Buck 118--Need Some Advice

W

Wardo46

Joined
Jun 26, 2015
Messages
278
I'm going to get a new fixed-blade knife and have narrowed it down to either a Buck 118 or 102. I've read a lot of posts on this forum about both but still have some questions mostly about the 118 and would greatly appreciate input from those with actual experience with a 118.

The 118 is listed as a "skinner." I don't hunt so its function as a skinning/hunting knife is of no interest to me. I do fish and will use it as a fishing knife and a general purpose light-duty outdoor knife.

Questions:

1. How does the 118 perform as a fishing knife and general purpose outdoor knife? Would the 102 perform better in those roles?
2. Any pros/cons on using the 118 in those roles?
3. Any advantage/disadvantage to the slightly upturned point on the 118 in those roles?
4. I have large, but not huge, hands (I wear an X/L glove) and the 118 handle would be more comfortable although I can probably live with the size of the 102 handle. Any thoughts on handle size on either of these models for someone with large hands?

None of my local stores carry the 118 so I can't check it out.

Thx for any guidance you can provide.

Cheers
 
Last edited:
Sorry, I don't have any personal experience with the 102 or 118.
I can't see where a slightly upturned point would be a disadvantage for your uses.

I would think either would work well for you.
As for the handle, I'd probably go with the larger.

If you catch 25 bluegill, you might appreciate the larger handle when you start cleaning bluegill number 172 and still have at least 297 left to clean.
I don't know the scientific reasons, but I've found bluegill multiply exponentially when cleaning them.
 
The D2 version of the 118 takes a wicked sharp edge and can be found for around $75.00..I consider it one of best Bucks ever made..
 
I prefer the 118. This knife is a bit larger than the 102 and the blade shape makes it to a wonderful slicer. Fishing: no problem. Cutting sausage, no problem. Opening packages also. The 102 may be a bit more universally usable, but the small size, especially of the handle causes that it is better for filigree jobs. The 118 is simply stronger. I like them both. The 102 for just to have a small fixed with me, the 118 for special duties.

Haebbie

Ps: the 102 is more of a women's knife. The small size makes it to a perfect knife for small women's hands.
 
For flesh (fish, fowl, or venison) the blades upturn makes no difference at all. I use my 118 Personal's inside and outside deer every season - the upturn blade simply provides belly for skinning, but it works nicely for cutting meat off the bone as well - works just fine for filleting fish too. The blade on the 102 also cuts the various soft meats well. The BIG difference is in the handle - short work jobs (a few ducks or fish) and the 102 is great - as afishunter says, when doing a lot of fish or fowl the small handle of the 102 gets tiresome. If you prefer the blade style of the 102 and want to marry it with the handle size of the 118 (not a bad idea at all) hunt down a Buck 117, essentially a bigger 102. All of these Bucks are worthy outdoorsmans knives, my favorite is the 118 but the other two will do the job too. OH
 
Ps Wardo, sorry for adding smoke & haze to the issue, but wanted you to be aware of the third choice. Here is a comparison shot of the three Buck Knives made in the style of the 102 (119 on top, 117 in center, 102 on bottom). OH
Buck_119_-_117_-102.jpg
 
118 is a good knife for a lot of uses, the skinning description can be said for many of bucks fixed blades since they have a very sharp clip point nice for cleaning game and they focus a lot of marketing towards hunters. Doesn't mean it won't work for other uses. They make great slicers.

I think the 118 would work well for you. According to knifecenter the 118 has a 4" handle and the 102 has a 3.75" handle.

If you just happen to be in the SE Michigan area, hit me up and I'll let you try out my old 118.
 
bikerector said:
If you just happen to be in the SE Michigan area, hit me up and I'll let you try out my old 118.
Click to expand...

Why your old one?? :D:D

I agree with bikerector, I also have large hands and I think the 118 is more comfortable in my hand which adds to ease of use and easier to control and not fumble trying to hold on to the smaller handle especially when your hands are wet...
 
As others have said...118 for bigger scales or 117...it's a baby 119!
Both are sweet!
102 is nice if u have small hands,but not for XL paws IMO.
 
sassafrassdogs3 said:
Why your old one?? :D:D

I agree with bikerector, I also have large hands and I think the 118 is more comfortable in my hand which adds to ease of use and easier to control and not fumble trying to hold on to the smaller handle especially when your hands are wet...
Click to expand...

Because I don't have a new one ;). Dad bought it for me back in '96 (upside down U or n year designation) and haven't had the need for a new one. Really haven't used it much, TBH, as I stopped hunting once year round HS and college sports became my extra-curriculars for a long while and never got back into hunting. I do more hiking and such now so the 119 is getting more use now that I have that, along with the other brands of woods knives I own and play with.

You make a good point, the phenolic handles can get a bit slippery if you get some fish goo or blood on them. Having a guard has it's pluses and makes an extra leverage point if you feel the need for hard work (note reference to 119 above).
 
sassafrassdogs3 said:
I was joking with you about the "old one"....
Click to expand...

No worries, and I wanted to point out that bucks last a long time so "old" is something you can expect from them if you don't sell or trade it away. I kind of wish they would do their whole classic fixed blade line with a flat grind though I'm learning to get more confidence in the strength of a thicker hollow grind from the 119.
 
Rather than thanking you individually I'll just say thanks to all for responding. The information you've provided is very useful and will help a lot in making my decision. I'm always impressed with the camaraderie here and the willingness to share your wisdom.

I hadn't considered the 117 and kind of like it except for that fuller in the blade. I don't see any purpose for it and find it off-putting.
 
If you like the 117 but dn't care for the fuller,there is always the 117 Brahma.Same blade no fuller.
 
Wardo46 said:
That link works for me but when I go to the Buck website and click on the "web specials--60% off" box it sends me to Instagram.
Click to expand...

Weird because I used the web specials box on their website to get there.

It looks like there are 3 different places and one looks like an instagram thing at the bottom so maybe there's something going on with different browsers. You can also click the "knife shop" menu and then the web specials box is on the right of that drop down.

If you're using a mobile, that may have something to do with it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top