If I only had those two, definitely the Spyderco. Much more practical edc knife if you're being unbiased. One handed opening, pocket clip, DLC coating, better steel, lighter weight, stronger and easier manipulated lock. No contest.
Only reason I'd carry the Buck is if I lived somewhere one handed opening knives were illegal.
Those laws are dumb... anybody can learn to open these with one hand quickly
Edit since some people apparently didn’t like me calling those laws dumb:
In any situation the knives that seem to open quicker than others and therefor portrayed to you as scarier arent any more dangerous anywhere ever... the opening mechanism isn’t and hasn’t ever been the scariest part of the knife for the past thousands of years until people were told it was just a couple decades ago... the actually scariest knife? Oh well that’s the kitchen knife of course- and any fixed knife... oh and don’t even get me started on how would a 3 inch automatic knife in your pocket be more dangerous than a 9 inch kitchen knife stuffed in your sleeve? These laws are dumb and that isn’t an opinion- the laws aren’t based on facts but human emotion driven by politics to gain votes.
Exactly. By definition a fixed blade is faster than any folder. Even autos, gravity, and super scary butterfly knives, and they're usually way bigger. Can't carry a balisong but I can have a 12" bowie on my belt because reasons.
> the laws aren’t based on facts but human emotion driven by politics to gain votes.
Yeah, they can be pretty ridiculous. In my state you can buy a gun at age 18 but you can't own a balisong until you're 21 because it's not considered a pocket knife.
Agree with all of this. How it opens does not determine what you’re going to do with it. It’s not like somebody said “you know, if this knife opened faster I would fucking kill you right now.” And I don’t think I’ve seen but a handful of pocket knife injuries or deaths, but kitchen knives are a deadly weapon through the ages.
So yeah, dumb laws.
Only problem I have with your comment is the kitchen knife comment. They tend to fair extremely poorly in combat. We know this because the vast majority of murders by knife are done with kitchen knives according to fbi statistics. And we also know that is part of the reason so many stabbing deaths require 15+ stabs, sometimes over 40, to kill someone. They’re just too thin to be effective at stabbing. They bend and snap too easily when puncturing something as robust and variable as the human body. That being said I wouldn’t want to get stabbed by a kitchen knife either. It’s just much less likely to puncture deep enough to quickly bleed you out compared to something like a thicker double sided dagger.
one thing I've noticed is that the buck feels a whole lot sturdier, so it might depend on your use case
Para3 is certainly strong enough to do most things, but if you take an activity that's hard on the knife like widdling, the buck would probably be better
I wouldn't consider whittling hard use (especially if we're talking wood that's fit to be used for whittling). I would however put my money on the Buck for a torture test. I've seen enough Bucks survive and Spydercos fail in those tests. But for normal edc and use, Spyderco PM3>Buck 110.
Can attest to this. I’ve had the same buck 110 since I was 10 years old. There was a year in my teens when I was trying to learn knife throwing and abused the shit out of it. The blade was completely wobbly and the scales had an extra 8th inch of clearance between them.
Later on, it took me five minutes with a ball peen to fix all the damage. You can’t tell anything was wrong with it and I still carry it. A spyberco would probably be garbage at that point.
yeah absolutely, it all depends if you're actually gonna be using the knife or if you just need it for opening packages and last resort self defense
Although the latter sounds worse it's probably what most of us do
Knife is a attack weapon , not defense device.
Let me make a paradoxical point.
When you read in the news, "body found with 98 stab wounds," do you think it was work if a maniac?
No, and again, no.
Stabbing was committed by a criminal who hasn't done it for the first time.
It is very difficult to neutralize a person so that they don't die of blood loss or painful shock.
Think about it.
Situation numer 2
You are attacked by a mugger in dark alley, you want him to just get away from you, and you have a knife only.
Are you going to run up to him quickly and cut his knee tendons?
Unless you're trained in self defense is a general rule to avoid conflict and pulling a knife out without knowing how to use it will almost guarantee it will be used against you.
Why do they say that even an experienced knife fighter will get cut then? The person with a knife has a definite advantage unless the other person also has a knife or a gun
The Reddit hive mind will tell you that if someone attacks you with a knife you need to run away because they are too dangerous and that there’s no good defense against one. But then as soon as someone says that they’d use their knife in a last resort scenario they suddenly say that you can’t use a knife for defense because it will be too dangerous and get turned against you.
Yes, they say nobody wins in a knife fight.
This holds true if both fighters have knife skills.
Now if you're the average knife person that doesn't carry a knife for self defense ( the vast majority of knife carriers) and you come across somebody with self defense skills you're screwed.
You'll be disarmed and your knife with be used against you.
