If you are a hunter or outdoorsman, having a reliable and high-quality knife is essential.
Two of the most popular hunting knives on the market are the Buck 120 and the Buck 119.
Both knives are made by the same company and are designed for similar purposes, but they have some differences that make them better suited for different situations.
In this article, we will compare the Buck 120 vs 119 and help you determine which one is the better hunting knife for your needs.
Overview of Buck 120 and 119
Before we compare the two knives, let’s take a closer look at each of them:
Buck 120
The Buck 120 is a classic hunting knife that has been around for over 50 years.
It has a 6-inch clip-point blade made of 420HC stainless steel, which is known for its corrosion resistance and durability.
The handle is made of black Phenolic material, which provides a comfortable and secure grip. The knife weighs 6.3 ounces and comes with a leather sheath.
Buck 119
The Buck 119 is another classic hunting knife that has been around for over 75 years.
It has a 6-inch clip-point blade made of 420HC stainless steel, just like the Buck 120.
However, the handle is made of brown Phenolic material, which provides a different look and feel. The knife weighs 7.5 ounces and comes with a leather sheath.
Comparison of Buck 120 vs 119
Now that we have an overview of each knife, let’s compare them in more detail:
Blade Design
Both the Buck 120 and 119 have clip-point blades, which are designed for precision cutting and piercing.
However, the Buck 120 has a slightly thicker blade, which makes it better for heavy-duty tasks like chopping and batoning.
The Buck 119, on the other hand, has a thinner blade, which makes it better for slicing and skinning.
Winner: Tie (Depends on intended use)
Handle Material
The Buck 120 and 119 have different handle materials, but both are comfortable and provide a secure grip.
The black Phenolic handle on the Buck 120 is more resistant to scratches and wear, while the brown Phenolic handle on the Buck 119 provides a more traditional look and feel.
Winner: Tie (Depends on personal preference)
Weight
The Buck 120 weighs 6.3 ounces, while the Buck 119 weighs 7.5 ounces.
This makes the Buck 120 lighter and easier to carry, which can be an advantage for some hunters who value portability.
Winner: Buck 120
Price
The Buck 120 and 119 are both reasonably priced, with the Buck 120 being slightly more expensive.
However, the price difference is not significant enough to be a deciding factor for most buyers.
Winner: Tie
Durability
Both knives are made of the same 420HC stainless steel, which is known for its durability and corrosion resistance.
They also come with leather sheaths that protect the blades when not in use.
However, the Buck 120 has a thicker blade, which makes it slightly more durable for heavy-duty tasks.
Winner: Buck 120
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the Buck 120 and 119 are excellent hunting knives that are designed for similar purposes.
The Buck 120 has a thicker blade and is lighter, making it better for heavy-duty tasks and portability.
The Buck 119 has a thinner blade and a traditional look and feel.
Ultimately, the choice between the two knives comes down to personal preference and intended use.
FAQs
- Are the Buck 120 and 119 knives made in the USA?
Yes, both knives are proudly made in the USA by Buck Knives, a family-owned and operated company since 1902.
- Can these knives be used for survival situations?
While the Buck 120 and 119 are primarily designed for hunting, they can also be used in survival situations due to their durability and reliability. However, it is important to note that they are not specifically designed for survival and there are other knives on the market that may be better suited for that purpose.
- What is the blade angle on the Buck 120 and 119?
Both knives have a blade angle of 20 degrees, which is a common angle for hunting knives.
- How often do these knives need to be sharpened?
The frequency of sharpening will depend on how often the knife is used and how it is used. Generally, it is recommended to sharpen the knife after each use to maintain its edge and performance.
- Can the sheath be worn on the belt?
Yes, both knives come with a leather sheath that can be worn on a belt or attached to a backpack or other gear.