Buck Knives traces its roots back to the early 20th century when Hoyt Buck, a young Kansas blacksmith, sought ways to improve the longevity of knife blades. In 1902, Hoyt developed a unique method of heat-treating steel, making it harder, more durable, and capable of holding an edge longer. This method became the foundation for Buck’s early success and is a practice still in use today.

During World War II, Hoyt Buck began making knives from scrap metal for American GIs, marking the true beginning of Buck as a knife manufacturer. His knives were durable and dependable, gaining a reputation among soldiers and outdoorsmen alike. After the war, in 1947, Hoyt and his son Al Buck established H.H. Buck & Son in San Diego, California. This family-run business would become the foundation of one of the most influential knife companies in America.

Following his father Hoyt’s death in 1949, Al Buck took over the family’s custom knife business, continuing to apply the techniques his father pioneered. Al’s passion and business sense helped keep the small business alive, but it wasn’t until he brought his son, Chuck, and wife, Lori, into the operation that Buck Knives began to take off. In 1961, Al officially incorporated the business as Buck Knives, setting the stage for its future success and allowing the company to grow from a small family operation into a global brand.

Hoyt H. Buck

As Buck Knives grew, so did its product line. One of the earliest fixed-blade models, the Buck 119 Special, introduced in 1945, became a trusted tool for hunters and outdoorsmen. This knife featured a 6-inch clip-point blade made from 440C stainless steel, which offered a balance between sharpness and corrosion resistance. Its classic design, characterized by an elegant yet functional blade, made the 119 Special a staple among Buck’s offerings, and it remains one of their most popular knives to this day.

Another model that gained popularity in the decades that followed was the Buck 112 Ranger. Designed as a smaller version of the 110 Folding Hunter, the 112 offered the same sturdy lock-back design with a more compact 3-inch blade. This made it a favorite for those who preferred a smaller, more portable knife without sacrificing the strength or reliability of the 110.

Buck 119 Special

Buck Knives adapted to meet new demands as the knife industry continued to evolve. As tactical knives became more popular, Buck expanded its product offerings to include more modern designs and mechanisms, including automatic knives. The company introduced automatic versions of its classic models, providing users with the same trusted designs but with the convenience of an automatic opening mechanism.

One of the most notable additions to Buck’s lineup was the Buck 110 Auto, released in 2017. This knife retained the classic design of the original 110 Folding Hunter, with its brass bolsters and wooden handle, but added a push-button automatic opening feature. This allowed users to deploy the blade quickly and efficiently, making it ideal for situations that required rapid access to a knife.

Buck 110 Auto