Opinions on the Buck 120 and 124

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Cameron Duck

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Mar 3, 2018
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Hey everyone I'm looking for your opinions on the Buck 120 and Buck 124.
I was gonna get the 124, my only problem with it was the length of the blade but I liked the way it was built, it was nice and strong.

Then I saw the 120 which has a blade more to my fitting but it doesn't look like it would be as efficient when it comes to camp work like splitting small pieces of wood for kindling. Also the 120 is a hell of a lot cheaper.

What are your experiences and opinions?
Thanks
 
I don't have a 120 or 124, but I do have a 119.
As far as I know, the only difference between the 119 Special and the120 General is the blade length. They have the same tang design. (So does the Ka-Bar, for that matter.)
I do not baton any of my knives.
If you are going to baton, I think the 124 would be the stronger of the two for that, but I still would not recommend it.

For batoning, have you considered a froe?
Buck makes a nice one. I think it is the only blade Buck makes that you can baton without voiding the warranty.
 
I'd pick the 124. I have it and the 120 and the 124 would be better for camp-full tang. Unless you are in a have to situation I would no baton with it. There are others better for that ie Schrade schf9, esse etc. I'm not a fan of batoning. Why not use a large hatchet if possible.
 
Cameron Duck said:
What are your experiences and opinions?
Click to expand...

honestlyinsane said:
But honestly I don't picture either as a well rounded camp knife.
Click to expand...

I agree with honestlyinsane. I have all of the 100 series and the one I use the most, in the field/camp is the 118. I find it the most versatile. For wood splitting I use an hatchet/axe, not a knife. A hand axe is very versatile and won't be damaged by batoning. Preston
 
120 is longer blade just not as wide. both are hollow ground in current production. so not great for batonning and torquing in dense wood. should fair similar in normal camping tasks other than 124 being a bit wider and thicker. i prefer the 120s handle thickness to the 124 as its very blocky. that said 124 is my favorite blade shape buck makes in larger blades.
 
Cameron, welcome. I have several of both models you ask about. I have used them both for camp duty and meat processing. I would not take
either one for malleting. I'd get a good hatchet. When you get a knife large enough for malleting and chopping then it becomes unwieldy for much camp work. I realize these activities are in vogue but practices need to change. DM
 
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Welcome to the Buck forum. I am glad you listened to all of the people on your other thread. I know the 124 is a lot more heavy duty, but the 120 or 119 are up to most tasks you should legitimately ask a knife to do. I have had a 120 for 35 or more years and it has never let me down as a camp knife.

Buck makes a bright red knife in a good carbon spring steel called the 104 Compadre Camp knife that should be nearly indestructible, though the blade is shorter than you want.

BU0104WAS.jpg


I usually carry a small, light hatchet for making feather sticks, making small kindling, and etc. You can get these that weigh no more than a big knife, and they are a lot more efficient at this sort of thing. My current favorite (though there are more expensive options) is the Gerber Bear Grylls (don't laugh) Survival Hatchet.

knifework-vsvii4vu.jpg

I like it because it is inexpensive, very light weight, and designed for camp chores.
 
The 124 is a lotta knife...thick n heavy.
Nothing wrong with that,it's a great,classic knife.
But as mentioned,a small hatchet is great for kindling,breaking down wood.
Then have a separate camp knife like the 119,105 or 120.
 
zakjak221 that is the 118 with the inverted stamp (upside down) in the picture, am I correct? Is the handle small like on the Buck 102? I have two Buck 118 and one looks like yours with the small pommel and it has a small handle similar to the 102. Also the clipped portion of the top of the blade at the front is sharp like my 2018 105 Pathfinder I just purchased. My other 4 spacer Buck 118 has a larger pommel and handle that looks just like the 105. And the clipped bevel on top near the blade tip makes a smooth transition rather than a sharp edge like the small pommel, small handled vintage 4 spacer Buck 118.
 
I agree with the above replys either a hatchet or froe, and a medium sized fixed blade. 119 would be the largest I'd go with.
 
A hatchet and a 105 for me. I think Buck would agree. :)

"Buck 105 Pathfinder - A heavy duty, all-purpose knife for general outdoor use. Ideal for those who need a rugged knife."
 
Council Tools makes a good hatchet. I am not certain what the current price is. GB and Wetterlings both make good small hatchets, too, but they are pricey and the OP wants to keep the cost down. I think on the other thread he was looking for a knife in the $50 range.
 
I like the 124. The 120 clip point is weaker than the 124 straight back. Like many have said wouldn't baton with either.
 
Cameron, another model that would be worth looking at is Buck's M9. It is a model that could take your idea of camp duty work. DM
 
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