Modern interpretation of a classic design
Sturdy, reasonably compact, and neatly assembled. Blade is very well centred, with nice symmetry. The cutting edge is clean and crisp, with quite fine grinding marks. A quick light strop improved the keenness; but in fairness, no burrs were present anywhere along the edge. The base of the back of the blade, where it mates with the locking bar, has a tiny flared profile, as does the top of the locking bar. Together these little flared shapes form a miniature bump at the back of the knife. This is an interesting feature that I have not seen before. In no way is the bump uncomfortable in use, nor does it detract from the smooth lines and ergonomic contours of the pocket knife. At a guess, perhaps these matching flared features are designed to strengthen the locking mechanism, by increasing the contact area between the blade and the lock. Or maybe the extra material is meant to strengthen the lock when heavier cutting chores are encountered, which would tend to increase pressure on the mating end of the locking bar. Just a thought. And the lock certainly does seem rigid. There is absolutely no lateral or rotational play. Rock solid. The understated stone wash blade finish is a practical choice for reducing the appearance of scratches and scrapes, whereas the traditional finely ground surface of the original Buck 112 Ranger model will, of course, show its honourable scars with pride. But, for a collector, those first few evidences of wear and tear are a tiny yet personal source of chagrin and remorse. If you want to keep your lovely gleaming brass and Macassar Ebony original model 112 in virtually unused condition (as I intend to), then the Slim 112 as reviewed here is a comparatively inexpensive and dimensionally similar option. Everyone is perfectly entitled to their own choices, of course, so the Slim 112, with its “everyday” stone washed finish is perhaps less pretty, but more serviceable, I think. The tough but well fitted nylon scales of the Slim 112 offer an excellent grip, a comfortable texture that is neither rough nor slippery, hand - fitting proportions, and the option of using, ignoring, reversing, or else removing the unobtrusive pocket clip. When slipped into a convenient pocket, with or without clipping the Slim 112 in place, due to the slimming effect of the modern construction, it really carries almost without notice, something that the original 112 Ranger does not really do. Although the original 112 is sleek and relatively compact, all that brass, exotic hardwood, and steel - a well respected example of usefully sculpted cutlery art, chunky and invitingly tactile - is still a bit on the heavy side. Not the Slim 112, however. Although the new 112 has only seen light use around the home so far, it seems to be a completely worthy descendant of the original design. The thumb studs work just fine as intended for one hand ambidextrous opening. As with any new folder’s locking mechanism, it is worth practicing to get used to a particular model’s characteristics. This also helps the new action to wear in. A drop of oil will flush out any grit. There are a few different ways to operate a Buck lock back design. It is worth practicing different techniques, with either hand; and with both hands. Opening the Slim 112 with two hands is quick and simple. There is no nail nick to locate; just pinch the blade and pull. It instantly snaps to attention. Quiet deployment can easily be achieved by depressing the lock, then releasing it when the Buck is fully opened. So, the overall impression is: well made, excellent fit and finish, especially at this welcome price point, slender, comfortable and fairly lightweight, well balanced, and ready to go straight out of the box. Well worth it.
