Still the Best? Top Alternatives to the Buck 110 Folding Hunting Knife

The legendary Buck 110 Folding Hunter is a name that’s synonymous with pocketknives. It’s combination of strength, size, and capability changed the world when it was first released, but a lot has changed in 60+ years. Are there other knives out there today that can compete with this classic? In this article, 12 knives will challenge the Buck 110’s long reign. Let’s find out if any alternatives have what it takes to give the Buck knife a run for its money!

The Buck 110: An Industry-Shaping Knife

A Look Back

Released in 1964, the Buck 110 wasn’t just another knife. It redefined the knife world and set the standard for folding pocketknives. Buck promoted it as a folding knife that was as reliable as a fixed blade, due to its strong lock back design. Back then, knives with a wide blade, strong lock, and a grip that fit well in your hand weren’t as common as they are now.

What Makes the Buck 110 Special?

For around $60, you get:

• A 3 3/4 inch blade made of 420HC steel.
• Brass bolsters and ebony wood handle inlays.
• A thick, hand-filling grip.
• It was originally made to be carried in a belt pouch, not your pocket.

While 420HC isn’t one of the modern “super steels,” Buck is known for getting excellent performance out of it.

The “Buck Knife” Template

The 110’s impact was so great that it created the idea of what a “Buck Knife” should be. Soon after its release, many companies were making their own versions of the 110. This influence can still be seen today, even in knives that don’t look like direct copies.

Take, for example, the Schrade Uncle Henry Bear Paw. It is not a direct copy, but it is clearly inspired by the 110. Even modern designs like the CIVIVI Appalachian Drifter show some DNA inherited from the 110.

Modern Takes: Buck’s Own Alternatives

Buck 110 Slim Pro TRX: The Updated 110

The Buck 110 Slim Pro TRX is Buck’s way of keeping the 110 current. Introduced in 2022 and priced around $110, this is Buck’s idea of what the 110 would be if it were designed today.

It features:

• A slightly different blade shape with straight clip point.
• S30V blade steel for improved edge retention.
• Dual thumb studs for opening with one hand.
• A pocket clip for easier carry.
• G10 handle scales.
• Torx screws for user adjustability instead of pinned construction.

More affordable versions called the Buck 110 Slim Select are also available, equipped with 420HC steel and injection-molded handles.

Buck 112 Ranger: Another Classic, Evolved

The Buck 112 Ranger offers the same overall design as the renowned 110 Folding Hunter, but in more compact size. It too has been updated: the 112 Ranger can be found in both the classic style and the new “Sport” version.

The 112 Sport has upgrades similar to the 110 Slim Pro TRX, and costs around $130.

It features:

• A 3-inch blade made of S30V steel.
• Thumb studs and a pocket clip.
• A thicker handle made of aluminum and micarta, which makes it lighter than the classic.

Even though it’s a smaller knife, it’s comfortable and fills the hand well.

Other Brands Step Up

Gerber Gator: The “Buck 110 Killer” from the ’90s

When it was first released, the Gerber Gator was seen as a direct competitor to the 110. It’s now more affordable than the 110, costing around $40, and it’s made in America.

Key features include:

• A similar blade length to the 110 (3 3/4 inches).
• A 420HC steel blade.
• The famous Gator Grip rubberized handle.
• It was named “Most Innovative Knife of the Year” at the 1991 Blade Show.
• The lock bar release is located in the middle of the handle, which makes it easier to close with one hand.

Spyderco Endura and Delica: Lightweight Lock Back Evolution

The Spyderco Endura and Delica were originally seen as rivals to the Buck 110, especially the Endura. The Endura and Delica are the same size as the 110 and 112 respectively, and show how the 110 and 112 have influenced the knife industry, even in knives that aren’t folding hunters.

Both continue to improve the lock back design. The Endura has a 3 3/4 inch blade made of VG10 stainless steel with a full flat grind. Earlier versions had a hollow ground, partial height grind, similar to the 110.

