, point is broken, but the edge is perfect to this day. Opened anything from ammo crates to mres, and will still shave hair off your arm if you need to impress a non believer.

[Donnie Morgan]

I agree with all these fine soldiers. I bought my 110 in June 1978 and still have it. I have had to replace the blade twice (my fault for using it not as described!) It does not work well as a prybar. However, Buck replaced both of the blades per their warranty. I plan on giving this knife to my son soon and hopefully he will get the same enjoyment and use I have. A great item to give anyone graduating bootcamp.

[Rod B.]

I purchased my Buck 110 in the ships store onboard the USS Orion As-18 in 1988.i still have that knife today. by the way,when supply recieved the knives onboard,they sold everyone they had.and reorderd.I can testify to this,there was alot of squids who carried a buck 110 on there side,including me

[Henry]

I was a Corpsman in Vietnam. I was told to bring a "good" knife with me when I shipped out. I brought the Buck 110. I was issued the Ka-Bar when I got incountry. 8 months later the Ka-Bar broke at the hilt and the Buck is still running today. I ship knives, including the Buck 110, to APO/FPO addresses. Visit www.MySharpKnife.com and we'll get one out today "for those who serve"...

[ladyleadfoot]

when i was in my late teens, i wanted a 110 in just about the worst way, but couldn't ever afford one. an old boyfriend gave me a 112 for christmas way back when, shortly after i expressed my lust and desire for one.
my best friend and i used to spend thursday evenings sitting in front of the tube, talking and sharpening our knives. she was the one that taught me know to sharpen a knife.
i used it for years, on just about any and everything that needed cutting or opening. i used to use it to open the tabs on beer cans when i was a bartender, since i didn't have much in the way of fingernails, and the tabs were hard to grasp.
i always, repeat always, opened it with one hand. i don't think i would even know how to use both hands. it was simply a matter of holding it properly and flipping it with just enough, but not too much, force, and not letting go.
i used to wear it while i was in A school, both in and out of uniform; i think it put off a lot of the guys. i also think i was about the only person in either of my divisions (i was shore duty; forgive me...) that carried, or even used a knife. i guess most HTs just didn't have use for a knife; i did, and still do.
the only time i ever had any problems with the knife was at an airport back in 1981. i was flying out to oregon, and had an argument with a security type. they told me i couldn't take it on board as it had a 4" blade. i told them that it didn't as it was a 112. they told me i had to ship it, as my luggage had already been loaded. i told the security idiot that, if my knife didn't make it to me at the other end, i was going to come talk to him about it on my way back, and that he would have to replace it. this was the same idiot that almost strip searched me because the buttons on my levi 501s kept setting off the detectors. he made me peel down to shirt and pants, boots and all else off. i offered to take my pants off, too, to prove it was them, but told him that i would not be responsible for what would happen as i was not wearing underwear at the time. i'm surprised that he even remembered to ship my knife out!
i still wear my 112, after 34 years... and i still have, and use, the original sheath. it (the sheath) shows no signs of falling apart. i always oil it at the same time i sharpen the blade. who knows?
one of these days i will treat myself to a 110, as i get tired of hearing that the 112 is a "girl's knife." i'm not a girl; i'm a woman. no, not PC, simply truthful!

[John Robertson USN et]

Buck, Remington, Winchester, and Schrade knives are still sold, but all are made in China - of 440C stainles - no more carbon steel blades.
I have one of the Camillus TL 28 - never sharpened - found it in an oldtool box I hadn't used in years.

[caleb candido]

i want to know how to take the blade off ive been trying but its really hard

can anyone help me?

[caleb candido]

i want to know how to take the blade off ive been trying but its really hard

can anyone help me?

[caleb candido]

i want to know how to take the blade off ive been trying but its really hard

can anyone help me?

[Duenpen Parpiput]

The often imitated, but never duplicated, Buck 110

that's good post. Thank you about your infomation