New 112 vs older versions

Hoyt Buck produced the first Buck Knife in 1902. Hoyt and his son Al moved to San Diego and set up shop as H.H. Buck & Son in 1947. Al Buck revolutionized the knife industry in 1964 with the infamous Model 110 Folding Hunter. The company's innovative history and attention to quality have made for many great collectible knives.
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folderfan
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New 112 vs older versions

Post by folderfan »

First post. Thanks for having me. I have learned a bunch already from reading through a lot of the older threads on here. I have a Bucklite 422 which I often carry as well as a couple of Chinese Bucks which I don't like much and seldom carry. Nothing really wrong with them but I just don't care for them. I just ordered a new 110 which I hope will be here soon. I have a chance to buy a new 112 for a good price. (I live in Canada so what I think is a good price may not seem so good to most of you) Long story short I can buy a decent used 112 for about the same money. I am capable of cleaning up and changing scales and other fairly simple stuff. I generally prefer older things and after buying a new 110 I'm thinking I might like to get a used 112.

I would appreciate any thoughts in regards to differences between new and older. I did notice the new one has a satin finish blade. I plan for this to be used as an EDC.

many thanks,
Sandy
robpa
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Re: New 112 vs older versions

Post by robpa »

As far as I am concerned age makes no difference. They are equal as far as using value. I like to find the older knives in very good condition, its just more fun.
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Railsplitter
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Re: New 112 vs older versions

Post by Railsplitter »

Welcome, Sandy.

The older 112’s had a more squared off frame which in my opinion, is the most noticeable difference from the newer models.

This is a rather horrible picture but the seventh knife from the top on the left is a 2 dot 112. Can’t remember the date it was made without looking it up but I think it was made 1974-1980. All the other 112’s in this picture are much newer. If you look closely you can see the squared off frame that I refer to. The edges of the bolsters on the newer models are chamfered. The earlier models are not.
IMG_2102.jpeg
Here is a picture of the 2 dot by itself along with a close up of the squared bolster. Early 112’s were also made without a nail nick.
IMG_2103.jpeg
IMG_2104.jpeg
Rick T.

"What can this strange device be?
When I touch it, it gives forth a sound.
It’s got wires that vibrate and give music.
What can this thing be that I’ve found?”

Proud member of the Buck Collectors Club Inc.
folderfan
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Re: New 112 vs older versions

Post by folderfan »

Thanks for the replies. From an appearance standpoint I really like the more squared edges of the older versions. The 110 I have coming is new so that will give me an idea once I have it in hand. Finding lots of older 112's online but because I live in Canada shipping costs to or from the States sometimes are as much as the cost of the knife. I can get a new one in Canada easily enough but I'm going to try and clean up an older one before I go that route. I have purchased one from the auction place which will likely need new scales due to some file work which doesn't appeal to me. I have read differing stories about it possibly being a problem for a folding knife to clear the border. We'll see how that goes.
Do all new 110/112's come with a satin finish blade?

many thanks,
Sandy
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Railsplitter
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Re: New 112 vs older versions

Post by Railsplitter »

folderfan wrote: Sat Nov 29, 2025 1:06 am Do all new 110/112's come with a satin finish blade?

many thanks,
Sandy
Yes, if they are a standard model. Limited Edition models sometimes have a polished blade and I believe you can also select a polished blade when creating your own knife in Buck’s Custom Shop.
Rick T.

"What can this strange device be?
When I touch it, it gives forth a sound.
It’s got wires that vibrate and give music.
What can this thing be that I’ve found?”

Proud member of the Buck Collectors Club Inc.
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Railsplitter
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Re: New 112 vs older versions

Post by Railsplitter »

If you ever decide to buy a new 112, Note that Buck offers a Web Exclusive 112 in Nickel Silver with a Drop Point blade. You can select the standard 420HC blade steel or S30V.

I have one and it is a very impressive knife.
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IMG_2105.png
IMG_2106.jpeg
Rick T.

"What can this strange device be?
When I touch it, it gives forth a sound.
It’s got wires that vibrate and give music.
What can this thing be that I’ve found?”

Proud member of the Buck Collectors Club Inc.
folderfan
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Joined: Sat Nov 22, 2025 4:12 am

Re: New 112 vs older versions

Post by folderfan »

Very nice looking version. Thanks for the pictures. There are so many standard and special versions the pictures help. It is a bit mind boggling. A big reason for getting a 112 is that although it is a big knife it will suit me better for EDC than the 110.

best regards,
Sandy
folderfan
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Joined: Sat Nov 22, 2025 4:12 am

Re: New 112 vs older versions

Post by folderfan »

The new 110 arrived as did the 2 dot 112. Right after that I snagged a 2015 112 from the auction place. I have it in hand and I don't think the blade has been touched since the factory. It is still very sharp. The 2 dot is rough but I knew that and I'm planning on cleaning it up and making new scales for it.
If I can tear myself away from the turkey I'll try to figure out how to post pictures.
Merry Christmas,
Sandy
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