Buck Knives
|

The 8 Best Buck Pocket Knives Made in USA 2025

Buck Knives – this famed knife maker’s history reads like the quintessential American ideal.

Hoyt Buck, the current business director’s great-grandfather, not only handcrafted the first Buck knife from metal scraps. He also pioneered the specific procedure that Buck knives and standard steel are still treated with today. But what makes Buck Pocket Knives so special? Find out and take a look at the best knives Buck has to offer.

The History of Buck Knives

As always, there is a founding myth about this family business, which is now in its fourth generation. This traditional company came into being virtually from nowhere, founded by a simple, rough blacksmith.

In 1902, the young apprentice tried to develop a heat process that could make steel even harder to cut.

In 1942, shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor (so here’s the pinch of patriotism), there was an increased need for knives for the armed forces.
And Hoyt Buck figured, “I can do that too!”

And so the custom knife craft became a thriving business that became Buck Knives Incorporated in 1961. But the breakthrough came in 1964 with the legendary classic, which is as American as the Stars and Stripes, the Model 110 Folding Hunter.
All Buck knives are made of the same steel!

One for all: 420HC Steel

Buck uses 420 HC steel as the standard steel.
Buck knives fall between stainless steel and carbon steel in terms of quality. As a result, the blades combine the toughness of high carbon compounds with the corrosion resistance of stainless steel.

Finally, Buck steel has a unique property.
The additional heat treatment, courtesy of the great-great grandpa, improves the steel’s corrosion resistance and longevity.

All knives are honed to 58 HRC Rockwell hardness and are very easy to resharpen. This is likewise true, however it should be noted that the cutting durability necessarily decreases.
To put it another way, not only can I easily resharpen my Buck knives, but I have to do so more frequently than with other steels.

The Buck Knife Family Dedication

Aside from their specific heat methods, the Buck family’s firm strategy is not so much about innovation. The Buck family firm represents personal quality assurance in every aspect.

The Buck Forever Warranty

Every Buck knife comes with a forever warranty. Here are the details from their website:

“We warranty each and every Buck knife to be free of defects in material and workmanship for the life of the knife, and we will repair or replace with a new Buck knife, at our option, any Buck knife that is defective. Buck Knives does not warrant its products against normal wear, misuse, or product modifications. Buck Knives are not intended to be used as hammers, chisels, pry bars, or screwdrivers.
If your knife was damaged due to misuse, our repair department can analyze the damage and repair it for a reasonable fee.
If the knife is unable to be repaired, we will extend a one- time courtesy offer, allowing you the option to purchase a new knife for 50% off of our MSRP price listed on the website, excluding any custom knives or web specials.”

Conclusion: Family Tradition and China

Some Buck knives are wholly created in the United States, while more than half of the models have parts sourced from China. And knives like the Buck Colleague are perfect examples of this. We have recently observed that Made in China no longer has to mean anything.
I am primarily thinking of Real Steel knives.

Buck knives, on the other hand, are typically found in the lower price range.
They are not interested in becoming exclusive.
They wish to provide a knife for everyone, a single knife for the average American.
That means solid functioning and craftsmanship, as well as a reasonable price.
But that is all there is to it. And that is why we do love Buck Knives!

The Best Buck Knives Made in the USA

Buck Knives 110 Folding Hunter

Buck 110

The Buck 110 Folding Hunter pocket knife, which debuted in 1964 and quickly became an instant classic, transformed the knife industry in the United States. Over 50 years later, the traditional hunting knife has stood the test of time and remains one of the most popular tools among hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.

It’s clip point blade is 3.75 inch (ca. 10 cm) long, making it ideal for hunting. Overall, the knife is 8.72 inch (ca. 22 cm) long. So, for this back lock folder, this is a reasonable, manageable size.
The 8 oz (ca. 302 gram) weight cannot be underestimated. For most, it will be too heavy to carry it in your pocket.

