Recommendation? Buck 192 Vanguard vs Buck 119B Special

B

Braamje123

Joined
Dec 9, 2019
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Hi all,

I'm new here and I'm looking for my first serious knife to buy. I have owned a Swiss Army Knife (Victorinox multi-tool knife basically) and a Gerber Kettlebell which is meh... I don't know a lot about knives, other than the different kinds there are (bushcraft, hunting, survival etc.)

I'm a scouts leader and will be using the knife mainly for some light bushcraft (We have axes for the heavy work), camping stuff (cooking and lighting fires) and food preparations.

I'm eyeing the Buck Vanguard and the Buck 119B Special, both of which are hunter knives. I know hunter knives are not ideal for these tasks, although I have seen people use these two for some of the aforementioned tasks in Youtube reviews.
I really like both of these knives because of their looks. Since I'm a newbie I wouldn't really care about the brand, but I've heard very good stories about Buck and many people have them in very high regard, so I'm inclined to go for an American made Buck (because of the Bos Heat Treatment).

I live in Europe so the prices are different but both of these knives sell for between €80 and €100.

Could anyone tell me if these knives are good for the things I want to do with them or does anyone have better options?

Thanks in advance!
 
The 119 is just fine for this.

Don't see why the vanguard wouldn't though I don't have one.
 
Both would be good choices. If you haven't seen the buck selkirk is more aimed at the bushcraft work, or the compadre. However, I do enjoy my 119. For light bushcraft, it's a great knife. The tip is a bit fragile but I like clip points and prefer them most of the time anyway. The downside on the 119's slip point is it has a swedge/false edge so if you use your thumb for carving, it's uncomfortable. This is where some of the less expensive knives are nice, no qualms about minor modifications, like sanding that a little to round it off.

The best thing you can do is try some stuff and see what works for your preferences. There are many similarities that people like, but eventually we start to get into personal tastes, if given the option.

Another good USA brand is the kabar USMC, which I honestly think is one of the best bigger blades that will work well for bushcraft. I take the back guard off with a hack saw and then smooth it out so what's left of the guard isn't sharp.

Side question: what kind of scout leader are you? Is it like a boy scouts of America kind of thing, where you teach our youth about the great outdoors? Curious on some of the backstory there. Feel free to email me at if you're interested in some more in-depth discussion on that that may bog this thread down too much.
 
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I like the Buck Vanguard for its size, overall feel and control. You should also consider SK Blades "Frontier", a Buck104 Compadre with D2 steel, Full Flat Grind, Burlap Micarta Handle.
 
bikerector said:
Both would be good choices. If you haven't seen the buck selkirk is more aimed at the bushcraft work, or the compadre. However, I do enjoy my 119. For light bushcraft, it's a great knife. The tip is a bit fragile but I like clip points and prefer them most of the time anyway. The downside on the 119's slip point is it has a swedge/false edge so if you use your thumb for carving, it's uncomfortable. This is where some of the less expensive knives are nice, no qualms about minor modifications, like sanding that a little to round it off.

The best thing you can do is try some stuff and see what works for your preferences. There are many similarities that people like, but eventually we start to get into personal tastes, if given the option.

Another good USA brand is the kabar USMC, which I honestly think is one of the best bigger blades that will work well for bushcraft. I take the back guard off with a hack saw and then smooth it out so what's left of the guard isn't sharp.

Side question: what kind of scout leader are you? Is it like a boy scouts of America kind of thing, where you teach our youth about the great outdoors? Curious on some of the backstory there. Feel free to email me at if you're interested in some more in-depth discussion on that that may bog this thread down too much.
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Thanks for the reply! I feel the KA-BAR is a tad too big for me. The 119 might be a bit too big as well, but I'd have to see and hold it first. Will send you an email later, I'd like to have a discussion with someone from another country about scouting!
 
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Braamje123 said:
Could you give me an explanation why you think the 119 is a good knife for these tasks? I'd like to learn a bit...
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Essentially there's just not much I can say to steer you away from it.
I've used mine a number of times when shaping hickory tool handles and while I had to switch to the slipjoint in my pocket a few times there's not really much it didn't handle.

