All About Pocket Knives

tongueriver wrote: ↑Sat Aug 07, 2021 11:03 pm I like them all very much. One of my EDC knives is a Buck (shown) and the Schrades are all safe queens.
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philco wrote: ↑Sat Aug 07, 2021 10:29 pm For me that's like asking me to pick my favorite child. Can't do it. Love em all !

cody6268 wrote: ↑Sun Aug 08, 2021 2:11 am 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.

cody6268 wrote: ↑Sun Aug 08, 2021 2:11 am 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.

cody6268 wrote: ↑Sun Aug 08, 2021 2:11 am My answer--BUY BOTH!

Mumbleypeg wrote: ↑Sun Aug 08, 2021 4:54 am 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

tongueriver wrote: ↑Sat Aug 07, 2021 11:03 pm ...One of my EDC knives is a Buck (shown)...

GSPTOPDOG wrote: ↑Wed Aug 11, 2021 2:52 am I decided I am going to keep on getting more Bucks AND Schrades whenever I can find one that calls out to me....

Steamboat Willie wrote: ↑Wed Aug 11, 2021 3:45 am They’re both good American made knives.

OLDE CUTLER wrote: ↑Sun Aug 08, 2021 8:00 pm 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.