Buck 119 steel selection

G

g123

Joined
Oct 25, 2009
Messages
329
Thanks to you guys I have decided to get the Buck 119 as my first Buck fixed blade belt knife.

What steel do you recommend between the Pro Series S35VN or standard 420HC?

Is there any real advantage to the up-grade steel?

Is there any disadvantage such as chipping to the up-grade steel?

Thanks,

Geoff
 
I believe you would notice a nice increase in edge retention if you use the knife as a hunting and butchering tool.

I would imagine the 420hc version would be a bit more resistant to chipping, and a smidge easier to sharpen.

What one are you leaning to? What do you want to use it for?
 
Geoff,

The Buck 119 is a fine choice. Congrats. I don't pay too much attention to the pros and cons of the upgraded steels, but I can say from personal experience they offer better edge retention than 420HC. Not to say 420 does not hold an edge, it does quite well. On the flip side the upgraded steels are more difficult to sharpen. I have never experienced any chipping with any Buck knife in any steel.

I would expect you will get more in depth opinions/responses which you will find helpful in making your decision.

Oh, and by the way if you are anything like myself or any of the other fellas around here you will end up with a collection of 119s in various steels, so do not fret over the decision too much.;)
 
g123 said:
Thanks to you guys I have decided to get the Buck 119 as my first Buck fixed blade belt knife.

What steel do you recommend between the Pro Series S35VN or standard 420HC?

Is there any real advantage to the up-grade steel?

Is there any disadvantage such as chipping to the up-grade steel?

Thanks,

Geoff
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I ordered my 119 a couple of weeks ago in S30V (not S35VN). Much better edge retention. Likes a coarser edge (I sharpen on a medium ceramic stone, I like the bite).

Roland.
 
Molokairider,

I will be using the knife for everything from deer hunting and processing meat, kitchen, camp chores.

Thanks,

Geoff
 
there is a big difference in price to be considered. unless ya dont care about price? if that's true just get both.:D

back to pricing...standard 420hc phenolic is just under $50 at a Walmart. the pro without a bcci discount is $189. big difference.

id say start with the 420hc and see if ya like the shape and handle and weight etc etc. never met anyone yet who hated their standard 420hc 119 but still liked the 119 knife. if its the knife for you then maybe upgrade.....

I like s35vn and s30v steels. like cpm154 even more.......i collect steels in other brands who use more types..........but the 420hc is tough stuff and holds a decent edge and easy to resharpen. its a decent steel overall and reminds me of a carbon steel while sharpening it, but its a stainless. so big plus there.

thats my thoughts on it, but ya got to make up your own mind as its your hard earned money.
 
Geoff, glad you are going after a 119. I still carry one on occasions. It is a very good general purpose knife. Good on camp duty and field dressing large game. It should cover most all your needs.
For me I'd go with 420 steel because it's easy to sharpen and you want to use it. DM
 
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AntDog said:
I really wish Buck would start offering these (and everything else) in 5160 either on their own or through C&C. I don’t think I’d ever want anything else the way they heat treat it.
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got to agree. I have a 119 in 5160 I've used very hard and it takes it like its nothing. I'm not sure the 420hc would have held up as well, maybe....not planning on testing it. I like stainless, but also really like carbon steels especially 5160. I actually prefer it to 1095.....blasphemy, I know.:)
 
Both 420 and S35VN have excellent heat treatment by Buck and for avarage or light use both will work about the same. But S35VN will stay sharper longer. I bought a 112 in S35VN and it had the absolute sharpest edge I have ever owned in any knife. I was really impressed! If your budget will take it go for the S35VN and you will have one of best steels Buck has ever used. It's comparable to a high performance muscle car. You can get a Dodge Challenger with a small V-8 or pick the Hellcat version..Both will get you from point A to B but the Hellcat will perform better.
 
Agreed Raz. I think the better value in steels are those 70's and 80's models I come across at shows. With 440c or 425m steel. You need to correct the grind on them but a good up grade at the same price. DM
 
My brother used a 1980 model 119 for all his field dressing of hogs and deer. Then further processing with it when he got it home. He used it for at least 25 yrs. and I never heard him complain about it being too much knife. And he harvested 4-6 of that size animals every year. DM
 
GPyro said:
Watching someone field dress game with a big knife is entertaining!
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Lol, yes it is. My brother years ago was using a 8 inch bowie to field dress a doe. After making 3 or 4 miss cuts he asked if I had my large stockman . Lol. He was astonished at how well it did.

Since 1989 I’ve used a 110 for most of the deer and other game I’ve harvested but I got a 192 Alaskan guide Vanguard
that is really nice to use. I don’t hunt as often as I used to but I take both of them and they work so well.
 
Fir me the 119 would be the largest I’d want to use afield but I prefer a 4 inch size for field dressing. Then when I get the carcass to my processing table I prefer a longer blade for boning and slicing the different cuts of meat. I guess if I had only one knife a 119 might be a better all around blade in general usage but I’d still like a 110 or similar size for most tasks.
 
If you're going to carry one knife, and use it on game.
Then pick a size that would be effective on rabbit, fowl, fish and squirrels.
You're more likely to rely on game that size in a survival situation.

If you want to carry some big fixed blade, at least put a 110 in your pocket.
 
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