Buck Model 119 and 120 knives

Turnerriver-

Thanks for the nice photos! :)

I recall some from earlier threads. I like that fine sheath by Lawrence.
 
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C J said:
I love my 119 but it's seen a lot more duty as a kitchen knife than anything else. It does a great job at that.

For really big jobs I use a Gerber machete. That thing is razor sharp. I had to basically shape the edge myself. It came about as sharp as a football. But now it will slice off a 3/4" limb with one stroke. And it holds an edge long enough for trimming back the briars and small limbs that try to overtake the paths I made around the house. I used that to keep them open for years. The back side of that machete, which BTW is not their newer "Bear Grillis" model, is a saw tooth edge. A good chain saw file will make that thing really wicked sharp. Most people who buy a Gerber machete never realize what they can do. They are like a small sword IMO only they slice vines and branches like they aren't even there. It's actually razor sharp when I start working with it. After a few hours it gets dull but it's easy to sharpen again in the field.. If I ever meet u with a bear I believe I'd rather have the Gerber machete but the 119 would certainly penetrate better going straight in. But a swinging, slicing stroke could put a serious hurt on anything made of flesh pretty
Sarcasm aside, can you precision filet a fish with it? I’ll grant you a fish over 3lbs...
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Does anyone else remember the ads for Nocona boots that ran in, Playboy and other big, slick magazines? One ad showed a Model 124 knife being used to cut off the head of a rattlesnake. I actually wrote an article about that, helped by PR people at both Buck and Nocona. The artist was very skilled.

Those ads looked almost photographic in detail.
 
That 124 is in a class by itself. One of the only full tang knives made by Buck. Back in the day it could be had with either a leather sheath as the Frontier, or if the plastic sheath it was the Nemo. Then it was discontinued for awhile, now it's back. But only as the Frontier. It also comes with the nicest leather sheath of any Buck knife. It comes with a blocky black micarta handle that gets a lot of critism for being big and blocky. The way I see it, you can always make it smaller to fit your hand if you want. Tough to make it bigger.
 

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I've got two 119s that are at least 30 years old. Actually, I think I got the first one in about 1980. They hold an edge and are scary sharp.
 
eveled said:
That 124 is in a class by itself. One of the only full tang knives made by Buck. Back in the day it could be had with either a leather sheath as the Frontier, or if the plastic sheath it was the Nemo. Then it was discontinued for awhile, now it's back. But only as the Frontier. It also comes with the nicest leather sheath of any Buck knife. It comes with a blocky black micarta handle that gets a lot of critism for being big and blocky. The way I see it, you can always make it smaller to fit your hand if you want. Tough to make it bigger.
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Thanks! Yes, that's the ad!

Look carefully and you'll see that the artist even depicted the edges of the full tang.

I had two Model 124's and sold both, as they were too thick in the handle. I wish I'd taken them to a custom knifemaker and had the handle slabs thinned. But I didn't know any who'd do that for a reasonable cost. Should have asked Buck. Possibly, they'll do that, although they can only guess how much thinner you want if you aren't present.
 
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C J said:
I love my 119 but it's seen a lot more duty as a kitchen knife than anything else. It does a great job at that.

For really big jobs I use a Gerber machete. That thing is razor sharp. I had to basically shape the edge myself. It came about as sharp as a football. But now it will slice off a 3/4" limb with one stroke. And it holds an edge long enough for trimming back the briars and small limbs that try to overtake the paths I made around the house. I used that to keep them open for years. The back side of that machete, which BTW is not their newer "Bear Grillis" model, is a saw tooth edge. A good chain saw file will make that thing really wicked sharp. Most people who buy a Gerber machete never realize what they can do. They are like a small sword IMO only they slice vines and branches like they aren't even there. It's actually razor sharp when I start working with it. After a few hours it gets dull but it's easy to sharpen again in the field.. If I ever meet u with a bear I believe I'd rather have the Gerber machete but the 119 would certainly penetrate better going straight in. But a swinging, slicing stroke could put a serious hurt on anything made of flesh pretty much.
Click to expand...


