Buck Men, does size really matter?

Makael said:
Is it minimalist mind set that drives using the smallest knives made as all they need?
Not knocking but trying to understand.

Personally I wouldnt even consider a small knife as I like to be able to use my knife as a tool. Med to large folders and fixed blades. I feel better over knifed than under knifed. Its interesting to see the majority lean towards very small knives
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Nope, not a minimalist mindset, just a preference for not carrying more crap than I need to.

I like big knives, but outside of the kitchen I have practically no use for them and so don't carry them. When I'm hunting I mostly carry a Buck 110. When I'm not hunting I mostly carry a Swiss Army Knife of or a Case Trapper pattern. Around town it's something between a Buck Marksman and a SAK classic.

I don't see the point in a EDC or camping knife much larger than any of those, if I need something bigger I'm probably better off with an axe or a hatchet AND my little knife.

Mind you, growing up in Southern California in the 80's and 90's if I needed wood for campfire it was found on the ground. If I needed to split wood for a campfire, I did a poor job finding wood in the first place. If I NEEDED a campfire it's because I lost my stove. If I wanted a campfire it was a tiny affair built with finger thick sticks just to say I had a campfire. If I needed a tent stake I brought aluminum or stainless ones. If I was missing one of those my SAK would make short work of a finger sized stick to replace it. If I wanted to win the boy scout fire start contest, well, I'd use the short blade on my SAK to make a fuzz stick while my buddies got their teepee started.

I have never needed a knife larger than my SAK while camping or hunting. If I needed to do more work than my SAK or whatever could do, Im like to have brought an axe or at least a hatchet. The only exception I can think of is splitting the brisket on deer and antelope (my preference while cleaning). The Buck 110 does that just fine, a SAK I would not trust to such a job.
 
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NapalmCheese said:
Nope, not a minimalist mindset, just a preference for not carrying more crap than I need to.

I like big knives, but outside of the kitchen I have practically no use for them and so don't carry them. When I'm hunting I mostly carry a Buck 110. When I'm not hunting I mostly carry a Swiss Army Knife of or a Case Trapper pattern. Around town it's something between a Buck Marksman and a SAK classic.

I don't see the point in a EDC or camping knife much larger than any of those, if I need something bigger I'm probably better off with an axe or a hatchet AND my little knife.

Mind you, growing up in Southern California in the 80's and 90's if I needed wood for campfire it was found on the ground. If I needed to split wood for a campfire, I did a poor job finding wood in the first place. If I NEEDED a campfire it's because I lost my stove. If I wanted a campfire it was a tiny affair built with finger thick sticks just to say I had a campfire. If I needed a tent stake I brought aluminum or stainless ones. If I was missing one of those my SAK would make short work of a finger sized stick to replace it. If I wanted to win the boy scout fire start contest, well, I'd use the short blade on my SAK to make a fuzz stick while my buddies got their teepee started.

I have never needed a knife larger than my SAK while camping or hunting. If I needed to do more work than my SAK or whatever could do, Im like to have brought an axe or at least a hatchet. The only exception I can think of is splitting the brisket on deer and antelope (my preference while cleaning). The Buck 110 does that just fine, a SAK I would not trust to such a job.
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Well said but when you read people pack 2 or 3 small knives I always wonder why not one big enough for 99 percent instead of 3 to cover the same needs.
 
Makael said:
W


Well said but when you read people pack 2 or 3 small knives I always wonder why not one big enough for 99 percent instead of 3 to cover the same needs.
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That is, I think, an affectation of having the perfect tool for the job rather than a good enough tool for the job.

When I was doing a lot of alpine climbing I had little use for a knife. I kept one in my first aid kit, but my meals were largely freeze dried, there was no wood with which to start a fire, my slings were already cut and knotted to size. Even then whatever knife I happened to have in my pocket would go with me, even if never used. I guess you could say I had at least two knives on me.

But the idea of '2 is one and 1 is none' is, I think, a more modern affectation on old ideals. When it comes right down to it if I'm 15 mile from my car, losing daylight, wondering if I should build a debris hut or just bivy next to a log; breaking my SAK is probably not going to be a life or death situation as I'm likely to just get up in the wee hours and strike out for me car.

I might have a different idea if traveled further into the wilderness for longer periods of time.
 
NapalmCheese said:
Mind you, growing up in Southern California in the 80's and 90's if I needed wood for campfire it was found on the ground. If I needed to split wood for a campfire, I did a poor job finding wood in the first place. If I NEEDED a campfire it's because I lost my stove. If I wanted a campfire it was a tiny affair built with finger thick sticks just to say I had a campfire. If I needed a tent stake I brought aluminum or stainless ones. If I was missing one of those my SAK would make short work of a finger sized stick to replace it.
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+1 This entire post, but this section in particular is my experience exactly.

Even in wet conditions while backpacking, I've been able to scavenge wood and get to dry sections without needing a 9 inch blade to baton logs. My axe and big blades only come car camping with me, I also use them a lot around the house, for backyard fires, and landscaping.... but they are never in my backpacks. Too much weight and too little utility to justify it in my experience....

