Buck Knives 119 Special Fixed Blade Hunting Knife, 6" 420HC Blade, Black Phenolic Handle with Leather Sheath

Bought my brother this knife a long time ago and one of the reasons is because it looks like the scream knife just a bit smaller, my little brother just started getting into blades and his favorite horror villain is ghostface so I figured why not get him this knife and he tells me it's a sturdy American made beast with a nice leather sheath that comes with it. Overall he said the sharpness was great.

Durable like any other buck knife. Comes with sheath. Fits in my hand perfect to cut whatever is needed

After reviewing descriptions, photos, videos, and write-ups of several MADE IN USA fixed-blade knives, I selected the Buck 119 Special Pro. For my applications it is the right combination of total length, handle length, blade length, blade type, materials, etc. I also value the Micarta handle for its reduced slipperiness.The knife arrived promptly and in good condition. Upon opening I was pleased to see Buck's unusually good packaging. Their box system (overbox, box, interior platform) reminded me of Apple's. To me it says a lot about a company when their packaging is top quality.The knife, itself, arrived in perfect condition. Since I already have two "museum quality" knives that just sit in a drawer, I have vowed to really put this 119 to use in my forest - my intended application. So, I don't have any qualms about getting this knife messy. It is clearly up to the challenge.The hard and sharp 90 degree edges on the back of the blade are perfect for use with a ferro rod.The hilt is large enough to reduce the chance of any accidental cuts. And, it is asymetrical, enabling fine cutting work such as making feather sticks.The grip fits my hand nicely.The weight and balance suit me just fine.The blade alloy is excellent for my intended purposes.The thru-handle tang is what I need for my rough treatment.When it comes to knives, there is no such thing as the one perfect item. This 119 is now my largest knife and is great for the rugged, coarse work I do while maintaining my forest. It is an excellent compliment to my Leatherman multitool blade and my in-pocket Victorinox Classic. Buck offers a range (sizes, functions, etc.) of knives for this exact reason.I am 100% confident that this MADE IN AMERICA knife will do everything I ask of it for as long as I live.

Haven't used it hunting, but I did dress a brisket with it a few times and it did great. Comes very sharp out of the box, like most Buck knives I've bought. Sliced through everything easily and never had an issue with the handle feeling slippery.

The Buck 119 is my favorite fixed blade knife.It is the pinnacle of American-made steel and the quality is on par with Kabar or OKC. Every time I pull this knife out I hear the Star Spangled Banner and my palms get sweaty... One time I saw an eagle… That’s how freaking patriotic this blade is…This thing is sharp as the devil with a pronounced piercing clip point tip for precision cuts and skinning game. The factory grind on my blade has an unbelievably balanced secondary bevel and a well-defined point. Although I was wary of the synthetic resin-based phenolic handle material at first, I have grown to appreciate it a bit, though I would grab the “pro” micarta handle version if I could buy it again.Notable features of the blade:-6” of murder (take that Drew Barrymore), w/ 5.5” cutting area-Blade stock is 4.45mm thick (0.175”)-1.25” wide blade w/ a deep primary bevel (nearly 0.75”)-Hollow grind = slicer-Clip point = piercer-Blood groove / fuller on both sides is mostly cosmetic but I dig it-Satin finish, but with a very high polish420HC is a solid, workhorse steel with a bit higher hardness (~57HRC) but not quite as high as today’s premium steels like D2 (HRC 60). This should only make sharpening easier tho it may not hold an edge as long as fancier metal. 420HC is said to have moderate edge retention, but good corrosion resistance (unlike D2)… usually its a trade off so this steel is a good “middle way” or balance point between hardness, durability, edge retention, and corrosion resistance. Buck is said to have a special process where they freeze the steel and reheat it again to help improve hardness and edge retention. In fact 420HC is their base model for the 119. The S30V version of the 119 (HRC 60) gets even fancier, but also pricier… another trade off…But hey just note, this is a rat tail tang, meaning the blade stock tapers into the handle, though it does reach the aluminum pommel at the butt. Don’t get me wrong this is probably the highest quality rat tail you could buy hands down. Just don’t baton this guy into wood. I generally think that is a dumb idea.The 4.5” long contoured black phenolic handle is lightweight & comfortable in the hand with a 3.75” gripping area and a diameter of 1”. Balance point is at the index and feels easy to keep where you want it. Although it has a palm feel like cheap industrial plastic, I now appreciate the synthetic material as it easily wicks water and dramatically reduces the weight of the piece in your hand. High polished aluminum guard and pommel glisten radiantly in natural light and serve as both front and rear quillion for added security and control.The plastic-lined welted leather sheath is top dollar. The leather is 2.5mm thick and well-treated. It comes with a strong button snap located on the backside edge so you do not accidentally open it bumping into or walking past things. The sturdy loop on backside is fastened by two rivets for added security and can accommodate belts up to 2.75” wide. There is even a drain hole at the base of the sheath in case rain or moisture gets in there.My only complaint with the 119 is the phenolic handle is not textured and therefore provides little grip in inclement weather, but the same thing would happen anyway with a natural substance like bone… but if you want a solid grip you best get the micarta (“pro”) version.I own many knives and this is my absolute most precious favorite, a collection piece with a blade length that makes EDC a bit challenging at times, for me anyway, as most tasks I encounter do not require a 6" blade. Despite the fact that I do not readily carry this knife, I still cherish it more than my pricier blades cut from fancier steel… The 119 is one of the most iconic American knives ever made and it is no wonder it still has popularity today. This knife carries a legacy behind it. Honor that tradition with your own 119. Treat it precious like me or put it to work and beat it up good.Or just chase Drew Barrymore around the kitchen for a while…

so cool