It has been many, many years since I have owned a Buck lockback. The last being a rubber handled one (unknown model) when I was an older teen and the first being a 110 (possibly a clone of sorts) when I was a younger teen - both have long since disappeared. Buck knives have a fond place in my memories though as a youth and I still own the 119 that I bought myself when I was 16 - it was my very first fixed blade.
I have always meant to get another Buck lockback (or two) but just never really got around to it. As most of the notable ones are readily available, I have never been struck by the urgency (what a luxury, yes?).
Opportunity found me and I was able to scoop up a 112 Ranger with a drop point blade and in 5160 steel. I had heard really good things about Buck's 5160 and thought it best that I not delay if I wanted to actually try it out. It arrived over the weekend and I have had a few days since to get acquainted. I have never had or even handled a Ranger and I was a bit under the assumption that it ran smaller. It's smaller, yes - smaller than the 110 - but I would not call this a small knife.... In fact, it might be one of the heaviest pocket knives I own - and I have a great many, traditional and modern.
Regardless, I was pretty excited to get this knife in. Brass frame and pins, paired with oak covers, make for a pretty nice Buck classic. The action was pretty stiff when I pulled it out of its box so I gave it a really good flush and was amazed how much crud I worked loose - has to be one of the dirtiest knives I have ever received from a factory. It smoothed right out though after a thorough cleaning and oiling and I dropped it right into my pocket - which proved to be a mistake. Gym shorts being my regular work-at-home attire, the darned thing just about yanked my drawers off when it hit the bottom of my pocket (did I mention this thing was heavy?).
I am impressed with the 5160 steel. Already pretty sharp out of the box, I only had to strop it a wee bit to get it shaving and having experienced 5160's toughness in other knives, I suspect that I won't be worried about breaking this Buck anytime soon.
It's a big solid knife so I thought I would compare it to some other "big" knives that I have and they all feel like feathers by comparison, despite some being a larger frame. From top to bottom: GEC 23, GEC 43, Buck 112, GEC 73.
Hard to tell in this comparison pic but the 112 is about the same thickness as a 2-blade 23.
Sturdy blade stock - this isn't a knife to be taken lightly, that's for sure. That said, the hollow grind and keen edge will cut just fine.
Overall, I am very pleased with this knife and I expect that I am going to get a lot of use and enjoyment out of it. I am looking forward to experiencing how the 5160 and brass age with continued use. I am hoping that I might find a 110 at some point to complement it. I don't think I will only end up with one these classics - more will be needed (for science, of course
).