103 skinner advice

C

chris97

Joined
Apr 2, 2011
Messages
83
Evening all,
I was looking to add another Buck to my growing stable. Decided I need a few fixed blade hunting knives. At least thats what i told me beautiful wife as she rolled her eyes when I told her I need another knife. Anyway, I'm drawn to the 103's shape, would it be good for general purpose, camp type stuff?
How is it as a skinner? Always wanted a 119 as well, would that make a better all around hunting knife?
Thanks for the help!!
 
In my opinion, the 119 would be the better all around camp/hunting knife.
The 103 is the better skinner. Get both!
 
I like the 102 as a hunting/camp knife but I love the 103s. If you spend some time looking at the 103 you'll see that the shape changes from knife to knife. I have several and don't think I have two that are the same. It's a great knife to collect because of the reason I gave.
 
Quite independent of the Buck world, people don't agree on the best general utility knife for the outdoors. Cliff Jacobsen favors a smaller thinner knife for kitchen use backed up by a saw and axe. The Buck 105 would fit that bill. The Bowie has been a long time favorite in the US and of course the 119 fits that bill. Others argue that the Ka-bar style Bowie or or straight spined Mora are best. Buck doesn't make anything like that. Vanguard maybe?

Lastly, some people say that Nesmuck wrote the book on camping. He advocated a funny upturned blade as best alround. That style bears his name. I think the 103 closely resembles the Nesmuck patern.

Truth be told, I prefer folders in the field.
 
As usual, choice depends on use. What are you hunting, rabbits or moose?
 
bertl said:
As usual, choice depends on use. What are you hunting, rabbits or moose?
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Although you could skin a moose with a 119 (not that I ever would) you couldn't skin a rabbit. On the other hand you could skin both with a 102 or 103. Skinning is definitely hindered by a knife that is too large.
 
mbjannusch said:
Although you could skin a moose with a 119 (not that I ever would) you couldn't skin a rabbit. On the other hand you could skin both with a 102 or 103. Skinning is definitely hindered by a knife that is too large.
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I would go with a 102 for rabbits.
 
I'd be hunting everything from rabbits to white tail, I'm thinking a 102 or 103 now... Probably both, as funds allow!!
 
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For whitetail I like a drop-point blade that measures from 3" to 3-1/2" with plenty of handle to grip. This season I am going to begin with my new Buck 113; I don't have a 103, but the blade looks just right for skinning whitetails (and would work the same for mule deer, antelope, etc.) I have skinned deer in the past with my old 105 but the blade length gets in my way so I don't use it for skinning anymore, however it makes a great all-purpose camp knife (all my opinion of course - and you know about that!)
 
I love the 103 skinner,but it isn't that handy at other chores,its good at buttering toast though.LOL.I just use mine for skinning,the 119 is a great camp knife,110 is a really good all around knife!
 
The 103 skinner has a few hidden extras,once you figure it out,you'll see that whoever designed this blade shape was really thinking.Using it upside down is really neat it will peel the hide fast on all starter cuts,and it never snags into the meat when you are using it upside down,they should have called this knife the zipper!LOL.
 
For hunting I would get something like a vangaurd or 113, if you do a lot of skinning I love a guthook.
I think the only real reason you would want a 119 if for deep penetration, I've never had a need to chop with a knife but I presume the 119 would do better than the others I previously mentioned.
Any knife will skin, the upswept skinning blades are to help prevent damaging a hide of value.
 
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