Buck 103

hiwa

hiwa

Joined
Jun 7, 2009
Messages
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I have this compelling urge to get a 103 , even though I don't hunt anymore. I really like short , thick, stout blades. This rules out the 102 and 105 for me. I really like the phenolic handle and fittings for sure. I have the Bucklite max (729) , but would like a more traditional knife.
Do you fellas with 103's use them for anything else beside skinning? I think with it's short size, it would be easy to carry around. My uses would be just about anything except skinning and batonning ( don't do much of either.)
A friend of mine had one years ago, his only knife he carried, and an axe.He said he used it for all kinds of stuff, as well as hunting.

I ask this here , seeing it is the place of Buck wisdom.:)
 
Hi hiwa, I have a 103.I use it to cut up veggies.It also holds and spreads Miracle whip and peanut butter,better than thinner bucks.It want reach the bottom of the pickle
jar like a 120 will but it is useful. Get one you will like it.:thumbup:
Hawkeye
 
HaHa!! The pickle jar is definately out of reach ! I think I saw your thread cutting up potatoes or something ;)
 
Wouldn't that depend on the size of the pickle jar ? Anyway, I think (espically the older ones) it is more knife than the 102, 105 or 118 . It has more strength and belly and enough length for most any job . I've used mine for numerous cutting chores including cutting up chickens, rope and leather craft . Plus lots of field dressing and camp chores . I like a knife with belly as I find that an asset in cutting . DM
 
David Martin said:
Anyway, I think (espically the older ones) it is more knife than the 102, 105 or 118 . It has more strength and belly and enough length for most any job . I've used mine for numerous cutting chores including cutting up chickens, rope and leather craft . Plus lots of field dressing and camp chores . I like a knife with belly as I find that an asset in cutting . DM
Click to expand...

:thumbup: I have an older one that Buck reprofiled the cutting edge on. I love it! I got it from a great fellow buck brother, and I tend only to use it for skinning. I would use it for other things but its irreplaceable :D (IMHO) Its one of bucks best designs!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
I think a fella should own a lot of Bucks but with regards to fixed blades, I think a 103 and 121 are a must have pair. If you decide you need a big hacker then get a 119 Special too. You may find the 105 a good substitute for the 121 but I like the extra length.

If cost is not an issue for you I would own all four without hestitation!
 
hiwa said:
HaHa!! The pickle jar is definately out of reach ! I think I saw your thread cutting up potatoes or something ;)
Click to expand...

Man there ain't no telling what I was cutting up.:eek:I think all my 103 pic's
are on my laptop that took the journey to the happy hunting ground.:mad:

But it's a great knife and like DM said for any cutting that takes a knife with a lot of belly.


Hawkeye
 
hiwa said:
I really like short , thick, stout blades.
Click to expand...

The older 103s have the thicker blade...I don't know when Buck went to a thinner blade.

The newer ones are definitely thinner. Preston
 
There's at least one "Vintage Buck 103 USA" (hint) on the Bay right now......think it has five days left. Looks like a good user and might go for a reasonable price.
 
David Martin said:
Hawk, Did it crash on you ? :o DM
Click to expand...

It did.Fell and broke the screen.:eek:Got a new one a while back.

Yes the old 103's are thicker.Wish I had one in 440c and had it done
like the artest preveously known as wh4f had his .That new taper thingy.
Some day.
 
postfallsidaho said:
:thumbup: I have an older one that Buck reprofiled the cutting edge on. I love it! I got it from a great fellow buck brother, and I tend only to use it for skinning. I would use it for other things but its irreplaceable :D (IMHO) Its one of bucks best designs!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Click to expand...

I'd love to see some pics of that old 103 you have with the custom grind,its gotta be sweet man.
 
OK ,Thanks Jim,Those old knives interest me for some reason,I love the look/feel not to mention the way they work for their intended use.
 
While reading this thread, it occured to me that the blade design of the 103 may go a lot further back than Buck and the knife I'm showing might have been the inspiration for it.

It's a Russell Green River that I bought quite afew years ago to go along with my mountain man outfit. It's a modern made model rather than an antique, but I understand that the design was the "go to" skinner for the fur trade trappers.

I can sure see a "family" resemblence".

103andRussellskinners.jpg
 
Other than length, the profile is a spittin' image of that Green river. Maybe it did influence Buck back in the day.
 
Sorry, I am not a photographer, but I think I got it for the most part. I sent it in to Joe at Buck and he put the E2K on it. Being the 440C blade is semi hollow ground and is alot thicker, it has a steep bevel to the edge. I took a pic comparing it to a modern 119. She is RAZOR sharp now, great for skinning! I don't think the edge would be as strong as the old way, but for a skinner, I am glad I did it! I always had a tough time getting those old blades sharp, not anymore ;)










http://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g224/wh4f/?action=view&current=Buck103010.jpg
 
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