Recommend - Buck 102, Case or Kabar Fin

S

shawl_13

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Sep 9, 2014
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I'm thinking about one of these three, sort of leaning toward the classic leather handles, and have searched for a comparison but can't really find anything.
Probably a coin toss since they are all nice knives and similar in size, but if anyone could help out I'd sure appreciate it. Thanks!

-Tim
 
I have all three. It's a coin toss. :D

The KaBar, imported, is the most affordable and has the best sheath.
The Buck probably has the 'best' steel, the highest hardness. And with the phenolic handles, it's possibly the most durable.
Nothing wrong with the Case either, as long as the edge doesn't come too jagged.

If you're looking for a collectible, these older Case knives are really nice.
VintageCaseHunter_zpse6b99a6c.jpg
 
Thanks Bob. I'm looking for a user and would go with the Buck, but those darn leather handles have my wanting to revisit my youth so I'm trying to decide.
Between the Kabar and the Case, which has the longer handle? That might be the deciding factor.
 
I can't say anything about the other two, but the Buck 102 is a real nice choice. It has stood the test of time for a good reason. If you look, you can find older models in several steel choices and handle materials. They can be collectable, too.
 
shawl_13 said:
Between the Kabar and the Case, which has the longer handle? That might be the deciding factor.
Click to expand...

You'll have to do some math. I don't have the knives right in front of me to compare, but here are the numbers found online:

Case, 6-1/2" overall, 3-1/8" blade.
KaBar, 6-7/8" overall, 3-5/8" blade.

I still think the KaBar has a better sheath, very thick leather and made in Mexico. The blade edge was finished nicer than most recent Case purchases. Plus it's priced $20 less.
 
Thanks guys, I'm overthinking this. I'll just buy the Buck and the KaBar. Problem solved!
 
Ontario 499 USAF "survival" knife? Around the same size (I think) as the 102, has a leather handle, and a good sheath. Admittedly, it is not as pretty as the Buck, but it is made of 1095 steel, if you don't want stainless steel.
 
Can't remember who sells it, but there is a Buck 102 with a leather handle offered as an exclusive.
 
I believe LL Bean sold a Buck 102 and a 105 with leather handles at one time.
 
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