Buck vs. Schrade...YOU decide!!!

[GSPTOPDOG]

I own several Buck 110s, 112s, etc. and Schrade 6-OTs etc. Now I can't decide if one brand has the "edge" over the other so to speak... Any thought out there?

Buck vs. Schrade...YOU decide!!!

[philco]

For me that's like asking me to pick my favorite child. Can't do it. Love em all !

[treefarmer]

I believe the Buck knives would get my vote, especially in the folding hunter category. Knives are kinda like cars, we drive a Ford Flex SUV and are happy with it but if we had a big Lincoln SUV, to me that would be like the Flex is the Schrade knife and the Buck 110 is the Lincoln. Both vehicles will get you there just as both knives will do the job.
Treefarmer

[tongueriver]

I like them all very much. One of my EDC knives is a Buck (shown) and the Schrades are all safe queens.

[edge213]

Buck

[GSPTOPDOG]

I like them all very much. One of my EDC knives is a Buck (shown) and the Schrades are all safe queens.
bl3 (Large).jpgbl6 (Large).jpg

That is a beautiful Buck 110! I have heard some guys I know complain about sharpening a Buck knife, but I never heard those complaints about a Schrade. That being said... I can't decide... I like 'em both...

[GSPTOPDOG]

For me that's like asking me to pick my favorite child. Can't do it. Love em all !

Yea... I think I'm with you!!!

[XX Case XX]

They're both good knives, but I'd have to give the nod to Buck.

_________
Mike

[cody6268]

A 2016 110, a 2019 110LT, and a 7OT are my main workhorse large lockbacks; along with a midlock Made in Japan Cold Steel Voyager L. It's kinda problematic since all my large users are Buck or Schrade USA. I mostly just buy smaller patterns that are Camillus.


Here's the pros and cons of both:


The Buck

PROS:

Still being made, and you've got Buck's great warranty. I don't care if it's one of the first made, or one you just bought, they'll fix it right up. My first 110, my great-uncle's that is a '74-80, is going there for handle replacement and the full-on spa treatment).

In relation to the above, you can walk into several large chain stores and buy a 110 for around $30-40. Some carry the considerably cheaper 110LT and 110LT Slim Select variants for $20-30.

If we're talking vintage examples, the Buck's 440C is better than the Schrade's either 420HC (same as what Buck uses now) in late production, or 440A in others. Plus, in modern examples, the 110 has been offered in S30V, S35VN, BG-42, 154CM, CPM-154, D2, 5160, and others. Schrade just those two steels.


CONS:

Ergonomics aren't as good.

The "traditional" 110 doesn't have a lanyard hole, while the 6OT does.

Wood handles are your only mainstream choice. Schrade had Delrin on the two LB-7 based OT models (6OT, 7OT), and an even better Staglon Delrin on the LB8.


The Schrade:

PROS: "

Ergonomics. I prefer the feel of the 6OT, LB-8, and LB-7 (the three LB-7 family knives I own) to the 110. Buck didn't offer a G-10 110 until well into the 2000s, and vintage micarta versions of older, smaller Buck models exist, but are rare.

It is tougher. The steel pivot pin and slightly softer run steel results in a blade less likely to break. One member over in the Schrade forum noticed he saw more Bucks with snapped tips than Schrades. And I can vouch for that.


CONS:

Due to ISC no longer existing, you have no warranty. You will have to pay a knife mechanic the full price if something goes wrong. I bought a "beater" LB-7 that has a lot of play in the blade up and down due to a damaged rocker that is just a paperweight right now.

The Schrade in later production was 420HC (I know one of my 6OTs was a poorly stored collector's knife, with a leaflet dated 2002; while my other, my user, came used in the POS Exchange this year and I have no idea of age) same as the Buck. The Schrade is thicker behind the edge, and the heat treatment seems to cause a bit softer blade. It's harder to sharpen, and holds an edge just a bit, but not considerably less than a 420HC 110.

I much prefer the 110LT Slim Select to the 6OTX. The 6OTX has a weirder blade shape, a thumb disk (but implemented MUCH worse than Emerson), and tip down carry clip that also causes the knife to stick out a lot. The textured aluminum handles feel awful, and the black coating is cheap.




