Great knife! My dad found one of these while we were out camping when I was a kid back in the early 80's... It was stuck in a tree and looked like somebody forgot about it and left it there. So, now he has a great knife and no sheath. For his birthday, a couple of months later, I bought him the matching black leather sheath from Buck. He was so happy and excited. The 102 then became his daily carry/go-to knife. This made me happy/excited for him as well.
I bought a Buck knife in 1969 that I think is the same as the 102. Mine is 3 7/8" long, but it only has Buck with XXX under it. I was a hunter, explorer, horse trail rider and camper until the last couple years and this knife was always with me. It has been a great companion skinning and butchering squirrels and rabbits as well as deer and wild boar. Great knife
Thank you for watching our review and asking a question The Woodsman is suitable for any hunter regardless of age. I simply recommend it for a youngster’s first knife because the 4” blade is easier to learn with and is less of a cutting hazard around camp. Its handle is well proportioned for 4” blade. Yes, it will serve well for gutting and field dressing. All that said, you’ll find the Woodsman a most useful knife. And please like and subscribe for future updates.
Thank you for watching and taking time to leave an inquiry. The individual in the review I cited, had obviously never taken a Buck Woodsman out of "safe" urban confines. They appeared to be reading from a cut and paste script and hadn't even read Buck's factory description of the 102. They proceeded to revile the Woodsman because it isn't a Bowie/ Katana / Claymore hybrid that is capable of felling groves of Sequoia with a single swipe. Sadly this reflects much of the yuppified thinking that is misguiding the cutlery industry at moment.
Just got a Buck 102 in the black phenolic handle. I really like it's small size. It's a great little outdoor knife and you forget you've got it on your side. I'm more likely to grab the 102 due to it's size and light weight than other fixed blades I own. I own several Buck knives (110, 112, 119) and they have never failed me. If you take care of them, they'll take care of you. Thank you for the review.
THX for the kind words. A contributing factor to the posting of this video was a less than accurate statements about the 102, by a reviewer that had obviously never used the knife. Please subscribe for up coming reviews and up dates.
Buck makes some great knives. I greatly enjoy that they have kept their traditional line alive. I carry the 119 and Buck lite max when I am in the woods. I have been looking at the 102 as an EDC and small game knife. Looks to be a good solid choice. Thanks for your sharing!
Thank you for your video. i never understood what the heck the 102 woodsman was really used for. When you pointed out that it's a fixed blade alternative to the 110, suddenly I get it. Thanks again!
I carry the 110 anyplace where people would look at me with a bit of fear if I carried a fixed blade, and I carry a fixed blade whenever possible. The Woodman will do anything a fixed blade knife should do, up to and including skinning and processing a bull moose. The main problem I have with 420HC is that it's stainless, and I've always preferred a high carbon steel, primarily 1095CV, when in the wilderness. But those who say 420HC is a poor steel are simply ignorant. Or a steel snob who only loves the new "super" steels, which is just another way of saying "ignorant". Properly heat treated and tempered, 420HC is an excellent blade steel.
Funny where I live, people fear the 110 haha. It's a "switchblade" or a "gravity knife". Imo those who use their knives usually want their knives easy to touch up because what they are doing with their knife will probably dull or damage even the super steels so it's more important that they can get an edge on them again. Also I don't think someone would want to use their $100+ knife for anything hard and will remain a drawer queen.
@@nitrorc4life1 buck makes 102 with different steels? Their website only shows the 102 in 420HC. Where did you obtain those 102 with different steels? Thanks.
You are a 100 percent right. I have several Buck knives and never a problem with 420Hc If you do the research it stainless and high carbon that's we're the HC COMES in
I don't have a Buck Woodsman ( Although I think one day I will get one) but I've never been disappointed with various buck knives I've owned over the years. I currently own 8. Three 119's, a 103 Skinner, Three 110 Folding Hunters and a Ranger pocket knife. Never been let down by any of them when hunting, camping or just using them for general purpose cutting. I think that 102 Woodsman is an ideal size for cleaning deer size game with. :)
I have bought my teenage nephews the 110 folding hunters' strictly because I wanted them having a folding hunting knife to learn proper knife handling with. I also figured if they went somewhere in town wearing it on their belt and had it covered with a coat, they'd have no legal issues with the folder as oppose to a sheath knife in some jurisdictions.
