Buck 110 Folding Hunter Crossbar Review: 60 Years of Refinement in 3.5 Ounces

Introduction

Few folding knives carry as much history as the Buck 110 Folding Hunter, and the new 110 Folding Hunter Crossbar is the most interesting version yet. Buck has distilled decades of 110 development into a package that weighs just 3.5 ounces, which is lighter than a Benchmade Griptilian at 3.9 ounces.

The original 110 was revolutionary because it was essentially a fixed blade that folded: big, heavy, and secure, with a back lock that let you work on game without worrying about the blade folding on your fingers. The Crossbar keeps that spirit but brings the weight and lock design firmly into the modern era.

Who This Knife Is For

This is a knife for people who want a full-size folding hunter that does not feel like a full-size folding hunter in the pocket. The Makassar ebony inlays with aluminum bolsters cut a significant amount of weight while keeping the classic Buck handle look, and the deeper carry pocketability makes it far easier to live with day to day.

It also suits anyone doing real cutting work, whether that is dressing game, processing wood, or general utility tasks where a long blade genuinely helps. If you have been carrying small knives for years, the return to a large folding blade can be surprisingly pleasant.

Main Strengths

The headline feature is the crossbar lock, sometimes called an axis lock. You can release the tension and flip the blade open and closed with one hand, no flipping the knife around and pointing it toward yourself the way the old back lock often demanded. You can also use the thumb stud, or simply hold the knife loosely and flick the blade out with momentum.

The steel is MagnaCut, and the out-of-box sharpness is genuinely exceptional. The clip point blade comes scary sharp, with a keen tip that makes the front third of the blade feel like it cuts through everything effortlessly. That long clip point profile is a big part of the appeal for anyone who missed carrying a larger blade.

At 3.5 ounces, it is also the lightest 110 yet, compared to 5.4 ounces for the 110 Slim and roughly 7.6 ounces for the original 110. Buck also removed full-length standoffs in favor of more open construction, which cuts weight further and makes the knife easier to clean out.

The knife is made in the USA in Post Falls, Idaho, and it carries Buck’s forever warranty.

Things to Consider Before Buying

There is one thing worth watching: the crossbar spring tension feels slightly on the loose side. Holding the knife by the handle alone can pop the blade out, which some people will love and others may find a touch too easy. No issues showed up in use, and a spring tweak would be a simple fix, but it is the only design question mark.

The blade is also long and, for anyone used to compact everyday knives, it takes some adjustment. This is not a discreet small folder, even though it carries surprisingly well for its size.

Buying Advice

Compared with the 110 Slim, which keeps the back lock and pairs MagnaCut with a lighter frame at 5.4 ounces, the Crossbar is the clear pick if you want one-handed open and close and the lowest possible weight. Compared with the classic 110 in 420HC, the Crossbar offers a smoother, lighter, and safer experience across the board.

If you mainly carry small knives and want something big only for hunting or deliberate work trips, the older pattern may still serve you fine. But if you want one do-everything full-size folder, this is the most refined 110 Buck has ever made.

Conclusion

The Buck 110 Folding Hunter Crossbar takes everything people love about the 110 and modernizes it: MagnaCut steel, a one-handed crossbar lock, a light aluminum-and-ebony handle, and a weight that lands in tiny-knife territory at 3.5 ounces. Aside from a slightly loose spring feel, it is a beautifully executed evolution of an American classic.