103 Choices

bratch

bratch

Gold Member
Joined
Jan 10, 2005
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I have found myself on a Buck kick recently and have decided I want a 103.

I recently bought a 102 Pro and really like it. Nice materials and a killer edge out of the box. Luckily this was available locally at Bass Pro and I had rewards to offset some cost.

A 103 Pro would be the logical answer, better materials, higher price. However the 103 Pro feels like a bridge too far on price for some reason.

I’m going to have to order it either way so that opens up the Heritage series. I actually really like the looks of Cocobolo handles. The $25 up charge feels easier to swallow than the $100.

And then there is always the base version.

Plans would be to actually use this as a skinner to process game as I get more involved in hunting.

What say you? Go with the Pro, Heritage, or base?
 
440C and 420HC 103s have processed more game than 103s in S30V or S35VN.

I wouldn't call it a gimmic, but don't assume the base steel is poor just because there's an expensive option available.

For instance...
My Uncle, who I've hunted with for years and is a retired professional butcher used a 560 with a BG42 blade for dressing and skinning deer for a couple of decades until he left it on his bumper and lost it a couple of years ago.
I put ram horn on a 420HC 101 for him and he constantly brags of how sharp it is and how well it holds an edge.

He doesn't know any better because he doesn't read the internet that tells him otherwise.

 
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I would order the cheap versions of the knives until I had the entire set. Cheap as far as actual cost. The standard black phenolic handled Buck knives are world class lifetime knives.

Why spend extra on fancy handles? They are usually heavier and or not as tough as the phenolic

Why spend extra on fancy steel when the standard version is excellent to begin with.

Plus if you loose one it will be cheaper to replace.


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I agree.
There's nothing wrong with 420hc. It's easy to sharpen and holds an edge really well.
I've field dressed multiple deer without having to resharpen the blade.
And I really like the classic look of the black phenolic handled knives.

Save your money and put it towards your next favorite knife.
 
Welcome to the madness!
The black Phenolic handled Buck knife will have the Bos heat treat. It is what gives the steel for Buck knives is such high esteem.
Earliest ones(60's) will have 440C, 425M was used from approx '81-'92 when 420HC took over.
Any of the base model Buck knives will give you outstanding service.
 
Thanks for the responses so far guys. I have a 119 from ‘93 and a 110 from the 2000s so not opposed to the 420hc.
 
They sure look tough to beat for skinning and game processing. looking at the Woodsman or Pathfinder models. They look like an easy clean-up with the Phenolic grips. Good info here!
 
bratch said:
Thanks for the responses so far guys. I have a 119 from ‘93 and a 110 from the 2000s so not opposed to the 420hc.
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Each knife in the series is great in its own way.

The 116 Caper and 121 Fisherman are discontinued.

The Caper is probably not worth paying a premium for. Its kind of a niche knife.

The 121 is worth looking for its thinner than the others and cuts like a laser.

The 103 was/is a great knife to modify. Turned into a clip point it is an awesome little knife. Then the 212 came along. Now the 212 is discontinued, time to modify 103’s again. Lol.

The 117 is another one that came and went, I hope it comes back.
 
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If you like the look of Cocobolo..absolutely get that! A real part of the appeal of any knife is how it looks and if you get that from the start every time you use it will give you a sense of satisfaction! Pair it with a shieth of your favorite look/style and it will be your favorite. Consider a mirror polished blade if you can find one as you will know if it's really clean. I've always wondered if the standard leather shieth collects dirt and blood when used for processing game but it's stood the test of time.
 
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