Jump onto any knife forum and ask opinions on the best folding knife and it won’t be long until someone mentions the Buck 110. The 22cm monster is an absolute classic folding knife that combines the versatility of a folder with a strong, durable blade.
Given its popularity, many knife fans find themselves wanting to keep the 110 on them wherever they go. That’s great news. But for others, given the size and weight of the knife, they don’t see the 110 as a usable EDC.
In this article, we’re going to balance up the arguments to fully understand if the 110 is truly an EDC. We’ll look at some of the arguments for and against, as well as some alternative solutions to fixing any Buck 110 EDC gripes.
If you haven’t got time to read the whole article – here’s the key highlights
- Pros of using the Buck 110 as an EDC: strong solid knife that can be sheath carried day-to-day and tackle pretty much any task.
- Cons of using the Buck 110 as an EDC: too large and heavy for some, with trouble opening the knife one-handed.
- Summary: It’s a great EDC if you need a bigger knife day-to-day and are happy to sheath carry!
About the Buck 110
Before we jump into the arguments for and against taking the Buck 110 as an EDC, we should probably look at the knife itself. Released back in 1962, the 110 has been a classic folding knife for those out and about for nearly 60 years.
With an overall length of 21.9cm and a long 9.5cm blade, the Buck 110 is undoubtedly on the larger side for folding knives. With extra size inevitably comes extra weight, with the Buck 110 weighing a hefty 210g.
Ultimately, it’s the folding knife you carry with you if you’re going to be taking on more serious tasks.
The latest version of the 110 is packed with some awesome additional features. The handle is made from high-quality heat-treated G10 resin with the blade utilizing strong 420HC steel that’s fairly easy to sharpen and delivers good all-round performance.
The clip point blade offers great cutting ability and with the lock-back handle mechanism, the blade stays in place well to ensure you can deliver maximum power. It also comes packaged with a leather sheath for carrying on the belt.
Like with many Buck Knives, the 110 is USA made to the highest quality. This is confirmed by Buck’s Forever Warranty meaning if you have any problems with your knife due to poor workmanship, they’ll repair or replace it straight away.
With the knife retailing at around $55 from Buck, it’s also a great price and an absolute bargain for a knife of this quality and history!
If you like what you see, check out some of the specs in the table below.
| Buck 110 Folding Knife | |
 | |
| Overall Length (cm) | 21.9 |
| Closed Length (cm) | 12.4 |
| Blade Length (cm) | 9.5 |
| Weight (g) | 210 |
| Blade Thickness (mm) | 3.4 |
| Blade Type | Clip Point |
| Best For | All Round, heavy-duty pocket knife |
| Steel | 420HC |
| Sheath | Black Genuine Leather |
| Manufactured | Made in the USA |
What makes the 110 a great EDC?
For those that love large pocket knives, there isn’t anything better than the Buck 110 as an everyday carry. Here are some of the standout benefits of carrying the 110 day-to-day:
- The Buck 110 has a reputation for being strong and durable, with many fans having it as their carry for 10+ years.
- Thanks to Buck’s forever guarantee, you can rely on the performance day in, day out.
- It comes equipped with a sheath that makes it easy to start carrying from the moment you purchase it – not something you can say for every folding knife.
- The lock-back mechanism and large G10 handle make it easy to use and comfortable in the hand for long sessions.
What limits the 110 as an EDC?
Those that don’t like the Buck 110 as an EDC focus their criticism around the size and weight of the knife. Here are some of the points that limit the EDC performance:
- Some say the 21.9cm overall size is simply too big for a folding knife meaning that even when folded (at 12.4m) it’s too big for the pocket.
- At a weight of 210g you definitely know it’s there and is simply too heavy to carry day to day.
- That size makes it difficult for some to open one handed which is critical for everyday use.
But, when it comes to those limitations, there are some good arguments against them. Not many people argue that the 110 is too big for the pocket, but given it comes packaged with a sheath, there’s no reason not to carry it on the belt. This takes away some of the burdens of carrying the 210g weight too.
When it comes to one-handed opening, it can be done. There’s a load of YouTube videos or forum threads showcasing some neat one-handed opening techniques and there are even some specially adapted sheathes which automatically open the knife as you remove it.
The Buck 110 LT
But, if you just can’t get over that size, there is another option – The Buck 110 LT. Buck have heard the criticisms of its classic folding knife and made a lighter version specially for those fans.
Most of the specs are exactly the same (why change them, right?) with the key difference being the inclusion of a Nylon handle. This reduces so much of the weight bringing the knife down to a comfortable 90g rather than the 210g of the original Buck 110.
If you like the sound of that, check out the Buck 110 LT here.
Note – Check your state laws when it comes to carrying knives. Some states (such as Michigan) have laws prohibiting carrying knives the size of the Buck 110 and the Buck 110 LT. There’s obviously no way around this and isn’t worth the trouble of risking it.
Considering an alternative? Benchmade Proper 318
If you just can’t get over the sheer size and weight of the Buck 110 but don’t fancy the LT, why not check out the Benchmade Proper 318. It will still fit the bill for those that want a ‘bigger’ folding knife but cuts down slightly on the size and massively on the weight!
At 17cm total length and 9.8cm closed length, you’re cutting a quarter off of both dimensions here. But it’s with the weight you’re really making a difference, dropping down to 62 grams vs that heavy 210g of the Buck 110.
Whilst you do get a slightly harder S30v steel here and a good quality Micarta canvas handle, you don’t get a sheath included. But, given the reduction in size and weight, you may be able to pocket carry this knife instead.
The key drawback here though is the price. The Benchmade Proper retails around $125 which is around double the price of the Buck 110. But if you value the compact size, reduced weight and stronger steel, it’s a no brainer for a great EDC folding knife.
Read More >>> Buck 110 vs Buck 112: The Difference Between Two Classic Folders
The Buck 110 – a great EDC for those who like a bigger knife
The Buck 110 is a legendary folding knife and has been a reliable carry for many knife fans for over 60 years.
But when it comes to classing it as an EDC, the jury is out with many knife fans. The sheer size and weight of the knife means it’s unlikely to fit comfortably in the pocket and instead has to be sheath mounted.
Personally, we think that if you need a large folding knife day-to-day to help you tackle hefty tasks, there’s nothing better than the Buck 110 and we would highly recommend it.
But, if the size and weight are just too much to handle, we’d also recommend you look at the Buck 110 LT. It is essentially the same knife just with a slimline handle that cuts the weight by over 50%.