Buck 117/119

[Flambeau]

Being an old guy, I have used hunting knives in the woods for years. I've typically considered a 4" - 4 1/2" blade plenty adequate for dressing small game and whitetails, etc.
After discharge from the Navy, I carried and used my 110 for everything. It currently is having a "spa treatment" and blade replacement.
Anyway, I've been looking pretty hard at a 117 Pro, but for some unknown reason, the 119 is pulling at me. So.... how do you 119 afficionados typically use your 6" blades out and about ?
Regards, Vic

 

[BP_]

I use the 119 in the woods as a camp knife. The 117 is for just about everything else because it’s a better size for every day uses in my opinion.

119


117

 

[justsaymo]

The 117 and the 110 are just right for most tasks. The 119 would broaden the heavy task capabilities, I prefer it for brush clearing around my trail cameras and stands. Both are great knives. I don't think you can go wrong.

 

[AR-Trvlr]

Get both, try them out, and sell the one that is less useful to you?

I prefer the 117 for most things, but the 119 for heavier uses.

 

[BigMoney]

117 is a great knife. Slices salami like a champ. I like the fuller on 119, could do without on 117.

The 117 pro in particular is great.

 

[BuckShack]

Buy everything, sell nothing

I think the 110 is the perfect knife. The 117 is almost identical in size. I would get the 117 (and a 119 later)

 

[Flambeau]

While I am looking forward to having my refurbished 110 back from Buck, I recently acquired a 111 Magnacut.

 

[kyhunt]

The 119 for me is just a "fun" knife. I had mine for years but just started playing a little with it a few years ago. This year I've spent a little more time with it even in the kitchen. Actually, just used it last night to cut chicken breast up. While I have plenty of knives that are more practical there's just something about the 119. I have not handled the 117 so I can't comment on it but may take a look at one later this year when I'm on vacation. No photos from last night due to phone being down, but do have a few photos in the 119/120 thread. The 119 and 120 just put a smile on my face when I use them and sometimes that's reason enough.

 

[kyhunt]

 

[jmh33]

 

[Meadowlark]

The 119 is an awkward size..........too big for fine work and too small for heavy work.

Stick with the 110 and grab a 120 for heavy work and killing the occasional griz.

 

[Lesknife]

For me the 117 is more universal and less cumbersome. It’s the same overall length as the 110 with more blade to handle ratio. Unless I’m cutting large cuts of meat or stabbing a hog a 4.5 inch blade is usually plenty long and my wrist doesn’t get fatigued as quickly as with a 6 inch blade. There are times when a 119 is handy but not as often or for extended time use. Overall the 117 is a very useful size.

 

[Old Hunter]

Size comparison (Buck 102 on bottom) - the 117 is a great hunters knife, with a handle the size of a Buck 105. OH

 

[kyhunt]

Size comparison (Buck 102 on bottom) - the 117 is a great hunters knife, with a handle the size of a Buck 105. OH

I honestly had little interest in the 117 but I might just have to have to take a closer look at one when I go on vacation since there's a knife store I'll be stopping at.