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I've never owned one so I thought I'd give one a whirl. I saw that they have some in 5160 steel, so here is the 119 in brass and black.

The brass gives it a bit more heft in the ass end.

Nice Buck 119. I bought one of the Copper & Clad Buck 118 variations with brass and 5160 - was surprised at how much extra heft the brass added to the knife as compared to my old Buck 118 with the standard aluminum. The brass gives the knife a nice look as well.

I was thinking about either the 118 or the 105 next. Which one do you prefer?

I'm thinking the 118 would be nice in the tackle box.

I have both a Buck 105 and a 118 - the 118 is my hands down favorite deer hunters knife. The handles are the same size on the 105 and the 118. Both smaller than the 119 handle, but fit my hand very nicely for skinning and butchering without fatigue (unlike the 102 handle which is too small and tiresome to use). I like the 4" blade with some belly sweep on the 118 - good skinner and just the right length without getting in the way inside a smallish whitetail. I've never had a 118 in the tackle box (I use an old Buck 121 with the thin blade for a fish knife). Give the 118 a try, I think you will like it.

While not mentioned, and not available in 5160, the little Buck 103 deserves a look. It's a handy size/shape, and well balanced, and one of my favorites. After 52yrs it still hasn't been cut from the starting lineup, and for good reason.

I've already got a 119, but plan to pick up a brass 5160 version while they're available. Also a 75th anniversary for my dad's 75th birthday next month. I'm trying to time the purchase so the date on the box hits his birthday. He'll dig that.

+1 agree, the 103 is a great choice....and available in 5160.

Buck 103 5160

Thanks for the heads-up. I wasn't aware the little 103 was available in 5160. That's a VERY cool combo............that's heading towards my porch.

I've never had a 118, but the 105 is a favorite of mine. I bought a 102 but the knife is smaller than it looks and the handle is a bit too small. It is a good trout or steak knife and I gave it to one of my kids. I like the 118 better than the 119 for what I do, but I own both.

I like that! Never seen one with the brass trim! I might have to have one. What's the blade length on the 119 Model ?

6 inches

Beautiful knife SH. I have a vintage 119 from when they first came out and the steel is harder than a harlot's heart. It stays sharp a long time. I have always liked USA made Buck knives. I would call yours a "keeper".

and if you "stick" somebody, that blood groove will come in handy....

Thanks!

I have a 118 I use a lot. My only gripe is the tip has a little too much upsweep for my liking. Still works well and the dam things hold a real nice edge for me. The 105 is next on my list. I may have to check out the brass version.

Fullers (incorrectly called blood grooves) have nothing to do with blood. They're designed to lighten the blade while still providing strength to the spine.

That's what they make belt sanders for.....

I didn't care for the sweep on my Charlie May Skipjack, so I diddled it until I liked it.....

nice knife.
everybody should have at least one special.
mine are the plain black handle jobs.
i also have the old rubber handle version
with the lesser finished blade. #619

I have a plain Jane 119 with phenolic/stainless handle and the 420HC blade. Hell for stout, but a bit big for regular use but has it's place.

My 103 arrived today and as hoped, the fit/finish is very nice. No surprise, replacing aluminum hardware with brass adds some heft and gives the knife a very solid feel. I prefer the balance of the aluminum 103, but I can see where the larger models like the 119 and 120 would really change character for the better. I'm ordering a 119 next month.

My blade has 095 engraved on the port side. I didn't know it's a numbered run.

Where did you order the 103 from?