Buck 105 vs 119

After spending the last hunting season alternating between these two Buck classics, I can help you decide which one better suits your needs. At around $75 for the 105 and $85 for the 119, both offer excellent value for fixed-blade hunting knives. While they share Buck’s proven heat treat and traditional styling, their differences become apparent in actual field use.

History

The Buck 119 Special first hit the market in 1945 and quickly gained acceptance as the company’s flagship hunting knife. Al Buck designed it to meet the needs of returning WWII veterans who wanted a reliable outdoor knife. The 105 Pathfinder followed later, introduced in 1964 as a more compact alternative that maintained the 119’s proven characteristics. Both knives helped establish Buck’s reputation for quality hunting knives at reasonable prices. Their designs remained largely unchanged over decades, though Buck has updated their heat treating process and sheath materials. The 420HC steel, while considered basic by today’s standards, receives Buck’s proprietary heat treatment that significantly improves its performance.

Buck 105 vs 119: Technical Specifications

Buck 105 Pathfinder: Blade Length: 5.0 inches Overall Length: 9.5 inches Weight: 6.3 oz Steel: 420HC Handle: Black Phenolic Sheath: Genuine Leather Price Range: $70-85 Buck 119 Special: Blade Length: 6.0 inches Overall Length: 10.5 inches Weight: 7.5 oz Steel: 420HC Handle: Black Phenolic Sheath: Genuine Leather Price Range: $80-95

Buck 105 vs 119: Real-World Experience

I’ve carried both knives through multiple hunting seasons, processing everything from whitetail deer to elk. The differences in their performance become most apparent during actual field use. Breaking In Neither knife requires much break-in period. The phenolic handles arrive smooth but provide good grip out of the box. The leather sheaths need some conditioning and wear to conform properly to your belt. I treated both with leather conditioner and wore them for a week before hunting season. Daily Use The 105’s more compact size makes it easier to carry and maneuver. During a three-day deer hunt last October, I appreciated its lighter weight when covering rough terrain. The 119’s extra length caught on brush a little too often, though its longer blade was a plus when it came time to field dress game. Food Prep At hunting camp, both knives did a fine job with food prep. The 105’s more manageable size was great for detailed work, like chopping veggies and slicing meat. The 119’s longer blade made quick work of bigger tasks but felt a little unwieldy for finer cutting.Field Dressing Here’s where their differences really show. Processing a large buck, the 105’s shorter blade required more careful positioning during initial field dressing cuts, but offered better control around joints and during meat removal. The 119’s longer blade provided excellent reach for opening the body cavity and making long skinning cuts, though it sometimes felt oversized for detail work.

Buck 105 vs 119: Performance Details

Edge Retention Both knives use Buck’s 420HC steel with their proven heat treat. During last season’s elk hunt, I processed an entire animal with the 119 before needing more than a quick strop. The 105 handled two deer before requiring touch-up. While not premium steel, Buck’s heat treatment makes 420HC perform above its price point. Maintenance Needs These knives respond well to basic maintenance. I typically strop them every evening during hunting trips. When they need sharpening, standard stones work fine – no need for expensive diamond or ceramic systems. The 420HC takes a keen edge easily, making field maintenance straightforward. Carry Experience The 105’s leather sheath rides closer to the body and catches less on brush. During a steep mountain hunt last fall, I barely noticed it on my belt. The 119’s longer sheath tends to swing more while hiking, though its retention is slightly better. Both sheaths benefit from regular leather conditioning to prevent stiffening. Handle Comfort The 105’s handle suits medium to large hands well, providing enough grip for control without bulk. During a full day of processing, I experienced no hot spots. The 119’s longer handle offers more gripping options and excels with heavy gloves, though some users find it oversized for detail work. Real-World Limitations The 105 sometimes feels undersized for larger game – during elk season, I wished for more reach during initial field dressing. The 119 can be unwieldy for detailed cuts around joints and silver skin removal. Neither knife excels at heavy chopping tasks, though that’s not their intended purpose.

Buck 105 vs 119: Long-Term Assessment

After multiple seasons, both knives show minimal wear. The brass guards and pommels develop an attractive patina but remain functionally sound. The phenolic handles resist damage well, though they can scratch if abraded against rocks. The 420HC blades show no corrosion despite exposure to blood, rain, and snow. Buck’s heat treat proves its worth here – these knives maintain their edge better than other 420HC blades I’ve used. The leather sheaths age gracefully with proper care but need regular conditioning to prevent cracking. Future durability concerns are minimal. These designs have proven themselves over decades. The full-tang construction and solid materials should last generations with basic maintenance.

Buck 105 vs 119: Pros/Cons & Buying Guide

Buck 105 Advantages: Better control for detailed work Easier to carry and pack More versatile for general use Excellent for deer-sized game Buck 105 Limitations: Sometimes undersized for larger game Less reach for deep cavity cuts Shorter handle might not suit largest hands Buck 119 Advantages: Excellent for larger game Better reach for field dressing More leverage for tough cuts Traditional hunting knife aesthetic Buck 119 Limitations: Can be unwieldy for detail work Heavier to carry Longer sheath catches more on brush Best time to buy is usually during holiday sales or pre-hunting season promotions. Both knives typically see $15-20 discounts during these periods.

Buck 105 vs 119: Alternatives

Ka-Bar Becker BK2 ($90) Heavier and more robust than either Buck, the BK2 excels at tougher tasks but weighs significantly more. Better for camp chores than precise hunting work. Choose this if you need one knife for both hunting and heavy outdoor tasks. Ontario RAT-5 ($75) Similar size to the 105 but in D2 steel. Better edge retention but requires more maintenance to prevent rust. More tactical styling might not appeal to traditionalists. Consider this for improved edge retention at a similar price point.

Buck 105 vs 119: Final Thoughts

For most hunters, the Buck 105 provides better overall utility. Its size handles most tasks while maintaining excellent control. The 119 shines for larger game hunters or those preferring a more substantial knife. Both represent outstanding value in traditional hunting knives. The proven 420HC steel, Buck’s excellent heat treat, and lifetime warranty make either a safe investment. Choose based on your typical quarry size and comfort preferences rather than absolute performance metrics. Where to buy: I recommend authorized dealers like BladeHQ or Smoky Mountain Knife Works for authentic products and good customer service. Watch for holiday sales, particularly around Father’s Day and hunting season. For most users starting out, I’d recommend the 105 for its versatility. However, if you’re in the business of hunting larger game regularly or just like a more substantial knife, the extra length and leverage of the 119 may better suit your needs. In either case, you’re getting a proven design that will serve faithfully for years with basic care.