Really? I bought a Gerber machete once. It put me off the brand altogether, but it did start me buying real machetes. If you can put an edge on that piece of ****, I have to tip my hat to you.
 
I generally prefer a blade no more than four inches long for most uses, But I've had a couple of 4.5 inch Buck 118 Personal models that I liked very well indeed, and I like the design of the 105.. I found the blade shape of the 118 very useful, but as time went on I learned that a drop point design worked better for me.

A good many years ago I gave my late brother the elegant little 102 Woodsman with a nicely figured cocobolo handle and brass pommel and hilt. He treasured it, and his son has it now.
 
Texas Star said:
Thanks! Yes, that's the ad!

Look carefully and you'll see that the artist even depicted the edges of the full tang.

I had two Model 124's and sold both, as they were too thick in the handle. I wish I'd taken them to a custom knifemaker and had the handle slabs thinned. But I didn't know any who'd do that for a reasonable cost. Should have asked Buck. Possibly, they'll do that, although they can only guess how much thinner you want if you aren't present.
Click to expand...

You could have tackled it yourself. Files and sandpaper. Or I like to use a sanding drum in a drill press. A whole set of sanding drums is less than $10 from harbor freight. They also make 124's with the stick tang and the Phenolic handle, but to me it compromises the knife.

Yes that add is very detailed, I like his ring. "Let's Rodeo"
 
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Marshwheeling said:
Really? I bought a Gerber machete once. It put me off the brand altogether, but it did start me buying real machetes. If you can put an edge on that piece of ****, I have to tip my hat to you.
Click to expand...

They make some real junk but the one I have is great. It's a Gator. It took me a long time to put that edge on it but since I did it works great. The edge was pretty much blunt so I had to shape it so that it would take an edge.

I have several machetes. It's generally possible to put a decent edge on any of them (not all) but they don't last more than a minute. The Bear Grylls machetes made by Gerber are total trash and dangerous to boot. The handles won't stay attached.

This is the one I have.

Gator.jpg


I also have a briar axe that gets so sharp I get scared to use it. One bounce off a rock and it will slice you open like you had a zipper. I put a razor sharp edge on that too.
 
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JohnRippert said:
A couple years after Dad passed I found a brand new Model 199 in some of his stuff we were going through. Great knife.
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:confused:

You mean a Model 119? New? Sorry that he didn't get to take it hunting or hiking. Maybe he meant to give it to you as a present and died first?

I imagine that you'll take good care of that knife.

I wanted my dad's hunting knives from Ka-Bar and custom maker G.W. Stone, but his widow sold them. (?) I think her son has his guns. They won't discuss it.
My brothers and I never got along too well with Father's second family.
 
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Texas Star said:
I just checked that link, intending to order. They're sold out.

I'll rummage elsewhere. I do want one.
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They were still in stock when I posted it on the 3rd. Says "Currently out of stock."
Cabela's has items go in and out of stock on a regular basis. Keep checking back. It wouldn't surprise me to see them get more.

Edit: Just checked it again and it's been changed from "Currently out of stock" to "Sold out".
I'm guessing that's the end of the Cabela's anniversary tin version.
 
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While I'm mostly a SAK pocket knife guy, growing up, Buck was the fixed blade knife to own in my small world. Over the years, I inherited an old 118 and 422 Bucklite folder. About ten years ago, I added a Pro Line 193-1 that's been my go-to hunting knife for deer and elk. Last year, I used a $10 birthday coupon from Ace Hardware towards the purchase of a classic 119 that I carry when I'm motorcycle riding, or strap on when hiking. Good , strong, quality products...and an American icon...like S&W.
 
I gave a Buck knife to every boy and man on my Christmas list a few
years ago. I figure every man & boy should have a Buck knife. Not
being sexist, I just think there are other things girls and women prefer.
 
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