I began working for Buck Knives here in Post Falls, ID three months ago. While I had always appreciated & respected their work, I never wanted to buy one because all the competition just seemed better on paper. Then I got ease of access and an employee discount, so why not just buy one? The 119 grew on me immediately, now on my belt everywhere I go. I hadn't liked imagining Buck's extra thick handles when compared to nearly every other knife being so thin in the grip. The design is so old. Newer knives are better, right? That's how it works? Sure, but this knife is akin to manual transmissions and wheel guns. It just feels right and true. Very, very well designed and executed. Replaced my easy-to-carry pocket knives because I like it so much. I want to get a few more just to give away now. Thanks for this review, sir. 11 years ago but ever relevant.
When I saw this knife, for the price, at an un-named store, I purchased it with in a minute, not knowing the history, or reputation. Learning more about it has strengthened my resolve to intuition, and the power of it, over judgement. This knife is a classic, tested, desired design, for many years and I can see why. There is no more beautiful knife in the price range. There is a reason this is one of Bucks consistent best sellers. I know what love at first sight feels like. This has been my main camp knife for years, processing fire wood, and preparing food, and self protection, make no mistake, there is a tactical element in the design of this blade.
Very good Video, thank you!. I bought the Cocobolo/Brass Version, and I have a Buck 110, too. I really love Buck Knives, because they are excelent , and the second reason is, the CEO, and the whole Buck family are Christians. I can feel the holy spirit in their products. Best whishes from Germany.
@@zeronmaster2801 , that's crazy. Knives are used for a multitude of things. I use my pocket knife almost everyday. And the 119 is considered a "camp knife".
@@zeronmaster2801 You might be misinformed... I don't, nor does anybody I've ever known take lives with any kind of knife... I do use them to make money and feed my family though. You might be thinking about the sword?
Two years on, I was looking for my 119 bought in 2013, my lad had been using it and gifted it to his buddy in 2 para who fell in love with it. More than happy to see a british tommy with an American knife, now that could be a match made in hell.
Good memories of this knife from my childhood. The 119 was my dad's choice for many camping & hunting trips. It was his go to knife & it lived in his gun cabinet when not in use. I admired it growing up & it's still a great knife today. Well done sir!
Best knife on the planet. I have one, and the thing is superior in every way. Comes razor sharp out of the box, and Will Never Let You Down. If you are outdoors, hunting, camping, fishing... this is the blade you want on your side. forget about the cheesy survival knives, and the BUDK Rambo crap....this is a man's knife.
As a young boy I used to gaze upon its glistening blade and ebony handle in the glass case at our local true value hardware. I wanted to own one so bad. And I'll never know why but it took me 40 years before I bought one, last week. It is hair shaving sharp right out of the box. It came with the leather sheath, which I prefer. I do love it, still. I should have bought one many years ago.
Thank you for the nice video. I've got a 119 that I bought back in 1966 or so. It's still arm-hair sharp. Also a 110 from my dad. Another 110 bought back in the '90s. Yet another, a Buck 110 Sport, ordered from Buck a couple months ago. Finally! A 110 that I can carry in my pocket without wearing in hole in the front pocket of my jeans! Yeah, they make great knives.
Best review I seen so far on the 119. I had one when I was 11. And after waching this review im going out to buy another 119. It looks the same as it did when I was a kid. I don't remember what I did with mine many yrs ago. But I'm definitely getting one to put in my collection. I do have the 110 folder hunter and buck knives are very easy to sharpen with a wet stone and leather strap. Thanks for talking me into buying another one. God bless 🇺🇸
4 generations in our family roaming the woods with 119's proudly strapped to our sides. My father's being a 1973 I bought him. And my grandsons a 2018 my son bought him.
I have the 2016 119. And man, it is probably one of, if not THE BEST knife in my collection. I'm not a huge knife collector, but, this thing is truly something special.
This is the quintessential hunting knife every outdoorsman should own. Buck's 420HC is awesome and makes a great edge. All my Buck knives are scalpel sharp and it's not hard to do.
MerkinMuffly How long is the blade on yours? They come several lengths I think. I wanted like a 5.5-6.5" blade for concealed carry cross draw in front in winter time under a hoodie or jacket
in my home state of Ohio if what i read is correct we can own any type of knife but cannot concealed carry anything beyond a limit and type of knife but other than that as long as you open carry you seem to be all good (most knifes are considered a deadly weapon by default if you conceal carry so make sure your sheave and/or pocket clip is clearly visible), and it says any sized knife so even daggers and possibly even swords (i know you can wear those at Ren. festivals at least)
@@albertotreccia6359 i would not know, both would have pros and cons, i like my 119's but that's just me, well i like them better because the Buck knifes customizer thing works with them but not the 120 for some reason
AMEN to the end part of a well done review. The Lord's word is sharper as we all who believe know, however the knife is as you said a ( in my opinion) absolute work of art. It still to this date remains the most beautiful shaped bowie knife I've ever seen. Simpy can't be without it.
Just bought a second from Buck UK, it had botched up engraving, hence the price of £40 thats cheap in UK.I am going to have to spend a while on the edge to get it to my liking, a labour of love. Another classic in my collection, I will definately be putting this tool to work, its made for all sorts of tasks.Thanks for the push towards it Rob, although I do not need much pushing when it comes to good knives. Leather sheath, well made. God Bless all
I have the same knife. I love it. I'm just getting into using it like it was intended. It sat in t drawer for years thinking it was too nice to use but now I'm giving it hell camping and chopping wood with it. I'm surprised how durable it is and how it can handle batoning. I cannot break it with a baton. I tried everything and finally decided it's stronger than me and will handle anything I can dish out.