As much as I love my lb7, I think I need to finally break down and get a 110.
 
As a lifelong lover of the bladed tool, I own and have carried many knives. I have a nice collection of penknives but find they are only my choice when wearing dress slacks and going to church, wedding, funeral, banquet, etc. where no real knife use is expected - maybe cutting a string off my button or my wife’s jacket, etc. For everyday use (for me that is selling building materials in the field and doing some sampling of materials) I find a Medium Stockman to be perfect. Outdoors for me depends on what I’m doing - big game hunting I want a Buck 118, turkey hunting or fishing I want a Buck 121, if I’m woods bumming I prefer the Buck 105, for waterfowl a Buck 102. Doing any outdoor activity listed above I will normally have a Buck 110 in a belt sheath, but occasionally I will carry a Buck 112 instead. Lots of knives have a design purpose and lots of activities would benefit from a knife designed for that purpose. It’s up to us to decide which of the many choices fits our activity. OH
 
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Me too^. When I build and handle lumber I always get a splinter. So, I need a blade with a point capable of working it out. Buck's large Trapper is not adept for this. But a clip blade is. Something in the size of a 110 is what I find useful when out working. I like to carry a Duke on Sunday's and it's not shaped to get out splinters. But it looks dressy. DM
 
NapalmCheese said:
The only exception I can think of is splitting the brisket on deer and antelope (my preference while cleaning). The Buck 110 does that just fine, a SAK I would not trust to such a job.
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That’s where a saw on a SAK comes in handy.


But to go back to the original post of what I consider rather large knives being small I’m curious what tasks are being performed where something like a 110 wouldn’t be large enough? For hunting a 110 or 102 is as long as I care to use when field dressing, skinning or quartering. Now when it comes time to actually butcher, then I do like a much longer blade but much slimmer almost like a filet knife. Other camping chores, I could see a 105 or 118 being a bit more useful in the kitchen arena. But anything else to me is just too cumbersome.
 
I used to be more of a minimalist and only carried a cheap medium sized stockman 3 1/4 - 3 7/8 thinking that was all I would ever need. Then my brother and I found ourselves in a situation needing a bigger and stouter knife or cutting tools. My brother and I were out in the boonies far from any town or residence. Brother only had a small knife on a keychain and I had a stockman. We were hauling cattle feed and had just crossed a low water crossing and snagged a tangled mess of bale twine, wire, weeds and other debris. It became wrapped up in the driveline and air brake actuators. The wire was easy enough to undo but the other twine and weeds were a big mess covered in wet mud. Using my stockman and the small keychain knife it was difficult and in some places impossible to reach areas to cut it loose. If we had a 110 or larger knife it wouldn’t have been nearly as bad. After several hours working hard and knives were dull and almost useless we finally got enough of it cut loose to go on. That’s when we started carrying a large fixed blade in the truck and I got a large lock back folder, I can’t remember what brand but it was decent. Along with other cutting tools like side cutter pliers and a folding saw.

When you live or work in town or where you have close access to tools you might not think about having large knives or cutting tools but out in the country it’s a necessity. There’s always something that can happen unexpectedly and it’s better to have them and not need them than to not have them and need them.

I have since found that having a larger knife and a small stockman have come in handy countless times over the years and the money spent on having top quality knives that perform under harsh conditions is money well spent. I like having small and larger sized knives with me wherever I go. My son has learned this as well and he carries plenty of knives and cutting tools too.
 
When I was a young buck I liked to carry and use bigger knives. Now that I older I tend to lean toward using smaller knives. It saves me weight and they are more compact to carry. For now I'm liking my 112s and my 212 in D2. :thumbsup:
 
Lesknife said:
When you live or work in town or where you have close access to tools you might not think about having large knives or cutting tools but out in the country it’s a necessity. There’s always something that can happen unexpectedly and it’s better to have them and not need them than to not have them and need them.

I have since found that having a larger knife and a small stockman have come in handy countless times over the years and the money spent on having top quality knives that perform under harsh conditions is money well spent. I like having small and larger sized knives with me wherever I go. My son has learned this as well and he carries plenty of knives and cutting tools too.
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This part right here is what I have grown to understand and agree with. I am grateful that my three grown children and and also my grandchildren have grown to appreciate this mindset.
 
Lesknife said:
I used to be more of a minimalist and only carried a cheap medium sized stockman 3 1/4 - 3 7/8 thinking that was all I would ever need. Then my brother and I found ourselves in a situation needing a bigger and stouter knife or cutting tools. My brother and I were out in the boonies far from any town or residence. Brother only had a small knife on a keychain and I had a stockman. We were hauling cattle feed and had just crossed a low water crossing and snagged a tangled mess of bale twine, wire, weeds and other debris. It became wrapped up in the driveline and air brake actuators. The wire was easy enough to undo but the other twine and weeds were a big mess covered in wet mud. Using my stockman and the small keychain knife it was difficult and in some places impossible to reach areas to cut it loose. If we had a 110 or larger knife it wouldn’t have been nearly as bad. After several hours working hard and knives were dull and almost useless we finally got enough of it cut loose to go on. That’s when we started carrying a large fixed blade in the truck and I got a large lock back folder, I can’t remember what brand but it was decent. Along with other cutting tools like side cutter pliers and a folding saw.

