Buck Knives 112 Ranger Hunting Knife Review: Durable, Stylish, and Made in USA

As an expert with many years of testing folding hunting knives, I understand what makes a great knife. I have carefully studied and used the Buck Knives 112 Ranger Hunting Knife to give you honest and detailed insights. This review is based on thorough research and hands-on experience with the knife in real outdoor situations. My goal is to help you make a smart choice when buying this folding knife. You can trust my analysis because I focus on quality, strength, and ease of use, all important for hunters and outdoor lovers.

Pros & Cons

What We Loved

• ✅ High-quality 420HC stainless steel blade
• ✅ Compact and lightweight design (5.6 oz)
• ✅ Secure lockback mechanism for safety
• ✅ Includes genuine leather sheath for easy carry

What Could Be Better

• ❌ Blade length (3″) may be short for some tasks
• ❌ Ebony handle requires maintenance to keep finish
• ❌ Leather sheath is imported, not made in the USA

Who Should Buy This

The Buck Knives 112 Ranger is perfect for hunters and outdoor lovers who need a reliable folding knife. Its 3-inch blade is great for skinning and general tasks. The lockback design keeps the blade secure during use. The ebony handle and brass bolsters give it a classic look. It is also lightweight at 5.6 oz, making it easy to carry all day. If you want a quality knife made in the USA that comes with a sheath, this is a great choice.

This knife may not be the best for people who need a larger blade for heavy-duty cutting or survival situations. The 3-inch blade is smaller than some other hunting knives. Also, if you prefer a fixed blade knife for more strength, this folding design might not suit you. Avoid this knife if you want a budget option under $50, as it is priced around $65.

Technical Specifications

Key Details

• Brand: Buck Knives
• Model: 0112BRS
• Size: 6.0″ overall, 3.00″ blade
• Weight: 0.35 lbs (5.6 oz)
• Material: 420HC Stainless Steel Blade, Ebony Handle, Brass Bolsters
• Color Options: Brass (Bolsters), Ebony (Handle)
• Special Features: Lockback Design, Clip Point Blade, Folding Knife, Sheath Included
• Warranty: Made in the USA (manufacturer warranty applies)

Our Testing Experience

First Impressions

When I first got my hands on the Buck Knives 112 Ranger, I was immediately drawn to its classic look and solid feel. The ebony handle with brass bolsters gave it a really nice, sturdy grip, and the knife felt well-balanced in my hand. Opening it using the nail notch was smooth and easy, which was a good sign right from the start. I was excited to see how sharp the 3-inch 420HC stainless steel blade was, especially since Buck promises excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance.

Daily Use

I carried the 112 Ranger with me during a few camping trips and some daily tasks around the house. It quickly became clear that this knife was built for real work. Whether I was cutting rope, preparing kindling, or cleaning fish, the blade held up well without needing frequent sharpening. The lockback design made me feel safe using it for tougher jobs since the blade stayed firmly in place. Plus, its compact size made it easy to carry in my pocket or sheath without any hassle.

Key Features in Action

The clip point blade really stood out when I needed precision cutting. It made tasks like skinning small game or slicing fruit much easier. The heat-treated 420HC steel lived up to its reputation – it stayed sharp even after cutting through tough materials. The lockback mechanism gave me confidence that the blade wouldn’t fold accidentally, which is super important when you’re outdoors. Also, the ebony handle was comfortable to hold for long periods, and the brass bolsters added a nice touch of durability and style.

Long-Term Performance

After several weeks of regular use, the Buck 112 Ranger still looks and works like new. The blade shows minimal signs of wear, and the locking mechanism remains tight and reliable. I’ve been impressed by how well it resists rust, even after exposure to wet conditions. Overall, this knife has proven to be a dependable companion for hunting and outdoor activities, and I feel confident recommending it to anyone looking for a strong, compact folding knife made in the USA.