Riley B no it doesn't...that means that some factory was probably drinking a few beers with his buddies in the break room while the knives were being made and didn't notice that their boss Mr. Deperna was back from lunch early and noticed they were not stamping the numbers so they all got fired and now are on unemployment........not that I would know anything about that..jst a wild guess...by the way to u know if any knife making manufacturers are hiring at the moment??????
@Natsu Dragneel977 I just got a 110 with the s30v steel and nickel and it came with no stamp, just the etching, they didnt care when I contacted them and told them the main reason why I bought it was for the year stamp.
I'm a Scream fan and that's where I first saw this beautiful knife. I would love to use it for hunting. I've always wondered why they chose to use this knife for the movie.
Im a HUGE fan of 1,2,3 and 4 and i fell in love with the knife then on a review on the movies i found this review and this is the knife they use in scream 4, Scream 1,2 and 3 uses the buck 120 which is the same just bigger.8 inch blade
i cant wait to get this knife, i have wanted it since scream 1 and now i want it even more cause they use this same one in the tv series as well, and it is my favorite show
TiceCream C No joke? I just got mine for Christmas too, I've been eye balling that thing for a couple of months. All I need is a sheath for it now. I was planning on buying after Christmas with my Christmas money but My sister and my brother in-law got it for me I was tickled to death.
I have 2 119's. My fathers, 1967-72 and mine produced in 1998. I love them. It's amazing to see the differences between the 45 year old one to the 20 year old one..
I have not ever owned a Vanguard, but what a sweet little fixed blade that is!!! It looks like the perfect deer processing tool to me! Good luck on the hunt, brother!
Thanks for doing this video. I have a 1989 one. When you said you had a 1991 I thought that was probably the year of mine. I went and grabbed mine and you pulled out your code sheet and sure enough it was close. Thanks for giving me some info on it.
I have always been a buck knife guy. I have two of the 119s (a 1988 & a 2004). My favorite is the 124 Frontiersman. In fact most of my knives are made by Buck. I believe they started making their blades out of used files. Thanks for the review. Keep em sharp!
I have a model 119 which I purchased in 2018 and is the same as the one I first purchased in 1980 from the base exchange and ended up giving to my grandfather. I have a model 120 which I purchased after that since they didn't have any more 119 in stock when I got back to my base. I carried the 120 on my side part of the time while in California and still have that one. The new 119 has my name engraved on it since I don't plan on selling or giving it away. I think those knives was made in Idaho and I got my replacement 119 from the factory store. Each of my knives came with a leather sheath and they are in great condition also.
How times have changed , we were allowed to carry a Buck folder in it's sheath to school and had a smoking area in highschool . If you don't have a Buck your dang near broke 💪🇺🇸
I don't find the Buck 119 or any other buck models made with that handle all that slippery. That plastic has a kind of takyness to it I find...even when wet.
Thanks Just bought one on sale yesterday so my younger son could buy it and give it to me for Christmas lol I have GREAT kids and I give them all knives too
The Buck 119 is one of the best knives I've owned. I do put grip tape around the handle, but for hunting, survival, etc etc it's one of the better fixed blade knives and for good reason, too.
i like your videos of old school blades more.Im an old school knife guy.Im 47 and always packed a blade.I just cringe when someone says oh yea i carry a blade and they whip out a 300 dollar POCKET KNIFE.Is it a pocket knife or is it a work of art? i like to see someone whip out an old buck 110 or case.Love these classic blades more than all that overpriced pocket Van Goghs.
The handle is flat, thinner, then down to a rat tail past the pin in the pommel. The phenolic is good ol' fashioned Bakelite in old school terms. The pommel screws on then pins through a hole in the thin tang. There ya go...
Great video comparison between the two gens, and the only one I've seen. I bought one in 1990 when I was 18 and still have it. I noticed an ascetic difference in the next generation I couldn't quite put my finger on, but I really liked it. So I bought a 2013. The clip point on the next gen is slightly lower lined toward the tip, resulting in a more penetrative point, whereas the 90 version sweeps up to a higher tip with more curve. I really like the sleeker geometry and aggressive point on the new version. The handle of my 2013 is also slightly longer and thicker, with a grainier texture to the phenolic, adding to the grip. If Buck were to make a version of the 119 with a military style handle, it would be a phenomenal combat knife. But it is what it is, and can do just about any role as is.
I have many knives, some much more expensive than my Buck 119, but the sharpest knife I have is my Buck 119 (and 110). It's probably the best value you can get for an all around use knife. Thanks for the video.
That's a great question, Zechs. I have some pretty extensive use on 420HC and Cold Steel's AUS8A, but only limited experience with SOG's AUS8. But I'd say the two steels perform very similarly, qualifying that of course by saying Buck's heat treat of 420HC is voodoo magic. 420HC has less carbon, no nickel or molybdenum, and will not reach as high an ultimate hardness. I'd say that for me, the sharpenability is better on 420HC, but edge-holding is better on AUS8A, but very close in both.
Going by your chart mine is an '08 year model. Got it second hand and the nylon sheath was literally shredded, like it had spent it's short life being dragged through a briar thicket, so I went to BUCK'S website and ordered a nice leather sheath for it and when I go into the woods it goes with me. The leather has held up very well over the past several years of my ownership.
