Buck 112 Ranger Folding Knife, 420HC Steel, Ebony Wood, Leather Sheath, BU0112BRS
[BU0112BRS]

I have a number of folding knives with locking blades. Of the lot, the Buck Ranger is by far the oldest design. The lock mechanism is not exotic, there isn’t going to be any one-handed opening, and the knife is heavy what with the brass bolsters and liners. You would not call it pocketable; it is carried in a belt-mounted leather case. It is intended for general camp and outdoor use, not for urban everyday carry. In that context, the Ranger is still at the top of the heap. The solid feel is very satisfying, and the ergonomics of the handle, with its hardwood scales, are superior to all other folding knives I have used, some many times the price of the Buck. Such is the wizardry of the Buck metallurgists that the blade’s edge holding is comparable to much more expensive modern steels and yet remains quite easy to sharpen. The clip point blade makes for good versatility and I would have no concern about snapping it off outside of the sort of abuse that would be better suited to a pry bar. I enjoy my modern knives, but it is telling that the ones I use by far the most for their intended purpose are the various Bucks. As for the Ranger, the bonus on top of this is that it is a timeless design and the most beautiful knife in the drawer.