New Buck 119

D

Drover

Joined
Dec 12, 2010
Messages
135
So I finally went out this weekend and got a new 119. It was interesting comparing it to my 1987 619. It's much heavier due to the handle material but I actually don't mind the added weight. The handle is similar in width and length but the older Kraton model is very "square". The new Phanolic handle is a bit more rounded on the corners which really fits the hand better. I was pleasantly surprised to see the leather sheath had a drain hole in the bottom, nice touch, along with the plastic liner. Over all I'm very impressed with the quality, fit and finish of this knife, especially for what they cost. Having had my 619 for 24 years I appreciate the blade design, nice to see they haven't changed anything there is what, over 40-50 years? If it aint broke, don't fix it. Anyway, I have an ESEE Junglass and a Sawvivor for buchcraft and fire making/batoning so never plan on using any other knives for such bashing but I imagine the 119 would baton fine. Any of you batoned with your 119's, how did it work? I love Bucks and own many but it your big into batoning you have to check out the ESEE Junglas, AMAZING tool.
 
Working on side by side pics of 1987 and 2011 119's. By the way, the balance between the two is quite different. Both are nice but I prefer the heavier handle. Makes the blade feel lighter.
 
Drover, I posted about my brother batoning his 119 in your other thread . He actually used a rock or what ever he could find . Didn't take the time to cut a limb . But I've seen him do it a lot . DM
 
Here is a comparison of the basic 119 with a new KaBar, Bark River bocote-handled Boone, and a Marble's Gladstone, MI made Ideal:

IMG_3342.jpg


The 119 gives them all a run for the money - at a bargain price, too. Don't get suckered in on the 119BR (Between 120BR & 105BR below.), although it's heavier brass fg & pommel and cocobolo Dymondwood handle add 3 oz to the weight over the basic 119 - and it's 'in your hand' - it's too pretty to use! For that matter, so is the bocote Boone. The KaBar, like the 119, begs to be used. My sheathed 119, along with it's big brother, a 120 General, normally resides in a kitchen drawer - awaiting meat slicing duties.

IMG_4533.jpg


The basic 119 is quite a bargain at WallyWorld!

Stainz
 
I bought a new 119 last year,to replace the one I sold in the 80s.I really like how the 420HC sharpened up(scary!).Mine came with the nylon sheath,while not as good as leather,it works fine.I use mine as a boat knife in the Columbia River,it's sweet!
 
One of the 100's - probably that 103 - was a local Bass Pro purchase. They offer some in 'cherry' Dymondwood, as opposed to the cocobolo & rosewood variants. The collection, oddly enough, started with the 102 - then the 120! As difficult to find as it was, the others were easy. They are lookers, for sure!

I believe that Marble's was from the occasional production in Gladstone, MI in the 2000's, as it just states 'MARBLE's USA' on the CS convex blade. It was either a DLT Trading or evil-bay purchase. The prices crept up a bit, but they occasionally surface. I never got the longer Ideal - picked up a used one at a gun show to fondle - it felt like a 120 did after the 119. The vendor bumped his price up as I looked at it! Out of my league - especially considering the condition. I miss that specialty Marble's forum on another site - great source of info - on Nortwoods, too. As active as it was, I still don't understand it's closing.

Let's keep this site 'alive'!

Stainz
 
Stain, Thats a nice collection of the rosewood models . I have a 1940's model Ideal with sheath and no box . DM
 
That 103 doesn't match the rest.

That's just not right!

Better send it to me and then you can have the fun of looking around for one that matches nicer.

:D
 
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