Buck 112 Ranger

The smaller version of the classic, 110 Hunter. Shorter blade, same quality and reputation.

Brass bolsters, Ebony scales, 420HC stainless steel. If you like a relatively meaty, clip pointed lock knife and plan on leaving it to a relative, in your will, this one should be under consideration.

This size suits me better, than the larger, Hunter model. The handle fits my size-nine hand snugly and a three-inch blade works very well, for the stuff I do with a knife. I can strip bark from my next walking stick, slice a tomato for a sandwich, trim and tie the climbing plants in the garden, and feather sticks, to light the wood stove.

I would never use a folding knife to baton wood, and I don't trap, or dress game, on my walks. The knife weighs 160 grams and comes with a leather sheath, which adds a few more. This is not ideal for weight obsessives, but the extra heft of a thicker blade and heavier handle, offers strength and solidity, which works for me.

The 420 steel is easy to sharpen, with an oil stone and holds its edge quite well, with an occasional strop. The more expensive version is a little more difficult to sharpen but holds a good edge for longer. You pay your money and take your choice.

Buck was the first company to market a foldable hunting knife and the original design, in 1964, of the 110 Hunter was, and is, a classic. The quality of modern products is highly comparable with the early models and the smaller Ranger bears direct comparison. Aesthetically, the Ranger is an attractive combination of traditional materials—no super-steels or Titanium, here. Buck do sell a Pro version of the Ranger, with a fancier blade, stainless bolsters and G10 scales, for those who prefer a contemporary upgrade, to the tradition.

The back lock of the Ranger is very solid and reliable. Blade play is negligible and overall build quality is excellent. There are few outdoor tools which have been in constant production since 1972, with no alteration, which retain such a consistent reputation for high quality. Ranger knives are still manufactured in Idaho.

Background

I've only owned a Ranger for a year and can't legally carry it, in public places. It's one of those products that I wish I'd been able to afford and enjoy, when I was young. I expect I'd still be using a seventies edition, today; how often can you say that, about anything you purchase?