Thanks so much for this video. I pulled out my old Buck 119 today and became confused by the grind on the blade and just how to sharpen it. It appears that mine is from 1967-1972 period but by the way it is ground I wonder if its genuine at all. It looks very suspicious. My blade seems to thicken near the edge after the hollow grind or at the very least have the hollow stop I/8" from the sharpened edge. Both of yours here clearly have the hollow grind go all the way to the sharpened edge. I am puzzling as to how it should be sharpened. Your video has invaluable in viewing the blade grinds.
I have you all beat. I have my father's 119 which mama got for him in the early to mid seventies. Has no year code on it, but the sheath is the old button down flap. GREAT STEEL! It took me a little while to get good with sharpening it, but once sharp...SCARY! I had read somewhere,I believe it was with the original box literature, that the black handle material was made with Brunswick bowling ball material. I know the handle & blade are dang tough!
Say Heah Rob, I got my Buck 119 because I like the way it looks. But I just got my Benchmade Arvensis 119, I like it a little better, The steel is a 154 CM and I teamed it with my Bokor Coye Ridgeback, I intend to use it in wet and snowy conditions.
Thanks, brother! I'm sure this will come as no surprise to you, but as usual when I embark on a review of a knife that has storied past, when I started this one I thought to myself... "Better be on your A-game -- Campfiretalk will expect a good history lesson!" Glad you liked it, my friend :)
Good review. Nice knives. They made this going back to the 1942. This is the 75th anniversary. I only know this is a see 75th anniversary being marketed.
i'm pretty sure half the reason i just bought one of these is because of this video lol. that and it being great value ($45 at academy). checked my date code - 2013. my tang rivet is only noticeable by looking at a reflected light, maybe age will discolor it eventually. i'm surprised by the factory edge, it'll slice phonebook paper (but not push cut), but will do both to receipt paper so i'll leave it alone for a while.
Great review commentary.I recently grabbed a 1997 (according to your chart there),and does not look like same steel as the two you have there.It say's "Drummond America" With a bulldogge bust in a fist to left of legend.I know it is satin yet has a Golden tint to the steel.It is brand new from a collection.I wonder if it was made special batch as I have seen folders that say same.Maybe was made special for a Drummond company encampment?I noticed are even batches made in 5160 I read,and the 425m and 420HC and 440HC -SS....I already have EDC's I broke the ice and used,so wonder if I could work up the courage (probably not).To pretty..I read a PDF file of some titanium coating,so really wondering about this as I have stumbled on special runs before the same manner. Buck's blades deserve stacked leather option like the other American legends.No dulling from setting idle here..
For mine I got the one with the rubber handle, figured it would work best with bloody hands. I put a convex bevel on mine, so it cuts like crazy!. My uncles land also has a LOT of hogs, so I may be able to bring home the bacon.....literally, lol
I've always been a Buck fan too (my grandma's maiden name was Buck so perhaps it's genetic!). LOL! Good to see the old classic... now you need to put yours on the EPA! :)
Very nice summary, sir. Would you know any good sharpeners in the Springfield IL area? Mine (a 1988) hasn't been used much at all, but when I see how yours shines on the cutting edge, mine could probably use a little work as well.
I have one made in 2015 with a nice leather sheathe, its my go to knife for everything, its classy and a real man's knife unlike anything cheaply made in china or taiwan
I have a buck 124 with rosewood handle I believe I bought somewhere around 1980. it does not have a mark or letter behind the model . Any ideas on how to date it. I have had it so long I don't remember if it is 1978 , 79 or 1980. Thanks in advance.
I have a Frontiersman I bought back in 87. I love the classics. Back when Buck,Gerber,Shrade,Case, we're all American made. I know I've given you flack for ragging on ZT from time to time because that's my favorite modern knife brand. When I hold a Benchmade it just doesn't feel good, and Spyderco needs to learn what the hell deburring means. I do own Spydercos but should not have to sand all the edges myself. Just venting a little there.
Interesting family connection! I think this 119 of mine is one of only about 3 or 4 knives in my collection that haven't met the EPA, and it's kind of enjoying its rebel status, LOL! Next time it goes on an outing, I'm sure I'll arrange that meeting when we get home :)
I think mine is way older. The sheath swivels completely around it allows it to move if you bump into something solid and also its a quarter inch shorter and yours has more of a point mine the blade has a bigger belly and is deeper up swept before the point
My Buck 119 is so old it does not have a mark by the model number. I think I bought it back in 81, or there abouts. Its been a good knife. I have never chopped or split wood with it, because I carry an axe. Now to answer some questions. One, it is what is called an over moulded full tang. If you take a very strong magnet, you can check this out yourself. The handle material is the same stuff used to make Pool Balls, bit slippery, but could be fixed with a bit of tennis or hockey stick tape. I have the leather sheath for mine, and its all I will have. I have three other older buck sheath knives and I love every one of them. I have the 118 Personal, whic is no longer made, and I carry it every time I go hiking or fishing. Its my favorite. Buck needs to bring it back full time. Okay, I'm out.
Great review brother, entertaining as always!. On the topic of being able to use it as a defensive/offensive weapon, I have heard tell that this knife was carried by a lot of soldiers in war since its release ( a lot in Vietnam ), I am not sure how true it is, but I have heard it from more than one source. Have you ever owned a Buck Vanguard?, I just bought one last month, waiting to bag a deer and put it to the test. Im saving to have a leather sheath made to carry it and my 110 together. Nate
I wish they would make a Kalinga with alluminum bolster just like this, the brass is heavy and tarnishes, i like the brass but would like an alluminum one too.
I'm so happy you're a Christian. That was a perfect review and made me appreciate my 2008 buck 119 all the more. I field dressed 4 deer with it. I have to have it with me everywhere.
