Buck 113 fb Ranger vs 005 Gen5

S

Stainz

Joined
Jun 24, 2007
Messages
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I guess it's natural to want the newest knife... but, I think I like my old Gen5, specifically, the 005GYS - the least expensive of the line, better! The blades are similar, with the Gen5 slightly longer. OAL is similar. The finger guards are different - a curved brass bolster on the 113, a nickel silver real finger guard on the 005. The slightly wider 005 handle is the same thickness as the 113's - but more comfortable in my medium+ hands. The horizontal belt carry nylon sheath is quite handy, especially when carrying a small fb as a day hiker. The 113 has a drop black leather sheath - and won't secure in the 005's horizontal sheath as the snap secures the finger guard, missing on the 113. Upgrade metals are avialable - although the 113's, in S30V as the Cabela's 'Alaskan Guide' version is rather dear in cost. I have the 'other' common Gen5, too, the 005RWS with it's rosewood handle, brass fg, and CPM154 blade, with a burgundy leather drop sheath.

You can probably tell I developed a strong affinity for the Gen5's - actually, more so for the basic 420HC 005GYS. It's pedestrian steel is functional, keeps it's razor edge pretty well, and can be returned to sharp straight forwardly with a Sharpmaker. Love that horizontal carry - great for a stroll in the woods. You can wrap them around a pack's shoulder straps for vertical carry - a sort of low tech 'MOLLE' tote. I don't plan on saying bye bye to my 113 - yet - but the Gen5's are established here.

Anyone else miss the Gen5's??

Stainz
 
Never had a Gen 5...yet... But have similar feelings about the sheath security of the 113.
Have been pondering about consulting a kydex bender to form a secure horizontal carry sheath...
 
I'm not sure which of Bucks little skinners I like the best.

Skinnercomparisonb.jpg
 
In the compairson photo above I like the Gen 5. You say the blade is an eighth inch longer. DM
 
My 113 fb came with the cordura sheath for vertical carry only. Since I hunt with it, that is fine with me. If it gets bloody/gutty/dirtied up, into the washer it goes. If I were carrying it as a walking around knife, leather would be preferrable, but can see what you mean about the leather sheath. Not the best that could have been developed for sure.
 
While I've not handled either, I never have cared for the looks of the gen 5 and prefer the appearance of the 113 much more.
 
The Red Head has a 3.5" blade of 154-cm,w/ Elk antler handle, file work and a nice pouch leather sheath. A handsome package at 129$. I believe its the longer blade of the three. DM
 
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