Buck Knives Review: A Cut Above the Rest
About Buck Knives: 120 Years of Knife-Making Excellence
For over a century, Buck Knives has been the go-to brand for outdoorsmen, hunters, campers, and anyone else who demands the very best in their cutting tools. Founded in 1902 by hoyt buck in mountains home idaho, Buck Knives remains proudly family-owned to this day. Now helmed by 4th generation knife-maker CJ Buck, the company continues to set the standard for innovation, craftsmanship and performance.
Buck Knives‘ storied legacy began when hoyt buck started hand-making knives using worn-out file blades as the raw material. He discovered that tempering the blades in the family‘s kitchen oven led to a superior edge and longer-lasting sharpness. This pioneering spirit and dedication to quality put Buck Knives on the map.
In 1945, hoyt‘s son Al Buck revolutionized the knife industry with his improvements to the heat treating process. By using a series of timed temperature changes, he was able to make Buck‘s blades even stronger and more durable. This signature approach became known as the "Buck Knife Heat Treat" and is still used today.
Buck Knives rose to nationwide fame in 1963 with the launch of their iconic 110 Folding Hunter knife. One of the first strong lockback folding knives ever made, the 110 proved ideal for the needs of hunters and outdoorsmen. The elegant wood handle and gleaming clip blade made the knife an instant classic.
Over the following decades, Buck Knives greatly expanded their lineup to include a wide variety of fixed blade and folding knives for every need and budget. But every product is still made with the same commitment to quality, sharpness and durability that hoyt buck had when he started the company in his modest Idaho blacksmith shop over 120 years ago.
While Buck offers a few imported products to meet certain price points, the vast majority of their knives, and all of their most popular models, are proudly made in the USA at their state-of-the-art facility in Post Falls, Idaho. Even after more than a century in business, Buck Knives remains an All-American success story.
What Makes Buck Knives Special? Unparalleled Sharpness, Strength & Craftsmanship
If you ask a Buck Knives owner what makes these blades so remarkable, the answers you‘ll hear most are sharpness, edge retention, and overall rugged durability. Buck has an industry-wide reputation for making the sharpest knives you can buy. And thanks to their unique heat treating process and steel formulations, they stay sharp much longer than the competition.
While most knife brands use a consistent 58 Rockwell hardness for their blades, Buck tailors the hardness to each knife. Harder steels up to 60 Rockwell, like Buck‘s S30V and S35VN, hold an edge longer and resist chipping. But they can be more difficult to re-sharpen. Meanwhile, slightly softer steels around 57-59 Rockwell, such as Buck‘s standard 420HC and 154CM, provide the optimal balance between edge retention and ease of sharpening.
Whichever Buck knife you choose, you can be assured that it will arrive hair-popping sharp directly from the factory. Buck is one of the only companies that sharpens their blades on a diamond wheel prior to shipping. This creates a keen razor edge that‘s ready for work right out of the box.
But a Buck knife is more than just a super sharp edge. The attention to detail in both design and construction is second to none. Every component, from the steel of the blade to the materials of the handle to the mechanics of the locking mechanism, is meticulously engineered for reliable long-term performance.
At the Buck factory in Idaho, every knife is made by skilled craftsmen with decades of experience. Automated CNC machines perform the initial rough shaping and cutting. But all of the fine detail work is done by hand. This includes sharpening, polishing, assembly and quality control inspections.
The result of all this high-tech precision and old-school hand-craftsmanship is a knife you can depend on for a lifetime of hard use. With proper care, a Buck knife can be passed down through generations as a family heirloom. That‘s why millions of Americans won‘t trust any blade but a Buck.
Buck Knives: Top Models Reviewed
Buck 110 Folding Hunter Review
The knife that made Buck famous, the 110 Folding Hunter is quite simply a design masterpiece. First introduced in 1963, the 110 proved that a folding knife could be every bit as strong and reliable as a fixed blade.
