Gear Legends: Buck Knives Model 119

A History Spanning Generations

As a young man, Hoyt Buck served as an apprentice to a Kansas blacksmith. In search of a new method to temper steel, he handmade the first Buck Knife from a worn file blade in 1902. His handcrafted knives really began to be appreciated during World War II. With 40 years of knife-making experience, Buck created and released the Model 119 fixed-blade knife in 1942.

After the war, Hoyt’s oldest son, Al, moved from the Pacific Northwest to San Diego. In 1945, Hoyt and his wife followed their son, opening H.H. Buck and Son. After Hoyt’s passing, Al continued in the knife-making industry, incorporating the business as Buck Knives, Inc. in 1961.

Like his father did for him, Al involved his son, Chuck, in the business at an early age. Chuck’s wife, Lori, also became integral to the business. After incorporating the business, Buck Knives became a leader in the industry, revolutionizing the business when they unveiled a folding knife - the Model 110 Folding Hunter - in 1964.

After serving as President and CEO and continuing the family tradition, Chuck turned over the reins to his son, CJ, in 1999. Although Chuck passed in 2015, Lori continues to serve the company as a Board Member. CJ now serves as CEO, President, and Chairman. In 2005, Buck Knives moved their facility to Post Falls, Idaho where they continue to craft the Model 119 knife, as well as many other trustworthy products.

The Buck Model 119 Special Knife

An exemplar of the Buck Knives legacy, the Model 119 recently celebrated its 75th anniversary, and is one of the company’s best-selling knives of all time. Today’s Model 119 Special Knife features a 6-inch, satin finished, 420HC stainless steel, clip-shaped blade fitted to either a Dymondwood or Phenolic handle. The fixed-blade knife weighs 7.5 oz. and includes a genuine leather sheath for carrying on a belt or backpack.

The Model 119 is a well-built general-purpose knife, fit for any camping, fishing, or hunting adventure. The knife is Made in the USA and backed by the Buck Forever Warranty, which guarantees the knife is free of defects in material and workmanship for the life of the knife; otherwise, the knife will be repaired or replaced.

Cost: $96–$136

Contact: www.buckknives.com. 

How Old is My Knife?

If you own a Buck Knife, and are interested in its age, you can visit their website and use their “How Old is My Knife” page to compare stamped markings on your knife with their code chart to interpret and discover its origins.