I don't know exactly what the purpose of the "upsweep" angle is, but I can tell you what it's handy for. The 102 is my favorite bird hunting knife, and I've used it on pheasant, grouse, different kinds of geese, and turkeys. That angle works really well when you are breasting out a large bird like a turkey or goose. Almost like it's trying to imitate a fillet knife or a boning knife. The fact that it's so handy as a camping/firecraft knife makes it even more awesome to me. It's one of those knives that if I ever lost it, I would immediately replace it. Thanks for the great video!
Have this 102, a 115, and a 119, all with the black Micarta handle. Great knives. However, I find the Micarta handle to be the proverbial "slicker than snot" once blood or fat gets on the handle. Actually dangerous. Also, have the 102 size with a rubberized handle. Absolutely zero slip when blood and fat get on it during skinning. Anyone else experience that? Really enjoy Buck knives. Great company, Customer Service. And, the Buck family has strong Christian faith and principles.
You sure you don't mean black phenolic resin? Canvas Micarta grips like crazy when it's wet. The knife in this video is using Buck's phenolic resin\Bakelite handle option, not Micarta. Afaik, this knife comes in resin or wood for the standard options as well as Micarta in the 102 Pro model.
I just bought a Buck 102 recently and have been trying it out as a daily carry. Very comfortable to carry, only slightly more obtrusive than my 112, but not bad at all. Thanks
Great Review I am looking at the 102 or 117 for EDC, I think the 102 works and is durable enough based on your review, I was a little worried about the handle length but you seemed to have no problems.
I just bought one (102) and I see the same slant you see on yours! At first I was very discouraged about it ; however after watching your video it appears that it’s just the way buck made them!
All Buck 102s have that slight "upsweep" to the blade. I've read an explanation but I can't find it right now. As I recall, it had something to do with improved handling when cutting, keeping the knife from rotating in the hand. Maybe because the knife is relatively small and might be prone to twisting about the longitudinal axis? I dunno. I think I read it on Blade Forums...
By the way, the Western L66 has a very similar configuration, and it's not too dissimilar from the 102 in overall size. I think the 102 dates to the early 50s; the L66 may go back at least as far as the 40s. Maybe Buck took some inspiration from Western? I need to take a picture of my 102 and L66 together and post on Blade Forums to see what people think about this. Here's a good link to info about the Western line of knives: www.hwsportsman.net/WesternKnives.html .
Man I really regret missing the open box sale I found on this! Amazon had one brand new just open box for what was it 28 dollars! So so so regret that, now its 58 or so. Ugh lol. For one, I love the looks and design of the knife and the sheath and two I think my old old buck knife my dad gave me would fit in that darn sheath. I love the paracord necklace, its a light knife and would be perfect for a necker. I need to learn that slip knot type of system you have made on the cord though. It's not just you, the buck I mentioned from my dad is same exact similar shape as this and I noticed that too on mine! Jeez I am really having regrets not getting that open box deal..dam! That was a steal of a deal, did not have the funds to spend though womp womp lol. Man this thing is so beautiful for sure! I beat the living daylights out of mine too, like this one it can take a darn beating! I almost feel they are the same exact knife, just a different styled handle on mine....hmmmm. Did you ever see it? Wasn't the best of a look or review, old old video of mine....I rambled too much cause back then I was extreme nervous talking to a camera. Anywho, love this thing man and love this video...I so got to get one :) Have an amazing week my friend
I think it is slightly angled in towards the spine, but I think that’s a deliberate choice for a buttery-smooth slicing action. Sharpen one of those things up & strop it, it cuts really slick with a lot of fine control over your cuts. You pretty much just have to think about it & your cut is finished.
i agree about how the blade kicks out to the left. i have 3x 102's. great fireplace tool. get a kydex pocket clip sheath. carries well where a folder does. get a d2 or s45v version while you can, the build quality is better with them
My 102 has the same issue. Looks like the handle and blade don’t line up properly. I have approximately 100 knives. And this is my daily carry knife. I don’t leave home without it. Sometimes i add a folder to the mix. But it’s the best edc fixed blade i can ask for. And i beat mine hard. But it’s still alive. Awesome knife!