Here in Carolina they can get pissy over a fixed blade , the laws here are antiquated and ridiculous at times I have folders bigger than the small Buck lite ,three times as fast to deploy and with what amounts to a stiletto blade , they are legal to carry In Your pocket , but heaven forbid you should let your shirt or jacket fall over your little 3” fixed blade . With a wide drop point . ( skinner)
Great knife. Have the 102, 115, and 119 with the black Micarta handle. However, the handle is the proverbial "slicker than snot" once blood and fat get on it. Actually dangerous. Only issue I have ever hand with a Buck knife. Have the 102 size with a rubberized handle...zero slip under any conditions.
The usual mistake new outdoors folks make is a knife that's too big. I can attest to the fact that a 4" blade is a serious working blade in the field and can also say that a 6" blade is about the tipping point toward too big most of the time. The amount of field chores that can be handled by a large folding 2 bladed trapper knife or a 3 bladed stockmans pocket knife is huge. Same goes for my Swiss Army Huntsman. But yes, a 4" fixed blade Woodsman is a fine sheath knife. And any one of a dozen other brands that essentially duplicate it are too. I've got an old Western that just dances in my hand while working on a deer that's just about the same size. Small blade big efficiency.
Your discussion about steel types and the importance of a good heat treatment is so important. Also, your explanation to people about 'field sharpening' high alloy 'harder' steels should be listened to by fledgling steel nerds. The exoticness of the steel doesn't always translate to being useful. I have a couple of knives with 'high-end' steels that can be problematic to sharpen to a good edge unless you are in your workshop with proper equipment. The 1095s, 420s, 440s and similar, from experience, are much easier to get an edge with a field sharpener...or in extreme circumstances, a hard rock.
Thanks for watching and asking a question. In the sprit of transparency, I've not attempted to use my Woodsman to strike a spark with a ferro rod of any sort. So I can't give you a response from experience . I can say that in times past I received wise counsel to the effect, do one's research, in the safety of the back yard , before heading into tall and uncut. Thata way if there is a shortcoming, one is not left shivering in the dark. All I can suggest is experiment with the Woodsman on the ferro at hand. Please let us know the result
I think 420 is highly misunderstood. In Bucks, case, we have 420HC and I suspect whoever you are referring to does not understand the differences in steels. You are correct on the temper and heat treatment. I well say that the 102 is an excellent camping/ hunting knife with a realistic size on a person's belt. Buck has a PRO line with a better steel and micarta handle but price point indicates that you can buy two maybe even 3 ordinary 102's for one of the Pro line. I will also point out that people who bash the 420HC and sharpness usually have zero clue on how to sharpen a knife.
I have several buck knives 119,120,112, etc. Great knives. But their downfall is they are hell to sharpen on a stone, unless you just like sitting and doing sharpening forever. A guy showed me a Rada sharpener. And it takes some steel off at first on a buck, but after that quick and easy. In my humble opinion Case makes a much better knife than buck. Easier to sharpen and easier in the field. I carried a Boker 4 inch fixed and a case trapper when hunting and never looked back. Knives are a tool though. Everyone has a preference. Peace brother.
My son has the 102 I was using it for my deer gutting knife, but he moved so I reluctantly gave it back,but My wife has ordered me the 118 with Cocobola handles. They hold a edge well and easily touch up.
I love my 102 it is one of my EDC knives. One requirement I have in a EDC knife is the steel must be hard enough to throw a good spark with a sharp rock. The 102 is and I've started fires with mine.
I have three Buck knives and love them all. I purchased 4, but gave the first one away to my grandfather not long after buying it at our base exchange. When I returned to the exchange to buy another 119 knife they had sold all they had in store so I got the 120 with the longer blade and loved it and still have it. That was three decades ago and I got the 110 after moving back to Arkansas, and just purchased another 119 last month from the company store with my name engraved on the blade so I would not be tempted to give it away.