When you live or work in town or where you have close access to tools you might not think about having large knives or cutting tools but out in the country it’s a necessity. There’s always something that can happen unexpectedly and it’s better to have them and not need them than to not have them and need them.

I have since found that having a larger knife and a small stockman have come in handy countless times over the years and the money spent on having top quality knives that perform under harsh conditions is money well spent. I like having small and larger sized knives with me wherever I go. My son has learned this as well and he carries plenty of knives and cutting tools too.
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Well said.
 
If I was going to carry a smaller blade it would be the Mini Ron Hood 075 in 5160 steel. Coolest sheath ever. Even zipped pocket on back. Left or right hand, Horizontal or Vertical belt carry,, boot carry , neck carry or slip in front or back pocket..

Very capable small fixed blade.
20210116_102825.jpg 20210116_102755.jpg 20210116_102806.jpg 20210116_102835.jpg 20210116_102901.jpg 20210116_105552.jpg 20210116_105621.jpg
 
When I was a young man, I preferred a large knife. But, as an older man, I have gravitated to smaller knives (I put away childish things). Not small, but 3-3.5" knives. I found that they are easier to work with, carry, and control when working on stuff. Smaller knives do 95% of tasks that a larger knife will do.
 
BuckShack said:
I don't know how Buck sleeps at night without making the Mini Ron Hood 075 or a very close version of it a regular offering. Sadly, not many of those were made :(
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Agreed, the entire Ron Hood line was incredible world class knives.
My camp set up includes the Thug and 075. I should say my grab bag.
Knives mount together on same sheath. Mine has been stripped of blade coating. Semi polished. I love this line up. 20210116_113140.jpg 20210116_113502.jpg 20210116_113507.jpg 20210116_113549.jpg 20210116_113634.jpg
 
one thing I like about a bigger blade is more cutting edge to use. I use different parts of the blade for different tasks. meaning if out and about no way to sharpen as forgot pocket stone......I can use different parts of the blade as it dulls. I do this alot in yard work cutting vines or on property i own in the boonies. if I'm at home and can touch up I find it easier while covered in dirt and ants and bugs and mess to stay outside until I'm done and wife make me strip down before coming in.;)
 
Some time ago, I became disappointed with the hatchets and decided that I would rather carry a large knife. The weight for either was about the same, but in addition to chopping, the knife could be drawn or driven through the material, and the longer blade offered much more edge to play with and more material with which to cut. It can even serve as a machete or fascine knife. So I am getting far more for the weight than I would with hatchets.

Buck should do the Hoodlum again; without the dumb notch this time.

n2s
 
For edc I use a spitfire. Before there were spitfires I used a folding knife of similar length.
My Hood Thug is in my camping gear bag( that never leaves the tool box of my truck) . It resides close to my sleeping bag in my tent. Its mainly just in case i have to deal with undesirables. Cant say that i have ever used it.
 
Lesknife said:
I used to be more of a minimalist and only carried a cheap medium sized stockman 3 1/4 - 3 7/8 thinking that was all I would ever need. Then my brother and I found ourselves in a situation needing a bigger and stouter knife or cutting tools. My brother and I were out in the boonies far from any town or residence. Brother only had a small knife on a keychain and I had a stockman. We were hauling cattle feed and had just crossed a low water crossing and snagged a tangled mess of bale twine, wire, weeds and other debris. It became wrapped up in the driveline and air brake actuators. The wire was easy enough to undo but the other twine and weeds were a big mess covered in wet mud. Using my stockman and the small keychain knife it was difficult and in some places impossible to reach areas to cut it loose. If we had a 110 or larger knife it wouldn’t have been nearly as bad. After several hours working hard and knives were dull and almost useless we finally got enough of it cut loose to go on. That’s when we started carrying a large fixed blade in the truck and I got a large lock back folder, I can’t remember what brand but it was decent. Along with other cutting tools like side cutter pliers and a folding saw.

When you live or work in town or where you have close access to tools you might not think about having large knives or cutting tools but out in the country it’s a necessity. There’s always something that can happen unexpectedly and it’s better to have them and not need them than to not have them and need them.

I have since found that having a larger knife and a small stockman have come in handy countless times over the years and the money spent on having top quality knives that perform under harsh conditions is money well spent. I like having small and larger sized knives with me wherever I go. My son has learned this as well and he carries plenty of knives and cutting tools too.
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I had a flashback to the summer of 84 with your story. I had a similar experience working on a dairy farm. A rope got caught in the auger in a silo and I had to cut it out to free it up. I only had my Old Timer 34OT so it was a chore. The main hired hand threw me down a Buck 110 which made my life a lot easier. I learned two valuable lessons that day. Pull the rope out so it doesn’t gat caught in the auger and have a knife that’ll do the work for you. After that day I threw my Uncle Henry 127UH on my belt.
 
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