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In the late 1800s, a young blacksmith’s apprentice started forging his first knives as a small child. Young Hoyt Buck probably never imagined that he had started what would become a household name in knives. In the mid-1960s, his son Al incorporated the business, and his grandson later introduced their classic Model 110 folder. The rest was history.
Today, the Buck name is synonymous with quality and reliability. Countless hunters, fishermen, and campers have used Buck knives, which are also staples for backpackers. Many outdoor enthusiasts' first knife was a Buck.
Considering that storied legacy, let’s look at what the company produces in the modern era. These are the best Buck knives being manufactured today.
Key Considerations
All Buck knives are good quality. Thus, I mainly considered the best use case scenarios for each blade in this piece. The weight and length of each knife were primary influences on its best use. However, I didn’t want to fill this knife exclusively with Buck’s high-end offerings. I looked at the full range of price points to find options that fit every budget. Additionally, I considered past experiences with Buck Knives in deciding the best for each category.
Top Picks
- Best Overall: Buck 110 Folding Hunter
- Best Budget: Buck 373 Trio Knife
- Best for Hunting: Buck 664 Alpha Hunter Elite
- Best Pocket Buck Knife: Buck 110 Slim Pro TRX
- Best Fixed Blade: Buck 119 Special
Best Overall: Buck 110 Folding Hunter
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The 110 Folding Hunter is the knife that most people imagine when discussing Buck knives. It’s practically a household name. My dad used one of these knives nearly daily when installing commercial doors. It’s a classic working person’s knife. The size is perfect for EDC tasks like ripping cardboard and cutting plastic ties in a warehouse. However, this knife also has the versatility to go into the field and clean game animals. Buck makes several variants of this knife, including an S30V steel version. It’s hard to go wrong with the classic 420HC version. I love how crisply the mechanism works. Once locked into place, there is no play in the blade.
Some occasional quality control issues have been reported with this knife. Usually, these are minor fit-and-finish issues. I don’t think that they are a deal-breaker, especially considering Buck’s excellent warranty. With its wooden scaling and brass bolsters, this is one of the best-looking pocket knives ever made. It’s an excellent choice for anyone who wants an old-school aesthetic.
Best Budget: Buck 373 Trio Knife
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Buck packages this knife with a traditional clip point, a Sheepsfoot, and a Spey blade. It weighs just under 2 ounces, making it a delightful EDC carry. We like this knife for anyone who wants a variety of blades but doesn’t need something heavy-duty. This knife is ideal for opening packages and slicing light cordage. At the same time, the knife maintains Buck’s traditional wooden scaling and metal bolster aesthetic.
One thing that bears noting is that this is one of the few Buck knives manufactured in China. This isn’t immediately obvious from any of Buck’s marketing materials. I don’t think that’s a deal-breaker, but it surprises some people who buy it thinking it’s made in the USA. This knife is also tiny. Consequently, it won’t suit some users with large hands. However, this is still a solid knife. And getting this much versatility and value under a $30 price point is hard.
Best for Hunting: Buck 664 Alpha Hunter Elite
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Many knives made by Buck are excellent for hunting, to the point where it’s hard to go wrong with any of them. However, the newer 664 Alpha Hunter Elite stands out mainly because Buck decided to foray into CPM MagnaCut steel. This super steel has quickly become my favorite and is as good as advertised. This knife has better edge retention and corrosion resistance than any other hunting knife that Buck produces. It’s an excellent choice for backcountry hunters who are rough on their gear. It shrugs off the rain, the sleet, and the snow.
This knife received Buck’s signature heat treatments for even more strength and durability. As expected, that steel choice gives this knife a premium $250 price point. There are variants of the 664 using more affordable steels. However, for the hunter who wants this to be the last hunting knife they buy, it’s worth the price of admission.
Best Pocket Buck Knife: Buck 110 Slim Pro TRX
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This knife is a modern take on the classic 110 Hunter folding knife. It’s a bit slimmer and easy to carry in a pocket all day. It is also about 4 ounces lighter. Buck used S30V steel for the blade of this knife, which gives it much better edge retention than its traditional counterpart. The G-10 scaling is also a comfortable update. Buck gave this knife a thumb stud, making the blade easier to open. All these features combined make for an excellent EDC knife.