I sadly must admit I have no glorious death defying adventures to report. Simply over 20+ years I sharpened / used the Woodsman 'till it became all but un-serviceable. A couple of years before his passing ( the late and great) Chuck Buck was at the Bass Pro Shop Rancho Cucamonga CA location. He was autographing customers knives with a hand held industrial engraver. I took this opportunity to buy a new Woodsman and have Mr Buck sign it. I may buy a 3rd copy and keep the one signed by Mr Buck for special occasions. Thank you for watching and leaving a question.
Scouts cant have a sheath knife... you never talked how good a hunting knife this is. It's just the right size for dressing a deer. It's just the right size, not to big, and does it all as a smaller knife... I had one till I lost it helping a guy dress a deer, his knife was way to big and dull..mine was killer sharp and small. I GOT THE JOB DONE, AND CLEAN with my 102.... it still hurts to know I lost it that day....
Thanks for taking time to leave a comment with quality information. I stand corrected on the matter of the Scouts and fixed blade carry. Yes I must agree that a knife to large gets used for the application. It is an absolute tragedy that your Woodsman was lost. More than an implement goes missing, there is a trail of memories that vanish with it. Some cultures feel there is part of the owners soul connected with edged tools & weaponry.
@@duanehallett2543 Creator gives things to us, and some times He takes them back. Only He knows why. Probably to teach us something. So we learn and keep living.
Back in the day thete were official boyscout knives, embossed with the logo and motto and "Official Knife Of The Boy Scouts of America" that were fixed blades. I think their website may still carry them. In any event it was allowed in the 70s through the 90s at least, but even longer I think.
Any buck knife is a great knife for anyone ! The BOSS Heat treat makes 420 a fantastic steel I’ve quite literally shaved with two buck knives sporting that “ cheap “ 420 steel several times The Buck isn’t my “go to knife “for every occasion , but I’m wearing a 110 now , I wore one yesterday , and I imagine I’ll be wearing one tomorrow . North Carolina has a silly law about carrying a fixed blade concealed Or I’d be carrying a light fixed blade Buck . And no. I’m not a Buck fan boy , depending on where I’m going and what I’m doing , I’ve been known to carry Gerber , Mora’s , Case , K Bar , Green River , and an old (60 years ), “ Old Timer “ in carbon steel . Unfortunately , the Old Timer, like the Buck 110 is heavy as a brick but MERCY what an edge that thing will take !!! ( another great knife to shave with . Takes an act of congress to shave a three month growth of beard with a conventional razor , old timer says “ hold my beer” 😜
I would personally likely prefer this sized knife over the bigger bucks. Where i live people usually carry about 4" blade or even under that while in the woods. I definetly should try one out some day, but i also feel the guard would take some time to get used to. Im not very used to american style knives, but more to the typical nordic blades that just usually dont have guards or anything like that.
Great knife! My dad found one of these while we were out camping when I was a kid back in the early 80's... It was stuck in a tree and looked like somebody forgot about it and left it there. So, now he has a great knife and no sheath. For his birthday, a couple of months later, I bought him the matching black leather sheath from Buck. He was so happy and excited. The 102 then became his daily carry/go-to knife. This made me happy/excited for him as well.
I was gifted the 102 for my first deer knife and it has been with me for 30 years doing it's job well.
The 105 Pathfinder is the perfect hunting knife for me. I've never found the need to get a 102. I do have a 119 for heavy camp chores.
I am on the fence between a 105 and 102 for hunting and camp cooking. If you dont mind me asking, what do you like about the 105 over the 102?
My dad got me mine in 1974 when I was 14 for deer hunting. Still have it today and I prize it and will hand it down to my grandson
Buck does a damn fine job with the 420HC and makes some great knives! I recommend them to people all the time!
I bought a Buck knife in 1969 that I think is the same as the 102. Mine is 3 7/8" long, but it only has Buck with XXX under it. I was a hunter, explorer, horse trail rider and camper until the last couple years and this knife was always with me. It has been a great companion skinning and butchering squirrels and rabbits as well as deer and wild boar. Great knife
Thank you for watching our review and asking a question
The Woodsman is suitable for any hunter regardless of age. I simply recommend it for a youngster’s first knife because the 4” blade is easier to learn with and is less of a cutting hazard around camp. Its handle is well proportioned for 4” blade. Yes, it will serve well for gutting and field dressing. All that said, you’ll find the Woodsman a most useful knife. And please like and subscribe for future updates.