Johnny Juke sure did. I watched that one first. I love my 102. Love my other knives too. I own the 110 the 119 and about 10 other buck knives that i love and use. But only on occasion. The 102 is light, tough and practical. Why wouldn’t i want to carry it everywhere.
It's such a beautiful knife. I just ordered one, so the 119 will have a little brother.. But you're so right: The blade is kind of kicked up slightly. When I first saw the knife, I thought there must be something slightly wrong with. (Or is there a special design idea behind it?). However, I fell in love with it. Great you noticed it too, never heard or read anyone mention it.
I have the exact knife case. Red divider and all. Lol. Looks the same with all different knives . I wondered how durable my Buck 102 is. Your cut away to you bashing it and splitting wood with it and stuff, let me know, IT'S TOUGH! I have an older version that has a different sheath that is 1 solid piece with 102 on the back. Mine has no "dots" or whatever that is. I like how it shines up, even the handle gets mirror like. I like my 102 Buck
Yea. Tac and gideonstactical have some corny intros. If you want a really good laugh , those two above. Intros to these kind of videos are by people who have some strange egos. Also fighting knives aren’t for woodcraft . Idiots . Clean knife . That thing is sick .
I don't know exactly what the purpose of the "upsweep" angle is, but I can tell you what it's handy for. The 102 is my favorite bird hunting knife, and I've used it on pheasant, grouse, different kinds of geese, and turkeys. That angle works really well when you are breasting out a large bird like a turkey or goose. Almost like it's trying to imitate a fillet knife or a boning knife. The fact that it's so handy as a camping/firecraft knife makes it even more awesome to me. It's one of those knives that if I ever lost it, I would immediately replace it. Thanks for the great video!
Fantastic comment!
Have this 102, a 115, and a 119, all with the black Micarta handle. Great knives. However, I find the Micarta handle to be the proverbial "slicker than snot" once blood or fat gets on the handle. Actually dangerous. Also, have the 102 size with a rubberized handle. Absolutely zero slip when blood and fat get on it during skinning. Anyone else experience that? Really enjoy Buck knives. Great company, Customer Service. And, the Buck family has strong Christian faith and principles.
Great observations and fantastic comment, Thanks for sharing! 😀😀😀
You sure you don't mean black phenolic resin? Canvas Micarta grips like crazy when it's wet. The knife in this video is using Buck's phenolic resin\Bakelite handle option, not Micarta. Afaik, this knife comes in resin or wood for the standard options as well as Micarta in the 102 Pro model.
I agree 1000000%
My new Buck 102 Woodsman with cherrywood, the blade is also not straight, I guess it's a built-in design? Good review, I liked it.
I just bought a Buck 102 recently and have been trying it out as a daily carry. Very comfortable to carry, only slightly more obtrusive than my 112, but not bad at all. Thanks
You're right, the blade is kicked out. All of them.
Great Review I am looking at the 102 or 117 for EDC, I think the 102 works and is durable enough based on your review, I was a little worried about the handle length but you seemed to have no problems.
Analise this , no matter how bad you feel , always look marvelous ,
The sweep in my observation is typical of a trout and bird knife. Although, I've taken apart deer with this one.
I just bought one (102) and I see the same slant you see on yours! At first I was very discouraged about it ; however after watching your video it appears that it’s just the way buck made them!
It’s really nice!
I’m going to try to pick one up
Not just. you, the blade on my 102 does the same. By design. Great review, as usual.
All Buck 102s have that slight "upsweep" to the blade. I've read an explanation but I can't find it right now. As I recall, it had something to do with improved handling when cutting, keeping the knife from rotating in the hand. Maybe because the knife is relatively small and might be prone to twisting about the longitudinal axis? I dunno. I think I read it on Blade Forums...
Thanks Im glad its not just my OCD again!
By the way, the Western L66 has a very similar configuration, and it's not too dissimilar from the 102 in overall size. I think the 102 dates to the early 50s; the L66 may go back at least as far as the 40s. Maybe Buck took some inspiration from Western? I need to take a picture of my 102 and L66 together and post on Blade Forums to see what people think about this. Here's a good link to info about the Western line of knives: www.hwsportsman.net/WesternKnives.html .
Great article. I really liked the Model 648A. I had something similar, but much cheaper when I was a small boy. Thanks for posting!
