BUCK Pursuit or 119?

L

Lyndino

Joined
Feb 22, 2022
Messages
84
Good morning everybody

What's any and everybody's take on the BUCK Pursuit (not the pro) and the 119 (not the pro again). I want a good knife so I can retire my cheap cheap cheap knives that need constant blade touchups while skinning deer.
I've always wanted a 119 as they look how I think a knife "should" look but on the other hand I do really like the drop point Pursuit (656). One thing that I noticed in a youtube vid was the guy mentioned using the blade to "pop joints". I never thought about that as that actually happened to one of my cheapie knives.

Would the tip break off a 119 from basic field dressing of a deer (possibly a moose later)? How about rolling an edge going through ribs?
I do like the features of the Pursuit, the handle should not become slippery and jimping points). But I'm just in love with the basic looks of the 119.

If you would like to recommend other brands I'm all ears, but I do like the $50 - $65 us ($100 CAN max).
 
Although the tip of the 119 isn't near as acute as that of the 110, it's still pretty pronounced. That being posted, I personally haven't known anyone who has broken the tip on their 119. I can't say the same about the 110. Beyond that, it's my understanding that quite a few guys used the 119 as a combat/utility knife in Vietnam...and all that-that means.

When it comes to just the issue of the tip, I think the Pursuit would be more robust. However, in regard to your "basic field dressing", I really can't see you damaging the 119.

It's really hard to say anything bad about an iconic knife like the 119. Folks have been relying on those things for their hunting/outdoor needs for decades. No, they're not the "latest & greatest", but that doesn't diminish their usefulness or legend.

The Pursuit is probably another outstanding knife. However, my nod is going to go to the 119 just because that is what you really want. I think you'd regret not getting what you really want more than you'd regret being the proud owner of a 119.


Happy hunting. (*no pun intended)
 
A drop point is better for field dressing/skinning big game, but the 119 will do. I've used mine to field dress moose and it's a good all-round blade that will stand up to hard use and even abuse, but Buck's 103 skinner would be a better choice IMHO.
 
Go with the 119.
Personally I think a 119 is big for white- tails but I know folks that have been using them for years.

And it's cool.😎

Do yourself a favor and grab a Buck 684 or 685.
It's got everything you like in the Pursuit for about half the money.
It's an amazing knife for the money, about $30!
 
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I would get the 119, especially since you like it. You won't go wrong with either knife though. Or save time and just get both.
 
I’ve come to believe that Buck designed some very efficient knives for field use. 103,105,116,118,121,


The clip points were made because thats what the buyers wanted. Great knives for sure and Buck nailed the proportions on the 119,120,117,102.

The 118 is probably the best one for deer.

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/the-deer-hunter-buck-118-personal.1700680/page-8#post-21468666

view
 
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