Product Comparison: Buck Knives 119 Special vs Ka-Bar Knife (KB-1217)


General Specifications
Brand
Buck Knives
Ka-Bar
Model
119 Special
Knife (KB-1217)
Origin
USA
USA
About the Product
For the outdoorsmen who prefer the absolute solid feel of a fixed blade, Buck's best selling Model 119 Special sets the standard by which the others are measured.
The most famous fixed blade knife in the World - "the KA-BAR" - was designed to serve our troops during World War II and is still doing its job, with honors, 70+ years later.
Blade
Blade Type
Fixed
Fixed
Blade Length
6 in.
7 in.
Blade Material
420HC Stainless Steel
1095 Cro-Van
Blade Shape
Clip
Clip Point
Blade Thickness
0.175 in.
0.165 in.
What customers say about "Blade"
Buck Knives 119 Special Fixed Blade Knife with Leather Sheath
  • This knife holds an edge, and when it does need sharpening it's the easiest blade I've ever sharpened this size. It makes you love this blade.
  • Out of the box the Buck 119's 420HC BOS steel blade will shave your hairs, it comes razor sharp and well finished.
  • I am not a knife expert, but this blade feels so balanced and the finish quality is out of this world.
  • The blade is super sharp out of the box and it has excellent balance. Nice all around knife.
  • As it is though, the 119 is a handy size with its 6" blade and shorter and narrower handle.
Ka-Bar Knife (KB-1217) Full Size US Marine Corps Fighting Knife, Straight
  • Genuine KaBar, sharp enough to shave the hair off the back of my hand, and a quality leather sheath.
  • The steel is 1095 CroVan, which is awesome. You can sharpen this steel on virtually any rock you find with decent results.
  • Unlike harder blades, this one won't chip, crack, or break with abusive heavy work.
  • The clip point blade works great at piercing almost anything that isn't solid.
  • The edge arrived very sharp, without nicks or burrs. It's sufficiently thick at the base to withstand lateral forces.
Size & Weight
Height
1.5 in.
3.1 in.
Width
10.5 in.
11.875 in.
Depth
0.8 in.
2.2 in.
Weight
7.5 oz.
11.2 oz.
What customers say about "Size & Weight"
Buck Knives 119 Special Fixed Blade Knife with Leather Sheath
  • I like the weight, although perhaps it is slightly grip-heavy. I've used Buck knives for at least 30 years; the quality is still great.
  • The weight and balance are on point, the grip fits my hand, and that cutting edge is phenomenal.
  • Excellent quality, weight and handling and it comes super sharp out of the box.
  • The weight is just about perfect and the edge on it from the factory is surprisingly good.
  • This knife holds an edge, and when it does need sharpening it's the easiest blade I've ever sharpened this size.
Ka-Bar Knife (KB-1217) Full Size US Marine Corps Fighting Knife, Straight
  • A great knife to have. Perfect weight, balanced, and razor sharp.
  • The weight and balance of the knife in my hand just feels right. It has some heft to it but it's not too heavy. It feels well balanced.
  • The handle is comfortable. The knife has nice weight and balance and its made in up state New York. You can not get better then that!!
  • This knife has a very good weight to it and feels well built. The grip feels nice, and sure in your hand.
  • It's got a nice weight to it and I feel awesome carrying it on my hip when I go out.
Features
Color
Stainless Steel / Black
Black Matte / Brown
Handle Material
DymaLux® or Phenolic
Leather
Carry System
Genuine leather sheath
Leather sheath
Serrated Blade
No
No
Extras
Blade satin finish, Rockwell hardness RC 58
Tang stamped USMC, Flat Grind, Rockwell Hardness 56-58, 100% Leather Sheath
What customers say about "Features"
Buck Knives 119 Special Fixed Blade Knife with Leather Sheath
  • Typical flawless Buck knife. The first thing that struck me was the beautiful cocobolo wrap around handle.
  • Includes a thick leather sheath that secures the knife perfectly.
  • The sheath is a top quality leather sheath, not some plasticy nylon thing.
  • Over all this is just a great knife and the leather wrap around sheath is great.
  • The smooth black Phenolic handle looks nice, but it can get slippery depending on environmental conditions.
Ka-Bar Knife (KB-1217) Full Size US Marine Corps Fighting Knife, Straight
  • The USMC stamp and embossing is a plus.
  • The handle is made of compressed washers of leather with recessed spacers. It makes for a very hard handle that provides a good grip, dry or wet.
  • The solid metal pommel can be used for pounding and bashing. The metal finger guard prevents slippage of the hand onto the blade.
  • For most uses other than heavy bushcrafting, this knife is the perfect belt knife.
  • Tought, durable, classic leather handle(Real leather), VERY sharp. This came sharp enough to shave the hair off my arm.
Other Information
Manufacturer
MSRP
96.00 $
104.90 $
Other reviews