Nick Velonis As a Christian it is nice to Christians because you know they are most likely going to heaven. That is what i think he means. Also it's nice to have people with the same ideas as you.
I'm not sure if the tang is the same, but I bought the cheap version of this same exact knife from Yukon gear, and the tang is only half an inch thick.
it is also known as a blood groove because when you stick the knife in a pig or a dear the animal will bleed out faster by only a fraction i also call it a fuller being a black smith alot of people when i ask if they want a fuller they say they don't want a fuller they want a blood groove so i put a half fuller which is what they want
Those spacers should be black micarta, they were originally burgundy and are now black but micarta nonetheless . My 2010 has black micarta spacers. Btw I think the visibility of the pins all depends on the knife, mine aren't visible and neither we're the pins on my 110 when I got it. They haven't moved or anything but they tarnished or patina'd differently than the bolsters. FYI because your 119 is from '91 I believe the steel would be 425m which they used from '82-'92 but stopped because they were the only buyers of it making it expensive, before that it was 440c, and before that they were files on the handmade 4 strikes.
Having had several SOG's, Cold Steel's and a TON of Buck knives, im gonna have to go with Buck. I have not been impressed by the edge retention of SOG's AUS8. i would say the edge retention of Cold Steel is better than SOG. I would put the Cold Steel and Buck neck and neck, but the Buck blades sharpen a little easier, and seem to be more rust resistant. Plus, Buck is a little less money, made in America ( a big seller for me ), and they stand behind their product!. Just my two cents.
Two good companies to compare in this price range, by the way. Cold Steel definitely doesn't have a knife that can compete with the 119 in this price range. They seem to go to cheap handles and Krups 4116 steel in the sub $50 line. The SOG Seal Pup is a good competitor for about the same money, but I've had both, and although it lacks "tacticool", I believe the 119 is a better knife... and it has "Old School Cool" :)
How would you stack it up against an AUS8 offering from SOG or Cold Steel? I love big fixed blades but I never use them, so they are little money pits for me.
Cool thanks. I like the price of the Buck better and the weight with they nylon sheath isn't bad. For the Price of the knife could also get a nice kydex one too.
Got my Buck 119 today Im a bulgarian living in the UK and I got mine from the Netherlands from all places, it's razor sharp out of the box and a really nice knife, cheers from the Island.
Mine had to have been made before 1986. Im thinking it was made even before the 70's because of the amount of dings, scratches, and marks on the knife and also the sheath is really thick leather and has lots and lots of rub marks this knife has been used a lot over many many years. A friend gave it to me I think it might have been her dads or grandpas.
TheUltimateLightningWarrior 1 i have never made any sense of checking blade sharpness like that. I can see lightly rubbing at 90 degrees across it, but doing it like I saw him do it is something I have seen old timers do, and it gives me the willies every time I see it. But to each his own I guess.
@@johncantrell614 I used to do it that way , till I gave myself a permanent alternation to my thumb print , now I do it the way you described , or with my arm hair
It’s a full tang. It’s slightly narrower than the handle and is the length of the handle. There is an X-ray on TH-cam. It’s not a rat tail tang at all. Good knife.
A buck 119 is my daily carry knife. I've been carrying it on my belt so long now that I feel naked without it. It's never disappointed me.
I began working for Buck Knives here in Post Falls, ID three months ago.
While I had always appreciated & respected their work, I never wanted to buy one because all the competition just seemed better on paper. Then I got ease of access and an employee discount, so why not just buy one?
The 119 grew on me immediately, now on my belt everywhere I go.
I hadn't liked imagining Buck's extra thick handles when compared to nearly every other knife being so thin in the grip. The design is so old. Newer knives are better, right? That's how it works? Sure, but this knife is akin to manual transmissions and wheel guns. It just feels right and true. Very, very well designed and executed.
Replaced my easy-to-carry pocket knives because I like it so much. I want to get a few more just to give away now.
Thanks for this review, sir. 11 years ago but ever relevant.
When I saw this knife, for the price, at an un-named store, I purchased it with in a minute, not knowing the history, or reputation. Learning more about it has strengthened my resolve to intuition, and the power of it, over judgement. This knife is a classic, tested, desired design, for many years and I can see why. There is no more beautiful knife in the price range. There is a reason this is one of Bucks consistent best sellers. I know what love at first sight feels like. This has been my main camp knife for years, processing fire wood, and preparing food, and self protection, make no mistake, there is a tactical element in the design of this blade.
Very good Video, thank you!.
I bought the Cocobolo/Brass Version, and I have a Buck 110, too.
I really love Buck Knives, because they are excelent , and the second reason is, the CEO, and the whole Buck family are Christians.
I can feel the holy spirit in their products.
Best whishes from Germany.
Druide1974 12345 all blades and knives were meant to take a life.
Not to save one. So all knives are from the god of war.
@@zeronmaster2801 A utility tool,it is the person who uses the tool ,not the tool. Jesus wore clothing made with one.
@@zeronmaster2801 , that's crazy. Knives are used for a multitude of things. I use my pocket knife almost everyday. And the 119 is considered a "camp knife".
@@zeronmaster2801 Have you lost your mind!! You sound like you're nine or maybe ten now..........do us all a favor and shut it!!🤐🤐🤐🤐🤐🤐
@@zeronmaster2801 You might be misinformed... I don't, nor does anybody I've ever known take lives with any kind of knife... I do use them to make money and feed my family though. You might be thinking about the sword?
Two years on, I was looking for my 119 bought in 2013, my lad had been using it and gifted it to his buddy in 2 para who fell in love with it. More than happy to see a british tommy with an American knife, now that could be a match made in hell.