It cuts well fills the hand well the steel is good and it's easy to keep sharp.
You may find the guard gets in the way but it didn't bother me.
 
Either will work.
It comes down to what blade length you want.
If you want a long blade, get the 119.
If you prefer a shorter blade, get the Vanguard.

Personally, if it were me (keep in mind I am a cheapskate) I'd get a Mora Number 1 or Number 2 (or two of them) and use the rest of the money for something else I need.
 
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afishhunter said:
Personally, if it were me (keep in mind I am a cheapskate) I'd get a Mora Number 1 or Number 2 (or two of them) and use the rest of the money for something else I need.
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Like a bahco saw :).

I assumed the OP knew about mora, being from Europe, and chose to look at buck as a more premium option. I will admit, I really want to try a kansbol with the multi-mount sheath. Seems so versatile, with sheaths being as important as the knife when looking at fixed blades.
 
Indeed I have looked at Mora and we have a few Moras we use for food prep. While I do like them, I find them to be a bit on the short side when prepping firewood and such things and they are really rough for slicing, something which I think comes from the edge grind? The Moras I saw that were more the size I wanted were true “bushcraft” knives and around the same price as the Buck 119. For that money I’d rather have a Buck. The heating process is said to be very good and they have a really classic look which I like. Also would be a bit better for slicing and food prep by nature of the grind I can imagine?(like I said, still a newbie so not sure about this).

Then for 20 euros more I’d have the smaller but very good looking Vanguard, also with a hollow grind so better for slicing.
 
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Braamje123 said:
Indeed I have looked at Mora and we have a few Moras we use for food prep. While I do like them, I find them to be a bit on the short side when prepping firewood and such things and they are really rough for slicing, something which I think comes from the edge grind? The Moras I saw that were more the size I wanted were true “bushcraft” knives and around the same price as the Buck 119. For that money I’d rather have a Buck. The heating process is said to be very good and they have a really classic look which I like. Also would be a bit better for slicing and food prep by nature of the grind I can imagine?(like I said, still a newbie so not sure about this).

Then for 20 euros more I’d have the smaller but very good looking Vanguard, also with a hollow grind so better for slicing.
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I think if a mora feels small, the 119 is the better fit for you, of the two buck knives mentioned. They certainly slice better than a mora. I personally don't like scandi grinds for anything other than wood work, for the reason you mentioned. I find other grinds more versatile. But, a scandi can tear up some wood if you have a lot of it to do.
 
I would never recommend the 119 for this purpose.

If I had to choose between the two, I'd go for the Vanguard. This is because it lacks the rear crossguard and that means you can rest your finger on the back of the blade. You can also use more kinds of grips on this knife, which are techniques in bushcrafting.

However, neither of the two are geared for bushcrafting and I would definitely look at other options too. The Buck Selkirk is definitely a solid choice (I would take it over the Vanguard).

Given that you are in Europe and your pricerange, I would recommend that you also look at brands like Helle and EnZo (soon to rebranded to Brisa, IIRC).
 
I'm a big fan of both the 119 and Vanguard but for your intended use I'd suggest the Buck Mesa. I picked this one up at Wally World a while back for about $40.
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Braamje123 said:
Indeed I have looked at Mora and we have a few Moras we use for food prep. While I do like them, I find them to be a bit on the short side when prepping firewood and such things and they are really rough for slicing, something which I think comes from the edge grind? The Moras I saw that were more the size I wanted were true “bushcraft” knives and around the same price as the Buck 119. For that money I’d rather have a Buck. The heating process is said to be very good and they have a really classic look which I like. Also would be a bit better for slicing and food prep by nature of the grind I can imagine?(like I said, still a newbie so not sure about this).

Then for 20 euros more I’d have the smaller but very good looking Vanguard, also with a hollow grind so better for slicing.
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Well, you won't ever go wrong with Buck. They have one of the best warranties anywhere. I've had a bunch over the years, from a 307 Stockman folder to 119s, numerous 110s and a gorgeous little 112 with oak grips from Buck's Custom Shop. Currently I have a 212 Ranger coming from Copper & Clad.
 