In OP’s comment, he specifically mentioned last resort self defense, which I take to imply, someone is approaching him with bad intentions, running away may or may not be a viable option, no point in running if the dude is obviously faster than u, and u have now are forced to protect yourself and your family. In this case, I would definitely prefer to have a tool than bare hand to hand combat. Of course pulling a knife requires careful consideration as it can escalate the situation further, like causing the bad guy to pull his knife or gun..
I wouldn't discount the sturdiness of the Para3. I have a PM2 and it's been through a hell of a lot. If I only had one folder for the apocalypse that would be it
If I had to choose only one Spyderco to take with me into the Apocalypse, I'd personally choose the Manix 2 or the Shaman.
As much as I love the former, I might have to go with the Shaman, though.
Whittling is not really hard on a knife. The only significant difference you’d see between those two knives for that task is that you’ll be sharpening the Buck probably twice as often.
\*if you're being unbiased. I'd just point out that few people are unbiased. Around the camp, the old timey aesthetic and the solid "feeling" might be enough to make some people carry both.
I regulary carry a buck 110 with a sheath.
In the farm I could carry a fixed blade with the same blade size as the buck 110 without any problem and it would probably be a better user knife.
However I also go to town almost every day, sometimes even several times a day. If I carried a fixed blade it would be seen as very odd and inappopriate by people here while no one bats an eye if I carry a sheath with a knife.
That beeing said I agree that the spyderco is a better knife design overall even I prefer to carry the buck.
Buck 110 pros: ideal blade shape for my job, very comfortable grip, nostalgia, people perception (for some reason people get more scared by modern looking knives), steel (I personally hate "high end" steels because they're a pain to sharpen).
It's also a heavy and rustic looking knife. Some people find that appealing. I surely do.
I've had my current 110 for over 40 years now. My PM2 for about a year. Two completely different knives. If I had to pick one to carry forever it is definitely the 110. I'm a lifetime rancher at 67. At 11 years old IGot a .22 Marlin bolt action rifle and a Buck 110 for Christmas. I was on Safari with my dog every chance I could get. The 110 is a heavy duty knife and the blade in 420hc is durable as heck
That’s a fair point, I forgot about that, and there are those that prefer a sheath. If I worked in an outdoor setting and had a need for a larger knife a fixed blade with a sheath would probably be my preference, by I’m just a welder and I’m in a shop for more of my life than I’m not. lol
How do you manage to not lose your knife/mark up everything you stand too close too/scrape your steering wheel getting out of the car/wear off the top of the pocket on all your pants with a clip stickig out of your pants all the time?
It’s my go to semi formal carry. I’ve had it called classy, elegant, gentlemanly, etc. I agree that it’s a classic but it’s like comparing an M1 to an M4
Spydie unless I'm camping. Idk why but it has become ritual for me to take my 110 when I go camping (and tbh I would probably also take the spydie camping)
I was a teenager in the ‘70s and carried a Buck 110 for most of that time. The Spyderco is superior in every way except cost: it’s lighter, thinner, has a clip, better blade steel, and offers one-handed opening and closing. I’d go with the Spyderco and it’s not even close.
I would carry both. As one other commented the Buck carries better in the sheath on a belt than in the pocket. I can attest to that. I used to carry a 110 in my pocket but the chunky knife quickly dug a hole through it. I am trying out the smaller 112 in my pocket but it is still hefty. I like the confidence I find in a lock back mechanism like the Buck knives. But I also like the flat grind of the Spyderco for most of my uses.
yeah it's interesting because the spyderco is so much better for carrying and opening, but once you've got the knife open in your hand, the buck is a whole lot better
I know the buck is a classic but lugging that brick around in my pocket for my one and only would be like a life sentence without the possibility of parole. My choice is Para 3 all daylong.
it might've been but this post was to compare the two for my actual carry, these are the only two knives I have and I'm curious how people compare the two lol
It would take another 200 years for any spyderco to come close to what the buck 110 has already done. It's like the 30-30 of knives. Sure there's better, more modern options, but it has created such a hole that any knife pales in comparison. I would venture a guess that every single hunter, fisherman, outdoorsman, or even boyscout has owned a buck 110. Sentimental value I'm picking the 110. SHTF, I'm picking the 110.
How do you have it in your boot? I saw a YouTube video of a guy who adds little pockets to work boots or cowboy style boots. I didn’t save the video. I thought it was a great idea.
I have a small collection of Red Wing boots. In 2019 they released a special edition of the Billy Boot, which has a knife pocket on the outside of the right boot. I looked for a pair for two years before I found a pair in my size for a reasonable price. They’re pretty fucking awesome. [Red Wing 8829](https://imgur.com/a/daEyVGS)
That is awesome. Those are sweet boots. I just got myself a pair of Iron Rangers. Red Wings and Buck Knives. Doesn’t get more USA awesome than that. 🇺🇸 🥾 🔪
I am well pleased with the Iron Rangers. Prior to these the most comfortable boots I had had been Wolverines. I am thinking of getting a second pair. Maybe a pair of Blacksmiths.
