Which new fixed blade?

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FLINT77

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Apr 8, 2013
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Hey guys,

I've not posted much if any on the buck forum before - mostly on the axe forum and some on the schrade collectors forum.

As far as knives go, I've got some diversity but my main collection is usa schrade fixed blades :).

I was given a gift card for my local sporting goods store and was thinking of putting it towards a knife.

I already have two Buck fixed blades. A 118 that I've had for a while and have dressed out many deer with. And a 102 that I bought last year (with a similar gift certificate) and am carrying deer hunting this year with hopes to get bloody soon. (I also have one of those goofy flat steel skeleton handle buck knives - maybe the pack lite skinner - but don't use it much).

I did look briefly at the row of buck knives in the display case last week, but there were so many people swarming around me that I gave up and left the store. I know they didn't have a 120 because that is kind of what I was looking for at the time. They did have a 124 I think but the cost was way more than the gift card. I'd like to stay under $100 if possible.

I've been looking at the fixed blades and I really like the looks of the 117 and the 212, but I'm guessing that my sporting goods store won't be able to get those in for me right??? If so, I'll just have to decide which of those two to have them order.
If those models aren't available for special order, I'm not sure what to get.
my primary uses are 1) hunting, 2) carrying while hiking, and doing trail work, 3) add to my collection.

The 119 seems like an easy choice, but its too big in my opinion to be useful for field dressing. The 120 was appealing just on the cool factor, and might be a good one to carry on a hike - which I guess the 119 would also be good for.
the 105 seems too much like my 118
the 103 is a possibility, but with that blunt tip would be less versitile than others.

I guess the main question would be about the 117 and 212.

Thanks!
 
The 117 and 212 are Copper and Clad exclusives.
So probably not available from your vendor......

I agree the 105 and 118 are pretty similar.
I like the 113. I have cleaned many deer with that little knife, and it's small enough for edc.
The 192 Vanguard is also a sweet knife

Welcome, and good luck!
 
You might need to narrow the use down a bit more in your own mind. You have mentioned both carrying on a hike and field dressing.
I vote for the 103 Skinner, paired with either the 102 or 118 would make a great field dressing combo. In the past Buck offered Twin Sets with the 103 combined with both the 102 and 118. The 102 and 118 are both of a great size for belt wear while hiking. The 119,120,124 would make great camp knives but not everyone wants to walk around with that much on their belt. Get a 103 first because it is within your budget and compliments the two you already have. If you still feel under equipped, you can later add whatever larger camp knife appeals to you. /Roger
 
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Don't discount the venerable, iconic and versatile Buck 110. It carries very well on the belt. If your store happens have one with a premium steel, like the 110 slim pro, so much the better, but, 420HC is very good.
 
Copper and Clad has several models including the 117 and some in special metal and grinds. You might also be interested in the SKBlades offering of a 104 compadre in D2 steel with burlap micarta and a custom scout sheath. Like this’n at the top. 8E7DB034-A790-4073-9ADE-961627E6B0F6.jpeg
 
Wow, you guys are on the ball ! a lot of great advice already! Thanks!!!

ok, I'm definitely now considering either the 103 or 192

also good call on the 110 - however I have a 1095 Schrade 7OT that I wear frequently - actually wearing it right now. I guess it wouldn't hurt to look at them though.
 
FLINT77 said:
...also good call on the 110 - however I have a 1095 Schrade 7OT that I wear frequently - actually wearing it right now. I guess it wouldn't hurt to look at them though.
Click to expand...
Think of the 110 as a folding 102 then ask yourself if it brings something extra to the mix.
 
If you buy a Buck 103 realize it is a pure skinner - it would compliment your Buck 118 as a great big game combination set. Last year I decided to do an entire deer with the 103 - worked terrific at its design function as a skinner, not so much as a deboner. The 118 will do the entire job. I wouldn’t dismiss the 105 as being nearly a 118 - the 105 doesn’t have the same belly - it is more a scaled back 119 and in my opinion a great do-it-all woods knife. The Buck 121 is a fine knife too, a bit thinner than the 105 (but not as thin as it used to be) - nowadays its more of a longer 105. OH
 
Thanks! all very good information!! I might try to go back this afternoon and check out the options!
 
103 "Skinner" is my suggestion.
You'll need to get it online/direct from Buck, if your local sporting goods are anything like mine. None stock it. :(
As an alternative, the 113 "Ranger Skinner". Some sporting goods stock that one. Very much like the Schrade "Sharp Finger" in size and profile, but has a drop point blade.
 
If you really like the 212 but have to get the 103? If you are handy there is a 212 hidden in the 103 shape. David Martin David Martin did the first one I remember seeing. There were some threads but most of the pictures are probably gone.

Slowly grind off the hump to make the spine flat. Dip in water frequently to keep it cool. Or use a file.

Then decide if you like it that way, or keep going to make it a drop point, or clip point. You’ll end up with a 1 off 212 ish knife with a better sheath.

Alternatively If you think you’ll get another gift certificate (the holidays are coming fast), wait and get the 124 when you have enough gift cards. It’s worth waiting for.
 
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So many good Buck Knives to pick from - when you first get started accumulating them its hard to decide, but slowly you just get one of each, then two of each, then............OH
Buck-100-series-fixed-blades.jpg
 
Decided that the 103 was going to be the right companion for my 102 and 118, so cashed in my gift card for a nice new one today.

Here they are together. First with shealths and then out. You can tell my 118 is a little older as it has the cool old style sheath, and its seen some use! I've worn it many an hour in the field and mile on the trail.



 
We know Flint, we empathize because we understand! OH
Ps Great choice with the Buck 103! What Buck is next? I recommend a Buck 119 to round out your current collection.
 
The more I think about it the more I believe that of the entire Buck 100 series, the Buck 119 Special is the quintessential fixed blade Buck Knife. I may need to get another one myself, but you might want to start saving your gift cards to get your first one. Good thing about the Buck 119 is that virtually any dealer stocking a few Buck models will have the 119 in stock. OH
Buck-119-Four-Spacers-1972.jpg
 
I believe the 119 is available with more handles than any other Buck too.
 
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