Man I really regret missing the open box sale I found on this! Amazon had one brand new just open box for what was it 28 dollars! So so so regret that, now its 58 or so. Ugh lol. For one, I love the looks and design of the knife and the sheath and two I think my old old buck knife my dad gave me would fit in that darn sheath. I love the paracord necklace, its a light knife and would be perfect for a necker. I need to learn that slip knot type of system you have made on the cord though.
It's not just you, the buck I mentioned from my dad is same exact similar shape as this and I noticed that too on mine! Jeez I am really having regrets not getting that open box deal..dam! That was a steal of a deal, did not have the funds to spend though womp womp lol. Man this thing is so beautiful for sure!
I beat the living daylights out of mine too, like this one it can take a darn beating! I almost feel they are the same exact knife, just a different styled handle on mine....hmmmm. Did you ever see it? Wasn't the best of a look or review, old old video of mine....I rambled too much cause back then I was extreme nervous talking to a camera.
Anywho, love this thing man and love this video...I so got to get one :) Have an amazing week my friend
60 is nothing for a knife of this quality.
I think it is slightly angled in towards the spine, but I think that’s a deliberate choice for a buttery-smooth slicing action.
Sharpen one of those things up & strop it, it cuts really slick with a lot of fine control over your cuts. You pretty much just have to think about it & your cut is finished.
i agree about how the blade kicks out to the left. i have 3x 102's. great fireplace tool. get a kydex pocket clip sheath. carries well where a folder does. get a d2 or s45v version while you can, the build quality is better with them
They look sway backed to my eye as well.
I love the 117 I wish buck would make it a regular.
Buck is selling two versions of the 117 Brahma in 2023! Whoo hoo!
Just got a 119, hope to get a 102 as well.
My 102 has the same issue. Looks like the handle and blade don’t line up properly. I have approximately 100 knives. And this is my daily carry knife. I don’t leave home without it. Sometimes i add a folder to the mix. But it’s the best edc fixed blade i can ask for. And i beat mine hard. But it’s still alive. Awesome knife!
Have you seen my video of this one in the woods?
Johnny Juke sure did. I watched that one first. I love my 102. Love my other knives too. I own the 110 the 119 and about 10 other buck knives that i love and use. But only on occasion. The 102 is light, tough and practical. Why wouldn’t i want to carry it everywhere.
Great knife!
It's such a beautiful knife. I just ordered one, so the 119 will have a little brother.. But you're so right: The blade is kind of kicked up slightly. When I first saw the knife, I thought there must be something slightly wrong with. (Or is there a special design idea behind it?). However, I fell in love with it. Great you noticed it too, never heard or read anyone mention it.
I got one and i'm also going to add something to the handle for better grip. Tennis racket tape? Or maybe something like electric tape
I have the exact knife case. Red divider and all. Lol. Looks the same with all different knives . I wondered how durable my Buck 102 is. Your cut away to you bashing it and splitting wood with it and stuff, let me know, IT'S TOUGH! I have an older version that has a different sheath that is 1 solid piece with 102 on the back. Mine has no "dots" or whatever that is. I like how it shines up, even the handle gets mirror like. I like my 102 Buck
I’ll take the Buck 102 all day long against those comparisons. Now they make a Micarta and S35VN steel blade.
Um, do you know why mine would have the "buck 102 USA" upside-down?
Not sure.
Should I get one? I have the 119 Special.
Affirmative!
YES! The perceived blade angle ruins this knife for me. I've tried to like the knife, but I can't get past that.
Don't let that throw you off. This is a must have, if you can get one. Find my video when I took it into the woods.
@@JohnnyJuke Oh, I do own one, but I never use it, for the above mentioned reason. I actually own the full "set" 102, 103, 105, 119, and the 120.
Yea. Tac and gideonstactical have some corny intros. If you want a really good laugh , those two above. Intros to these kind of videos are by people who have some strange egos. Also fighting knives aren’t for woodcraft . Idiots . Clean knife . That thing is sick .
Quit smoking them lefthanded cigarettes and you'll be OK, I think... Bucks are the best for the average man.. Used them all most all my days..
It is kicked off and thats on purpose and I think its beautiful haha