Buck 110 Top View

What you get:

  • Very solid construction, good balance, and center of gravity
  • Good as a hunting knife and for skinning
  • Made in the United States of America and still comparatively cheap
  • Beautiful aesthetics today, like 50 years ago

The Buck 110 is an excellent knife for hunters and anglers, as well as farmers and ranchers.
The clip point, straight-edged 420HC stainless steel blade delivers ample blade longevity while remaining reasonably easy to sharpen.

It is simply the knife that your father took hunting many years ago, and it is likely to be the knife that your grandkids will take to the field. The legendary Buck 110 is now manufactured in Post Falls, Idaho, solidifying its status as an American legend.

Buck Knives 110 Folding Hunter Knife with Finger Grooves

Buck Knives 110 Folding Hunter Knife with Finger Grooves

The classic 110 is available in two variations: one with the original straight handle scales and one with “finger grooves,” or more ergonomic grips with finger recesses.
The 110FG Folding Hunter is Buck’s finger grooved version of the classic 110 Folder.

Buck Knives 110 Folding Hunter Knife with Finger Grooves

The rest of the knife is the same as the Buck 110. I prefer the Classic 110, but I have some friends that are super happy with the groves.
Let’s talk about the handles for a second. The old knives came with Ebony wood handles in the beginning. Later, there was no more legally cut down Ebony on the market. Thanks to Taylor Guitars, that changed in 2019.
Buck Knives collaborates with Taylor Guitars, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of premium acoustic guitars, to support their efforts by utilizing a sustainable supply model for real Ebony handles on essential legacy products. Good news if you want one of the Classic Models from Buck!

Buck Knives 110 Folding Hunter Knife with Finger Grooves

Buck Knives 112 Ranger Folding Knife

Buck Knives 112 Ranger Folding Knife

The 112 or “Ranger” is another classic that is closely related to the 110 Hunter. Buck has another lovely story about it on their website:
The 110 was so popular in the military that many Navy sailors used it as an E.D.C.
According to tradition, a knife battle broke out aboard a ship one day, and the captain only permitted blades with a specific blade length.
Because of the Navy weapons law, the enterprising Bucks presented a smaller version of the 110.

Buck Pocket Knife made in the USA

The Buck Ranger features a 3-inch blade made from 420HC steel. The steel ensures great edge retention and corrosion resistance. The blade has a very sharp, controllable point, and is good for piercing and slicing. The closed length of the knife is 4-1/4 inch. The weight is 5.6 oz (ca. 212 g). This makes the knife a good alternative if you want to carry it in your pocket compared to the original Buck 110. You could look at the knife as the little brother of the Buck 110.

Buck Knives 112 Ranger Folding Knife

Buck Knives 722 Spitfire

Buck Knives 722 Spitfire

Following the original family centered on the Model 110, we now move on to other Buck folders. The Spitfire, like the legendary 110 manufactured in the United States, is plainly intended as an E.D.C.
It is a one-handed knife with a rear lock and a drop point blade that is as tough as it is versatile.

Buck Knives 722 Spitfire

The handle scales are made of aluminum, and you can choose between 3 colors. The blade is 3-1/4 inch, making it a smaller E.D.C. blade. Overall, the knife is 4-1/4 inch when closed. I do like the weight of this knife. It is only 3.2 oz (ca. 121 gram), which makes it a perfect everyday carry knife.

Buck Pocket Knives made in the USA

For the blade, Buck Knives uses the same 420HC stainless steel. It has excellent strength, edge retention, and corrosion resistance. A four-position retractable clip is included with the 722 Spitfire for easy carrying on your belt, in your pocket, or in your bag. Great if you are left-handed as well.

Buck Knives 722 Spitfire

Buck Knives 284 Bantam

Buck Bantam

The Bantam, like the Spitfire, comes in a variety of colors and patterns.
The knife features a drop point blade that measures 2-3/4 inch. The closed length of the knife is 3.75 inch (ca. 10 cm).

Buck Bantam

The Bantam, like the Spitfire, has a back lock, but it is centered here and is also a one-handed knife. For the blade, Buck Knives uses the same 420HC stainless steel. The blade has exceptional strength, edge retention, and corrosion resistance. A thumb stud on both sides of the blade allows for easy one-handed opening.

