The 101 is an odd duck. I carry the 110 every day - I think it’s probably the most versatile knife I’ve ever owned, and I love the feel of it in my hand. Part of that versatility is that it’s a folder, and I can belt carry it (as is my preference) without the unwanted attention of carrying a fixed blade. Of course, that was a big part of the reason the 110 came to be, so it makes sense. I bought a 101 a while back, because it seemed like a no brainer - a fixed blade version of my favorite knife. But for whatever reason, the 101 just doesn’t resonate with me. If I’m reaching for a Buck fixed blade, it’s typically the 117 or 102, or possibly the 105 or 192. A big part of what makes the 110 work so well is that it’s a folder, because it’s a folder on purpose. If it were supposed to be a fixed blade, it would have come out different - case in point, the 113. It makes sense is because they redesigned the 112 to function as a fixed blade. Not so with the 101(eveled hit the nail on the head here - post #38). To this end, the 101 is kind of gimmicky to me (but hey I bought one, so it worked).
Of course, there’s nothing intrinsically bad about it - great blade, handle, etc.. it’s just an odd duck. Nothing wrong with that though. It’s handsome and it cuts. At the end of the day a knife needs to function and the 101 does so as well as any. At the very least, it makes a great paring knife. Worst case, if I found myself stuck somewhere with a 101, I could be a lot worse off than a blade with which one can adeptly hunt, fish, and process both food and wood. And no, there’s no guard, but in a pinch you could get pretty stabby with that knife. Let’s not forget the 110 does have a knife fight prominently in its storied history.
I’ll stick with my 110, but enjoy the heck out of those 101s, fellas.