My answer--BUY BOTH! You should be able to find a decent user 6OT, 7OT, or LB-7 for less than $30. You will probably have to shell out more for an LB-8. If you don't like the Schrade's handles, we have plenty of knife mechanics who will swap them out for you.

[Railsplitter]

A 2016 110, a 2019 110LT, and a 7OT are my main workhorse large lockbacks; along with a midlock Made in Japan Cold Steel Voyager L. It's kinda problematic since all my large users are Buck or Schrade USA. I mostly just buy smaller patterns that are Camillus.


Here's the pros and cons of both:


The Buck

PROS:

Still being made, and you've got Buck's great warranty. I don't care if it's one of the first made, or one you just bought, they'll fix it right up. My first 110, my great-uncle's that is a '74-80, is going there for handle replacement and the full-on spa treatment).

In relation to the above, you can walk into several large chain stores and buy a 110 for around $30-40. Some carry the considerably cheaper 110LT and 110LT Slim Select variants for $20-30.

If we're talking vintage examples, the Buck's 440C is better than the Schrade's either 420HC (same as what Buck uses now) in late production, or 440A in others. Plus, in modern examples, the 110 has been offered in S30V, S35VN, BG-42, 154CM, CPM-154, D2, 5160, and others. Schrade just those two steels.


CONS:

Ergonomics aren't as good.

The "traditional" 110 doesn't have a lanyard hole, while the 6OT does.

Wood handles are your only mainstream choice. Schrade had Delrin on the two LB-7 based OT models (6OT, 7OT), and an even better Staglon Delrin on the LB8.


The Schrade:

PROS: "

Ergonomics. I prefer the feel of the 6OT, LB-8, and LB-7 (the three LB-7 family knives I own) to the 110. Buck didn't offer a G-10 110 until well into the 2000s, and vintage micarta versions of older, smaller Buck models exist, but are rare.

It is tougher. The steel pivot pin and slightly softer run steel results in a blade less likely to break. One member over in the Schrade forum noticed he saw more Bucks with snapped tips than Schrades. And I can vouch for that.


CONS:

Due to ISC no longer existing, you have no warranty. You will have to pay a knife mechanic the full price if something goes wrong. I bought a "beater" LB-7 that has a lot of play in the blade up and down due to a damaged rocker that is just a paperweight right now.

The Schrade in later production was 420HC (I know one of my 6OTs was a poorly stored collector's knife, with a leaflet dated 2002; while my other, my user, came used in the POS Exchange this year and I have no idea of age) same as the Buck. The Schrade is thicker behind the edge, and the heat treatment seems to cause a bit softer blade. It's harder to sharpen, and holds an edge just a bit, but not considerably less than a 420HC 110.

I much prefer the 110LT Slim Select to the 6OTX. The 6OTX has a weirder blade shape, a thumb disk (but implemented MUCH worse than Emerson), and tip down carry clip that also causes the knife to stick out a lot. The textured aluminum handles feel awful, and the black coating is cheap.




My answer--BUY BOTH! You should be able to find a decent user 6OT, 7OT, or LB-7 for less than $30. You will probably have to shell out more for an LB-8. If you don't like the Schrade's handles, we have plenty of knife mechanics who will swap them out for you.

Excellent post, Cody!

[GSPTOPDOG]

A 2016 110, a 2019 110LT, and a 7OT are my main workhorse large lockbacks; along with a midlock Made in Japan Cold Steel Voyager L. It's kinda problematic since all my large users are Buck or Schrade USA. I mostly just buy smaller patterns that are Camillus.


Here's the pros and cons of both: ........


My answer--BUY BOTH! You should be able to find a decent user 6OT, 7OT, or LB-7 for less than $30. You will probably have to shell out more for an LB-8. If you don't like the Schrade's handles, we have plenty of knife mechanics who will swap them out for you.

Great posting!!! I have read it once... now I am going to read it again

[Mumbleypeg]

Depends on what you want the knife for and the condition it’s in. For a user I’ll take a Buck. But it’s a rare Buck that will have the same value as an old genuine bone Schrade in mint condition. JMO

Ken

[Dan In MI]

My answer--BUY BOTH!

Amen. +1 for that post, Cody. I'll have one of each eventually...but they'll probably only see light use.

[eveled]

Buck is number 1 in my book. Great knives, best customer service of any company in any industry AFAIK.

