Buck 103 as EDC?

[shane]

I am looking for an EDC fixed blade and the knife looks fairly nice. I live in CT and the max blade length is 4” of sharpened edge. Anyone here carry a 103 or is there something better that is legal in CT? Thanks.

shane

 

[Enzo’s Woodshop]

It really just comes down to preference. Buck makes fantastic knives that require little to no maintenance. Can’t go wrong with a 103, if its design fits your needs.

Personally, I require a more agile tip to do much of the final detailing on my woodcarving projects on a daily basis, so I’d choose something else, like a 102. My most carried and most used knife overall is a Buck 119, but that is above the length limit you have.

I had to go to CT for a work thing a couple months ago, and while I was there I carried/used my Condor Mini Kephart. It really isn’t a Kephart, as the blade profile has a finer tip, but I really like it. I’ve had mine for about a year. It is in 1095, so it requires more attention to prevent rust than a Buck.

These days I’ve been carrying an LT Wright Boattail. If you want a fantastic whittler to EDC, it’s the best option I have personally experienced. Like with the Condor I mentioned above, it requires attention to prevent rust. This knife is in A2.

Out of the options I’ve mentioned, for a low-maintenance EDC I’d recommend the 102. It doesn’t care if you jump in a pool with it, rust seemingly can’t touch it. And I’ve found its blade profile to be extremely versatile and useful.

 

[pjsjr]

IMHO the 103 is a skinner and not suited for all purpose use. You might consider a from top to bottom, a 117, a 102, compared with a 103 and at the bottom a Gen 5 skinner. The 103's blade shape is the draw back for all purpose use. The 102's handle is small and can be problematic to prolonged use.

 

[shane]

Thanks for the suggestions. The 117 looks great but I have been unable to find one in stock. Will check out the LT Wright also.

 

[Xr6x]

Thanks for the suggestions. The 117 looks great but I have been unable to find one in stock. Will check out the LT Wright also.

Try Copper + Clad, they are a online Buck dealer and have the 117 in stock

 

[CVamberbonehead]

I know a lot of "bushcraft" people like carrying Nessmuk style knives like the 103, but personally I like a pointy knife because sometimes you need to poke into stuff. If you like that rounded kind of point then the 103 would be great, but it is a dedicated skinner by design. If you like the 117, check out the 105 too. Its a touch longer and very nice.

 

[Enzo’s Woodshop]

I know a lot of "bushcraft" people like carrying Nessmuk style knives like the 103, but personally I like a pointy knife because sometimes you need to poke into stuff. If you like that rounded kind of point then the 103 would be great, but it is a dedicated skinner by design. If you like the 117, check out the 105 too. Its a touch longer and very nice.

The 105 is very nice, but OP said 4” or less is his limit. 105 has a 5” blade.

But apart from that, I second the 105 recommendation for a good overall camp knife.

 

[Old Biker]

117

generation 5

113

Of the short fixed blade Bucks that I own, the 113 would be my first choice for nice looking EDC.

O.B.

 

[shane]

Try Copper + Clad, they are a online Buck dealer and have the 117 in stock

Perfect, thank you.

 

[shane]

117

generation 5

113

Of the short fixed blade Bucks that I own, the 113 would be my first choice for nice looking EDC.

O.B.

Thanks. They both look nice. The sharpened portion of the 117 looks like it is right at 4”, is that correct?

 

[pjsjr]

The sharpened portion of the 117 looks like it is right at 4”, is that correct?

That's what mine measured at

 

[Old Biker]

Thanks. They both look nice. The sharpened portion of the 117 looks like it is right at 4”, is that correct?

Depending how you measure it. If you measure from where the flat ends and the grind starts, it 4 1/8". If you measure from where the sharp edge starts after the sharpening notch it is right on 4". And of course if you measure from the end of the handle it is 4 1/2". Which is what Buck list in the specs.

O.B.

 

[pjsjr]

Another possible is the 116 Caper. Again a purpose designed blade, but, has been and could easily be made into a clip point. The handle is more robust than the 102's and there would be no question about the length of the cutting edge. a 116 might be a bit more difficult to acquire.

 

[bucksway]

I have 2 Gen-5's that are Blade Show award knives but I have been tempted to use them many times. When I find a regular one in 420 I will try it. It seems like the perfect small fixed blade with enough handle to get a secure grip.

 

[jbmonkey]

I'd ya modified the 103 like David Martin (R.I.P) did it'd make a fine everyday user.....I call it the 103DM

 

[pjsjr]

I'd ya modified the 103 like David Martin (R.I.P) did it'd make a fine everyday user.....I call it the 103DM

View attachment 2065193

Oh yeah, I forgot about that one, it's a nice mod, especially the stacked leather handle he did. Glad you remember it and him, may he rest in peace.

 

[Puggernaught]

I love that DM modified 103. I think I have seen that photo elsewhere on this forum and did not realize it was a 103 mod. Looks very handy.

 

[bratch]

117

generation 5

113

Of the short fixed blade Bucks that I own, the 113 would be my first choice for nice looking EDC.

O.B.

113 would be my pick as well for a Buck fixed EDC regardless or regulations but especially with the 4” limit. I’m still bummed I missed the 113 BoM a while back.


I always wouldn’t push the limits and try to argue that it’s only 4” sharpened when it’s easy to measure at 4.5”.

 

[TAH]

IMHO the 103 is a skinner and not suited for all purpose use. You might consider a from top to bottom, a 117, a 102, compared with a 103 and at the bottom a Gen 5 skinner. The 103's blade shape is the draw back for all purpose use. The 102's handle is small and can be problematic to prolonged use.

I would EDC a 103 just because they're so dang good looking. Always liked that knife.

pjsjr

 

[jb4570]

You have had some fantastic short Blade Bucks suggested so far. Now I will add a few more.

The Buck 196 discontinued but can be found in many configurations on the after market sites



The Buck 512 (fixed blade version of the 112, made for the BCCI) you have to join the BCCI as its still in the clubs store



The Buck 919 (made for Cabela's) Also discontinued and found after market. it came with Elk scales/mosaic pins, Elk scales/rivets, wood scales, or Paper stone scales