Best general Utility in the 100 Series

Flatlander1963

Flatlander1963

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Jan 28, 2008
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I thought I'd ask you guys which of the 100 series fixed blade represents the best all-utility?

I have my opinion but I'm going holdout on you until I hear you guy's opinions.
Please do include the "WHY" you think what you do.
 
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I am probably in the minority, but my favorite is the 102, for general purpose, all around use.

I don't use my knives for batoning wood, so I don't need a huge knife. I have always preferred knives that are smaller anyway. I just like the "feel" I get when working with a smaller knife.

The 102 isn't what I would call an ideal game knife for me though, because I prefer drop point blades when working on animals. The 103, while it is a neat looking knife, is a lot bigger imho than it really need to be for skinning. If Buck made a 103 version that was smaller, I would be all over it.

I know its probably blasphemy, because it is a classic, but I don't care for the 119 for the same reason.

I will always remember my grandad telling me when I was younger, you don't need a huge knife to get the job done, you just need a sharp knife. I've always found that to be true. There again, its just personal preference.
YMMV
 
338375 said:
I am probably in the minority, but my favorite is the 102, for general purpose, all around use.

I don't use my knives for batoning wood, so I don't need a huge knife. I have always preferred knives that are smaller anyway. I just like the "feel" I get when working with a smaller knife.

The 102 isn't what I would call an ideal game knife for me though, because I prefer drop point blades when working on animals. The 103, while it is a neat looking knife, is a lot bigger imho than it really need to be for skinning. If Buck made a 103 version that was smaller, I would be all over it.

I know its probably blasphemy, because it is a classic, but I don't care for the 119 for the same reason.

I will always remember my grandad telling me when I was younger, you don't need a huge knife to get the job done, you just need a sharp knife. I've always found that to be true. There again, its just personal preference.
YMMV
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This post sums it up for me also. Its almost like I typed it myself :D That is unless of course, well, you consider the 192 Vanguard part of the 100 series. ;) Out of the original phenolic models, its definately the 102!
 
Another vote for the 102. It`s a good size for hunting, light enough for hiking, works well for cleaning fish, and is great the kitchen,. Before I started making knives the 102 was my go to knife. Still have the one I got in 1990.
 
The 119 and 103 are great but the winner is (simulated drum roll ) :eek:
The AG 192 :) What a fantastic knife! First off the 4 1/8 inch drop point blade.Great size and shape.Second Bos s30v steel.:thumbup:Third titannium nitride coating.:thumbup:Last and not least,it weighs a frogs hair over 6 oz.:D
 
Hey......this is nice.

I get to be the first to name the 121 (the later version with the slightly heavier blade).

It's gonna outdo the others for the all-around crown.

It has just the right amount of everything.

:)
 
102 has a following. 105 is a lot of knife, and more usable than the large 119. 4 inches vs 5 inches. Hum two great sizes. How about splitting the difference with Hoyt Buck's favorite knife. The 118 at 4 and 1/2 inches......
 
I'd take the 103 hands down . With a slight modification to the spine hump, add a lanyard hole and stacked leather handle and this would be my ideal of the 100 series . Its got the right length and shape for a good skinner and pair it up with a 121 for quartering, boning and fishing . But you guys are going outside the original 100 series . So, if the 192 is allowed--then I'll mention one outside the original 100 series only much earlier mfg.. Its the 402 Akonua, that ones got every thing for the one knife 'does all' favorite . It has enough belly for skinning, good point for working and length for quartering large game and a micarta handle with an up grade sheath . A real classy knife to bring to hunting camp . DM
 
My favorite has always been the 119. I like the size for bushcraft use but there where some things on that knife that bothered me over time and use. The main one was the long upswept tip ; the other was the top part of the guard. I remedied this to suit myself. Now it pierces better , opens up game better , doesn't impede grip options and becomes a better overall user for me. Sorry to you 119 collectors ! but I have to use this knife and it had to suit my needs. :)

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For general purpose utility...the 119. Big enough to baton or handle any North American big game...small enough... to pick a splinter....a big splinter;)
 
Ok, for 'general utility' work . I'd take the-- well if its got to be of the 100 series, the 119 and leave the belly on it plus the handle the way it came from the factory . ;) DM
 
David Martin said:
Ok, for 'general utility' work . I'd take the-- well if its got to be of the 100 series, the 119 and leave the belly on it plus the handle the way it came from the factory . ;) DM
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OMG !! What have I done :eek:

I can always buy another regular one again ;)

I kinda had my doubts about doing it, but now that I've done it I actually like it !

The 102 for a smallie has always had my eye too !
 
Hiwa, Theres enough room here for different opinions . It may not be my taste but you like it . DM
 
Well. my all time favorite Buck knives are the 102 and the 112, so I'll say the 102 with kydex sheath and then the 103. I have been trying some basic FMA knife drills with my 102 and it has some decent combative and self-defense potential. It also works great in the kitchen, for camp chores, and as an around the yard work knife. I saw some pics a few years ago of a modified 103 that the owner reshaped the blade into a clip point and it looked like it would be a little bigger version of the 102.
 
Flatlander1963 said:
Got to say I'm digg'en that a lot!!!
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Glad ya like it Flat :thumbup:

I done thought about it a while before doing it. The point now puts it at such an angle that getting into something is a lot easier. The way it is now, the point is pretty thick and can handle a lot more " abuse" :eek: but still tip-rips easily. Top-guards have always been a no-no for me as well.

I call it my 119 Tactical:D I'd never do it to a collector knife though.
Phenolics been around a long time. Pretty indestructible. 100's are a great line.

Pete
 
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