Good memories of this knife from my childhood. The 119 was my dad's choice for many camping & hunting trips. It was his go to knife & it lived in his gun cabinet when not in use. I admired it growing up & it's still a great knife today.
Well done sir!
Best knife on the planet.
I have one, and the thing is superior in every way. Comes razor sharp out of the box, and Will Never Let You Down.
If you are outdoors, hunting, camping, fishing... this is the blade you want on your side.
forget about the cheesy survival knives, and the BUDK Rambo crap....this is a man's knife.
Mater of opinion. In my family there are 4 generations of hunters roaming the woods with the Buck 119 proudly strapped to our sides.
@@randykirby1460 it is a man s knife .who ever would not want this on his side .is one ignorant person .and that's just telling like it is .
As a young boy I used to gaze upon its glistening blade and ebony handle in the glass case at our local true value hardware. I wanted to own one so bad. And I'll never know why but it took me 40 years before I bought one, last week. It is hair shaving sharp right out of the box. It came with the leather sheath, which I prefer. I do love it, still. I should have bought one many years ago.
Better late than never
Thank you for the nice video. I've got a 119 that I bought back in 1966 or so. It's still arm-hair sharp. Also a 110 from my dad. Another 110 bought back in the '90s. Yet another, a Buck 110 Sport, ordered from Buck a couple months ago. Finally! A 110 that I can carry in my pocket without wearing in hole in the front pocket of my jeans! Yeah, they make great knives.
GREAT video! Love my Buck 119...
Best review I seen so far on the 119. I had one when I was 11. And after waching this review im going out to buy another 119. It looks the same as it did when I was a kid. I don't remember what I did with mine many yrs ago. But I'm definitely getting one to put in my collection. I do have the 110 folder hunter and buck knives are very easy to sharpen with a wet stone and leather strap. Thanks for talking me into buying another one. God bless 🇺🇸
It wasn't my first knife, but it was the first fixed blade knife I bought brand new... what a classic!
4 generations in our family roaming the woods with 119's proudly strapped to our sides. My father's being a 1973 I bought him. And my grandsons a 2018 my son bought him.
I can almost see my reflection off that mirror polished edge. Great review. Thank you for the tang stamp expiation.
I have the 2016 119. And man, it is probably one of, if not THE BEST knife in my collection. I'm not a huge knife collector, but, this thing is truly something special.
This is the quintessential hunting knife every outdoorsman should own. Buck's 420HC is awesome and makes a great edge. All my Buck knives are scalpel sharp and it's not hard to do.
I use this for self-defense. In KY you're only allowed to carry concealed pocket or hunting knives.
MerkinMuffly
How long is the blade on yours?
They come several lengths I think. I wanted like a 5.5-6.5" blade for concealed carry cross draw in front in winter time under a hoodie or jacket
@@jesusislord6412 The 119 only comes in 6" blade.
in my home state of Ohio if what i read is correct we can own any type of knife but cannot concealed carry anything beyond a limit and type of knife but other than that as long as you open carry you seem to be all good (most knifes are considered a deadly weapon by default if you conceal carry so make sure your sheave and/or pocket clip is clearly visible), and it says any sized knife so even daggers and possibly even swords (i know you can wear those at Ren. festivals at least)
Is the 119 special or the bigger 120 general better for self-defence?
@@albertotreccia6359 i would not know, both would have pros and cons, i like my 119's but that's just me, well i like them better because the Buck knifes customizer thing works with them but not the 120 for some reason
AMEN to the end part of a well done review. The Lord's word is sharper as we all who believe know, however the knife is as you said a ( in my opinion) absolute work of art. It still to this date remains the most beautiful shaped bowie knife I've ever seen. Simpy can't be without it.
Just bought a second from Buck UK, it had botched up engraving, hence the price of £40 thats cheap in UK.I am going to have to spend a while on the edge to get it to my liking, a labour of love. Another classic in my collection, I will definately be putting this tool to work, its made for all sorts of tasks.Thanks for the push towards it Rob, although I do not need much pushing when it comes to good knives. Leather sheath, well made. God Bless all
I have the same knife. I love it. I'm just getting into using it like it was intended. It sat in t drawer for years thinking it was too nice to use but now I'm giving it hell camping and chopping wood with it. I'm surprised how durable it is and how it can handle batoning. I cannot break it with a baton. I tried everything and finally decided it's stronger than me and will handle anything I can dish out.
Enjoy it , Just don't abuse it & careful with who U pass it on when U are done with it
My 119 has no sign after the model number. Just 119. It's an oldie but a goodie.
That means it was built sometime between 1972 and 1986
Riley B no it doesn't...that means that some factory was probably drinking a few beers with his buddies in the break room while the knives were being made and didn't notice that their boss Mr. Deperna was back from lunch early and noticed they were not stamping the numbers so they all got fired and now are on unemployment........not that I would know anything about that..jst a wild guess...by the way to u know if any knife making manufacturers are hiring at the moment??????
@Natsu Dragneel977 I just got a 110 with the s30v steel and nickel and it came with no stamp, just the etching, they didnt care when I contacted them and told them the main reason why I bought it was for the year stamp.
i bought an older 119 today with the leather sheath for 40 bucks, from the same shop. now i have two buck 119 special knives
Just got mine for Christmas, beautiful knife, even though I'm only 11, I've been wanting this knife for so long.
you a scream fan?
I'm a Scream fan and that's where I first saw this beautiful knife. I would love to use it for hunting. I've always wondered why they chose to use this knife for the movie.
Im a HUGE fan of 1,2,3 and 4 and i fell in love with the knife then on a review on the movies i found this review and this is the knife they use in scream 4, Scream 1,2 and 3 uses the buck 120 which is the same just bigger.8 inch blade
i cant wait to get this knife, i have wanted it since scream 1 and now i want it even more cause they use this same one in the tv series as well, and it is my favorite show
TiceCream C No joke? I just got mine for Christmas too, I've been eye balling that thing for a couple of months. All I need is a sheath for it now. I was planning on buying after Christmas with my Christmas money but My sister and my brother in-law got it for me I was tickled to death.
I have 2 119's. My fathers, 1967-72 and mine produced in 1998. I love them. It's amazing to see the differences between the 45 year old one to the 20 year old one..
I have not ever owned a Vanguard, but what a sweet little fixed blade that is!!! It looks like the perfect deer processing tool to me! Good luck on the hunt, brother!
Thanks for doing this video. I have a 1989 one. When you said you had a 1991 I thought that was probably the year of mine. I went and grabbed mine and you pulled out your code sheet and sure enough it was close. Thanks for giving me some info on it.
It's a great old company! I just wish they'd bring to market some more current and competitive folders.
I have always been a buck knife guy. I have two of the 119s (a 1988 & a 2004). My favorite is the 124 Frontiersman. In fact most of my knives are made by Buck. I believe they started making their blades out of used files. Thanks for the review. Keep em sharp!
I got a dueling 119 and a 120. I love em both!
I have a model 119 which I purchased in 2018 and is the same as the one I first purchased in 1980 from the base exchange and ended up giving to my grandfather. I have a model 120 which I purchased after that since they didn't have any more 119 in stock when I got back to my base. I carried the 120 on my side part of the time while in California and still have that one. The new 119 has my name engraved on it since I don't plan on selling or giving it away. I think those knives was made in Idaho and I got my replacement 119 from the factory store. Each of my knives came with a leather sheath and they are in great condition also.
Sidney Mathious Don’t ever sell that 120. They’re discontinued and rarely for sale used.
@@TheApostleP I won't be selling it or any of the other knives since I have more than enough now.
How times have changed , we were allowed to carry a Buck folder in it's sheath to school and had a smoking area in highschool . If you don't have a Buck your dang near broke 💪🇺🇸
Thank you for taking your time to make a very informative video on the Buck 119.
I don't find the Buck 119 or any other buck models made with that handle all that slippery. That plastic has a kind of takyness to it I find...even when wet.
Beautiful blade ! I have always promised myself one but never got round to buying one !
American made beauty
Thanks Just bought one on sale yesterday so my younger son could buy it and give it to me for Christmas lol I have GREAT kids and I give them all knives too
Old School awesome! I've always like the classic Buck knives.
The Buck 119 is one of the best knives I've owned. I do put grip tape around the handle, but for hunting, survival, etc etc it's one of the better fixed blade knives and for good reason, too.
just bought one for 59$ in 2018 razor sharp right out the box still a beautiful knife and my dad has had his since he was 25 he’s 52 now
I know this is an old vid, but I just ordered a new 119 directly from Buck with brass fittings and a cherrywood handle for $135
I just picked this same knife for 45 plus tax at Walmart
Awesome video thanks for sharing. Where can I find that list you have to get the dates the knife was made?
You can look it up
i like your videos of old school blades more.Im an old school knife guy.Im 47 and always packed a blade.I just cringe when someone says oh yea i carry a blade and they whip out a 300 dollar POCKET KNIFE.Is it a pocket knife or is it a work of art? i like to see someone whip out an old buck 110 or case.Love these classic blades more than all that overpriced pocket Van Goghs.
Why can't it be both?
The handle is flat, thinner, then down to a rat tail past the pin in the pommel.
The phenolic is good ol' fashioned Bakelite in old school terms. The pommel screws on then pins through a hole in the thin tang. There ya go...
Thats false. It never goes to a "rat tail".
Great video comparison between the two gens, and the only one I've seen. I bought one in 1990 when I was 18 and still have it. I noticed an ascetic difference in the next generation I couldn't quite put my finger on, but I really liked it. So I bought a 2013. The clip point on the next gen is slightly lower lined toward the tip, resulting in a more penetrative point, whereas the 90 version sweeps up to a higher tip with more curve. I really like the sleeker geometry and aggressive point on the new version. The handle of my 2013 is also slightly longer and thicker, with a grainier texture to the phenolic, adding to the grip. If Buck were to make a version of the 119 with a military style handle, it would be a phenomenal combat knife. But it is what it is, and can do just about any role as is.
I have the 1967 version left to me by my father ,the blade is pretty knocked up, any suggestions on getting rid of scratches
I have many knives, some much more expensive than my Buck 119, but the sharpest knife I have is my Buck 119 (and 110). It's probably the best value you can get for an all around use knife. Thanks for the video.
Nice vid. I’ve owed MANY brands....
Buck still makes a GREAT blade and priced
Right. Glad they still do the leather sheath. It’s well made also.
That's a great question, Zechs. I have some pretty extensive use on 420HC and Cold Steel's AUS8A, but only limited experience with SOG's AUS8. But I'd say the two steels perform very similarly, qualifying that of course by saying Buck's heat treat of 420HC is voodoo magic. 420HC has less carbon, no nickel or molybdenum, and will not reach as high an ultimate hardness. I'd say that for me, the sharpenability is better on 420HC, but edge-holding is better on AUS8A, but very close in both.
I love your comment about the knife almost helping you to sharpen...I know exactly what you mean
Going by your chart mine is an '08 year model. Got it second hand and the nylon sheath was literally shredded, like it had spent it's short life being dragged through a briar thicket, so I went to BUCK'S website and ordered a nice leather sheath for it and when I go into the woods it goes with me. The leather has held up very well over the past several years of my ownership.
Thanks so much for this video. I pulled out my old Buck 119 today and became confused by the grind on the blade and just how to sharpen it. It appears that mine is from 1967-1972 period but by the way it is ground I wonder if its genuine at all. It looks very suspicious. My blade seems to thicken near the edge after the hollow grind or at the very least have the hollow stop I/8" from the sharpened edge. Both of yours here clearly have the hollow grind go all the way to the sharpened edge. I am puzzling as to how it should be sharpened. Your video has invaluable in viewing the blade grinds.
I have you all beat. I have my father's 119 which mama got for him in the early to mid seventies. Has no year code on it, but the sheath is the old button down flap. GREAT STEEL! It took me a little while to get good with sharpening it, but once sharp...SCARY! I had read somewhere,I believe it was with the original box literature, that the black handle material was made with Brunswick bowling ball material. I know the handle & blade are dang tough!
Say Heah Rob, I got my Buck 119 because I like the way it looks. But I just got my Benchmade Arvensis 119, I like it a little better, The steel is a 154 CM and I teamed it with my Bokor Coye Ridgeback, I intend to use it in wet and snowy conditions.
That mirror edging is beautiful. I bought my knife yesterday but looks old compare that sharp and shiny finish.
Nice knifes and cool history lesson.
Thanks, brother! I'm sure this will come as no surprise to you, but as usual when I embark on a review of a knife that has storied past, when I started this one I thought to myself... "Better be on your A-game -- Campfiretalk will expect a good history lesson!" Glad you liked it, my friend :)
Good review. Nice knives. They made this going back to the 1942. This is the 75th anniversary. I only know this is a see 75th anniversary being marketed.
Watched you on and off for a couple years, no clue why I never subscribed man, good video, keep it up
i'm pretty sure half the reason i just bought one of these is because of this video lol. that and it being great value ($45 at academy). checked my date code - 2013. my tang rivet is only noticeable by looking at a reflected light, maybe age will discolor it eventually. i'm surprised by the factory edge, it'll slice phonebook paper (but not push cut), but will do both to receipt paper so i'll leave it alone for a while.
Great review commentary.I recently grabbed a 1997 (according to your chart there),and does not look like same steel as the two you have there.It say's "Drummond America" With a bulldogge bust in a fist to left of legend.I know it is satin yet has a Golden tint to the steel.It is brand new from a collection.I wonder if it was made special batch as I have seen folders that say same.Maybe was made special for a Drummond company encampment?I noticed are even batches made in 5160 I read,and the 425m and 420HC and 440HC -SS....I already have EDC's I broke the ice and used,so wonder if I could work up the courage (probably not).To pretty..I read a PDF file of some titanium coating,so really wondering about this as I have stumbled on special runs before the same manner. Buck's blades deserve stacked leather option like the other American legends.No dulling from setting idle here..
Mine is a heck of a lot of older. I bought it, a skinner, and a lock back a long, long time ago.
For mine I got the one with the rubber handle, figured it would work best with bloody hands. I put a convex bevel on mine, so it cuts like crazy!. My uncles land also has a LOT of hogs, so I may be able to bring home the bacon.....literally, lol
I've always been a Buck fan too (my grandma's maiden name was Buck so perhaps it's genetic!). LOL! Good to see the old classic... now you need to put yours on the EPA! :)
used in "scream"
Yes
actually the buck 120 general was used in scream not the 119
beautiful knifes man i just picked one up yesterday love the vid man
Very nice summary, sir. Would you know any good sharpeners in the Springfield IL area? Mine (a 1988) hasn't been used much at all, but when I see how yours shines on the cutting edge, mine could probably use a little work as well.
I’m thinking of getting one of these for my dad, should I, you think he’ll like it?
The edge is awesome ! What tool did you use to polish it to that shiny?
I have one made in 2015 with a nice leather sheathe, its my go to knife for everything, its classy and a real man's knife unlike anything cheaply made in china or taiwan
I'll have to warm up for that one... with perhaps a Smith & Wesson Model 29 :)
I have a buck 124 with rosewood handle I believe I bought somewhere around 1980. it does not have a mark or letter behind the model . Any ideas on how to date it. I have had it so long I don't remember if it is 1978 , 79 or 1980. Thanks in advance.
I have a Frontiersman I bought back in 87. I love the classics. Back when Buck,Gerber,Shrade,Case,
we're all American made. I know I've given you flack for ragging on ZT from time to time because that's my favorite modern knife brand. When I hold a Benchmade it just doesn't feel good, and Spyderco needs to learn what the hell deburring means. I do own Spydercos but should not have to sand all the edges myself. Just venting a little there.
Interesting family connection! I think this 119 of mine is one of only about 3 or 4 knives in my collection that haven't met the EPA, and it's kind of enjoying its rebel status, LOL! Next time it goes on an outing, I'm sure I'll arrange that meeting when we get home :)
I think mine is way older. The sheath swivels completely around it allows it to move if you bump into something solid and also its a quarter inch shorter and yours has more of a point mine the blade has a bigger belly and is deeper up swept before the point
Trying to figure out the date of my Buck 119. There is no symbol next to the 119...
far out I don't know how sharp that knife was but if I ran my fingers along the edge of one of my knives like that I'm pretty shour I would get cut
Thanks, mate! What a great value!
How do you shine and or polish and sharpen your knifes
Buck 119 i got one in 1980 still have it today used on deer , bear, fish, pigs,and birds
My Buck 119 is so old it does not have a mark by the model number. I think I bought it back in 81, or there abouts. Its been a good knife. I have never chopped or split wood with it, because I carry an axe. Now to answer some questions. One, it is what is called an over moulded full tang. If you take a very strong magnet, you can check this out yourself. The handle material is the same stuff used to make Pool Balls, bit slippery, but could be fixed with a bit of tennis or hockey stick tape. I have the leather sheath for mine, and its all I will have. I have three other older buck sheath knives and I love every one of them. I have the 118 Personal, whic is no longer made, and I carry it every time I go hiking or fishing. Its my favorite. Buck needs to bring it back full time. Okay, I'm out.
Thanks for filling in some blanks for us, my friend! Always good to meet another long suffering Buck afficianado :)
Great review brother, entertaining as always!. On the topic of being able to use it as a defensive/offensive weapon, I have heard tell that this knife was carried by a lot of soldiers in war since its release ( a lot in Vietnam ), I am not sure how true it is, but I have heard it from more than one source. Have you ever owned a Buck Vanguard?, I just bought one last month, waiting to bag a deer and put it to the test. Im saving to have a leather sheath made to carry it and my 110 together. Nate
I wish they would make a Kalinga with alluminum bolster just like this, the brass is heavy and tarnishes, i like the brass but would like an alluminum one too.
I'm so happy you're a Christian. That was a perfect review and made me appreciate my 2008 buck 119 all the more. I field dressed 4 deer with it. I have to have it with me everywhere.
you should be ashamed of yourself Jake, its always nice to be nice
Nick Velonis As a Christian it is nice to Christians because you know they are most likely going to heaven. That is what i think he means. Also it's nice to have people with the same ideas as you.
They started with 440c for a very long time then went to 425m in the 90s the 91 is 425m
I'm not sure if the tang is the same, but I bought the cheap version of this same exact knife from Yukon gear, and the tang is only half an inch thick.
It's a fuller, ain't no such thing as a blood groove.
it is also known as a blood groove because when you stick the knife in a pig or a dear the animal will bleed out faster by only a fraction i also call it a fuller being a black smith alot of people when i ask if they want a fuller they say they don't want a fuller they want a blood groove so i put a half fuller which is what they want
I would never stab a dear. A deer on the other hand.... nah, probably wouldn't stab a deer either.
Those spacers should be black micarta, they were originally burgundy and are now black but micarta nonetheless .
My 2010 has black micarta spacers.
Btw I think the visibility of the pins all depends on the knife, mine aren't visible and neither we're the pins on my 110 when I got it.
They haven't moved or anything but they tarnished or patina'd differently than the bolsters.
FYI because your 119 is from '91 I believe the steel would be 425m which they used from '82-'92 but stopped because they were the only buyers of it making it expensive, before that it was 440c, and before that they were files on the handmade 4 strikes.
Having had several SOG's, Cold Steel's and a TON of Buck knives, im gonna have to go with Buck. I have not been impressed by the edge retention of SOG's AUS8. i would say the edge retention of Cold Steel is better than SOG. I would put the Cold Steel and Buck neck and neck, but the Buck blades sharpen a little easier, and seem to be more rust resistant. Plus, Buck is a little less money, made in America ( a big seller for me ), and they stand behind their product!. Just my two cents.
Two good companies to compare in this price range, by the way. Cold Steel definitely doesn't have a knife that can compete with the 119 in this price range. They seem to go to cheap handles and Krups 4116 steel in the sub $50 line. The SOG Seal Pup is a good competitor for about the same money, but I've had both, and although it lacks "tacticool", I believe the 119 is a better knife... and it has "Old School Cool" :)
BUCK LIFE!!
great video my friend!
How would you stack it up against an AUS8 offering from SOG or Cold Steel?
I love big fixed blades but I never use them, so they are little money pits for me.
Cool thanks. I like the price of the Buck better and the weight with they nylon sheath isn't bad. For the Price of the knife could also get a nice kydex one too.
I own a buck 119 knife but it has no marking after the 119 to tell you when it's made do you think my buck is a fake ?
Tradition,classic,durable,reliable,used by grandpa,a collectable
Got my Buck 119 today Im a bulgarian living in the UK and I got mine from the Netherlands from all places, it's razor sharp out of the box and a really nice knife, cheers from the Island.
Mine had to have been made before 1986. Im thinking it was made even before the 70's because of the amount of dings, scratches, and marks on the knife and also the sheath is really thick leather and has lots and lots of rub marks this knife has been used a lot over many many years. A friend gave it to me I think it might have been her dads or grandpas.
"it is really sharp" *swipes fingers across blade*
*cuts fingers off* wow look at that clean cut
TheUltimateLightningWarrior 1 i have never made any sense of checking blade sharpness like that. I can see lightly rubbing at 90 degrees across it, but doing it like I saw him do it is something I have seen old timers do, and it gives me the willies every time I see it. But to each his own I guess.
@@johncantrell614 I used to do it that way , till I gave myself a permanent alternation to my thumb print , now I do it the way you described , or with my arm hair
@@jonslife3533 Haha me too! The iphone fingerprint scanner never works now.
@@jonathanreeves5847 that's definitely a crap situation
i just bought one. when i push the end of the blade left and rigth it makes a clicking noise at the base of the blade.
It’s a full tang. It’s slightly narrower than the handle and is the length of the handle. There is an X-ray on TH-cam. It’s not a rat tail tang at all. Good knife.
How do you get the end piece off of that knife so I can redo the leather