[tongueriver]

Depends on what you want the knife for and the condition it’s in. For a user I’ll take a Buck. But it’s a rare Buck that will have the same value as an old genuine bone Schrade in mint condition. JMO

Ken

The only Schrade lockbacks with bone covers are latter-day limited editions. Say... 1980s forward. Quite rare. One of them is a daddy barlow in very small numbers. There was a National Park Service 5OT in stag, and tiny numbers of other specials. That's it. The rest are almost all Delrin with an odd wooden one thrown in. Now this is my feeble memory but I might be overlooking something obvious which proves it (my memory, that is. LOL).

[bladecollectorr]

...One of my EDC knives is a Buck (shown)...

Wow! That one draws your gaze for sure.


I see the differences between the two brands of 5" lockbacks as too small to conclusively call a winner. I see it as a Ford vs Chevy thing where personal preference wins the day. I personally prefer the way the Schrade bolster hides the corner of the blade tang when closed. What tasks can you do with one brand but not the other? None that I can think of.

I decided that when I wanted to carry and use a 5" lockback it would be a 1095 knife so my stainless knives are the safe-queens and it's a 7OT "Cave Bear" that comes out to play. I think a Schrade 7OT (as seen in my avatar) in carbon beats the standard Buck 110 hands-down. That again, is a personal preference thing. Carbon isn't "better" than stainless. It's different. Pros and cons to both.

[OLDE CUTLER]

Since Schrade has been dead and buried years ago, and Buck is still doing strong business, that should answer your question. That is why there is a Buck in my pocket every day.

[garddogg56]

I have worked with both on my jobs.For me the biggest difference is 440 c holds and edge longer.Other than that I like the low hanging sheath on the Buck better

[RevolverGuy]

I like and collect both. The classic Old Timer's had carbon steel, which in my opinion held a sharper edge over the 110's. I'm glad Buck continues to make them in the USA and they come in so many different handle materials now.

[tongueriver]

Most of the Schrade 7OTs that you see on Ebay, and (of course all the Schrade LB7s) are stainless steel. Only the first run of 7OTs back in the 80s, and the first part of the second run had non-stainless steel. You can be sure if you are looking at a 7OT with 4 pins instead of 3. They are a bit uncommon.

[GSPTOPDOG]

I went back and looked at some of my lock-backs and well... I decided I am going to keep on getting more Bucks AND Schrades whenever I can find one that calls out to me.... I have a few more in my collection not in the photo... but only so much room on the floor...

[tongueriver]

Wait until you get hooked on the FIXED blades from both cutleries. NOW you need floor room!

[Steamboat Willie]

I’m biased towards Buck. I’ve lived most of my life in San Diego County, an easy drive from where their factory used to be in El Cajon. I visited during open house events throughout the years, got to meet some of the cutlers who made the darn things, and a Buck 110 was the first knife I ever legally bought for myself when I turned 18. I’ve had one on my hip or in my back pocket ever since. Even though they’ve long since moved to Idaho, I still think of them as my home town knife maker!

I’ve heard folks don’t like sharpening a Buck. Never troubled me, guess I’m just used to it

A 110 is a big chunky brick of a knife, but I’ve come to like the heft. I’m fond of GEC 86s for the same reason.

Having said all of that, I keep a 6OT with my sailing gear because of the lanyard hole.

They’re both good American made knives, let’s not over analyze. Just enjoy!

[Dan In MI]

I decided I am going to keep on getting more Bucks AND Schrades whenever I can find one that calls out to me....

No doubt your excellent collection will keep growing. I have one Schrade lockback and two Buck lockbacks, but I'll add more someday (and probably never catch up to you!).

They’re both good American made knives.

The best argument in favor of both. By the way, I was stationed in San Diego and took at least a few trips to El Cajon (the drawer).

[bladecollectorr]

Since Schrade has been dead and buried years ago, and Buck is still doing strong business, that should answer your question. That is why there is a Buck in my pocket every day.

As a Schrade collector, ouch!

I do see your line of thinking though. Every knife Buck has ever made must be better than any and every knife made by New York Knife Company, Catteragus, Empire, Winchester, Shapleigh, Remington, Pal, Ibberson, Rodgers, Wostenholm, Camillus, Queen, Challenge, Southington, H & B, Robeson, etc. etc. etc....

...because Buck is still in business.

I think we may have to agree to disagree.