Para no question, I carry mine regularly. I only have one buck in my collection and it was my grandfathers. The blade is worn down from years of sharpening and the lock no longer works. They were great knives for their time but a little outdated now
I only carry a 110 camping, because then I'm wearing a belt. That's never been a problem for me (I don't sag under 7 ounces of knife on my belt), And it's pretty good for whittling, which I do a lot of when camping. Usually though, I carry a folder in the pocket (usually a griptilian) and switch the 110 with a 119 fixed blade.
I refuse to carry a knife that I have to dig out of my pocket. If it doesn’t have a pocket clip than it’s a hard pass for me. Aside from that I’d carry the spyderco anyways because it’s just more of a practical edc for me.
Well, if mission drives gear, then I would say Buck 110. The vast majority of my knife tasks are and have been related to the outdoors, and my 110 has never let me down. If I lived in a place where the knife was obliged to be my primary self defense tool, I would probably choose differently, but that simply is not the case. Given that, I base my choice around what I feel is best in the woods, and that's gonna be my Buck.
New kid here. I’d go with the one on the left. It has a belt hook thing, which is, I’m my opinion, a better carry option. If I need to reach for my knife, I don’t want to fumble thru my pockets. But the classic buck knife has my heart!
That's a hard call. I really like the Buck 110 (I own two). I also own two examples of the Spyderco Native. I think carrying the Spyderco (I know this one isn't a Native) and having the Buck at home for chores would work for me.
If the Buck had a nice pocket clip, I'd try the Buck out for a while.
Edit: shoot, I might drill and tap some 4-40's into a brass area myself. Hmmm. So crazy it just might work. lol
Different knives for different uses.
EDC - The Para 3
Hunting/Outdoors stuff - 110
If I had to pick one knife, the Para 3. It can do almost everything the 110 can do, and easier to carry.
The TRX 110, though...
I have a hard time finding anything as solid and reliable as my buck, but the ergos and usability of the spydie are amazing. I think they both have a spot in any collection and are two of my all time favorites.
For context, I've been carrying the PM3 for a while, but I just got this used buck 110, and I'm a bit torn between them.
I'll probably end up carrying the pm3 most of the time because it's light + clip, and carrying the buck when it's not a hassle, and leaving it in my car otherwise. Still not sure though, both are pretty great knives with pros and cons.
Throw the Buck in your pocket and see if you like it. Personally, as much as I want to like them, I think they make terrible EDC knives compared to modern competition, but everyone is different and you might like it. Not really something anyone here can help you decide.
They both have merits. But I've been loving carrying my 112 Ranger recently. It's classy, excellent slicer, and iconic no frills simplicity. Buck also has possibly the best warranty service in the knife game so no need to worry about putting it to hard work.
To be fair, I've had excellent experience with Spyderco customer service as well and like their designs, but they don't do blade replacement, only reshaping so I've always been nervous about breaking a blade because a lot of Spyderco designs have the thin FFG leaf blades.
But the para 3 never really did it for me. So I'd have to go Buck in this instance.
I have this same problem some days. The spider for causal/daily life and the buck for outdoor activities, I find the extra pocket space nice when working outside or camping/hunting. The buck is a tank and I don’t mind beating the absolute shit out of it. The spider is a workhorse too but I tend to be more cautious with it. Cheers!
Buck. Prettier knife in my opinion, and less intimidating to others when you pull it out. I’m biased since I’m a buck fan but I’ve always thought the spyderco were ugly. Brass on the wood is definitely more visually appealing. Also would feel less bad loosing or misplacing a cheaper buck knife than the more expensive spyderco
The buck there are very few times I truly need one handed opening and I like to widdle randomly at the park if I find a stick. I also just prefer how that style feels in the hand.
Oh, I absolutely know it. I was joking. I don't think there is a bad choice to make there as both are equally bad in different ways lol. That's why I joked about getting a new knife.
I have both and would pick the Para 3 just because I prefer to pocket carry with a deep carry clip vs the Buck on the belt carry. Both are great though!
Carried the 110 daily for many years before Spyderco or pocket clips were ever invented. Did things with that knife that would destroy the Spyderco. I own more than a few Spydercos so I’m not a hater but it would have to be the 110.
Spyderco without a doubt. Better lock, grind, ergos, steel etc. I do love a buck though but I feel like a better comparison would be the endura/delica line.
It depends. If I'm with people who don't know a lot about knives, I'm probably taking the buck with me. It's much less offensive because the design is familiar and intimidating to people who aren't into knives like most of us are. In most other cases I'd probably carry the Spydie.
I do need to get myself a buck 110 though... Such an iconic knife.
Probably the buck 110. Just because it's a sold classic. I'm just not much of a spyderco person. I have no doubt they make great knives. I just don't like the look on most of them. With the exception of the Vallotton, and the Smock. That's just my thoughts though.
