Help select my first Buck fixed blade belt knife

[g123]

Hi Guys,

I would like to buy a Buck fixed blade knife that I can team up with a hatchet and a saw. The knife will be my only knife I carry (my belt knife).

What model do you like the best for knife that can do everything from field work, kitchen work and process game?


Thanks,

Geoff

 

[jbmonkey]

I lean towards 119, but truth be told 105 is likely a better all around choice for your tasks.

 

[Makael]

Buck 104 Camp Knife comes to mind. I prefer a full tang as my preference but the 119 and 105 are both very capable as well.

 

[TAH]

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/the-pathfinder-club-members-only.1587452/

I am so shameless.

 

[bertl]

If the knife will be complemented by a hatchet and saw, you really don't need a large knife. Give the 105 and 102 consideration. If possible handle the knife before you decide.

Bert

 

[GPyro]

Field work, 104, 192.
Kitchen/game, 105 or 117.
I like 102's but the handle is small, and probably not much of a field work knife.

Birds / fish I'd go small knife.
If your gonna treat it like a knife, the 105.
If your gonna be tough on it, I'd go 104 or 192.
I prefer a knife with a wider blade when ripping / cutting open a rib cage on larger game.
Too big a blade, well then then the knife itself gets in the way.

I like the 113 w/ upgrade steel as a good edc.
I have field dressed many deer with a 420hc 113 Ranger.

 

[DeSotoSky]

Like others, the 105 Pathfinder came to my mind immediately.
Now for some alternatives, how about a Vanguard or (drumroll please) a 403 Big Sky. Great sheath and a handy size.
Not current but can be caught in the bay without much effort.

Look at Makael's first pictures.
https://bladeforums.com/threads/lets-see-the-403s.1773582/#post-20314395

 

[pjsjr]

My first Buck knife was the 118, now discontinued, but, plenty around in various steel flavors. I bought it in 1969-1970. I have used it for everything. I have many others now but still feel naked without it. It's just right, not to small, not to large. Has a smooth curve up to a nice tip.

 

[Lesknife]

Like others have said, with a hatchet and saw doing the large heavy work a 105 or 117 would be a good size to go in that setup. The 104 compadre is a good size for camping and trail but it might not be a good fish or bird knife so depending on what you plan to do and only one knife this is the deciding factor.

 

[guy g]

A vote for the Vanguard.

 

[wackafew]

What! No one likes the 212?

 

[Jeff of the North]

I agree with the previous suggestions of the 105 or 119 but if you end up like the rest of us, you'll probably get both. Welcome to the Club!

 

[eveled]

The 121 guide is a nice knife for most tasks. Discontinued but available.
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/the-121-old-and-new.729200/

 

[David Martin]

I like the Big Sky 403 and look at the Akouna 402. DM

 

[jbmonkey]

A vote for the Vanguard.

the long blade vanguard would be high on my list. extra blade can hinder on some tasks but help on others. hard to find one though.

 

[DeSotoSky]

the long blade vanguard would be high on my list. extra blade can hinder on some tasks but help on others. hard to find one though.

If going that long the 124 might be a better alternative.

 

[bucksway]

I don't use a fixed blade often..But when I do I like the 118.

 

[GPyro]

I would make sure you like the type of sheath the knife comes with.
Some are not very impressive.

Tho you can always get a custom.....
In many ways I believe the sheath is as important as the knife.
A bad sheath makes for a knife that doesn't get carried.

 

[DeSotoSky]

What! No one likes the 212?

It's the sheath no one likes, not the knife.
Like GPyro says, it can be a deal breaker.

 

[TAH]

In many ways I believe the sheath is as important as the knife.
A bad sheath makes for a knife that doesn't get carried.

Totally agree.