Need info: Buck 119 Opinions and Experiences

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knivesngear

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Nov 23, 2010
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I'm looking to buy a general fixed blade knife for camping, fishing, hiking, etc. I'm pretty much making this my fixed blade for everything. I was going to buy a standard Ka-bar but the buck 119 is cheaper, lighter and It appeals to me more for some reason. So tell me what you guys think about the knife, any problems :eek:, your experiences, and throw in some pictures if possible. Thanks guys.


-kng
 
I have one and like it however i use it for hunting (skinning and gutting) and don't use it in the camping/hiking capacity. The 420HC seems to hold a pretty good edge and is pretty tough. I use it to split the pelvis of whitetails without issue.
 
Can't beat a Buck!!!

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Unless it's with a bigger Buck.

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:)
 
g33kfu said:
I have one and like it however i use it for hunting (skinning and gutting) and don't use it in the camping/hiking capacity. The 420HC seems to hold a pretty good edge and is pretty tough. I use it to split the pelvis of whitetails without issue.
Click to expand...

Why don't you use it for hiking/camping?


-kng
 
I love this one. Just like the 110, it is a known and time tested knife. To be honest, the Kabar is a fighting tool. Can it be used in the wilderness, yes, but it will not hold up as well. The steel, at least for me, has still kept its factory edge. My only gripe is the sheath. It isn't as secure as other fixed blades I own. But, I am having an old time friend make me a better one.
 
I don't frequent this area of BF, so I will try not to step on any toes here.

I have had a 119 since '72 or maybe just a bit earlier. I have the same one I started with. I bought it because it was a great size, useful shape, and came with a good sheath. In other words, mostly utility value.

It exceeded my expectations in every way. It has too many canoe trips, hiking trips, hunting trips, weekend barbecues with the boys, and camping trips to count. Over 40 years, I mean that literally.

You can get that 420 screaming sharp, and it will hold the edge pretty dang well. It is easy to sharpen and needs little maintenance. The few flecks of rust it has on it from overnight camping in the rain are easily removed with a pencil eraser.

It works as an excellent camp knife. Although it probably wouldn't hold up well to the current rage of batoning knotty tree stumps to get threads of kindling, it has done all I ever needed for almost 40 years on the trail. I would take that knife anywhere with complete confidence that it would easily take on any task ask of a knife that size.

Due to the blade shape, I think you will find the Buck much more satisfactory for slicing and cutting chores than you would the KaBar line (for the most part, I KNOW they make a lot of knives) that sports a 6" blade. And due to its high rust resistance, it has made this knife a favorite for me since I don't have to spend any time on maintenance while I am out, even in inclement weather, and regardless of task. Just wipe it off, and put it in the sheath.

To me, this is probably one of the best all around knife designs on the market, and at around $50 - $60 bucks, a real no brainer.

JMO. YMMV.

Robert
 
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For an entry level general use outdoor knife it's hard to beat the good ol' Buck 119 it's about as american as apple pie and I feel for the money it's an excellent value buy it, use it, and enjoy it.
 
Flyer, well said. Ease of maintenance. I would add the 119's from the late 80's on have a full hollow grind and will slice better and sharpen easier. Also, Buck often will bring out that model with a high end blade steel. These can be found for sale. Some of the sheath recently offered have the hard plastic inserts making it safer and more durable. DM
 
Yep, what the folks above had to say. It's a fantastic camp/outdoor use knife. It can be used for feild dressing game, though I like a smaler blade for that work. However, it works well for processing the game for the cooler. Buy the 119 it will serve you well.

I have given a 119 to each one of the kids when the hit the deer woods. The photo is of my son and I, with his 119 and his first Buck!
008_3A.jpg

jb4570
 
David Martin said:
JB, Great photo. Which side did he get all his wavy hair from? Thanks, DM ;)
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Lucky for him he got his full hair from his mom. funny, his hair is like a ducks back in that you can poor water on it, the water falls off and his hair is still dry! You have to rub the water into it to get it wet, he is the only one of the five kids to get hair like that. I just wish I still had some hair:(
jb4570
 
I was just kidding with you... I had seen other photos of you with your cap off and wondered? Did you talk your son thru the field dressing using his 119? A great moment for the both of you. My father-in-law always ask me to save the liver and heart. I can tolerate the heart (some) but not liver.**@@#~! DM
 
knivesngear said:
I'm looking to buy a general fixed blade knife for camping, fishing, hiking, etc. I'm pretty much making this my fixed blade for everything. I was going to buy a standard Ka-bar but the buck 119 is cheaper, lighter and It appeals to me more for some reason. So tell me what you guys think about the knife, any problems :eek:, your experiences, and throw in some pictures if possible. Thanks guys.


