Buck 119 or kabar?

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milemaker13

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I'm thinking about getting a new full size knife. Basic camping/ zombie apocalypse use...

I have always like these two classic knives. The big buck 119 or the bigger full size kabar.

Since it will be a camp knife I am looking at the less expensive black & silver buck.

I'm reading some reviews the kabar has a painted blade vs the original blackened steel finish?? Also considering the black rubber handle over the stacked leather... Mistake?

What are your experiences, preferences and/or advice?

Btw- these couple knives I'm looking at cost about $55-$65....
 
They're all good knives. Rubber or synthetic handle is best, then wood. IMHO leather is the worst handle material in terms of durability and longevity and has no advantages over a properly contoured handle of wood or synthetic. IMHO, in your price range, you'll want to stick with 1095 or 1075 high carbon steel. Here are some more excellent choices (Running $65 and $64 respectively):

1086284 Ontario Knife Co RTAK-II Knife
41jcFWvAEPL.jpg
https://smile.amazon.com/1086284-On...r=8-1&keywords=ontario+fixed+blade+camp+knife


Condor Tool & Knife, Hudson Bay Camp Knife, 8in Blade, Walnut Handle with Sheath
41HoWNm8vqL.jpg

https://smile.amazon.com/Condor-Too...57506&sr=8-18&keywords=fixed+blade+camp+knife
 
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Why / when did they start "epoxy powder coating" the kabar blades? I'm not sure I like that... I have an el-cheapo knife with that kind of a finish and I'm not a fan.
 
I would go Buck 119 because I am pretty sure it is a full tang instead of a rat tail tang like the Ka-Bar. J
 
You are right, the 119 is not actually a full tang but it has a stick type, still bigger in section than what I see on a KaBar. I was thinking of the 124.
 
I'm a fan of Green River.
Pick your blade, make a sheath and you've got a heck of a knife for very few $$
 
I would say KaBar, but then I may be a little bias. I carried a KaBar made USMC Fighting knife, affectionately call KaBar by Marines. I carried mine around the world and a tour of combat. You pick the weather, me ant my KaBar saw it all. It’s a knive I trust with my life.
 
Made by KaBar.

The Becker BK16 a darn good choice with a 5" blade. The traditional 7" KaBar is just too big for general use. I added the aftermarket grips and bought a leather sheath online for mine

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_4_9?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=becker+bk16&sprefix=becker+bk,aps,168&crid=3ONF0Q5O45J02View attachment 787864

I agree with you to a point but IMHO you're out of the OP's stated price range. However, a Schrade that showed up in your search is a good choice. I read the OP as wanting a camp knife ... ie a large blade. The Schrade I saw in your search is:

41VyLR8jN7L.jpg

which is a pretty darn good 5+ " knife for $42:

https://smile.amazon.com/Schrade-SC...pID=41VyLR8jN7L&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch
 
Btw, way out of the stated price range and after many years of thought and research, here is what I came up with:

photo2_zpsa7b06e34 (2).jpg
photo1_zps55f4072e.jpg
photo_zpsf4f3a702 (1).jpg

Also btw, 100% Made in USA :)
 
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Get both, and if size is an issue? They have the Buck General, or Ontario carries more than a few... It comes down to how much of a blade you want between you and them, and what you think...
 
Get both, and if size is an issue? They have the Buck General, or Ontario carries more than a few... It comes down to how much of a blade you want between you and them, and what you think...:thumbup:
 
+1 on the kabar Bk-16. It’s my go-to camping and outdoors knife. I used it last weekend to get a campfire going and it’s a great, tough knife that takes a sharp edge.

Edited too add: just looked at the Buck. Great, now I want one.
 
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I was given a Buck 119 years ago by a friend and gave it to a different friend who needed a knife. They are good knives, though I never beat on it.
 
Knives. I admit to knife addiction. I have two kabars, an Ontario, a Green River, the Condor Hudson Bay .... the knife that I wear the most is an old cant get em anymore four inch pukko by Tapio Wirkala
 
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