Really Like This Knife!

[boykinlp]

I really like this knife! It is a 2024 Buck 105 Pathfinder knife. The thing that was hard for me to believe is that the handle is Elk Antler. To me, it definitely has the look of Sambar Stag! It has aluminum and brass washer, and red paper spacers, near the hand guard with a hammered top, D2 carbon steel blade marked “Buck Custom U.S.A.”, and black leather sheath. It is my first Model 105, and feels great in my hand.
Larry

 

[Onomea]

That's a good lookin' knife, Larry. And it does look like sambar stag. I'm guessing they did some sort of treatment to the elk antler. In any event, very nice!

I really think Bucks are excellent knives at a reasonable price point. And I like how you can send 'em back years later for what they call their "spa" treatment — was $10 last time I did it — and they come back looking like new.

 

[Heinz]

I build knives. I appreciate Buck's emphasis on quality and reliability. Im my experience Elk antler is far superior to Sanbar stag for a handle. I worked with a lot of sambar 50 years ago when a friend was importing it from India. it is more uniform than elk horn, but not as pretty until it is dyed. It is not as rugged as elk antler. But I here India, Australia and New Zealand no longer export Sambar Stag antler. Most of it was raised on farms.

 

[garddogg56]

That's a beauty

 

[mauser9]

Very nice. Lucky to have with elk antler and makes for a great looking knife. Great for skinning I am sure. Seems antler, Sambar, and bone are more rare today than when I was growing up eons ago. My old Puma Skinner has the Sambar I believe but it dates back to 66.

 

[Mule Packer]

Gorgeous knife...and the Buck 105 is one of my all time favorites. Great balance...perfect blade length for hunting. I got mine in 1972 and dressed my first deer with it. I still have the knife and which ever one of my kids gets it when I'm dead in gone will have a real piece of their old man's history.

 

[boykinlp]

I build knives. I appreciate Buck's emphasis on quality and reliability. Im my experience Elk antler is far superior to Sanbar stag for a handle. I worked with a lot of sambar 50 years ago when a friend was importing it from India. it is more uniform than elk horn, but not as pretty until it is dyed. It is not as rugged as elk antler. But I here India, Australia and New Zealand no longer export Sambar Stag antler. Most of it was raised on farms.

Heinz, I have always thought that it was just the opposite. I believe most folks prefer Sambar Stag over Elk Antler, but there is definitely some very nice looking Elk, like on this knife. Elk has more pith than Sambar Stag usually making it lighter weight. I believe Sambar ages much nicer than Elk taking on a nice mellow gold/brown color. I’m not sure that I have seen dyed Sambar Stag.

They both have their qualities, and I wish both were as easy to get here in the United States. I like them both very much on knives and guns.
Larry

 

[swagmeister]

Great look to that knife and top shelf quality! Buck is and always has been a great company. Might have to find one of those. Thanks for showing.