Thank you for watching and taking time to leave an inquiry. The individual in the review I cited, had obviously never taken a Buck Woodsman out of "safe" urban confines. They appeared to be reading from a cut and paste script and hadn't even read Buck's factory description of the 102. They proceeded to revile the Woodsman because it isn't a Bowie/ Katana / Claymore hybrid that is capable of felling groves of Sequoia with a single swipe. Sadly this reflects much of the yuppified thinking that is misguiding the cutlery industry at moment.
Just got a Buck 102 in the black phenolic handle. I really like it's small size. It's a great little outdoor knife and you forget you've got it on your side. I'm more likely to grab the 102 due to it's size and light weight than other fixed blades I own. I own several Buck knives (110, 112, 119) and they have never failed me. If you take care of them, they'll take care of you. Thank you for the review.
THX for the kind words. A contributing factor to the posting of this video was a less than accurate statements about the 102, by a reviewer that had obviously never used the knife. Please subscribe for up coming reviews and up dates.
Buck makes some great knives. I greatly enjoy that they have kept their traditional line alive. I carry the 119 and Buck lite max when I am in the woods. I have been looking at the 102 as an EDC and small game knife. Looks to be a good solid choice. Thanks for your sharing!
Thanks for watching and leaving a kind word !
Thank you for your video. i never understood what the heck the 102 woodsman was really used for. When you pointed out that it's a fixed blade alternative to the 110, suddenly I get it. Thanks again!
I carry the 110 anyplace where people would look at me with a bit of fear if I carried a fixed blade, and I carry a fixed blade whenever possible. The Woodman will do anything a fixed blade knife should do, up to and including skinning and processing a bull moose.
The main problem I have with 420HC is that it's stainless, and I've always preferred a high carbon steel, primarily 1095CV, when in the wilderness. But those who say 420HC is a poor steel are simply ignorant. Or a steel snob who only loves the new "super" steels, which is just another way of saying "ignorant". Properly heat treated and tempered, 420HC is an excellent blade steel.
THX for taking time to contribute to the dialog !
Funny where I live, people fear the 110 haha. It's a "switchblade" or a "gravity knife". Imo those who use their knives usually want their knives easy to touch up because what they are doing with their knife will probably dull or damage even the super steels so it's more important that they can get an edge on them again. Also I don't think someone would want to use their $100+ knife for anything hard and will remain a drawer queen.
I'm a blade snob that carries a buck 102, have six of them, 2 420hc, 2 5160 and 2 s30v woodsmans.have a 5160 version on in a now. Great little edc
@@nitrorc4life1 buck makes 102 with different steels? Their website only shows the 102 in 420HC. Where did you obtain those 102 with different steels? Thanks.
You are a 100 percent right. I have several Buck knives and never a problem with 420Hc If you do the research it stainless and high carbon that's we're the HC COMES in
Good review and feedback. I love my Bucks - every one. They are a great knife.
THX for taking time to view the posting, and leaving comment ! Please subscribe for future updates.
I don't have a Buck Woodsman ( Although I think one day I will get one) but I've never been disappointed with various buck knives I've owned over the years. I currently own 8. Three 119's, a 103 Skinner, Three 110 Folding Hunters and a Ranger pocket knife. Never been let down by any of them when hunting, camping or just using them for general purpose cutting. I think that 102 Woodsman is an ideal size for cleaning deer size game with. :)
I have bought my teenage nephews the 110 folding hunters' strictly because I wanted them having a folding hunting knife to learn proper knife handling with. I also figured if they went somewhere in town wearing it on their belt and had it covered with a coat, they'd have no legal issues with the folder as oppose to a sheath knife in some jurisdictions.