Many knife enthusiasts will agree that this knife isn’t nearly as aesthetically pleasing as classic Buck offerings. Subsequently, this knife is better for those wanting function over form. It’s a hard-working knife meant to be carried all day with comfort.
Best Fixed Blade: Buck 119 Special
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Nothing beats a classic Bowie knife design for a fixed-blade knife. The Buck 119 is a highly versatile knife that transitions seamlessly from bushcraft to gutting a deer or elk. This rugged knife can handle demanding tasks. The 6-inch blade makes it long enough to baton wood and aid in constructing a shelter. It’s practical without becoming a ridiculous “Rambo” size. We also like the ergonomics of the subtle finger grooves on the handle. This knife is an excellent option for anyone with larger hands.
The sheath that comes with this knife isn’t great, but there are plenty of aftermarket options. Additionally, the polished stainless steel pommel is easily scratched. If users know that going in, it’s not a huge deal. Just don’t expect the knife to remain a showpiece if heavily abused. This is an excellent choice for a survival knife.
How To Choose The Best Buck Knife
It’s hard to go wrong with any of Buck’s offerings. The only thing to watch for is the countless knock-off products that don’t stack up in quality. When a company is as successful as Buck, it’s only natural that overseas companies steal the design. Buck makes a select few of its knives in China, but most are still produced in the USA.
Use Case
Most of Buck’s lineup is highly versatile. However, the fixed-blade options are best for bushcraft jobs like wood batoning or shelter construction. Their folding options are more compact and better for EDC applications. Blade length should be considered when choosing a knife. For instance, a knife for field dressing should ideally be 3 to 4 inches long. Knives used for bushcraft or other heavy tasks are best in the 4- to 6-inch range.
Blade Type
Buck offers primarily drop point and clip point blades. Drop points are excellent for field dressing and skinning applications and usually offer more strength. Clip points excel at piercing and fine carving and cutting tasks. I like a clip point blade better for light food preparation tasks.
Steel Types
Buck uses primarily 420HC stainless steel in its knives. Although this is a cheaper, softer steel, Buck is known for its heat treatments, which remove imperfections and add strength to the blades. The company also likes to use S30V steel, a premium-grade steel. It offers excellent edge retention but comes with a high price point.
Why Trust Us
I have professionally covered knives for the last decade. During that time, I’ve tested many outdoor knives, including some of the most popular Buck knives. This has helped me learn what works in a knife design and what does not. My picks here are based on my hands-on experiences in the field with many outdoor knife styles and types.
Final Thoughts
Buck has made some genuinely timeless knife designs. The Buck 110 Folding Hunter is a classic knife and one of the most recognizable designs in the world. It doesn’t just look great; it’s one of the most useful EDC knives that one can own. The fact that it comes at a sub-$100 price point adds to the appeal. Our runner-up is the classic 119 Special fixed blade. It is what many people picture when talking about Bowie knives. It’s a versatile design that won’t go out of style.
FAQs
Q: What is the best Buck knife made?
A: This is essentially a matter of opinion. However, the Buck 110 Folding Hunter is their most popular. It’s also usually considered to be their best-made knife. Some users might also argue for some of their fixed-blade knives, like the 119 Special or 120 General.
Q: Why is the Buck 110 so popular?
A: The 110 is the knife that put Buck on the map. It’s the quintessential perfect EDC knife. The size and weight are perfect for slipping into a pocket. Its blade length is ideal for everything from opening packages to gutting a deer. Aesthetically, it’s also simply a beautiful folding knife.
Q: Why are Buck knives so expensive?
A: Buck knives aren’t necessarily the most expensive. However, their price point reflects the price of quality construction and steel. Buck knives are also made primarily in the United States, which adds to the cost. The brand has earned a reputation for quality, which is also reflected somewhat in the price.
Related: Buck Paradigm Pro review