Featuring a 3.75" 420HC steel clip point blade and a genuine ebony wood handle with brass bolsters, the 110 radiates timeless elegance and class. But make no mistake, this is a highly practical tool built for hard work in the field. The rock-solid lockback mechanism ensures zero blade play and locks the knife open with bank vault tightness.
For piercing power, it‘s tough to beat the 110‘s sharp clip point blade. But the design is also highly conducive to shaving and slicing. If you could only have one knife for hunting and all-around outdoor use, you‘d be well served by the 110.
After using a 110, you‘ll understand why this iconic knife has barely changed for almost 60 years. The classic never goes out of style.
Buck 112 Ranger Review
The Buck 112 Ranger is essentially a scaled-down version of the 110 Folding Hunter. It packs all the same great looks and performance into a smaller 3" package that‘s ideal for everyday carry.
Like its big brother, the Ranger sports an ebony wood handle, brass bolsters and a nail nick 420HC blade. However, the 112 blade uses a versatile drop point profile instead of the 110‘s clip point. This makes the 112 Ranger better suited for precision cutting tasks versus piercing.
If you‘re looking for a dependable daily carry knife with the strength of the 110 and the size of a typical modern folder, it‘s hard to do better than the Buck 112 Ranger. The knife carries and handles beautifully in the outdoors or for household and utility chores.
Buck 119 Special Review
The Buck 119 Special is one of the all-time classic fixed blade hunting knives. Drawing on the Bowie knife pattern, the 119 features a broad 6" clip point blade made of Buck‘s premium S45VN steel.
This high-end stainless steel provides superior wear and corrosion resistance along with excellent edge retention. In Buck‘s expert heat treat, S45VN achieves a Rockwell hardness of 60-61 for long-lasting, chipping-resistant sharpness.
What really differentiates the 119 Special is the phenomenal handle design. Constructed from a stack of leather washers and coke bottle shaped aluminum guards, the handle locks into the natural contours of your palm. The balance and grip security is incredible.
For big game hunting and campsite survival chores, the Buck 119 Special is in a class of its own. The oversized clip blade has a pronounced belly for efficient skinning and a sharp controllable point for detail work. When you need serious chopping and slicing power in the wild, this is your go-to knife.
Buck 120 General Review
The Buck 120 General is the heavy duty cousin of the 119 Special. With a monster 7.5" clip blade, the 120 is a true do-it-all wilderness knife.
Like the 119, the 120 General is built from premium S45VN steel for superior edge holding and toughness. The blade has a more aggressive clip profile with an almost dagger-like point. It‘s ground thin at the edge for clean cutting, but the 0.175" spine thickness gives you the sturdiness to handle brutal chopping and batoning.
Once again Buck knocked it out of the park with the handle design. The mid-positioned aluminum guard and leather washer handle provide a comfortable yet secure grip even in wet and cold conditions. If you need a survival knife that can handle the worst mother nature has to offer, the Buck 120 General should be at the top of your list.
Design Your Dream Knife with Buck‘s Custom Shop
What if you could build the perfect Buck knife to meet your exact needs and specifications? Well, that‘s exactly what‘s possible with Buck‘s Custom Knife Builder on their website.
The process is simple and intuitive. First, choose from 6 of Buck‘s most popular models, like the 110 Folding Hunter and 119 Special. Then you can personalize the blade shape, blade finish, handle material, bolster, and add a custom engraving.
With hundreds of potential configurations, you can create a Buck knife that‘s truly one of a kind. The Custom Knife Builder is perfect for unique gifts or for the knife enthusiast who demands the ultimate in personalized performance.
Buck Knives vs. The Competition
While Buck Knives is one of the oldest and most famous names in the industry, today they have no shortage of capable competitors. Benchmade is another highly respected US-based knife company known for exceptional quality and materials.
Like Buck, Benchmade produces a range of outdoor fixed blades and everyday carry folders. Their most iconic model is the Griptilian, available in multiple sizes, blade steels, and handle colors. For instance, the Griptilian 550-1 features premium S30V steel and lightweight, ultra-durable G10 handle scales.