Buck Knives 285 Bantam BLW

I also prefer the Bantam since it has a lovely jimping on the back and a prominent finger depression. The handle scales are made of textured, grippy nylon.
The Bantam is much more pleasant to hold, and I can control this Buck knife even in the choke grip.

Buck Bantam

At only 1.5 oz (ca. 57 gram), the Bantam is also a lightweight knife.
It contains a lug or lanyard hole for wearing around your neck, key rings, pockets, and backpacks. You will be surprised to learn about the price. YES! It is still possible to make great products here in the USA. And this knife made in America even comes with Buck’s “Forever Warranty”!

Buck Knives 112 Ranger Sport

Buck Knives 112 Ranger Sport

Buck 112 Ranger Sport Pro Micarta is an all-purpose pocket knife. It is built of high-quality materials and deserving of the number 112. For many years, the Buck 112 Ranger was one of Buck’s flagship models. Whereas brass and wood were formerly used, the 112 Ranger Sport Pro now has a Micarta handle and aluminum bolsters. These bolsters are a wonderful tribute to its forefather. The additional compact pocket clip is also useful for carrying the pocket knife in your pants pocket.

Buck Knives 112 Ranger Sport

Buck has chosen a highly strong steel grade for the Buck 112 Ranger Sport Pro.
The 3-inch blade, in particular, is constructed of CPM S30V steel.
This is a high-quality powder steel that will keep its edge for a long time.
Buck differs from competitors who utilize the same type of steel in the method the steel is hardened. They employ Paul Bos’ heat treatment technology, the master of performance optimization.

Buck Knives 112 Ranger Sport

With one hand, you open the Buck 112 Ranger Sport Pro. The blade’s thumb recesses on both sides make it simple to open with either your left or right hand. A sturdy back-lock secures the blade when it is open. Buck himself brought this locking mechanism to the big stage.

Buck Knives 841 Sprint Pro

Buck Knives 841 Sprint Pro

The Buck Sprint Pro BB is a premium series pocket knife with a stylish EDC design.
The flipper opens the blade at lightning speed. With a distinct click, the liner lock secures the blade.
The Buck Sprint is possibly the best EDC knife in the Buck lineup.

Buck Knives 841 Sprint Pro

The Buck Sprint Select’s blade is constructed of CPM S30V steel. This is an excellent grade of steel that is enhanced by Paul Bos’ heat treatment. The carbon fiber handle is marbled. Steel plates have been incorporated to give stability and security.

Buck Knives 841 Sprint Pro

A bit of jimping has been added to the back of the blade to improve your thumb’s grip. This has the appearance of a hand-filed men’s knife. It is an opulent touch on an opulent pocket knife.

Buck Knives 841 Sprint Pro

The knife sports a 3-1/8 inch S30V stainless steel drop point blade. The closed length is 4-3/8 inch and the weight is 3.6 oz (ca. 136 g).

Buck Knives 841 Sprint Pro

Buck Knives 341 Vantage Avid

Buck Vantage Avid

Anyone who is familiar with the firm BUCK is aware of their ability to manufacture durable and cheap outdoor knives that impress with an exceptional price/performance ratio. The Vantage Avid tiny fits under the same group. The 2-5/8 inch drop point blade is made of Buck’s famous 420HC steel. This is ideal for an outdoor folding knife because of its exceptional corrosion and break resistance, while yet providing good edge retention.

Buck Vantage Avid

Due to the small size, you can perform precise tasks. The closed length is 3-3/4 inch, the weight only 2.3 oz (ca. 87 gram). The blade may be readily brought into the working position with one hand using the flipper or the blade breakthrough. The strong liner lock then securely locks it.

Buck Vantage Avid

Rosewood Dymondwood handle scales offer a rustic appearance and fit comfortably in the hand. The pocket clip (Tip-Up / R) allows you to conveniently take the Vantage Avid compact in your pocket.

Do you like to see more Knives made in the USA? We have a page where you will find your new Knife made in the US!

Similar Posts