![Schrade LB7 vs Buck 110: Which Is Better? [2024]](https://knivesadvisor.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/schrade-lb7-vs-buck-110-1.jpg)
Thinking about buying the Schrade LB7 or the Buck 110? This article will help you with a concise explanation of the differences & similarities of the Schrade LB7 vs Buck 110. Our aim is to help you make the right buying decision.
Here’s the short version if you’re looking for a tl;dr.
- The Buck 110 is a better knife overall. It’s steel is harder & has better corrosion resistance, it will last longer, it’s made in the USA, and comes with a lifetime guarantee.
- The Schrade LB7 comes in significantly cheaper, being made in China. Although it doesn’t quite stack up overall, it’s still good value for the price point.
Let’s get into the details.
What’s the difference between the Schrade LB7 vs Buck 110?
The biggest difference between these knives are:
- The 110 is made in the USA, the LB7 is made in China
- The Buck 110 uses better, harder steel
- The LB7 is priced lower
- The 110 has a longer overall length (but similar blade length)
- The 110 has a slightly thicker blade.
Please note: there are a lot of variants of these knives made over the years. In this article, we’re directly comparing the models you can buy (new) right now today.
Overall, these knives effectively serve the same purpose. As we’ll see later in the similarities, they’re both quite heavy as far as pocket knives go. They’re probably about as heavy as you’d want in a folding pocket knife, but still viable as an EDC for most.
If you can afford the extra $30 or so, I’d go for the 110 as a longer-lasting sharper knife, made in the USA. You can also get custom engraving with Buck, to make a great gift, or family heirloom.
- Razor Sharp Blade – 3-3/4″ 420HC stainless steel blade has excellent strength, edge retention and is corrosion resistant. The blade has a very sharp controllable point, and is good for detail work, piercing and slicing
- Strength and Safety – Easy to open with a nail notch on the blade. The lockback mechanism locks the blade open for reliable strength and safety while you work. Closed Length 4-7/8″ Weight 7.2 oz.
- Durable and Multi Use – Meant to withstand even the toughest conditions and stay sharp for long. Great for hunting, camping, bushcrafting, fishing, hiking, and overlanding
- DIMENSIONS: 8.7 inch (22.1 cm) overall length with a blade length of 3.7 inches (9.4 cm) and a weight of 7.6 ounces
- DURABLE: Large clip point blade is made of reliable High Carbon Stainless Steel and is ideal for precision tasks with an extra fine point
- DEPENDABLE: Knife’s convenient size and nail pull make it ideal as an everyday carry either in your pocket or the included leather belt sheath
Differences in Steel
The Schrade LB7 uses 7Cr17MoV steel. For those who aren’t familiar with 7Cr17MoV, it is effectively the Chinese-made equivalent of 440a.
This particular steel has a slightly lower carbon content. It is therefore softer, cheaper, and regularly found in inexpensive knives. One upside is that it’s easy to sharpen, but you’ll find it lower quality overall.
420HC doesn’t innately have a huge disadvantage over 440a. But in this case, Buck’s heat treatment makes a difference and is one reason for its great reputation.
Buck 110 vs Schrade LB7: Specs Side-By-Side
| Buck 110 | Schrade LB7 | |
| Overall Length (“) | 10 1/2″ | 8.7″ |
| Blade Length (“) | 3.75″ | 3.7″ |
| Weight (Oz) | 7.2oz | 7.6oz |
| Blade Thickness (“) | 0.120″ | 0.110″ |
| Blade shape | Clip point | Clip point |
| Steel | 420HC | 7Cr17MoV |
| Made in | USA | China |
Here are the things that you’ll find similar between the Buck 110 and Schrade / Uncle Henry LB7.
- Both use the same lockback mechanism
- They are a similar weight and blade length
- They both use a clip point blade shape
- The sheaths are very similar (leather)
It really does just boil down to price, size, and weight.
More about the Buck 110
As mentioned, the 110 is Buck’s most popular knife ever. In fact, it may just be the most popular pocket knives ever, period.
It comes with a leather sheath, just like the LB7. This one is black, and the LB7’s is brown leather.
The lockback mechanism is very strong. The strongest locking mechanism for a folding knife — tougher than frame locks or liner locks for example.
The downside is that it takes an extra second or two to open the knife, but it’s up to you whether that matters.
You can also get a version of the 110 with finger grooves for a little extra $$$:
More about the Schrade LB7
Not quite an American icon like the Buck 110, the LB7 has achieved some level of popularity as a budget pocket knife.
The Schrade LB7 is a Chinese copy of the Buck 110. It’s clearly inspired by the 110, and serves a part of the market that simply wants something that does the job. At around $30, it is a budget option that does just that.
The LB7 will do a fine job on most of the day-to-day tasks you ask of it, and the rosewood handle looks great. The sheath is also very similar to the 110’s too.
It doesn’t carry the prestige of the Buck name, and isn’t USA-made. However, the Schrade LB7 offers good value for money.
Final Words
Overall, both of these knives will perform suitably in an outdoor setting, such as camping or hunting.
However, expect slightly better performance overall from Buck’s 110. And much more durability too. There are plenty of folks who’ve hade 110’s passed down through generations over 30-40+ years, and they are still going strong.
If you’re on a budget, the LB7 will do a fine job. But if you value longevity, and buying a USA-made knife, pick up a 110. You won’t be disappointed.
For a classic folder showdown, check out our post Buck 110 vs. Buck 112: Two Classic Folders.