Here in Carolina they can get pissy over a fixed blade , the laws here are antiquated and ridiculous at times
I have folders bigger than the small Buck lite ,three times as fast to deploy and with what amounts to a stiletto blade , they are legal to carry In Your pocket , but heaven forbid you should let your shirt or jacket fall over your little 3” fixed blade . With a wide drop point . ( skinner)
Great knife. Have the 102, 115, and 119 with the black Micarta handle. However, the handle is the proverbial "slicker than snot" once blood and fat get on it. Actually dangerous. Only issue I have ever hand with a Buck knife. Have the 102 size with a rubberized handle...zero slip under any conditions.
You cannot go wrong with any AMERICAN BUCK Knife!
The usual mistake new outdoors folks make is a knife that's too big. I can attest to the fact that a 4" blade is a serious working blade in the field and can also say that a 6" blade is about the tipping point toward too big most of the time. The amount of field chores that can be handled by a large folding 2 bladed trapper knife or a 3 bladed stockmans pocket knife is huge. Same goes for my Swiss Army Huntsman. But yes, a 4" fixed blade Woodsman is a fine sheath knife. And any one of a dozen other brands that essentially duplicate it are too. I've got an old Western that just dances in my hand while working on a deer that's just about the same size. Small blade big efficiency.
Your discussion about steel types and the importance of a good heat treatment is so important. Also, your explanation to people about 'field sharpening' high alloy 'harder' steels should be listened to by fledgling steel nerds. The exoticness of the steel doesn't always translate to being useful. I have a couple of knives with 'high-end' steels that can be problematic to sharpen to a good edge unless you are in your workshop with proper equipment. The 1095s, 420s, 440s and similar, from experience, are much easier to get an edge with a field sharpener...or in extreme circumstances, a hard rock.
Thanks for watching and asking a question. In the sprit of transparency, I've not attempted to use my Woodsman to strike a spark with a ferro rod of any sort. So I can't give you a response from experience . I can say that in times past I received wise counsel to the effect, do one's research, in the safety of the back yard , before heading into tall and uncut. Thata way if there is a shortcoming, one is not left shivering in the dark. All I can suggest is experiment with the Woodsman on the ferro at hand. Please let us know the result
Nice Pendleton shirt you gave there, cool knife with the autograph!
I think 420 is highly misunderstood. In Bucks, case, we have 420HC and I suspect whoever you are referring to does not understand the differences in steels. You are correct on the temper and heat treatment. I well say that the 102 is an excellent camping/ hunting knife with a realistic size on a person's belt. Buck has a PRO line with a better steel and micarta handle but price point indicates that you can buy two maybe even 3 ordinary 102's for one of the Pro line. I will also point out that people who bash the 420HC and sharpness usually have zero clue on how to sharpen a knife.
I have several buck knives 119,120,112, etc. Great knives. But their downfall is they are hell to sharpen on a stone, unless you just like sitting and doing sharpening forever. A guy showed me a Rada sharpener. And it takes some steel off at first on a buck, but after that quick and easy. In my humble opinion Case makes a much better knife than buck. Easier to sharpen and easier in the field. I carried a Boker 4 inch fixed and a case trapper when hunting and never looked back. Knives are a tool though. Everyone has a preference. Peace brother.
Looks like a great deer gutting knife! Everyone goes with two large of a knife for the job. Smaller is better in my opinion.
Most truly ! This is an application where the smaller blade is best.
THX for watching and posting a comment. Yes many folk carry a knife way to large for the job at hand.
My son has the 102 I was using it for my deer gutting knife, but he moved so I reluctantly gave it back,but My wife has ordered me the 118 with Cocobola handles. They hold a edge well and easily touch up.
The posting by the commercial retailer, what did the copy say that you note “got it all wrong”? Just curious what was written.
Thanks for clearing up this confusion. This is a fantastic knife and I have reviewed it as well.
Thank you for taking time to leave a comment. (Please pardon my slow response to your kind words
I love my 102 it is one of my EDC knives. One requirement I have in a EDC knife is the steel must be hard enough to throw a good spark with a sharp rock. The 102 is and I've started fires with mine.
Yeah Buck got it right this time
You've done a flint and steel fire with Bucks 420 steel?
@@billpeart you can but it’s hard.
