REASONS TO BUY
Classic
Large
Strong
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavy
With no modern pocket clip
Buck 110 Folding Hunter Review
A solid, nostalgic piece of utilitarian equipment. Modern knives are a little easier to use
Buck 110 Folding Hunter
Credit: Buck Knives
RELATED: Best Pocket Knives of 2024
Our Verdict
The Buck 110 Folding Hunter is the most “classic” product in our review. Even the name hints at the lasting legacy of this knife. Referring to your product as “famous” right in the name is bold, to put it mildly. However, it is warranted in this case. When one pictures a pocket knife, they probably imagine the Buck “Famous Folder”. Does the design prove to live up to the hype and provide lasting function? This knife would do well living in a tool box or fishing kit. As the name implies, it could also be used by hunters. For “every day carry” there are lighter and more sophisticated knives in our test.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Buck Knife 110 Famous Folder is the most lasting design in our review.
Performance Comparison
A simple, classy combo of throwback design, excellent materials, and an included belt sheath.
Credit: Jediah Porter
Blade and Edge Integrity
Across the internet and knife blade community, the “420hc” that Buck uses in this knife gets mixed reviews. To fully understand any review of knife steel, one must acknowledge that there are competing demands on a knife blade and the material it is made of. It must be hard and durable to hold an edge and relatively rigid for energy transmission. It must also be soft enough to sharpen at home (all knives require maintenance, despite the claims of some budget, hype-heavy manufacturers) and flexible enough to deflect before snapping.
Depending on the intended application and blade shape, these attributes are balanced in different ways. In short, there is no “best” steel for constructing knife blades from. Lastly, the blade is heat-treated for hardness after the shape has been finalized. Knowing that, we can dive in a little more to the 420hc. This alloy is known to be relatively inexpensive (both in its raw form and regarding manufacturing process and equipment). Also, it is known to be relatively soft and therefore easily sharpened. This softness, however, compromises edge hold. Balancing the soft makeup of the steel is Buck's excellent heat treating process. The end product is nothing special but holds an edge through weeks and months of “normal” use, and then is readily sharpened.
The distressed brass and Buck embossing on the blade speak to the tradition and veracity of this classic knife.
Credit: Jediah Porter
Ergonomics
As one of the largest knives in our test we expected it to be easy to hold in one's hand during heavy use. The drawback, however, is the shape. The knife handle is long and relatively symmetrical. The wider, more rectangular handle profile of something like the Editors' Choice Benchmade Mini Barrage 585 was easier to hold in heavier use. Next, the biggest difference in modern knives and the Buck Famous Folder is in blade deployment. Modern designs can be opened easily with one hand. The 110 requires two hands, one of which must be equipped with a prominent and strong fingernail for activating the blade. This attribute alone significantly compromised the scores of the Buck and allowed for most of the more contemporary, full-size knives to shoot ahead in overall rating.
Construction Quality
Like any “classic” throwback product, one expects construction quality and lasting design. The Famous Folder meets these expectations. The knife is durable and strong, with smooth hinge and reliable lock.
Portability
This competitor is the heaviest knife in our test, but also the only one that comes with a dedicated belt pouch. Most modern environments aren't real conducive to belt carry. However, if you live and work in an environment in which carrying a leather holster on your belt with your knife in it is appropriate, the Buck Famous Folder could be a viable option for you. Belt carry is comfortable and unobtrusive, as the weight of even this robust tool is transferred to your entire waist instead of just the front pocket of your pants. That being said, the entirety of our testing team preferred the lightweight pocket-clipped carry of something like one of our award winners. Of those knives that don't have pocket clips, the Opine No. 8 is lighter and more compact than the Buck 110.
The Buck Folder is the only knife we tested that comes with a belt sheath.
Credit: Jediah Porter
Other Features
There are no other features on the Buck Famous Folder. This is a simple folding blade.
Value
The Famous Folder price point seems to put a premium on the nostalgic design. The materials nor design is particularly sophisticated, but the price is well above the low end of our test roster.
Backcountry base camp steak dinner, styled further with the Buck Folder as silverware.
Credit: Jediah Porter
Conclusion
This model is a nostalgic product with a familiar look and design. Other tools in our test are more sophisticated, but the design and function of the Famous Folder are reliable and applicable. The beefy construction, workable ergonomics, and satisfactory blade earn the Buck Famous Folder average scores in those categories, while the portability and features scores are below average. The sum is a score near the bottom of our category. However, remember that we only compare the best of the best. The Buck is a great, classic knife.
—
Jediah Porter
You Might Also Like