They also feature:

• A lock back that is actuated from the middle of the handle, not the end.
• The “Boye dent,” a concave scoop that makes it harder to accidentally release the lock.
• FRN handle scales that are strong, lightweight, and grippy.

Many upgraded versions are available with different handle materials. One-handed opening is possible because of the Spyderco round hole. A four-position pocket clip lets you carry tip-up or tip-down on either side.

Spyderco Stretch: The Modern Folding Hunter

The Spyderco Stretch is possibly a more direct competitor to the 110 in Spyderco’s current lineup. While the Stretch has similar features to the Endura, such as VG10 or K390 steel and a mid-mounted lock back, it has a drop point blade, a handle that is meatier than the Endura, and a finger choil for a more secure grip.

Great Value Options

Cold Steel Double Safe Hunter: Security First

Cold Steel’s lineup has been greatly influenced by the 110. The Cold Steel Double Safe Hunter is very close in size to the 110.

It has a broader blade but weighs less because of its injection-molded handles. The lock back is mounted in the middle and has a secondary safety to prevent it from being closed by accident. It can also be locked when closed.

More features:

• A thumb stud that can be reversed.
• An 8Cr series stainless steel blade.
• Sturdy flat saber grind.

Cold Steel Range Boss: Strength Where It Counts

The Cold Steel Range Boss is another design from Cold Steel that was inspired by the 110. The blade is almost 4 inches long and is made of 4034 stainless steel with a stonewashed finish and a full flat grind.

The handle is noticeably slim and made of injection-molded plastic. The thumb stud can be reversed. It features the Cold Steel Tri-Ad lock for added strength and long life.

Tactical 110s

Cold Steel Recon 1: Tactical Interpretation

The Cold Steel Recon 1 can be seen as a “tactical 110” or an alternative to the finger-grooved 110. It’s available in four sizes ranging from Micro to XL, but the original size is most comparable to the Buck 110 with a 4-inch blade made of S35VN or MagnaCut steel. It is a bigger, meaner version of the 110 shape.

Other features:

• A high flat grind.
• Black DLC coating.
• G10 handles with aggressive finger grooves.
• Two pocket clips (one for each side).
• A Tri-Ad lock.

When You Want Something More

Boker Optima: Precision and Comfort

The Boker Optima is made in Solingen, Germany. It has similar dimensions to the 110. The fit and finish are better, giving it a more premium feel.

The handle is more comfortable thanks to a generous handle swell that fills the hand. The blade is made of 440C stainless steel, which is a throwback to the original 110. There several handle options available, including Micarta and natural materials like stag or wood. Versions with interchangeable blades are also available.

Viper Turn: Style And Performance

The Viper Turn is a smaller, more stylish take on the 110 with a 3 1/4 inch blade made of M390 steel. There are several versions available at different price points: a premium build with titanium bolsters, or a more affordable one with solid Micarta, G10, or carbon fiber scales.

In a true throwback to the original Buck 110, it’s even available without a pocket clip! Luxurious Italian design details like the crowned spine make it stand out. The lock back is in the middle and has jimping. Ball bearings and a lock back make the opening smoother. Dual thumb studs are included.

Benchmade Crooked River: Modern and Classic

The Benchmade Crooked River is the only knife here without a lock back. It’s more advanced, but it still shows the influence of the 110.

Despite the name, the Benchmade Mini Crooked River is more of a medium-sized knife. The blade is made of S30V steel, and the bolsters are aluminum. It has diamond wood scales, a stabilized wood that won’t crack over time or suffer water damage. The AXIS Lock makes it easy to use. It has a reversible pocket clip and dual thumb studs.

What’s Your Favorite?

So, what do we think? Which of these knives takes the fight to the 110? Whether you are talking about the classic 110 or the 110 Slim Pro TRX, what knives are the best knife alternatives?