The Most Iconic EDC Knife’s Robust, Underrated Sibling Makes a Mesmerizing Comeback

The Buck 110 Folding Hunter might be the most iconic pocket knife of all time. However, it has a lesser-known, albeit far more rugged fixed-blade sibling, called the Buck 101 Hunter.

While the 110 has had its share of the spotlight, it looks like it may be getting usurped, if only for a little while. That’s because the brand has introduced the Buck Knives October 2025 Buck of the Month, a modernized, upscale take on the Buck 101 Hunter.

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Big buck hunter

While the 110 Folding Hunter dates back over 60 years, its fixed-blade sibling, the 101 Hunter, is actually much younger, having made its debut only a few years ago. Unfortunately, it was discontinued shortly thereafter — far too soon, in the opinion of some (myself included.)

As such, this special, limited-edition release serves as a sort of comeback. And, in all honesty, it’s a spectacular reissue. While the knife maintains its iconic silhouette — borrowed directly from the 110 — it gets some stellar changes that help modernize and set it apart.

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That starts, most notably, with the blade steel. The blade measures 3.75 inches and still has its signature clip point shape, making it an outstanding all-around cutter, whether you need to perform long slices, tight precision work, piercing and whatever else.

However, while the standard model utilizes 420HC steel — a commonplace, albeit hard-working option — this one gets swapped for S35VN — a lauded, higher-end material more typically associated with premium pocket knives.

It’s a pretty significant upgrade, jumping up the material quality by a couple of magnitudes. Yet, it’s still a tough enough steel to remain useful in an outdoor setting without too much risk of damage.

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Get a grip

While the steel swap is certainly noteworthy, especially to knife nerds such as myself, the more obvious eye-catcher of this release is its handle. Whereas the standard 101 had an ebony handle like its 110 sibling, this one sees it changed in a couple of major ways.

For starters, the wood is swapped for El Dorado Richlite, a type of paper-based resin composite (more commonly known as Micarta.) This material is extremely tough, stable, resistant to extreme temperatures and chemicals, highly water-resistant and even lightweight.

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However, it’s not just a material swap; the handle has also been machined with a scalloped pattern. Not only does this give the knife some depth and character, but it also serves to make the handle even grippier — especially useful in the outdoors if you’re wearing gloves or operating in inclement weather.

Lastly, the brass bolster is swapped for a silver one, completing the unique look. There’s even a lanyard attachment point on the butt, and it comes with a tough leather sheath for easier hauling.

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Available now

The Buck Knives October 2025 Buck of the Month is now available on the brand’s site for $175 apiece. However, these special monthly releases tend to sell out quickly, and this one is limited to just 750 examples total.

Buck Knives

Buck Knives October 2025 Buck of the Month

• $175 at Buck Knives

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