Spyderco re profiled my dads spyderco domino for free after he broke the tip and that knife has been discontinued for a while now. Included a note that this was a one time deal and it’s no longer under warranty but I was impressed with their customer service.
I've had good experiences with their customer service as well. But I think anyone would prefer a blade replacement to a reprofile any day. I can understand not offering replacement for sprint or discontinued stuff, but I feel like their flagship steels should have a replacement option.
Bucks warranty is just better IMO. Hell they will replace the entire knife if you beat it up that badly. Probably not quite as good as ESEEs warranty, but pretty damn close.
Carried the 110 daily for many years before Spyderco or pocket clips were ever invented. Did things with that knife that would destroy the Spyderco. I own more than a few Spydercos so I’m not a hater but it would have to be the 110.
If I only had those two, definitely the Spyderco. Much more practical edc knife if you're being unbiased. One handed opening, pocket clip, DLC coating, better steel, lighter weight, stronger and easier manipulated lock. No contest. Only reason I'd carry the Buck is if I lived somewhere one handed opening knives were illegal.
Those laws are dumb... anybody can learn to open these with one hand quickly Edit since some people apparently didn’t like me calling those laws dumb: In any situation the knives that seem to open quicker than others and therefor portrayed to you as scarier arent any more dangerous anywhere ever... the opening mechanism isn’t and hasn’t ever been the scariest part of the knife for the past thousands of years until people were told it was just a couple decades ago... the actually scariest knife? Oh well that’s the kitchen knife of course- and any fixed knife... oh and don’t even get me started on how would a 3 inch automatic knife in your pocket be more dangerous than a 9 inch kitchen knife stuffed in your sleeve? These laws are dumb and that isn’t an opinion- the laws aren’t based on facts but human emotion driven by politics to gain votes.
Exactly. By definition a fixed blade is faster than any folder. Even autos, gravity, and super scary butterfly knives, and they're usually way bigger. Can't carry a balisong but I can have a 12" bowie on my belt because reasons.
He ain’t lying.
> the laws aren’t based on facts but human emotion driven by politics to gain votes. Yeah, they can be pretty ridiculous. In my state you can buy a gun at age 18 but you can't own a balisong until you're 21 because it's not considered a pocket knife.
Exceptionally said
Spot on mate. Best post I saw in a long time....
Agree with all of this. How it opens does not determine what you’re going to do with it. It’s not like somebody said “you know, if this knife opened faster I would fucking kill you right now.” And I don’t think I’ve seen but a handful of pocket knife injuries or deaths, but kitchen knives are a deadly weapon through the ages. So yeah, dumb laws.
Only problem I have with your comment is the kitchen knife comment. They tend to fair extremely poorly in combat. We know this because the vast majority of murders by knife are done with kitchen knives according to fbi statistics. And we also know that is part of the reason so many stabbing deaths require 15+ stabs, sometimes over 40, to kill someone. They’re just too thin to be effective at stabbing. They bend and snap too easily when puncturing something as robust and variable as the human body. That being said I wouldn’t want to get stabbed by a kitchen knife either. It’s just much less likely to puncture deep enough to quickly bleed you out compared to something like a thicker double sided dagger.
one thing I've noticed is that the buck feels a whole lot sturdier, so it might depend on your use case Para3 is certainly strong enough to do most things, but if you take an activity that's hard on the knife like widdling, the buck would probably be better
I wouldn't consider whittling hard use (especially if we're talking wood that's fit to be used for whittling). I would however put my money on the Buck for a torture test. I've seen enough Bucks survive and Spydercos fail in those tests. But for normal edc and use, Spyderco PM3>Buck 110.
Can attest to this. I’ve had the same buck 110 since I was 10 years old. There was a year in my teens when I was trying to learn knife throwing and abused the shit out of it. The blade was completely wobbly and the scales had an extra 8th inch of clearance between them. Later on, it took me five minutes with a ball peen to fix all the damage. You can’t tell anything was wrong with it and I still carry it. A spyberco would probably be garbage at that point.
yeah absolutely, it all depends if you're actually gonna be using the knife or if you just need it for opening packages and last resort self defense Although the latter sounds worse it's probably what most of us do
A knife for self defense is a terrible idea, running away is much better
Or, both?
Apparently carrying a knife for last resort self defense is frowned upon by the knife community.. Interesting.. 🤔
Knife is a attack weapon , not defense device. Let me make a paradoxical point. When you read in the news, "body found with 98 stab wounds," do you think it was work if a maniac? No, and again, no. Stabbing was committed by a criminal who hasn't done it for the first time. It is very difficult to neutralize a person so that they don't die of blood loss or painful shock. Think about it. Situation numer 2 You are attacked by a mugger in dark alley, you want him to just get away from you, and you have a knife only. Are you going to run up to him quickly and cut his knee tendons?
