All About Pocket Knives

Thinking about getting a Buck 110. I don't know much about the different steels being used by them. My choices are BOS S30V, BOS 5160 Carbon Steel, and BOS 420HC. I want this to be a special knife. What steel should I choose and why? Thanks.

Larry tell us a little about what you plan to do with this knife. That will help determine what steel might be more appropriate.

The standard Buck steel will do any job a Buck 110 is designed to do (it's a Folding Hunter). That said, the more expensive steels are better at holding an edge (flip side is they are more difficult to put the edge back on). Kind of like hunting cartridges, once it's of adequate power, how much deader than dead will a magnum make a deer? How much sharper than sharp will a more expensive steel cut? I've got about six or seven different Buck 110 blade steels, all cut with equal efficiency. If you want a celebration knife to mark a significant event then go to the Buck Custom Shop and order one with S30V - Buck Knife Company states that is the best blade steel made in their opinion. Post a picture of whatever you buy - we love seeing Buck Knives here! OH

420hc just isn't that special so if this knife is to be special, get something better. IMHO

philco wrote:Larry tell us a little about what you plan to do with this knife. That will help determine what steel might be more appropriate.

Phil,
I am actually going to get it rehandled with mammoth ivory. So, it more than likely will be a safe queen and not a user. I want it to be something where true knife guys would say "it is the perfect knife.....not only does it look great, but it also xxxxxx steel". Maybe I am over thinking it. I just figured if I was going to spend the money to have it done right, don't just settle for any steel.
Larry

boykinlp wrote:

philco wrote:Larry tell us a little about what you plan to do with this knife. That will help determine what steel might be more appropriate.

Phil,
I am actually going to get it rehandled with mammoth ivory. So, it more than likely will be a safe queen and not a user. I want it to be something where true knife guys would say "it is the perfect knife.....not only does it look great, but it also xxxxxx steel". Maybe I am over thinking it. I just figured if I was going to spend the money to have it done right, don't just settle for any steel.
Larry

In that case, I'd go for the gusto and get one with S30V.

Larry, if your going to re scale you can just grab any old S30V, even the pro. Polishing the satin finish out takes no time and will need to be done no matter the knife. I personally would go with NS frame. The pro has been on sale for 80.00. S30V doesn't come in a MP finish though.

Have you talked to Heath Stone? May be a good way to go. This is a remer stone. There are copper elk inlays in the bolsters.

philco wrote:In that case, I'd go for the gusto and get one with S30V.

kossetx wrote:Larry, if your going to re scale you can just grab any old S30V, even the pro. Polishing the satin finish out takes no time and will need to be done no matter the knife. I personally would go with NS frame.

I was hoping to get the advice you folks gave me. Here is what I am going to start with. A Buck 110 with NS bolsters, S30V steel, and a drop point blade.

kossetx wrote:Larry, if your going to re scale you can just grab any old S30V, even the pro. Polishing the satin finish out takes no time and will need to be done no matter the knife. I personally would go with NS frame. The pro has been on sale for 80.00. S30V doesn't come in a MP finish though.

Have you talked to Heath Stone? May be a good way to go. This is a remer stone. There are copper elk inlays in the bolsters.

That one is special.

I think I like where this is headed. I really like the drop point blade.

Can't go wrong with an S30v drop point 110.

When we going to see that knife?

kossetx wrote:When we going to see that knife?

I was originally told it would be a 4-5 month turnaround.

Well, I have not gotten it in my hands yet, but here are craftsman's pictures of the final result. Thanks Kaleb for the awesome job! It has stabilized mammoth tusk ivory end grain scales, vine filework, and terrific fluted bolsters. This knife and another that Kaleb did for me at the same time, are definitely the jewels of my collection.

Wow Boykin, beautiful custom job by Kaleb - surely a centerpiece of your Buck collection. Very nice! OH

Now, I have had this fantastic knife for a few days. The pictures don't do it justice. Kaleb's attention to detail is superb. Everything fits perfectly. I found a pretty good was to display it, I think. Next step is to find some more knives for the Muskrat Man to work on for me.

Beautiful knives!!! The mammoth has amazing colors.

Absolutely gorgeous!