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Buck 119
- Thread starter Al B
- Start date
- Joined
- Jul 30, 2006
- Messages
- 44,495
Howdy,
Until ~1980 Buck used 440C. So if you purchased your 119 prior to that, the alloy is 440C, which will hold an edge quite a bit better than the current 420HC.
From 1980 through ~1985 Buck used 425M, which holds an edge not as well as the same as the current 420HC because it was not heat treated to as high a hardness.
However, in ~2000, Buck changed the profile of the blade to give it enhanced cutting abilities. You may find that the new ones work just as well as the old. All in all, no matter what the alloy, the Buck 119 is still highly recommended.
There is a Buck Forum here. If you post a pic of your knife, they can probably tell you the year of manufacture.
Forum > Manufacturer's Forums > Buck Knives
Until ~1980 Buck used 440C. So if you purchased your 119 prior to that, the alloy is 440C, which will hold an edge quite a bit better than the current 420HC.
From 1980 through ~1985 Buck used 425M, which holds an edge not as well as the same as the current 420HC because it was not heat treated to as high a hardness.
However, in ~2000, Buck changed the profile of the blade to give it enhanced cutting abilities. You may find that the new ones work just as well as the old. All in all, no matter what the alloy, the Buck 119 is still highly recommended.
There is a Buck Forum here. If you post a pic of your knife, they can probably tell you the year of manufacture.
Forum > Manufacturer's Forums > Buck Knives
- Joined
- Apr 19, 2005
- Messages
- 5,533
Al,
Our trusted friend and moderator, Knarfeng, has hit the nail on the head (tempered nail, no doubt). The pre 85 119s were of the 440C family and frustrated some folks who just quite could not adjust to sharpening their hardness. The new models are more easily sharpened and will work well. There is a sort of cult status afforded these old 440C Buck fixed blades when discussing tempering and with modern diamond hones you should not have a issue.
If I were you I would look for a used but good one with no (date) symbol stamped after the model number on the tang. This will make it of the same era as the one you like. OR I would check out 119 info and the auction site(s) and pick up one of the specials which are modern era steel but have wood, bone or stag handles. Just to be different I guess. Some dislike the modern sheaths, so if your knife came with a flap over sheath and you like that style, watch for a good old one for your new knife. It may take you a little effort, but not impossible....
I also would say go over to the Buck forum and search 119s to bone up on your knowledge.
300Bucks
Our trusted friend and moderator, Knarfeng, has hit the nail on the head (tempered nail, no doubt). The pre 85 119s were of the 440C family and frustrated some folks who just quite could not adjust to sharpening their hardness. The new models are more easily sharpened and will work well. There is a sort of cult status afforded these old 440C Buck fixed blades when discussing tempering and with modern diamond hones you should not have a issue.
If I were you I would look for a used but good one with no (date) symbol stamped after the model number on the tang. This will make it of the same era as the one you like. OR I would check out 119 info and the auction site(s) and pick up one of the specials which are modern era steel but have wood, bone or stag handles. Just to be different I guess. Some dislike the modern sheaths, so if your knife came with a flap over sheath and you like that style, watch for a good old one for your new knife. It may take you a little effort, but not impossible....
I also would say go over to the Buck forum and search 119s to bone up on your knowledge.
300Bucks
- Joined
- Oct 9, 2011
- Messages
- 2,189
IMO the Buck 420hc is some of the best 420hc there is, and Buck's heat treat is the best you can get. Go for it!
I really appreciate the responses! The 119 I have was picked up about 83 - 84. It just has Buck, 119, USA stamped on the tange and it is REAL hard. The fellow I got it from had it for a few years and I basically had $0 invested in it because I had traded some stuff with him over the years and it was included in one of the trades. To say I have been pleased with it would be an understatement.
My wife actually uses it more than I do....it has migrated into the kitchen. My father in law did on site butchering when my wife was at home so she appreciates a good knife.
I will try to find an older one like I have for my son ...or pick up a new one with wood handles for him. Don't think he will mind either way.
My wife actually uses it more than I do....it has migrated into the kitchen. My father in law did on site butchering when my wife was at home so she appreciates a good knife.
I will try to find an older one like I have for my son ...or pick up a new one with wood handles for him. Don't think he will mind either way.
- Joined
- Oct 9, 2011
- Messages
- 2,189
The cocobolo and brass one is pretty, but keep in mind that wood is not nearly as stable as phenolic (the material in the standard 119's handle) and brass tarnishes. Will he be using the knife in the wilderness, or will he just put it up on display?
[non-member promo removed.]
[non-member promo removed.]
Last edited by a moderator:
- Joined
- Apr 12, 2009
- Messages
- 13,534
The wood in the wood-handled version is stabilized (with resin). Durability and/or stability shouldn't be an issue at all.
To quote Buck's own description (bold added for emphasis), from their site --->: http://www.buckknives.com/index.cfm?event=about.feature :
To quote Buck's own description (bold added for emphasis), from their site --->: http://www.buckknives.com/index.cfm?event=about.feature :
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- Joined
- Oct 9, 2011
- Messages
- 2,189
I honestly don't know what I was thinking when I typed that...
Prolly too much coffee.
Anyway, the standard one is at least available [non-member promo removed].
Prolly too much coffee.
Anyway, the standard one is at least available [non-member promo removed].
Last edited by a moderator: