Buck Knives is one of the most popular producers of fixed blades and folding knives for survivalists, hunters, campers, and every day carry. Founded by Hoyt Buck back in 1902, he was famous for making all of his knives by hand using found blades as raw material. His goal was to forge steel that would hold an edge longer and this unique approach spawned the first ever Buck knife. They may no longer be making knives by hand but the company is still run by its 4th generation of Buck Knives, and they hold true to their commitment to creating innovative products. When you pick up one of their knives the detail and craftsmanship are apparent and of a high standard that their loyal customers have come to expect.

On its own, the Buck Knives 119 weighs 7.5 oz, with a total weight of 11.1 oz that includes the leather sheath. Now that may not be normally light for a multi-use knife but users online rave at the weight balance evenly distributed between the blade and handle. This gave it the ability to be compact in its weight while conveying the feeling of sturdiness and well-made craftsmanship to the holder. This a relatively large knife with a blade length of about 6 in. and an overall length of the knife is 10.5 in. that can be easily carried, wielded, and put away quickly. Some retailers online and in-store offer a nylon sheath that cuts down a few ounces overall but the quality look also seems to diminish.

A nicely contoured base cradles your hand while the classic clip point blade deals with an assortment of tasks indoors, and ultimately showing its strength lies in the outdoors. A superior hunting knife allows good grip while still being flexible to movements during the cutting and skinning process of game preparation. The phenolic materials in the tapered handle hold onto hands while in use and the slightly curved edges of the handle keep them in place and safe from slipping onto the blade. The round edges and ergonomic design are supremely comfortable while using the 119 in any scenario. Even under the immense pressure of cutting wood or precision cutting, the user will be able to hold on with perfect ease and effectiveness.

Some would say the 420HC steel is not the best possible steel type available but is Buck's standard blade material. Harder than stainless, better than the industry norm for producing on a massive scale and offers some unexpected advantages. It's very easy to resharpen if the blade gets dull and is still durable even after constant use under immense pressure thanks to the Buck trade secret. The 420HC steel is heat treated so that it is corrosion resistant and has the strong edge retention they are famous for. By the process of heating, freezing and reheating they increase the holding power of the steel as it hardens to RC 58 on the Rockwell scale. The tang of the blade goes through to the base of the handle and because of the tough processes steel construction it can withstand the abuse of long term wear. Many say they know they can rely on the 119 sustainability to perform even on the most rigorous long-winded, hunting trips.

Featuring a unique crescent tip that thins out towards the end making for an extremely sharp point that allows better control during detail work and cutting in close places. This is an effective cutting style dependent on use but is also prone to breakage. The handle comes in colors black, red, natural bone, and genuine crown stag colors. All handles have a silver tip base and guard with the exception of the stag handle that curves down for use as the pommel. The design of the knife makes it a perfect addition to any hunting gear ideal for carving snares, notches, or traps into wood pieces and also skinning game, with the added bonus of easy concealment when needed. Material options for the handles are phenolic plastic, bone, or horn with an aluminum guard and pommel base (with no base on the staghorn).

This solid fixed blade is intended for outdoor use but still maintains incredible versatility and the well-made heft of a quality tool. Use it for any hunting or fishing related tasks such as trapping, field dressing, filleting fish, or skinning small rodents and quartering meat. With a rather sharp controllable point, the clip style blade is ideal for detail work, piercing and slicing through animal skin and hide. It can also be used while on an extended hiking trip to cut away at stray branches or feathering wood for kindle. While camping one user fastened this knife into the ground overnight as an extra tent peg. Many say they would leave bushcraft and survival needs off the long list of the 119’s abilities but it has proven to hold up exceedingly well if needed in a pinch. It is not suggested to baton, or chop wood in half, or other super intensive tasks as it is not designed to be hit with a hammer, we suggest soliciting the help of a machete or larger width blade to handle the heavy-duty chopping. Built as an effective light duty cutting tool that doesn’t have weak joints or components that may make the blade incapable of doing its job.

They’ve been making this knife, now referred to as the “Special”, virtually unchanged since 1955. While there are variations of steel grades that alter the blade thickness and a beautiful handle made from exotic Cocobolo wood, they are not shown as standard because some of these options almost double the price. Steel options are geared towards knife collectors with specific carry preferences either because of work style or personal taste and dictate the hardness, durability and corrosion resistance of the blade. S30V is a common blade option available that is used for high-end premium pocket knives or kitchen cutlery but it is difficult to sharpen at home and calls for special equipment. 5160 is an alloy “spring” steel blade option that is more impact-resistant for hack jobs and is commonly found in axes and hatchets. After 60 years of continuous production, there’s something for everyone with Buck knives.

Deciding on a specialty knife that fits your needs can be difficult with a lot of different blades and handle types available, and of course the price tags. With a brand like Buck Knives that’s been around the block -- or bush a few times, the 119 is a safe bet. The price of this knife is very reasonable when considering the different processes that the craftsman go through to build the handle one piece at a time and to reheat the steel ensuring durability. These knives range in price depending on which handle you choose but the combination of total fit and finish quality we think its a worthy investment.

Customers online say they continue to come back for Buck Knives' products through the years because of this companies commitment to standing behind its products. The Buck Forever Warranty is in place to guarantee the lifelong use of your knife. It will repair or replace any product with defects in the material or workmanship. According to the website, this warranty does not cover normal wear or misuse. If you use this knife as a hammer or pry bar and it breaks you will not be covered. It’s good to know the limits of these knives and do your homework before deciding on which type will best suit your needs.

The clip point blade shape enables the user to make a small puncture or a long cut within one swift motion. With a beautiful handle that not only looks great but is practical in use and grip, it is very easy to hold and manipulate even in wet, muddy, or bloody conditions. The curve of the blade paired with the finger guard keeping fingers safe from the blade and an ergonomic handle helps with overall sharp and concise cutting. Whether you are a serious or recreational hunter with a little bit of skill and practice you’ll be able to easily hold and control this lightweight hunting knife during any situation you find yourself in out in the wild.

Fixed onto your belt loop or hunting gear, the leather sheath holds the 119 securely in place. You will find a thin plastic insert within the sheath to keep this very sharp knife from piercing through. The knife can be quickly deployed with one hand or sit nice and tight without wiggling when not in use. Afterward, when the day is done the small leather strap that sits at the top of the sheath with a singular button snap keeps this Buck knife locked in position ready for tomorrow.

-A razor sharp 6” clip blade
-Weighs a solid 7.5 oz
-Excellent length: 10.5”
-Constructed with 420HC steel and full tang
-Strong, compact fixed blade knife
-Phenolic, Stag, or Bone handle options
-A comfortable silver pommel and guard
-Genuine leather or nylon sheath
-Made in the USA

For any skilled hunter, this is the perfect all-around knife capable of handling any task from filleting fish and even piercing bone. If you are searching for a great all-purpose fixed blade knife that is also strong enough to withstand a thorough beating in the field, this is the iconic choice. It's common to see plenty of knives that cost 10 times if not more in a collection and those pieces still don’t hold up as well or look as good. From its incredibly sleek phenolic handle with silver tipped handle to its bowie-style crescent tip 420HC blade, this cutting tool is equal parts style and utility -- and that’s just the start. This knife is perfectly balanced between handle and blade for the ultimate in cut control and sits in a premium leather snap-closure sheath. Proudly made in the USA with a long history of quality and durability in the name, the lifetime warranty is a testament to Buck and covers all production defects. This isn’t a hunting knife with super modern refinement or elaborate design, and you will find no advanced materials used on the Special. It’s a plain old-school, rugged hunting knife that your father or grandfather probably carried a version of. Even without all of the new age frills, the 119 holds its own against modern knives in honest ruggedness, durability, and performance. When you hold it feels like an heirloom knife with a legacy that you’d want to pass on for generations.