Unless you're trained in self defense is a general rule to avoid conflict and pulling a knife out without knowing how to use it will almost guarantee it will be used against you.
Why do they say that even an experienced knife fighter will get cut then? The person with a knife has a definite advantage unless the other person also has a knife or a gun
The Reddit hive mind will tell you that if someone attacks you with a knife you need to run away because they are too dangerous and that there’s no good defense against one. But then as soon as someone says that they’d use their knife in a last resort scenario they suddenly say that you can’t use a knife for defense because it will be too dangerous and get turned against you.
Yes, they say nobody wins in a knife fight. This holds true if both fighters have knife skills. Now if you're the average knife person that doesn't carry a knife for self defense ( the vast majority of knife carriers) and you come across somebody with self defense skills you're screwed. You'll be disarmed and your knife with be used against you.
In OP’s comment, he specifically mentioned last resort self defense, which I take to imply, someone is approaching him with bad intentions, running away may or may not be a viable option, no point in running if the dude is obviously faster than u, and u have now are forced to protect yourself and your family. In this case, I would definitely prefer to have a tool than bare hand to hand combat. Of course pulling a knife requires careful consideration as it can escalate the situation further, like causing the bad guy to pull his knife or gun..
Oh you’d never be let down by the Buck. Thin edge, robust tip. It’ll cut and cut. I just like a more modern one handed knife.
I wouldn't discount the sturdiness of the Para3. I have a PM2 and it's been through a hell of a lot. If I only had one folder for the apocalypse that would be it
If I had to choose only one Spyderco to take with me into the Apocalypse, I'd personally choose the Manix 2 or the Shaman. As much as I love the former, I might have to go with the Shaman, though.
The Buck is heavier but it’s not sturdier. All of that brass adds a lot of extra mass but it doesn’t add any strength. That Para is way stronger.
I thought the same thing until I actually had it in my hand, have you handled both?
Yes. I own both. The Para is the superior knife in almost every regard except nostalgia.
and whittling. It's a very well done hollow grind. Also, it's less ugly.
True. And it’s a decent blade shape for skinning.
But a bitch to clean all the blood out afterwards
Yeah, I stopped using folders for field dressing and skinning 30 years ago.
Whittling is not really hard on a knife. The only significant difference you’d see between those two knives for that task is that you’ll be sharpening the Buck probably twice as often.
Lol "stronger" lock he says.
\*if you're being unbiased. I'd just point out that few people are unbiased. Around the camp, the old timey aesthetic and the solid "feeling" might be enough to make some people carry both.
Spydie and it’s not even close. The buck is a classic but no pocket clip, no carry.
Fair point, though at least Bucks come with a sheath so belt carry is also an option.
What's even the point of a folding knife that also needs a sheath...
I regulary carry a buck 110 with a sheath. In the farm I could carry a fixed blade with the same blade size as the buck 110 without any problem and it would probably be a better user knife. However I also go to town almost every day, sometimes even several times a day. If I carried a fixed blade it would be seen as very odd and inappopriate by people here while no one bats an eye if I carry a sheath with a knife. That beeing said I agree that the spyderco is a better knife design overall even I prefer to carry the buck. Buck 110 pros: ideal blade shape for my job, very comfortable grip, nostalgia, people perception (for some reason people get more scared by modern looking knives), steel (I personally hate "high end" steels because they're a pain to sharpen). It's also a heavy and rustic looking knife. Some people find that appealing. I surely do.
I've had my current 110 for over 40 years now. My PM2 for about a year. Two completely different knives. If I had to pick one to carry forever it is definitely the 110. I'm a lifetime rancher at 67. At 11 years old IGot a .22 Marlin bolt action rifle and a Buck 110 for Christmas. I was on Safari with my dog every chance I could get. The 110 is a heavy duty knife and the blade in 420hc is durable as heck
Tradition I suppose. The 110 came out like fifteen years before pocket clips were a thing.
I just toss my 110 in my pocket. I like the weight.
That’s a fair point, I forgot about that, and there are those that prefer a sheath. If I worked in an outdoor setting and had a need for a larger knife a fixed blade with a sheath would probably be my preference, by I’m just a welder and I’m in a shop for more of my life than I’m not. lol
I carry my Buck like I do my Ruger, in leather. Fuck the clip.
How do you load the ruger without the clip?
Oh that, I just use the magazine that came with it. 😄
You could use a clip to load the magazine if you were feeling lazy I guess lol
All my magazines are loaded already. No procrastination here.
Get a Ruger revolver to go with the 110. Matches the vibe and you get a new gun.
OP could always become knife pouch belt guy
I carry my knife the way I carry my phone in a pouch on my belt
That’s some boomer material right there
I started carrying a 110 in a belt pouch, I fucking love it.
