The Folding Legends of the Wild Frontier
Y’all ever hold somethin’ in your hand and just know it was built for legends? That’s what it feels like when you grip a Buck 110 or 112. These ain’t your average pocket knives—they’re the kind of tools your grandpappy passed down wrapped in an oil rag and reverence.
So grab your sweet tea, kick up your boots, and let’s take a ride through the buckin’ wild history of two of the most iconic folding knives this side of the Mississippi.
🏡 A Quick Whittle Through Buck Knives History
The story of Buck Knives starts in 1902 with a young Kansas blacksmith apprentice named Hoyt Buck. Now Hoyt wasn’t content with just hammerin’ out horseshoes—he was out there tryin’ to figure how to make blades hold their edge better than a preacher holds a grudge. He did just that, and in the process, set the wheels in motion for a knife company that would one day outfit cowboys, ranchers, adventurers, and more than a few everyday heroes.
Fast-forward to 1964, when Hoyt’s grandson, Al Buck, unveiled the knife that changed everything: the Buck 110 Folding Hunter. Before this, if you wanted a blade strong enough for fieldwork, you carried a fixed blade and hoped it didn’t poke through your jeans. The Buck 110 changed the game—power and portability, all wrapped up in brass and wood.
🐂 The Buck 110: The Cadillac of Lockbacks
The Buck 110 is to pocket knives what the ’69 Camaro is to muscle cars—bold, built, and beloved. This ain’t no flimsy letter-opener. This is a working man's knife.
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Launched: 1964
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Blade Length: 3.75 inches (9.5cm) of clip-point glory
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Lock: Rock-solid lockback design
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Handles: Polished woodgrain (Macassar ebony or Dymondwood) with brass bolsters that shine like your mama's Sunday silver
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Weight: Hefty enough to let you know you're carryin’ quality
The Buck 110 was the first folding knife that could do the work of a sheath knife—and then tuck neatly into your back pocket once the job was done. It became a fast favorite of ranchers, mechanics, outdoorsmen, and anyone who appreciates good ol’-fashioned craftsmanship.
🐺 The Buck 112: The 110’s Lil’ Rowdy Brother
Now the Buck 112 Ranger? That’s the younger sibling with a bit more attitude and just a little less blade. Introduced in 1972, it was created to meet new carry restrictions—especially for service members who needed something a smidge more compact.
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Blade: 3 inches (7.6cm)
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Overall vibe: Just as strong, just a bit more pocket-friendly
Same sturdy lockback, same premium feel, just trimmed down like a short-wheelbase pickup—easier to maneuver, just as dependable.
🌟 Buck in Pop Culture: Belts, Screens, and Campfire Stories
These blades ain’t just hangin’ off tool belts—they’ve strutted across silver screens and even found a place in modern TV lore.
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In Stranger Things, the Buck 110 pops up like a loyal sidekick, always ready for trouble (or a quick fix).
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In The Highwaymen, Kevin Costner’s Texas Ranger character sported a Buck 110 like it was part of his uniform.
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In the neo-western epic Yellowstone, Costner once again keeps it country—he’s often seen with a Buck sheath knife riding comfortably on his belt, a quiet nod to Western utility and rugged tradition.
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Various musicians, outdoorsmen, and good ol’ boys across decades have kept a Buck 110 or 112 clipped to their belt or buried in their glove box, just waitin’ for a task worth its steel.
🤠 Why Folks Still Carry ‘Em
So why would someone carry a Buck 110 or 112 today, when the market’s filled with slick flippers, carbon fiber frames, and space-age steels?
Because these knives have soul, partner.
They're tools that tell a story. Tools that earn their keep. Whether you're workin’ a ranch, carvin' a stick by the campfire, or just need a trusty blade that feels right in your hand, these Buck boys are up for the task.
And that click when you lock the blade open? That’s not just a sound. That’s respect.
🪵 Final Thoughts (and a Touch of Wisdom)
If you don’t already own a Buck 110 or 112, well darlin’, it might be time. Whether you’re outdoorsy or just appreciate American-made quality with a side of cowboy charm, these knives belong in your collection.
Plus, they make mighty fine gifts. Nothing says "I love ya, but you're still gonna work for it" like handing someone a Buck knife.
⚠️ A Note on Responsibility, Y’all
Before you go strappin’ a Buck knife to your hip and headin’ to town, please check your local laws about carrying knives or sharp tools. Laws vary by country, state, and even city, so it’s best to be sure. We love a good blade, but we don’t encourage anyone to break the law.
Carry smart, stay respectful, and keep it legal. 🧠💼