Which knife?

[truckemup97]

I'm looking for a knife to throw in the backpack when hiking/camping/etc. It's a toss-up between a Buck 119 and a Ka-Bar. Both are very close in price. Any advice?

 

[mkk41]

I'd go for the variation of the KaBar that has a partially serrated edge and saw back. As a matter of fact , that exactly what's in my camping pack , along with a folding bow saw (cutting firewood) , good sharp Plumb half-hachet( chopping/splitting firewood and pounding tent stakes) and surplus Ontario machete.

 

[mgjohn]

I also like and use the Kabar.

 

[Andy Griffith]

Easy, buy both.

 

[gunblade]

This really is a case where the best advice is to buy both. There are times when a folder will suffice, and other times when a larger fixed blade is called for. A short day hike might not require anything more than a folder to slice up your apple with or to cut some wood shavings for a small cook fire, and the Buck is easily up to that task...it's also useful as a general purpose hunting/fishing knife for skinning and gutting game and fish, although a drop point is better suited for this IMO. But when you need something to build an emergency shelter with, or split some kindling for a serious keep warm thru the night type of fire, or dig a hole in the ground for a field latrine, a larger knife is better and makes it easier to do such tasks. Both the Buck and the KaBar are good knives...they won't let you down if you use them within their limitations (not as a prybar) and take good care of the blades.

 

[J.P.60]

Kabar is great for fixed blade and then add a good folder.

 

[Jswiney9]

This really is a case where the best advice is to buy both. There are times when a folder will suffice, and other times when a larger fixed blade is called for. A short day hike might not require anything more than a folder to slice up your apple with or to cut some wood shavings for a small cook fire, and the Buck is easily up to that task...it's also useful as a general purpose hunting/fishing knife for skinning and gutting game and fish, although a drop point is better suited for this IMO. But when you need something to build an emergency shelter with, or split some kindling for a serious keep warm thru the night type of fire, or dig a hole in the ground for a field latrine, a larger knife is better and makes it easier to do such tasks. Both the Buck and the KaBar are good knives...they won't let you down if you use them within their limitations (not as a prybar) and take good care of the blades.

best advice you can get. i have both in my pack and use both extensively

 

[truckemup97]

Both are fixed blades. I have a Buck 110 folder, a Buck Stockman (which they replaced free even though I admitted to using it as a pry bar. Great customer service ), three Gerber paraframes in two sizes, and lots of cheap folding knives. I'm looking for a good fixed blade. So far it looks like the Ka-Bar. Anyone else?

 

[DeathGrip]

gunblade,put on your glasses and note that he's asking about a Buck 119 not a 110.The 119 is a fixed blade.
Good advice none the less.
I choose the Kabar as the best for real camping.The 119 is a great knife and looks good next to the RV. Did I say that the 119 is a great knife?Yep.But the Kabar is one of the best,ever.
Apples and oranges.

 

[gunblade]

gunblade,put on your glasses and note that he's asking about a Buck 119 not a 110.The 119 is a fixed blade.
Good advice none the less.

Oh yeah...duh. How did you know I had my glasses off? I do remember the "Special." That's another great knife...a classic in fact. Either will be a good choice. I still say buy both.

 

[cjcutter1]

Kabar and leatherman wave my wave is on my belt all day everyday, great tool. Buck knives are great too.

 

[DeathGrip]

gunblade,Never ask me how I know.

 

[GatorFarmer]

Get the Buck, it'll be a bit cheaper. Just be careful about prying with the tip. Any Walmart ought have the Bucks. I have one. Solid knife, though years ago I did break the tip on one prying with it or some such. Wrap the phenolic resin handle with friction tape. It'll be more useful and you eliminate the shiny parts.

Handles on the classic Kabars, the leather wrapped ones, will rot and the blades will rust. In some areas they are more likely to be seen as a "weapon" as opposed to a field knife too.

Or go even cheaper and get a Cold Steel Bushman, or more expensive and get a Grayman "Pounder" (my next purchase).

 

[seagill]

Another vote for the K-Bar. But my favorite is the Buckmaster 184, although they can be hard to find these days. I have a SOG primative jungle knife that I really like. It's like a miniature machete.

 

[cussedemgun]

google "gerber gator axe"

Best axe, knife combo going for the back-pack or get-kit!

jim

 

[mod34]

If you can't buy both, I'd buy the Ka-Bar.

 

[dmar]

Easy, buy both.

That's what I did, when I was contemplating the same thing, several years ago... The Kbar is great for a hunting/camping knife.

 

[jkc]

There is a brand new Buck 119 locked in a box in my truck, along with other little-used tools. This knife is too big for any usual utility use, and not stout enough for use as a machete, or etc. I own it only because I bought it dirt cheap on EBay, and thought it might have some potential use, although no use has as yet been discovered. I think you'll be better served by a smaller, more utilitarian sized knife...

 

[Ron H.]

There is a brand new Buck 119 locked in a box in my truck, along with other little-used tools. This knife is too big for any usual utility use, and not stout enough for use as a machete, or etc. I own it only because I bought it dirt cheap on EBay, and thought it might have some potential use, although no use has as yet been discovered. I think you'll be better served by a smaller, more utilitarian sized knife...

+1. A small knife is more useful for most things you'll actually do while hiking or camping. Also, neither the ka-bar nor the Buck Special is really heavy or sturdy enough for chopping or other heavy work. Best bet is a small fixed blade, maybe 3-4," and a hatchet.

If you're dead set on either the Buck 119 or the ka-bar, the ka-bar's the better choice. Get a GI-contract type made by Camillus or Ontario--they're sturdier than the Ka-Bar brand and cheaper. I bent a Ka-Bar brand at the ricasso just carrying it on my deuce gear. No such problems with the contract ka-bars. They also hold an edge better.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

 

[Rule 303]

I carried three knifes in the 23 months I was in Vietnam.
I carried all three at the same time. I bought all three at the Book Store on Smoke Bomb Hill. A Buck Folder, a Gerber MkII and a Randall #1. I used the Buck Folder the most and when I needed the other two, I really needed them.

Good knives are good tools.

Rule 303