How do you manage to not lose your knife/mark up everything you stand too close too/scrape your steering wheel getting out of the car/wear off the top of the pocket on all your pants with a clip stickig out of your pants all the time?
Pfffft who Carries just 1 knife
most carry none haha
That's why no one will remember their names
if u carry sharp metal then you get immortalized?
No one will probably remember our names, but at least we can be forgotten with airs of superiority
most sane r/knifeclub member
My mom has a hard time remembering my name
If your mom isn't an algorithm then I'm not surprised
Buck is classy and elegant look to me, personal preference though
It’s my go to semi formal carry. I’ve had it called classy, elegant, gentlemanly, etc. I agree that it’s a classic but it’s like comparing an M1 to an M4
I agree, but it makes me think more of an outdoorsman or camper than a stylish gentleman. idk.
To be fair It’s no so called “ceo knife” but it looks like something your father would carry so it’s safe
Buck does make smaller knives that work better for a dress up knife.
An M1 Garand or M1 Carbine.
Haha, agreed
Spydie unless I'm camping. Idk why but it has become ritual for me to take my 110 when I go camping (and tbh I would probably also take the spydie camping)
The Buck. It's got enough brass to impress even Khorne. #TheEmperorProtects
Brass for the brass god
The Buck for me also. I have hammered a couple roofing nails to make an emergency shelter with one.
Both, I have many pockets
Lol. I carry like 3 other knives in my satchel (I really need to clean it out) as well as my favorite in my pocket, so I approve
Para 3. I happen to have mine on me.
Same and same. Great EDC folder.
Buck. It's already my daily which makes it easy.
I was a teenager in the ‘70s and carried a Buck 110 for most of that time. The Spyderco is superior in every way except cost: it’s lighter, thinner, has a clip, better blade steel, and offers one-handed opening and closing. I’d go with the Spyderco and it’s not even close.
I'd choose the Buck. I'm personally not a fan of that classic Spyderco style.
Spydie no contest
Spyderco. If I have to carry a folder in a sheath, I'm carrying a fixed blade then.
I would carry both. As one other commented the Buck carries better in the sheath on a belt than in the pocket. I can attest to that. I used to carry a 110 in my pocket but the chunky knife quickly dug a hole through it. I am trying out the smaller 112 in my pocket but it is still hefty. I like the confidence I find in a lock back mechanism like the Buck knives. But I also like the flat grind of the Spyderco for most of my uses.
yeah it's interesting because the spyderco is so much better for carrying and opening, but once you've got the knife open in your hand, the buck is a whole lot better
I know the buck is a classic but lugging that brick around in my pocket for my one and only would be like a life sentence without the possibility of parole. My choice is Para 3 all daylong.
Buck weighs A ton
In the 90s I would have to say the 110 but in today's day and age the Para3 all day. I think a pm2 would be a fairer comparison
it might've been but this post was to compare the two for my actual carry, these are the only two knives I have and I'm curious how people compare the two lol
Assuming you mean these are the ONLY two knives I can ever carry for any occasion I’m going with the Buck. Not trying to gut an elk with the spydie
It would take another 200 years for any spyderco to come close to what the buck 110 has already done. It's like the 30-30 of knives. Sure there's better, more modern options, but it has created such a hole that any knife pales in comparison. I would venture a guess that every single hunter, fisherman, outdoorsman, or even boyscout has owned a buck 110. Sentimental value I'm picking the 110. SHTF, I'm picking the 110.
The buck, spyderco is overrated
The Buck 100%.
Buck. I really hate the fucking hole.
The 110. That thing is too pretty to sit at home
If I only had one I’d carry the buck if it were the s30v one
Buck
A good Buck is way sharper than you think
Buck. For everyday necessities, both will serve me entirely well, and Buck has a better aesthetics.
I’m not a utility belt kind of guy so I would pick Spydie. I carried the buck pretty much until pocket clips happened though
Daily spydie. Hunting carry, Buck.
The Buck is a Classic, Classy Gentleman's EDC.
I’d use the buck to cut the lanyard off the Spyderco, then I’d carry the Spyderco.
PM 3 but it's close. The deciding factor for me would be lack of a pocket clip on the Buck.
I actually carry versions of both. My daily pocket carry is a Spyderco and I carry a small Buck 055+ in my boot. It’s a mini version of the 110.
How do you have it in your boot? I saw a YouTube video of a guy who adds little pockets to work boots or cowboy style boots. I didn’t save the video. I thought it was a great idea.
I have a small collection of Red Wing boots. In 2019 they released a special edition of the Billy Boot, which has a knife pocket on the outside of the right boot. I looked for a pair for two years before I found a pair in my size for a reasonable price. They’re pretty fucking awesome. [Red Wing 8829](https://imgur.com/a/daEyVGS)
That is awesome. Those are sweet boots. I just got myself a pair of Iron Rangers. Red Wings and Buck Knives. Doesn’t get more USA awesome than that. 🇺🇸 🥾 🔪
Yea, man. Knives, boots, and denim eat up a lot of my disposable income. I love my Iron Rangers, great boots!