You probably won't go wrong with a Buck. Of the knives mentioned so far, I own a Mesa and like it for woods use. I even put it in service last week to make a few cuts on the Thanksgiving turkey. But the finger guard makes it less useful on a cutting board. And the sheath is plastic, for better or worse.

I like the looks of the Selkirk. Looks like a flat grind, which I like, and the knife is pleasing to my eye. The flat spine seems more useful than a guard getting in the way of your thumb. But it's not USA made, if that makes a difference to you. And it looks like the latest version comes with another plastic sheath. (I thought last year's came with nylon. But I may be remembering wrong.)

You mentioned food prep. It seems like that's most of what I use a knife for when camping. And most sheath knives aren't ideal, IMO. The shape and the guard mean that a cutting board has to be placed all the way on the edge of the table to get any blade in play when slicing. Otherwise, only the tip and belly reach the flat surface. I'm curious about the Canadian pattern, but I haven't tried one yet. Grohmann, in Canada, and Murphy, in New York, both make them. Cold Steel makes a very inexpensive version. And a few bench/custom shops make their versions.
 
Btw, I used to be a scout leader in the Netherlands for a couple of years. If you happen to be close, you can hit me up to take a look at my collection and handle some of the knives. (I have a few of the knives mentioned in this thread).

I am thinking about selling a few knives, too. I'd give you a discount because you're a scout leader.
 
number9 said:
You probably won't go wrong with a Buck. Of the knives mentioned so far, I own a Mesa and like it for woods use. I even put it in service last week to make a few cuts on the Thanksgiving turkey. But the finger guard makes it less useful on a cutting board. And the sheath is plastic, for better or worse.

I like the looks of the Selkirk. Looks like a flat grind, which I like, and the knife is pleasing to my eye. The flat spine seems more useful than a guard getting in the way of your thumb. But it's not USA made, if that makes a difference to you. And it looks like the latest version comes with another plastic sheath. (I thought last year's came with nylon. But I may be remembering wrong.)

You mentioned food prep. It seems like that's most of what I use a knife for when camping. And most sheath knives aren't ideal, IMO. The shape and the guard mean that a cutting board has to be placed all the way on the edge of the table to get any blade in play when slicing. Otherwise, only the tip and belly reach the flat surface. I'm curious about the Canadian pattern, but I haven't tried one yet. Grohmann, in Canada, and Murphy, in New York, both make them. Cold Steel makes a very inexpensive version. And a few bench/custom shops make their versions.
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The Canadian belt knife design is great for food prep. This is a custom from JK Knives I requested with some personal adjustments to suit my desires.

YxavlWNl.jpg


While I agree that guards can get in the way when cutting on a flat surface, I don't think it's really that big of an issue in use unless you have a big guard on a short knife. But, if used solely for food prep, a traditional style hunting knife isn't the best from a design standpoint, though the slicier edges are nice. I think Buck's open season line would be better suited for strictly food prep as they have a nice negative angle and lack a guard, while retaining the thin hollow grind from many of their other knives.
 
Lodd said:
Btw, I used to be a scout leader in the Netherlands for a couple of years. If you happen to be close, you can hit me up to take a look at my collection and handle some of the knives. (I have a few of the knives mentioned in this thread).

I am thinking about selling a few knives, too. I'd give you a discount because you're a scout leader.
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I'm from the Netherlands as well! Very nice to offer me to come take a look, thanks! I do not have very much time in the upcoming weeks and I wanted to buy myself a knife around Christmas, so I think I'll have to pass on the opportunity sadly. Meanwhile.... What's your experience with the reaction of people when having a knife on your belt of in your pocket within scouting? Since it's the Netherlands I cannot (and do not intend to) wear the blade in public, but for camping and hiking and some of the attendances I want to take it along with me (maybe in my backpack). What are your thoughts on this?
 
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