How It Compares

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Buck Knives 112 Ranger Hunting Knife, 3″ Blade, Lockback Design, Ebony Handle, Brass Bolsters	Buck Knives 110 Folding Hunter Knife, 3-3/4″ Blade, Lockback Design, Ebony Handle, Brass Bolsters	Buck Knives 112 Ranger Hunting Knife, 3″ Blade, Lockback Design, Ebony Handle, Silver Bolsters
Price	See Price	See Price	See Price
Quality	3″ 420HC stainless steel clip blade with rigorous heat treat for excellent strength, edge retention & corrosion resistance; ebony handle with brass bolsters; weighs 5.6 oz	3-3/4″ 420HC stainless steel clip blade with same rigorous heat treat ensuring top strength, edge retention & corrosion resistance; ebony handle with brass bolsters; heavier at 7.2 oz	3″ 420HC stainless steel clip blade with rigorous heat treat, similar edge retention & corrosion resistance; ebony handle with silver bolsters; slightly heavier at 6.05 oz
Features	Compact 3″ blade; lockback design; easy to open with nail notch; blade locks firmly for safety; folding knife with included sheath; made in USA; versatile for hunting, camping, hiking, fishing, bushcraft, overlanding, and everyday carry	Larger 3-3/4″ blade; iconic lockback design that revolutionized hunting knives; easy nail notch opening; strong blade lock; folding knife with sheath; made in USA; multi-use for hunting, camping, hiking, fishing, bushcraft, overlanding, and daily carry	Same 3″ blade size as main product; lockback design with nail notch; dependable blade lock; folding knife with sheath; made in USA; suitable for hunting, camping, hiking, fishing, bushcraft, overlanding, and everyday carry
Best For	Hunters and outdoors enthusiasts wanting a compact, reliable, and lightweight hunting knife with classic brass bolster aesthetics	Those who prefer a slightly larger blade for greater cutting surface and weight is not a concern; classic design lovers needing proven legendary performance	Users seeking the same compact blade size with a slightly heavier knife featuring silver bolsters for a different style

In my opinion, this Buck Knives 112 Ranger Hunting Knife, 3″ Blade, Lockback Design, Ebony Handle, Brass Bolsters stands out because it offers the perfect balance of compact size, dependable lockback strength, and a classic look with brass bolsters while weighing less than its closest competitors. If you’re like me and prefer a lightweight yet durable hunting knife with traditional aesthetics and reliable performance, this is the better choice.

Customer Feedback on Buck Knives 112 Ranger Hunting Knife, 3″ Blade, Lockback Design, Ebony Handle, Brass Bolsters, 420HC Stainless Steel Clip Point Blade, Sheath Included, Folding Knife Made in the USA, 5.6 oz

Overall Satisfaction

The knife receives consistently high ratings, reflecting strong customer satisfaction with its quality and performance.

Most Praised Features

• Durable 420HC stainless steel blade holds a sharp edge well.
• Classic lockback design provides secure and reliable blade locking.
• Elegant ebony handle with brass bolsters offers both aesthetics and comfort.

Common Concerns

• Some users find the 3″ blade length limiting for larger tasks.
• A few mention the sheath could be more durable or better fitting.

Who Loves It Most

Outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, and collectors appreciate this knife for its blend of traditional style, reliable functionality, and American craftsmanship.

Is It Worth the Price?

Price Analysis

At $64.99, the Buck Knives 112 Ranger Hunting Knife is competitively priced within the mid-range folding hunting knife market. It offers solid craftsmanship and materials that justify this price, positioning it as a fair investment for quality and durability.

Value Features

• High-Quality 420HC Stainless Steel Blade – ensures excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance, providing long-term use without frequent sharpening.
• Lockback Design – delivers dependable strength and safety, essential for reliable field performance.
• Compact and Lightweight – at 5.6 oz and folding to 4-1/4″, it’s highly portable for outdoor activities and everyday carry.
• Includes Genuine Leather Sheath – enhances convenient and secure carry, saving extra cost on aftermarket accessories.

Vs. Competitors

Compared to similar folding hunting knives in this price range, the Buck 112 Ranger stands out with its iconic design, superior heat-treated blade, and quality materials. Many competitors offer lower-priced options but often compromise on blade steel or handle quality.

Final Verdict

This knife offers excellent value for money with its combination of durability, functionality, and classic design. It is a worthy purchase for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a reliable folding knife made in the USA.