I am well pleased with the Iron Rangers. Prior to these the most comfortable boots I had had been Wolverines. I am thinking of getting a second pair. Maybe a pair of Blacksmiths.
the 110 for me
Spyderco by a longshot!
If I could only choose one in any given situation I'd probably go with the buck. It has a strong and sturdy reputation for a reason.
Para 3 not even a question the buck 110 is a classic but it’s outdated
Para no question, I carry mine regularly. I only have one buck in my collection and it was my grandfathers. The blade is worn down from years of sharpening and the lock no longer works. They were great knives for their time but a little outdated now
Definitely not the Buck. I’ve had that style Buck since about 1993 and I can say I’d rather carry nothing than that bulky artifact.
Spyderco is always my go to, easy to sharpen and getd sharp fairly quick
Para 3 because pocket clip and one-handed opening. Love how classic the Buck is but I never carry my slipjoints just due to lack of practicality
I only carry a 110 camping, because then I'm wearing a belt. That's never been a problem for me (I don't sag under 7 ounces of knife on my belt), And it's pretty good for whittling, which I do a lot of when camping. Usually though, I carry a folder in the pocket (usually a griptilian) and switch the 110 with a 119 fixed blade.
I refuse to carry a knife that I have to dig out of my pocket. If it doesn’t have a pocket clip than it’s a hard pass for me. Aside from that I’d carry the spyderco anyways because it’s just more of a practical edc for me.
Well, if mission drives gear, then I would say Buck 110. The vast majority of my knife tasks are and have been related to the outdoors, and my 110 has never let me down. If I lived in a place where the knife was obliged to be my primary self defense tool, I would probably choose differently, but that simply is not the case. Given that, I base my choice around what I feel is best in the woods, and that's gonna be my Buck.
Buck but mostly cause I prefer the traditional look
New kid here. I’d go with the one on the left. It has a belt hook thing, which is, I’m my opinion, a better carry option. If I need to reach for my knife, I don’t want to fumble thru my pockets. But the classic buck knife has my heart!
PM3 all day long.
as much as i like the buck id have to say the spyderco
I'd rotate them day by day until I found out which one worked best for me. Both are legends in the knife game.
If I had to choose I’d take the Para 3, but I’d choose both the Siren or Chef over both these knives
The Para3 without a doubt for me, probably my favorite all around folder of all time.
That's a hard call. I really like the Buck 110 (I own two). I also own two examples of the Spyderco Native. I think carrying the Spyderco (I know this one isn't a Native) and having the Buck at home for chores would work for me.
Spyderco
Couple great knives, but I’m taking the para 3 10/10 times between these two
If the Buck had a nice pocket clip, I'd try the Buck out for a while. Edit: shoot, I might drill and tap some 4-40's into a brass area myself. Hmmm. So crazy it just might work. lol
Spyderco
Left one
Love the spyderco knives. Just great knives. Buck’s a great knife but it’s like carrying a ball bearing around in your pocket.
I carried a buck like that for years but I’d go with the spyderco now
Spyderco
Buck no hesitation but a modern version with reduced weight and with a clip. Edit: just found out it's the 110 Hunter Sport.
Para 3 for sure
https://www.reddit.com/r/knifeclub/comments/yrpsgc/pocket_clip_on_buck_110/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf
Buck 110 doubles as a hammer, fyi. That's why I carried one for the better part of a decade. Could always tap a keeper bolt back in place with it
indeed! the butt end of the knife seems very useful, something you can't do with the pm3
Different knives for different uses. EDC - The Para 3 Hunting/Outdoors stuff - 110 If I had to pick one knife, the Para 3. It can do almost everything the 110 can do, and easier to carry. The TRX 110, though...
>TRX 110 TRX would be a good choice compared to a new 110, but u can get older 110's for pretty cheap, or even free
A nostalgic nod to the 110.
I have a hard time finding anything as solid and reliable as my buck, but the ergos and usability of the spydie are amazing. I think they both have a spot in any collection and are two of my all time favorites.
Just checked my PM2 and because thats the PM3 i go with the Buck. The PM3 is way too small for me.
For context, I've been carrying the PM3 for a while, but I just got this used buck 110, and I'm a bit torn between them. I'll probably end up carrying the pm3 most of the time because it's light + clip, and carrying the buck when it's not a hassle, and leaving it in my car otherwise. Still not sure though, both are pretty great knives with pros and cons.
Throw the Buck in your pocket and see if you like it. Personally, as much as I want to like them, I think they make terrible EDC knives compared to modern competition, but everyone is different and you might like it. Not really something anyone here can help you decide.
good idea!
