Buck Pathfinder knife recommendation

Cole, the first fixed blade knife I ever bought for myself was a Buck 105 Pathfinder which I bought from the PX at Aberdeen Proving Ground MD in 1976. I used the knife for field use when I was in the Army, and the National Guard, and used it for hunting too for many years (replaced it for hunting with a drop point skinner about 18 years ago). The 105 is a nice size for a general purpose field knife and should serve you well. My 105 was made with the earlier 440 steel, but I don't see any practical difference in 440 and the 420 for overall field use. My current skinning knife is a Buck 113 (420 steel) and it seems to keep an edge (and take an edge) as easily as my old Buck 105 does. I think you will be pleased with a new Buck 105. OH
 
I agree with everything Old Hunter said - except I've had my 105 since 1975. :p :D

Great knife. You'll love it. :thumbup:
 
As a general purpose outdoor/camping knife it is one of my favourites. Good in between size and reasonably light on the belt when carried. I prefer the older models with the full flap sheath over the current sheath design but the current knives are fine.
 
I have a very similar knife, the Case 316-5. The blade shape is very, very close so I can speak to that.

I really like the thin (blade to spine) shape and hollow grind when working on carving meat. When not going out and about, my 316-5 stays in the kitchen drawer for when I need to cut up chicken. The tip does a great job of getting into tight places and the hollow grind does well with meat.

I don't really care for the blade shape for general use though, especially when camping. We don't pack a lot of knives when we camp (I know, I know... toss me off the forum for saying that) so I prefer something that I can use for any food prep chore as well as any other heavy cutting of wood that I might do. I find that I prefer a knife with a lot more belly when it comes to spreading peanut butter (don't laugh, you do it too) and I find I prefer a flatter grind when working with wood, or at the least, something with a shallower hollow grind. I also find that the narrow hollow grind binds in tough vegetables like squash or potatoes, where my flatter ground knives just slide right through.

If I were to buy a Buck fixed blade for general purpose use while camping, I would be looking at Bucklite Max Large, the Vantage or the 103 skinner (might file the spine flat). Really wish they would do the Bucklite/Vantage style blade in a Phenolic handle.

In the end though, my preferences shouldn't guide you. The knife you carry should make you happy and the Buck 105 is such a classic.
 
I've found the 105 to be an incredibly useful and practical, field knife, for an outdoorsman looking for a field dressing/skinning knife. It's not as "Heavy Duty" as some more modern blade profiles, however the thin pointy blade could make quick work of flesh and hide. If the 105 is too pointy and skinny take a look at the 103.
 
Although it's changed slightly over the years, I got my 105 (my first Buck) sometime between 1961 and 1966 - I don't recall exactly when it was. It was a Christmas gift from my sister and by gifting it she doesn't realize the monster she created. It's a good knife for most game in North America.

wildbillw
BCCI Lifer #1341
 
The 105 is the REAL favorite among the REAL hunters and always has been--closely followed by the 118.

Some larger blades have become more popular lately......but that only means there's more Rambo Wannabees now.

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Rambo wannabes and mall ninjas certainly abound. But they aren't the only types who favor more belly to a blade. Real Campers (tm) understand that a big part of camping is dull food preparation. I'm sitting here at my desk with my Case 316-5 (very close to the Pathfinder) and my Schrade H-15. No question which I prefer for kitchen duty, especially if I only have one knife with me. But, it's just that. A preference. Sort of a non-manly preference, I suppose. Certainly not a Rambo dream.
 
I love my 105's. I think the both the 105 and 102 are great multi purpose blades. Hunting, utility, kitchen, and yes combative applications.
 
It's my favorite camp kitchen knife. Just the right size for counter top preps. Not a true hunter as the 102 and 119's are. Just a great all purpose kitchen tool IMHO.
 
I've owned a 105 for 40 years, the first thing it clean was a snapping turtle, it has seen deer, squirrel, rabbits and many many fish...It was my kitchen knife while I was away for school...Good Knife...
 
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