Buck 110 Slim Select vs 112 Slim Select: American-Made EDC Value Worth a Look

Introduction

If you want a knife made in the United States without spending a lot, the Buck 110 Slim Select and 112 Slim Select are about as safe a pair of picks as you can find at this price point. They are not flashy flipper-style folders built for fidgeting; they are honest, slim cutting tools designed to do everyday cutting work extremely well. Both deliver excellent out-of-the-box sharpness, Buck’s well-regarded heat treatment, and remarkably light, thin profiles.

Evaluation Criteria

These knives were evaluated on out-of-the-box sharpness, cutting performance for common everyday tasks, handling and comfort, weight and profile, and overall value for a budget-friendly, USA-made folder.

Buck 112 Slim Select: The Smaller of the Two

The 112 Slim Select is the smaller of the two, and it turned in the sharper edge out of the box in testing, cutting noticeably better than comparable budget imports. Its hollow grind is well suited to most everyday tasks, whether you are cutting food, breaking down boxes, or working through man-made materials.

One pleasant surprise: because the thumb stud sits closer to the pivot, the 112 can actually be flicked open one-handed with a little practice and some finger repositioning. It is not designed for that, and it is not a true one-handed opener by intent, but it is achievable.

At about two and a half ounces, the 112 is impressively light, and its handle shape sets the hand in a consistent position, which makes it feel natural during focused cutting work. It is also simply a nice knife, budget pick or not.

Buck 110 Slim Select: The Classic Shape

The 110 Slim Select features a blade length of around four inches, which makes it the more substantial cutter of the pair. Out of the box it was slightly less sharp than the 112 but still plenty sharp for most people, and consistent with the strong factory edges these knives generally ship with.

It weighs just under three ounces, so even the larger option stays remarkably light. The longer blade gives you more real estate, letting you back up on the edge or choke up and lay the blade flat for different cutting approaches. Both knives share a very thin, slim profile that carries easily.

Steel and Heat Treatment

Both knives use 420HC, and Buck’s heat treatment is a genuine point of differentiation. Independent testing has repeatedly confirmed that Buck’s heat-treated 420HC performs better than most other knives in the same steel. That means real corrosion resistance, impressive toughness, and edge retention that, when heat treated properly, exceeds the average 420HC blade and comfortably beats any Leatherman for edge retention.

Everyday Handling and Fit

Both knives are very comfortable in the hand, and the handle shaping appears deliberately thought out. The 112 pulls the hand into a fixed position for controlled cutting, while the 110 allows more freedom to shift your grip along the longer blade.

One important caveat: these are traditional back-lock folders, not modern folders. The lock is incredibly secure, but closing the knife requires two hands. If you want a dependable cutting tool, that is a non-issue. If you want a fidgety, one-handed-everything knife, this design is not for you.

Buying Advice

Expect the 112 Slim Select to run around $31 to $32 depending on where you shop, with the 110 at that price or slightly higher, but no more than roughly $37. At those prices, both represent excellent value, especially for knives made in the United States.

If you prefer a smaller, lighter knife for detail work, the 112 is the standout. If you want more blade for bigger cutting tasks, the 110 is the one. Either way, you are getting one of the best deals available in this category.

Conclusion

The Buck 110 Slim Select and 112 Slim Select prove that American-made EDC does not have to be expensive. Both arrive sharp, both benefit from a heat treatment that makes 420HC punch above its weight, and both are slim, light, and comfortable. Pick the 112 for compact carry and the 110 for more blade; you really cannot go wrong with either.