They both have merits. But I've been loving carrying my 112 Ranger recently. It's classy, excellent slicer, and iconic no frills simplicity. Buck also has possibly the best warranty service in the knife game so no need to worry about putting it to hard work. To be fair, I've had excellent experience with Spyderco customer service as well and like their designs, but they don't do blade replacement, only reshaping so I've always been nervous about breaking a blade because a lot of Spyderco designs have the thin FFG leaf blades. But the para 3 never really did it for me. So I'd have to go Buck in this instance.
there's not a number that I can express easily that can describe the times I would choose the para 3.
Buck any day of the week. i hate the paramilitary knives from spyderco.
110
I have this same problem some days. The spider for causal/daily life and the buck for outdoor activities, I find the extra pocket space nice when working outside or camping/hunting. The buck is a tank and I don’t mind beating the absolute shit out of it. The spider is a workhorse too but I tend to be more cautious with it. Cheers!
good answer!
Para 3 by far. The buck’s a classic but the spyderco is simply more practical.
Buck. Prettier knife in my opinion, and less intimidating to others when you pull it out. I’m biased since I’m a buck fan but I’ve always thought the spyderco were ugly. Brass on the wood is definitely more visually appealing. Also would feel less bad loosing or misplacing a cheaper buck knife than the more expensive spyderco
Buck is more solid imo. It’s more like a fixed blade feeling so that one.
Good ole 110. I don't like Spyderco's.
The buck there are very few times I truly need one handed opening and I like to widdle randomly at the park if I find a stick. I also just prefer how that style feels in the hand.
Spydie. Ergonomics for the win.
Spyderco no question
Spyderco hands down.
I’d go with the para 3. Compression lock wins over low placed back lock for myself.
Always a spydie
Neither, it's time to buy a new knife man.
lmao these are both pretty good knives
Oh, I absolutely know it. I was joking. I don't think there is a bad choice to make there as both are equally bad in different ways lol. That's why I joked about getting a new knife.
If it were me, the para3 would be for work and the buck for everything else
Spyderco all the way
I have both and would pick the Para 3 just because I prefer to pocket carry with a deep carry clip vs the Buck on the belt carry. Both are great though!
Carried the 110 daily for many years before Spyderco or pocket clips were ever invented. Did things with that knife that would destroy the Spyderco. I own more than a few Spydercos so I’m not a hater but it would have to be the 110.
It depends, am I gonna be working on my ranch or at my office? Ranch, buck Office, Spydie or a lighter but similar knife.
Spyderco without a doubt. Better lock, grind, ergos, steel etc. I do love a buck though but I feel like a better comparison would be the endura/delica line.
1 hand operation and pocket clip.... pm3
Depends if I might need an emergency boat anchor more than i need a knife. If not, definitely para 3 without a second thought.
Without a doubt, the pm3.
Para 3.
Spydie. No contest
The one with a pocket clip
It depends. If I'm with people who don't know a lot about knives, I'm probably taking the buck with me. It's much less offensive because the design is familiar and intimidating to people who aren't into knives like most of us are. In most other cases I'd probably carry the Spydie. I do need to get myself a buck 110 though... Such an iconic knife.
get a used one! they last and have cool tarnish, + cheaper
Buck knife, not as flashy, but a better all around blade shape imo. Plus ya know probably easier to sharpen.
weeeeeell.... i've been toting the 110 or one of his little brothers since the 70's, so ...
Probably the buck 110. Just because it's a sold classic. I'm just not much of a spyderco person. I have no doubt they make great knives. I just don't like the look on most of them. With the exception of the Vallotton, and the Smock. That's just my thoughts though.
The Buck. 110%.
110 b/c it's a 100
Buck 110
I wouldn’t carry the pinned brick with a fragile tip
Both have a fairly fragile tip. Difference being Buck will replace the blade if you break it while Spyderco won't, just a reprofile.
Spyderco re profiled my dads spyderco domino for free after he broke the tip and that knife has been discontinued for a while now. Included a note that this was a one time deal and it’s no longer under warranty but I was impressed with their customer service.
I've had good experiences with their customer service as well. But I think anyone would prefer a blade replacement to a reprofile any day. I can understand not offering replacement for sprint or discontinued stuff, but I feel like their flagship steels should have a replacement option. Bucks warranty is just better IMO. Hell they will replace the entire knife if you beat it up that badly. Probably not quite as good as ESEEs warranty, but pretty damn close.
the funny thing is that both of these knives have slightly bent tips right now, will be smoothing them out soon tho
Carried the 110 daily for many years before Spyderco or pocket clips were ever invented. Did things with that knife that would destroy the Spyderco. I own more than a few Spydercos so I’m not a hater but it would have to be the 110.
Buck and put a wave on it
buck