I often get caught up in the mindset that a great knife can only be found in the $100+ price range. I was pleasantly surprised when I picked up the Buck Knives 110 Folding Hunter® LT for less than $40 and discovered that it was worth more than the cost would indicate. It is light, durable, and incredibly sharp.
The clip point blade is made from 420HC steel and comes with an excellent factory edge. I am often disappointed with blade edges on new knives, but Buck Knives didn’t let me down on this one thanks to Buck’s advanced Edge2x blade technology. Blade thickness is .120” and the length is 3 3/4”. The entire knife weighs only 3.2 ounces but feels strong and comfortable in the hand. The reduced weight is a result of a lightweight molded nylon handle – a departure from the original Folding Hunter®. Molding is clean with no sharp edges or excess. It isn’t fancy, but it still looks good.
The knife uses a lockback mechanism to secure the blade when unfolded. It feels very secure and held up well when I did some test hacking and chopping. For such a light knife it performed well against a wood surface, and the edge held up enough to easily cut some rope and zip ties afterward. My only negative observation of the knife is that it had a slight amount of wiggle at the pivot where the spine meets the backspacer. Not enough to affect the integrity or the performance of the knife, but it is there.
It comes with a light and comfortable Polyester sheath that features a snap-button to keep the knife secure. It also features a loop-through carry system. It looks pretty good overall aside from a small spot where they melted the joining seam of the outside edge material. Still, since there is no pocket-clip I appreciate that they provided a functional sheath for times that I don’t want the knife in my pocket.
Buck Knives are American made and a brand that deserves a place in every personal collection. The Folding Hunter LT makes a great everyday blade or an affordable hunting and camping knife. It is inexpensive and will hold up well to general use. While it may not be my preferred choice for a primary blade, it is definitely one to keep for certain occasions or kits. You can never have too many knives. At this price, the Buck Knives Folding Hunter LT is a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable knife. If you’re looking for an upgraded version Buck Knives also provides a 110 Folding Hunter® Pro with a leather sheath, upgraded steel, and a G10 handle with brushed nickel silver bolsters.
*All photos courtesy of the author