-kng
Click to expand...

Do it kiddo! Will last you a life time. Don't forget Bucks Warranty.
 
midnight flyer said:
I don't frequent this area of BF, so I will try not to step on any toes here.

I have had a 119 since '72 or maybe just a bit earlier. I have the same one I started with. I bought it because it was a great size, useful shape, and came with a good sheath. In other words, mostly utility value.

It exceeded my expectations in every way. It has too many canoe trips, hiking trips, hunting trips, weekend barbecues with the boys, and camping trips to count. Over 40 years, I mean that literally.

You can get that 420 screaming sharp, and it will hold the edge pretty dang well. It is easy to sharpen and needs little maintenance. The few flecks of rust it has on it from overnight camping in the rain are easily removed with a pencil eraser.

It works as an excellent camp knife. Although it probably wouldn't hold up well to the current rage of batoning knotty tree stumps to get threads of kindling, it has done all I ever needed for almost 40 years on the trail. I would take that knife anywhere with complete confidence that it would easily take on any task ask of a knife that size.

Due to the blade shape, I think you will find the Buck much more satisfactory for slicing and cutting chores than you would the KaBar line (for the most part, I KNOW they make a lot of knives) that sports a 6" blade. And due to its high rust resistance, it has made this knife a favorite for me since I don't have to spend any time on maintenance while I am out, even in inclement weather, and regardless of task. Just wipe it off, and put it in the sheath.

To me, this is probably one of the best all around knife designs on the market, and at around $50 - $60 bucks, a real no brainer.

JMO. YMMV.

Robert
Click to expand...


Midnight...do a steel check for 1972. Doubt it was 420... Maybe 440?
 
Pack Rat said:
Midnight...do a steel check for 1972. Doubt it was 420... Maybe 440?
Click to expand...

I assumed (oops!) that it was 420, but it could be anything as far as I know. Until I found out that Buck made different steels just a few years ago when I was at a gun show, I though they were all the same steel unless they were the Buck shop/custom models.

All it has on the blade to differentiate it from all the other 119s is:

BUCK this is less than 1/8" tall
119 this is smaller still, about 1/16"
U.S.A. this is so small you almost need a magnifying glass!

Read in correct orientation when tip is down, not like my other knives that have the writing oriented with the tip up. In other words, when you hold it in your hand by the handle, the writing is upside down.

Any thoughts on the blade steel in this rascal? I didn't know they made these in different steels.

Thanks!

Robert
 
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midnight flyer said:
I assumed (oops!) that it was 420, but it could be anything as far as I know. Until I found out that Buck made different steels just a few years ago when I was at a gun show, I though they were all the same steel unless they were the Buck shop/custom models.

All it has on the blade to differentiate it from all the other 119s is:

BUCK this is less than 1/8" tall
119 this is smaller still, about 1/16"
U.S.A. this is so small you almost need a magnifying glass!

Read in correct orientation when tip is down, not like my other knives that have the writing oriented with the tip up. In other words, when you hold it in your hand by the handle, the writing is upside down.

Any thoughts on the blade steel in this rascal? I didn't know they made these in different steels.

Thanks!

Robert
Click to expand...


I did a quick check. Looks like 440C in that time frame. Others will correct me If I'm wrong.
 
Pack Rat said:
I did a quick check. Looks like 440C in that time frame. Others will correct me If I'm wrong.
Click to expand...

Wow! Thanks for the speedy reply. I searched a lot on the 'net after seeing that post as that really got my interest up, but all I could find was the date charts with symbols, nothing about what steel was used and when. 440C would make a lot of sense as to why this knife never rusted badly as the other knives that made some of my trips.

Thanks, Pack Rat. I wouldn't trade this knife for anything on the market today. Forty years of use; what lasts that long and still works as well as it did the day you bought it? I can't say much for the flap style holster/sheath. It is on its last leg!

Robert
 
Great knife,get one.I watched a good friend of mine once use his to pull himself up a steep clay bank,with no ill effects,except maybe some dulling.I like taking mine on woods hikes,it's real sharp and real light.
 
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