With a street price of around $140, the Griptilian isn‘t cheap. But it delivers serious performance and toughness in a relatively compact and lightweight package, which helps explain its massive popularity.
Compared to Buck‘s more traditional looks and natural materials, Benchmade‘s modern aesthetic and synthetic handles may be more appealing to some buyers. However, the Griptilian can‘t match the satisfying heft and solidity of a Buck 110 or 112. The Griptilian‘s AXIS lock, while very strong, isn‘t quite as confidently rigid as the Buck‘s classic lockback design.
So which is the better knife? It ultimately depends on your needs and preferences. If you want maximum strength and appreciate the warm feel of wood handles, the Buck is arguably the superior choice, and at a lower price to boot. But if you prioritize lighter weight and sleeker contemporary styling, Benchmade may be more your speed.
Thousands of 5-Star Reviews: Why Knife Lovers Trust Buck
One of the most telling indicators of a brand‘s quality and customer satisfaction is the feedback they receive from real-world users. And on that front, Buck Knives receives virtually universal praise.
Across thousands of reviews on their own website, Amazon, and leading knife retailers, Buck‘s most popular models boast average ratings of 4.5 to a perfect 5 stars. Satisfied customers frequently commend Buck‘s sharpness, edge retention, rock solid build, and long-term durability.
For instance, one reviewer raved about his Buck 119 Special: "It arrived with the sharpest factory edge I‘ve ever seen. Shaves hair cleanly and cuts through cardboard like butter. The knife is very stout and well made. Fit and finish are superb. The balance and comfort of the handle are perfect. 10/10, a real classic!"
Another customer shared his experience with the Buck 110 Folding Hunter: "This is my 4th Buck 110 over the last 40 years. They are the best lockbacks available at any price. Takes a super sharp edge and keeps it for a long time. The wood handles develop a beautiful patina with time and use. You won‘t find a stronger, better built folder. Buck is the real deal!"
Even in the more critical reviews, most customers‘ complaints are relatively minor and focus on specific details like the position of the thumb studs or the bulk of the knife in the pocket. You almost never see any significant quality control issues or reports of failures with Buck products, which speaks volumes about their consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buck Knives
Q: Are Buck Knives made in the USA?
A: Yes, the vast majority (over 80%) of Buck‘s knives, and all of their most iconic models like the 110 and 119, are made in their factory in Post Falls, Idaho. A few price-point models are made overseas, but these represent a small fraction of the company‘s offerings.
Q: What is Buck‘s best steel?
A: Buck uses several high-performance steels, but their most premium is S45VN. This state-of-the-art stainless steel provides exceptional edge retention, toughness and corrosion resistance. You‘ll find S45VN on their top models like the 119 Special and 120 General.
Q: How do I sharpen a Buck knife?
A: For best results, use a high quality benchstone set. First establish your angle (typically 15-20 degrees per side) on a coarse stone, then refine the edge on a fine grit stone. For detailed sharpening instructions, check out Buck‘s website.
Q: Does Buck offer a warranty?
A: Yes, Buck provides a generous lifetime warranty on all their products. They will repair or replace any knife that‘s found to be defective in materials or craftsmanship. Normal wear or misuse isn‘t covered, but Buck has a reputation for superior customer service that goes above and beyond.
The Bottom Line: Are Buck Knives Worth It?
After reviewing their history, top models, customer feedback and company policies, our expert opinion is that Buck Knives are absolutely worth their price. Dollar for dollar, you simply can‘t find better built, longer lasting, or more practical knives on the market.
With their signature heat treating process, high-grade steels, and meticulous craftsmanship, Buck produces heirloom-quality tools that can span generations. And thanks to their lifetime warranty and prompt customer service, you can trust Buck to stand behind every knife they sell.
We confidently give Buck Knives our strongest recommendation. Whether you opt for one of their 60-year-old classic designs or a modern custom creation, your Buck knife will provide a lifetime of unmatched cutting performance. If you demand the very best for your hard-earned money, don‘t settle for anything less than a genuine Buck.
