Buck 124 vs Buck 119 Pro vs Cold Steel Drop Forged Survivalist

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May 11, 2022
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I already own a (well, two) 119, by far my favorite knife. Would like to get a higher end but tougher knife in the same style more or less. 124 and 119 pro (s35vn) come at around the same price, with the 124 obviously being tougher due to its full tang construction and straight spine all the way to the tip, while still having the same old 420hc, which I have nothing against, but it seems a little overpriced imo.

Both of these knives seem great but are pretty expensive and I’d probably keep off beating on them too hard, especially the 119 pro, so here’s where the survivalist comes in, much lower price, seemingly more resistant than either or the other two and I wouldn’t care about beating on it, but it’s also the one I like the least due to the tacticool style and black coating and plastic sheath and non corrosion resistant steel and the fact that it’s made in Taiwan.

To those who own these knives, which one of the three is just without a doubt the best for most uses? Has anyone ever had a 119 pro or a 124 break on them? Thanks.
 
The 124 seems pretty stout, no experience with them. The drop forged survivalist looks much stronger. Corrosion resistance is only really a mitigating factor if you live in a hot and humid climate, and don’t really take care of your knives.
 
I have broke 119‘s from batoning. I’ve owned one 124 but never beat on it hard since it was such a nice knife. But I have owned many Cold Steel knives and various other brands. If you are looking for pure strength, like indestructibility kinda strength, then a Cold Steel is the way to go.
 
I have all three, the Drop Forged Survivalist is the best of the 3; the main advantage is the handle isnt slippery like the Bucks, and ive used the drop forged for about 2 years in the woods, and its great. I cut down a small tree with one,and for the price of the 119 the Cold Steel is more knife for the money.Ive seen them for as low as 55.00 which for an 8" 52100 bowie is pretty unbeatable...
 
I've had all three as well. The buck are nicely made but cannot compete with the CS, it is a bigger beefy blade and in my experience the steel is more durable. I love my 124 though, better handle for sure just wish it were a bit thicker.
 
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