Henry Rifle Forums

my new Buck 119 with an S30V steel blade arrived today .... I purchased it from Amazon ====> https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LZ ... UTF8&psc=1 .... my initial impression is very favorable .... fit, finish, general appearance, sheath are all excellent .... I am strongly considering ordering one for each of our sons for Christmas .... the blade is shaving sharp but not smooth shaving sharp .... I plan to spend some time fine honing it tomorrow so as to get a feel for working with the S30V steel .... for those not familiar with S30V, here is a link about it that is written in clear language ====> https://knifeup.com/d2-vs-cpm-s30v-stee ... or-knives/ ....

Congrats on your new Buck 119.
That is one cool & very sharp-looking blade!

Looking forwarding to your fine-honing results and what you think of the S30V steel hardness.
Enjoy!

its first task will be carving thick pork chops out of a two foot long loin .... it feels plenty sharp for that but with our Bucks and other good knives, I'm partial to a shaving edge

after posting the opening comment in this thread, I worked with the 119 on a barber razor strap for a few minutes .... the edge is now smooth shaving sharp .... I don't anticipate any more work on the edge until it has been in use for a while

7-17-18 .... first cut .... used to help process a large pork loin .... this type of thing was a prime motivator in my desire to purchase a 119 for use in food prep .... it really performed well

Can just imagine the good smell that will waft up from your grill top and beckon your neighbors to your campsite!!
Beautiful cuts of meat. Enjoy the feast.

kind words appreciated .... we hope to have some of my wife's relatives over later this week .... our plan is to use this recipe ===> http://henryrifleforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=4796

it looking at the 119 I was surprised to see that it appears to be one of their 75th Anniversary models and another mark clearly states the blade is made from S30V steel .... as a side note, after playing with it a while this morning I have determined that it can be sharpened using our diamond covered stones .... also it is very hard indeed and will take a while to sharpen .... the sharpening angle is much different than I'm used to, it will take a while adjust the angle I'm used to holding the knife

Interesting, Jim. I ordered my 119 because is was marketed as a 2017 Special Edition. Was yours?

I have the 75th anvil on my blade also, but I don't have the S30V engraving as my knife steel is 420HC. So Buck must be marking all knives built in 2017 with the 75th designation. The main difference in my knife is the special edition insert in the handle. (Couple of pics below from my 119 "intro" post back whenever). Sure is a challenge keeping track of all the variations Buck (and other manufacturers) do with their knives.

Appreciate your comments on sharpening that tough steel you now own. I've never been able to get a handle (no pun intended) on how to sharpen a knife. I've tried to do so with different sharpening tools, stones, rods, etc., but it eludes me still. I think the only way I might figure it out is to take a class or one-on-one training with someone. Wading through it hands-on with the guide looking over my shoulder might get me there someday! Anyway, good to hear you'll be able to maintain the 119 okay.
PT7

I have seen advertisements for ones with the insert in the handle .... mine doesn't have one .... I've enjoyed getting to know this 119 ....