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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

GREAT video! Love my Buck 119...

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!

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 🇺🇸

I can almost see my reflection off that mirror polished edge. Great review. Thank you for the tang stamp expiation.

Just got mine for Christmas, beautiful knife, even though I'm only 11, I've been wanting this knife for so long.

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

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

It wasn't my first knife, but it was the first fixed blade knife I bought brand new... what a classic!

I got a dueling 119 and a 120. I love em both!

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

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 💪🇺🇸

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.

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.

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 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!

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.

Thank you for taking your time to make a very informative video on the Buck 119.

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.

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.

I love your comment about the knife almost helping you to sharpen...I know exactly what you mean

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.

American made beauty

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 use this for self-defense. In KY you're only allowed to carry concealed pocket or hunting knives.

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.

My 119 has no sign after the model number. Just 119. It's an oldie but a goodie.

Beautiful blade ! I have always promised myself one but never got round to buying one !

That mirror edging is beautiful. I bought my knife yesterday but looks old compare that sharp and shiny finish.

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!

Old School awesome! I've always like the classic Buck knives.

It's a great old company! I just wish they'd bring to market some more current and competitive folders.

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'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.

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.

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.

Mine is a heck of a lot of older. I bought it, a skinner, and a lock back a long, long time ago.

Buck 119 i got one in 1980 still have it today used on deer , bear, fish, pigs,and birds

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.

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 have the 1967 version left to me by my father ,the blade is pretty knocked up, any suggestions on getting rid of scratches

Nice knifes and cool history lesson.

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.

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 :)

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.

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...

Watched you on and off for a couple years, no clue why I never subscribed man, good video, keep it up

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.

beautiful knifes man i just picked one up yesterday love the vid man

Thanks, mate! What a great value!

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'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! :)

My go to for 20+ years.

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..

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.

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.

They started with 440c for a very long time then went to 425m in the 90s the 91 is 425m

Awesome video thanks for sharing. Where can I find that list you have to get the dates the knife was made?

I’m thinking of getting one of these for my dad, should I, you think he’ll like it?

I've had mine since 1975.

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 KZfaq. It’s not a rat tail tang at all. Good knife.

Trying to figure out the date of my Buck 119. There is no symbol next to the 119...

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 :)

used in "scream"

Tradition,classic,durable,reliable,used by grandpa,a collectable

It’s .170” thick across the spine. So 11/64” = .1718” and 3/16” = .1875 so 11/64” is closer. I used a Mitutoyo caliper to check 😉 nicer review!

What a beautiful edge *claps slowly*

BUCK LIFE!! great video my friend!

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.

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 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

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.

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.

How do you shine and or polish and sharpen your knifes

I got mine from Walmart in 1988 my first knife.

Thanks, my friend!

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.

Today's your day, Owen!

The edge is awesome ! What tool did you use to polish it to that shiny?

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.

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" :)

I saw the inverted U which places mine in the year 1997 production

Hello my friend, I just wanted to say hello and that I think both of those Bucks are great knives and I own one of them myself, but what I'm really interested in is one of the old original Bucks, one that was hand made from a file. I have searched the internet and any other outlet I could think of with no luck. I thought I would try my luck with you and see if you may know someone who could help me out with the hunt for a original Buck, when he first started making his knives they were made from old files at his home, I have 2 of his smaller knives from files that my father passed on to me and now I am looking for one of the larger examples, but so far with no luck, I am not a rich man with a huge collection just a simple man who loves the older knives and collect them when I get the opportunity, I have a couple of old Bob Loveless knives which also came from my father who was in the Navy with Mr loveless, anyway, any help you can give would be greatly appreciated

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