Buck 110 or Esee-3

[rhino]

Dang, I have a buck knife that I use to clean game right now, but it's somewhat sentimental because it was a gift from my dad and he had it engraved. But he did buy it for me to use for what I am... I was thinking about buying a Esee-3 to replace it but I am so torn. I would be interested in a 110 if it really will hold an edge that much longer as that is important to me as I am not a knife guy and prefer to have someone else sharpen them for me. So if I can use it a whole season or longer that would be fantastic!

If you want better edge holding for your Buck 110, you have two excellent choices:

1. Cabela's Alaskan Guide Buck 110 with CPM S30V (and a Paul Bos heat treatment)
2. Buck's Custom Shop, same blade as above

You might also be able to find Buck 110 with BG-42, but it could get expensive to get someone to part with it since you can't get them anymore. Another option would be the BassPro version with CPM 154, but I don't think they make that anymore either.

 

[Bfish]

Cool, I'll take a look, I am going to see what I currently have... I still like the Esee but I am kind of being won over due to what I have now, but it may not compare. I need to get my hands on an Esee.

 

[Dean C.]

If you want better edge holding for your Buck 110, you have two excellent choices:

1. Cabela's Alaskan Guide Buck 110 with CPM S30V (and a Paul Bos heat treatment)
2. Buck's Custom Shop, same blade as above

You might also be able to find Buck 110 with BG-42, but it could get expensive to get someone to part with it since you can't get them anymore. Another option would be the BassPro version with CPM 154, but I don't think they make that anymore either.

You will get the best edge retention out of the S30V.

 

[Bradsknives]

If you can find a Buck 110 with BG42, buy it. BG42 is one of those forgotten steels, but is an excellent steel (There are custom makers still using it). Most people that have experience with BG42 and S30V will tell you they get better edge retention with BG42. In theory, BG-42 is HRC 60-61 and S30V is HRC 58-59 assuming the correct heat treat process was preformed. Note: Hardness rating is only one factor that will determine edge retention. The other main factor in edge retention is the wear resistance properties of the steel. BG42 has better wear resistance properties than S30V, and this is the main reason along with the hardness rating, that people who use this steel state that it has better edge retention than S30V.

 

[winchester]

man i wish i would have known the 110 was a sissy 40 yrs ago. i could have had a sweet tacky-cool knife instead of these.

o well i like my old buck knives,


and the old rigid's, gerbers, and schrade's that copied them.

 

[RAMBOCAT]

I don't think ESEE was around 40 years ago. And to all you BUCK owners, I apologize for putting my foot in my mouth again. I actually own a couple of BUCK fixed blades. Again, my apologies.

 

[DFM914]

ESEE 3

 

[Fordtough25]

I carry and love my ESEE 3 every day! Just used it a few mins ago to cut some bands off skids. I do have a buck fixed knife that's several years old that I take sometimes hunting, but like my KA bars I don't have a kydex sheath to carry it iwb so ESEE for the win!

 

[rhino]

If you can find a Buck 110 with BG42, buy it. BG42 is one of those forgotten steels, but is an excellent steel (There are custom makers still using it). Most people that have experience with BG42 and S30V will tell you they get better edge retention with BG42. In theory, BG-42 is HRC 60-61 and S30V is HRC 58-59 assuming the correct heat treat process was preformed. Note: Hardness rating is only one factor that will determine edge retention. The other main factor in edge retention is the wear resistance properties of the steel. BG42 has better wear resistance properties than S30V, and this is the main reason along with the hardness rating, that people who use this steel state that it has better edge retention than S30V.

Indeed. BG-42 also takes a very sharp edge easily, much like CPM S30V.

I kick myself for not getting half a dozen blade swaps done when they were still available. It was cheap too. I know it was under $100, and I think it was more like $70-75 including return shipping. The final result was perfectly fit too!

 

[catalyst]

You might also think about a Becker BK11 or BK14. I will often wear the BK11 and carry a folder in my pocket. The ESEE 3 might be a bit bulky for neck carry, but the Beckers have a skeletonized handle and are very light. I carry my 11 with a cord wrap on the handle, and with a good adjustable laynard, you hardly notice it is there. The ESEE is a great knife, though.

 

[24Carat]

One will take one hand to "get into action"... The other will take two.

I greatly prefer a knife that only takes one hand to get into and out of action.

A right of passage was learning to open a 110 with one hand. It isn't rocket science.

 

[Tactically Fat]

A right of passage was learning to open a 110 with one hand. It isn't rocket science.

You're right.

But it's more work to get it done than myriad other pocket knives.

I have a 110 and a knockoff 110. I don't carry either of them.

 

[rhino]

You're right.

But it's more work to get it done than myriad other pocket knives.

I have a 110 and a knockoff 110. I don't carry either of them.

Man Card . . . SUSPENDED!

 

[Tactically Fat]

Man Card . . . SUSPENDED!

Sayeth the man who can't keep from "accidentally" cutting himself...

My 0350 composite or Rake composite or JYD II composite do quite nicely, mister.

 

[rhino]

Sayeth the man who can't keep from "accidentally" cutting himself...

My 0350 composite or Rake composite or JYD II composite do quite nicely, mister.

Oh, those are adequate ladies' knives, I suppose.

Yesterday I had an actual accident with a knife that was not precipitated by negligence. I made it over a month.

 

[24Carat]

Sayeth the man who can't keep from "accidentally" cutting himself...

My 0350 composite or Rake composite or JYD II composite do quite nicely, mister.

Was it accidental? All sorts out there.

 

[Captianbullseye]

I would go with the Esee 3. It comes with what you would expect from a great company like Esee. Good quality sheath, high quality steel, and great fit and finish.