I have three Buck knives and love them all. I purchased 4, but gave the first one away to my grandfather not long after buying it at our base exchange. When I returned to the exchange to buy another 119 knife they had sold all they had in store so I got the 120 with the longer blade and loved it and still have it. That was three decades ago and I got the 110 after moving back to Arkansas, and just purchased another 119 last month from the company store with my name engraved on the blade so I would not be tempted to give it away.
Sidney Mathious the 120 is amazing. Did you carry it during your service?
I would like to hear a more detailed account of how you were out your old one.
I sadly must admit I have no glorious death defying adventures to report. Simply over 20+ years I sharpened / used the Woodsman 'till it became all but un-serviceable. A couple of years before his passing ( the late and great) Chuck Buck was at the Bass Pro Shop Rancho Cucamonga CA location. He was
autographing customers knives with a hand held industrial engraver. I took this opportunity to buy a new Woodsman and have Mr Buck sign it. I may buy a 3rd copy and keep the one signed by Mr Buck for special occasions. Thank you for watching and leaving a question.
Scouts cant have a sheath knife... you never talked how good a hunting knife this is. It's just the right size for dressing a deer. It's just the right size, not to big, and does it all as a smaller knife... I had one till I lost it helping a guy dress a deer, his knife was way to big and dull..mine was killer sharp and small. I GOT THE JOB DONE, AND CLEAN with my 102.... it still hurts to know I lost it that day....
Thanks for taking time to leave a comment with quality information. I stand corrected on the matter of the Scouts and fixed blade carry. Yes I must agree that a knife to large gets used for the application. It is an absolute tragedy that your Woodsman was lost. More than an implement goes missing, there is a trail of memories that vanish with it. Some cultures feel there is part of the owners soul connected with edged tools & weaponry.
@@duanehallett2543 Creator gives things to us, and some times He takes them back. Only He knows why. Probably to teach us something. So we learn and keep living.
When did the fixed blade rule change for the Scouts?
Back in the day thete were official boyscout knives, embossed with the logo and motto and "Official Knife Of The Boy Scouts of America" that were fixed blades. I think their website may still carry them. In any event it was allowed in the 70s through the 90s at least, but even longer I think.
@@johnelder9919 I think it's up to the council, they set the rules. If not the console it could even be the troop..
Any buck knife is a great knife for anyone ! The BOSS Heat treat makes 420 a fantastic steel
I’ve quite literally shaved with two buck knives sporting that “ cheap “ 420 steel several times
The Buck isn’t my “go to knife “for every occasion , but I’m wearing a 110 now , I wore one yesterday , and I imagine I’ll be wearing one tomorrow . North Carolina has a silly law about carrying a fixed blade concealed
Or I’d be carrying a light fixed blade Buck .
And no. I’m not a Buck fan boy , depending on where I’m going and what I’m doing , I’ve been known to carry Gerber , Mora’s , Case , K Bar , Green River , and an old (60 years ), “ Old Timer “ in carbon steel .
Unfortunately , the Old Timer, like the Buck 110 is heavy as a brick but MERCY what an edge that thing will take !!! ( another great knife to shave with . Takes an act of congress to shave a three month growth of beard with a conventional razor , old timer says “ hold my beer” 😜
I would personally likely prefer this sized knife over the bigger bucks. Where i live people usually carry about 4" blade or even under that while in the woods. I definetly should try one out some day, but i also feel the guard would take some time to get used to. Im not very used to american style knives, but more to the typical nordic blades that just usually dont have guards or anything like that.
Very interesting, thanks for the video.
Newbie question here - will this steel work with a ferro rod?
Thanks!
Go Duane!
This a great working knife. If you need another knife (for work and not showing off) you need a lot more knife and a lot more $$$.
Just so you guys know the Elaphant hide he uses as a back drop in this video was skinned using this very knife. True story.
We have to say "woodsperson" today.
Political correctness is form of mind control that we don't participate in. Like wise the first amendment is still in the Constitution.
All of my Buck knives are 420HC and take a razor like edge that holds up well. Much better than The Chinese MOV steel.
You sound young (that's a compliment)
102 is dang near perfect if you ask me.
Are you inside of an elephant?